Council authorizes up to $45,000 grant for America 250 fireworks partnership with The Cove

City staff presented a proposed partnership on March 10 to fund an enhanced America 250 celebration in cooperation with The Cove and the Normandy Park Community Club. Amy Lloyd said staff recommends a not-to-exceed grant amount of $45,000 to cover fireworks, insurance, platforms, and event incidentals; she and staff said the Cove would contribute significant in-kind support (platform construction, cleanup, staffing) though not necessarily direct funding.

Council members questioned resident access and capacity constraints, asked whether tickets or prioritized access for Normandy Park residents was legally feasible, and pressed staff to ensure the public — particularly residents who cannot walk to the site — have meaningful access to a public event funded with public dollars. Amy Lloyd said the event must remain open to the public and that tickets focused only on residents would likely be legally problematic for a public agency, though staff will research options and consider a soft-ticketing or early-pickup priority system in partnership with The Cove.

Council discussed fundraising and sponsorships to reduce the city’s net cost; several members urged active solicitation of private contributions so the city’s net outlay would be lower than the authorized ceiling. After extended discussion, Council moved to approve the grant agreement with the Normandy Park Community Club in an amount not to exceed $45,000 and authorized staff to make minor contract adjustments; the motion carried by voice vote.

Council emphasized logistics planning (parking, crowd control, police/staff presence, accessibility, and cleanup) and asked staff to work with The Cove to maximize resident access. The council also asked that staff return with program details and sponsorship progress as planning continues.