Council keeps concert and street market at Morgan Park, approves budget adjustments

The Baldwin Park City Council voted 5-0 Wednesday to keep the city’s concert series and associated street market at Morgan Park and to approve staff recommendations as amended, with direction to seek cost savings during the city’s upcoming budget process.

Council members said the park location provided safer, more family-oriented space than holding the events on Main Street, and discussed potential savings from reduced stage, lighting and restroom costs associated with street closures.

Mayor Pro Tem Damian, who made the motion, said moving and keeping the event at Morgan Park “worked out really well last year” and urged Public Works, Police and Recreation and Community Services to identify overtime and contract reductions during the next budget cycle. Manny (city staff) confirmed the staff recommendation and described the park layout as more family friendly.

Council members discussed a $65,000 contract-services line item tied to staging and ancillary services at the street market that could be cut if the event remains at the park. Damian also urged departments to look for overtime savings and other recurring expense reductions. A specific cost item mentioned by staff—referred to during debate as "$1.98" per some line—was ambiguous in the record and not specified in the final action.

The motion, made by Mayor Pro Tem Damian and seconded by Mayor Avila, passed on a roll-call vote with Mayor Avila, Mayor Pro Tem Damian, Council members Ayala, Estrada and Lozano voting yes.

Council directed staff to reflect the amended approach in budget development and to return with any required contract changes for council approval.

The vote followed public and council discussion about safety, attendee experience and event costs; no amendments to the event schedule were made in the motion.