Kenosha water board approves property use for drone-show staging at Christmas tree lighting

The Board of Water Commissioners on Oct. 27 approved a property use agreement among the City of Kenosha Water Utility, the City of Kenosha and Visit Kenosha to allow use of utility-owned property as a staging area for a drone show tied to the Lighten Up City of Kenosha Christmas tree lighting.

A city staff member told the board the staging area is necessary for a coordinated drone display. Miss Coachman, a city staff member involved with the event, described the planned show as "an approximately 14 [minute] show" that will take place over the harbor rather than over populated areas and will use about "300 drones that will synchronize to create different images." She said the office submitted 30 images to the vendor and expected a rendering of the show within about a week.

Staff recommended approval of the property use agreement. Commissioners did not request changes to the agreement at the meeting. A motion to approve the item was made and seconded and carried by voice vote; Commissioners Dominic Ruffalo (chair), Anthony Kennedy (vice chair), Brandy Fareed, Penny Keeling and Jack Rose voted in favor; Commissioner Bill Seal was excused.

Miss Coachman said the drone show will include synchronized images such as a sleigh and a Santa face and be set to music; she also indicated the drone segment would serve as a countdown to the tree lighting. Staff said the staging will use a portion of water-utility property solely as a logistical area for the vendor and event production. The board did not record any conditions or amendments to the property use agreement at the meeting.

The staff member said a rendering of the planned images should be available in the next week; the meeting transcript did not specify the event date, vendor name, or additional safety permits, and those details were not provided at the meeting.