Council orders May 3 general election and approves two‑year drone‑show contract

The Sunnyvale Town Council took two separate, recorded actions on Jan. 27: it adopted an ordinance ordering the municipal general election for May 3, 2025, and it approved a two‑year contract for drone shows to support town special events.

On the election item, staff advised the council that early voting is scheduled for April 21–29 and that town hall will serve as a polling place; the ordinance orders the general election for May 3, 2025 and designates June 7, 2025 as the runoff date if no candidate receives a majority. Staff said the contract with the Dallas County Elections Department was expected to be finalized by the end of March and that the election cost is budgeted in the current fiscal year, but the town’s final cost will depend on the number of participating entities. Council approved the ordinance on a single reading by recorded vote.

On the events item, staff presented revised quotes from Sky Elements Drone Shows and recommended entering a two‑year agreement for four drone shows (two per year) in 2025 and 2026. The contract approved by motion authorizes the town manager to execute the agreement for the package the council selected; the motion as recorded set a not‑to‑exceed amount of $90,000 for the contract. Council members who spoke in favor said they considered the drone show a high‑value attraction and some advocated for larger packages; staff noted the company has an extensive operating record and that the two‑year arrangement secures availability for the requested dates.

Both motions passed on recorded votes. The election ordinance passed 6‑0 (one member absent) and the drone‑show contract was approved 6‑0 as recorded. Staff said they would return with the Dallas County election contract for council review and would pursue any additional contract terms the council requested, such as pricing clauses, in follow-up negotiations with the drone vendor.