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Oakley council assigns rodeo committees, discusses fireworks licensing and rising costs
Summary
Council assigned parade, breakfast and other rodeo subcommittee chairs and discussed volunteer versus professional fireworks operations, licensing options, and the potential for substantially higher costs next year if professionals are hired.
Council members reviewed assignments and volunteer staffing for the city’s upcoming rodeo and Independence Day celebration and discussed options for fireworks operations after long-time volunteer organizer Brady indicated he may step down.
Mayor (presiding official) and council confirmed parade leadership and breakfast volunteers; Jacqueline Neff will chair the parade with Paula Anderson assisting, and Angie will continue to handle the breakfast. Council members discussed junior rodeo leadership and asked Alyssa to consider staying one more year to train a replacement.
The council spent significant time on fireworks planning. Brady, who has long overseen the city’s fireworks, told members he may step away and that some of his helpers have also aged out. Council members discussed obtaining professional bids from Dean of Fireworks West and the possibility of Brady obtaining the required license so he could remain involved and hire helpers. Council discussed two procurement approaches: (1) contract with a professional pyrotechnician to perform and insure the show, or (2) have a licensed local operator purchase and set off fireworks under license. Members noted that fully professional shows could cost tens of thousands of dollars. One council member observed that a professional show could be "40 to $60,000" for multiple nights, and that costs could rise considerably if the city contracts pros for the display.
Councilors also discussed procurement thresholds and bid requirements for large fireworks contracts and whether the city or a licensed individual should hold the license. Staff said an operator must take a test and complete supervised shows; Brady said he could do a supervised show to qualify but has not yet taken the test and still needs the book to study.
Other rodeo-related items covered included concessions, parking, pickleball tournament planning, restroom placement and volunteer coordination. Council discussed asking for a bid from Fireworks West (Dean) and also asking Brady for a bid so the council can compare costs and procurement implications. Several council members said they will follow up with Brady and Dean and bring bids back for budget planning.
Later in the meeting the council moved and then voted to enter a closed session to discuss selection of the parade grand marshal; the closed-session motion was seconded and passed by recorded vote.
