El Mirage approves $2,000 movie-in-the-park contract amid questions about timing and vendor vetting

The El Mirage City Council on Jan. 7 authorized the city manager to enter into a contract with Times 2 Entertainment to host a movie-in-the-park event at Bridal Gentry Park on or about March 7, 2025, for an amount not to exceed $2,000.

Council discussion focused on vendor vetting, the lack of final event details in the contract and whether a Friday or Saturday date would draw a larger family crowd. The contract was approved after a motion by Vice Mayor Monica Dorsey and a second by Councilor Jacqui Parsons; the final recorded vote was 6-1, with Councilor Scottie Gentry casting the lone dissenting vote.

Supporters said the vendor has prior experience running similar events in nearby jurisdictions and that staff would finalize logistics at the department level. "I love this idea. I've been doing a movie at the park kinda thing in my driveway every couple of months...kids really love it," Council member Aldridge said in support. City staff responded that the vendor will submit a final site plan for planning review and that staff would approve specific times, the movie selection and vendor placements before the event.

Opponents asked for more competitive bids and clearer contract stipulations. "I don't think we have enough to make an agreement with them yet...I think we need to come back with a plan on...times, what we're gonna do, how many vendors," Councilor Scottie Gentry said. Gentry voted against the motion; other council members said they preferred to authorize the single event and allow staff to handle details and future feedback.

Staff noted that movie licensing and operator fees are significant and that the $2,000 covers screen setup, licensing to show a film publicly, coordination with food vendors and inspections. The city described the current contract as an initial, one-time engagement intended to test the relationship and gauge community interest.

The contract authorizes one event on or about March 7, 2025; staff told the council they had considered Fridays and Saturdays but that date was the last available slot while contract negotiations were underway. The city will finalize the time, exact film and vendor lineup through its special events review process and will provide post-event feedback to council.