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Council backs community-focused 250th anniversary programing, prioritizes concerts, flags and pin giveaways
Summary
Council directed staff to pursue a set of community-building items for the U.S. 250th anniversary, including concert enhancements, a possible flyover, poster contest, lapel pins, roundhouse lighting and strand flag banners; council declined more disruptive or costly options such as a lower-pier Ferris wheel.
At its March 17 meeting, Manhattan Beach'9s City Council reviewed proposed programming options for America'9s 250th anniversary and prioritized a package of low- to moderate-cost community events and activations.
Parks & Recreation Director Mark Layman presented a menu that included concert enhancements for the Salute to the Troops concert, a potential Tiger Squadron flyover (estimated vendor cost of $900 plus insurance), participation by patriotic historical groups, a community poster contest, commemorative lapel pins and temporary lighting options for the city'9s water tower or other civic landmarks. Staff also evaluated a temporary Ferris wheel in the Lower Pier parking lot but advised that the location and associated insurance and coastal issues made that option impractical.
Council members emphasized community-building, educational opportunities for youth and low operational burden on staff. Several members favored roundhouse or City Hall uplighting and strand flag banners as high-visibility, lower-cost options. The council adopted a motion to support a set of items for the July 4 weekend and related activities: concert enhancements including the Tiger Squadron flyover (if logistics and insurance are resolved), partnerships with patriotic and historical groups, a poster contest, distribution of commemorative lapel pins, strand and amphitheater flag displays, lighting of the roundhouse and staff follow-up on merchandise (T-shirt/hat) sales in the city store. Council rejected the Ferris wheel and asked staff to pursue alternative vendors for any uplighting projects.
Council asked staff to seek sponsorships to offset costs and to provide renderings and vendor quotes where needed. The motion passed 5-0.
