Council approves fireworks‑sale permit at Veterans Memorial Plaza with fee reduction for nonprofit seller

The Guadalupe City Council on May 13 approved a request from Little House by the Park to operate a temporary fireworks sales booth at the Veterans Memorial Plaza and downtown parking lot from June 30 through July 4, with setup on June 29 and takedown on July 5. The council reduced the total fees by $800 from the originally listed total, leaving a final fee of $1,915.

Todd summarized the applicant’s request and noted the 2024 council had previously approved fee reductions for the same applicant. The staff report listed a full set of rental, inspection and public‑safety fees totaling $2,715. Police staff advised the council that the department typically charges a $1,000 flat fee to store the fireworks trailer behind the police facility for the week; those funds support the police department’s explorer program and cover storage‑related liability and monitoring.

Sam Duarte, representing Little House by the Park, told the council the fundraiser provides the nonprofit with "the only unrestricted type of funding we receive" and that proceeds support local programs, interpretation services and community events. Duarte requested waiver or reduction of fees so some proceeds could be used to provide small stipends for parent volunteers.

Council member Wendy moved to reduce the downtown parking‑lot and one‑time use fees by a total of $800; the motion was seconded and passed with all members voting aye. The council left the police inspection and public‑safety related charges in place; the motion reduced the rental portion of the fee schedule to arrive at the $1,915 final amount.

What happens next: The applicant will proceed with event setup as scheduled, subject to required permits and inspection. The council clarified that insurance and police inspection requirements remain in force for the vendor and that the storage fee supports the police explorer program and liability coverage for overnight trailer storage.