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DDA approves music festival production and family‑zone contracts totaling up to $7,540
Summary
The DDA authorized contracts for stage, lighting and sound (not to exceed $6,100) and contracted face‑painting services for the Leather Village Music Festival (not to exceed $1,440). Staff said festival operations and safety protocols are coordinated with the police department and volunteers.
The Lathrup Village Downtown Development Authority on March 20 approved two vendor contracts to support the upcoming Leather Village Music Festival.
Lauren, the festival organizer, reported $30,600 in pledged sponsorships and roughly $22,000 on hand after early deposits; she said last year’s festival cost about $28,000 and the team’s fundraising target this year is $40,000. Lauren told the board that musician deposits, porta‑potties and printing are among early expenses and that most musician contracts and deposits are in place.
After competitively soliciting vendors, staff recommended Robert Jensen and Neil Sever for stage, lighting and sound. Staff said the team has provided dependable production support in prior years and offered additional services this year (lighting for a dance area, speakers outside the fenced area and between‑set music). The board authorized the DDA director to execute contracts not to exceed $6,100 for production services.
The board also discussed family‑zone programming. Lauren recommended hiring two face painters (Suki and a partner) for a four‑hour block to avoid long lines and keep the area free for children; staff presented multiple quotes and recommended Suki at a maximum $1,440 (two artists at $150/hour for four hours plus customary tips included in the total). The board authorized the director to finalize the arrangement for up to $1,440.
On safety, Lauren said organizers work with Chief Zang and that the festival maintains an on‑site safety protocol with uniformed officers, donated sheriff presence, an on‑call RN (Karen Harris) and emergency lanes for first responders. She emphasized that festival costs are covered by sponsorships and event revenue and that the DDA general fund would not be used for festival operations.
How the board voted: Both contract authorizations passed by voice vote.
Next steps: Staff will finalize contracts and proceed with production planning. Staff also signaled they are tracking ongoing sponsorship commitments and will return with details if the festival budget or contracts change.
