Honorable Mayor and Members of the Hermosa Beach City Council
Regular Meeting of December 14, 2021
Title
APPROVAL OF THE HERMOSA BEACH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
REQUEST FOR RELIEF FROM FUNDING AND PRODUCTION
OF THE 2021 NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION
(Deputy City Manager Angela Crespi)
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Recommended Action:
Recommendation
Staff recommends City Council approve the Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce request for relief from its contractual obligation to fund and produce a New Year’s Eve Celebration in 2021.
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Background:
At its regular meeting on February 12, 2019, City Council approved a three-year agreement with the Chamber of Commerce to provide Fiesta Hermosa events (Attachment 1). Through the agreement terms, the Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce agrees, for the duration of the agreement, to fund and produce specific community events including: St. Patrick’s Day Parade; Holiday Celebration/Tree Lighting Event; and a New Year’s Eve Celebration.
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, several of the Fiesta Hermosa events, as well as some of the community events, have been cancelled over the past two years. At its May 13, 2021 meeting, upon request from the Chamber of Commerce, City Council approved the first amendment extending the agreement by one year to the end of 2022 (Attachment 2). Also upon request from the Chamber, City Council, at its June 22, 2021 meeting, approved the second amendment to allow Fiesta Hermosa event activities to take place on Friday evening on a trial basis (Attachment 3). Both executed amendments to the agreement reflect the City’s flexibility and partnership in support of the Chamber and its mission.
Discussion:
After successfully organizing and producing the Labor Day Fiesta Hermosa and a Holiday Celebration/Tree Lighting Event in 2021, the Chamber of Commerce, understandably, continues to experience ongoing budget and sponsorship constraints. These two events in late 2021 are the first events the Chamber has been able to produce after a year and a half of COVID-related cancellations. As a result, they have submitted a letter requesting relief from the contractual obligation to fund and produce a New Year’s Eve Celebration in 2021 (Attachment 4).
The requirement to fund and produce an annual New Year’s Eve Celebration is outlined in Section 1. J. of an agreement between the City of Hermosa Beach and the Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce to provide Fiestas Hermosa. If approved, the Chamber would be exempted from providing the traditional community event for 2021. All other terms and conditions would remain as stated in the original agreement and subsequent amendments.
In its letter of request, the Chamber of Commerce indicates that it will conduct a planned marketing campaign including: promoting the holiday activities planned by local businesses; safe driving; and care of our community (cleanliness). While not a replacement for a community event, the Chamber has committed to promoting events for families and adults so that our residents can make plans to enjoy the holiday. City staff and the Chamber of Commerce continue to be mindful of the importance of the community events that our residents regularly enjoy.
On a separate, but related note, the Chamber of Commerce included in its letter a few additional requests. The first request is to use Pier Plaza for placement of a selfie station (photo booth) and to allow sponsors and exhibitors to distribute free items on New Year’s Eve. There are two available permit options to request the use of Pier Plaza; one is a Pier Plaza Promotion permit and the other is a Special Event permit. Both permit options require submission of a Special Events Application and review by the City’s Special Event team, which includes representatives from numerous City Departments including the Police Department and the Los Angeles County Fire Department. Additionally, a Special Event permit request requires review and approval by the Parks, Recreation and Community Resources Advisory Commission and depending on the impact level of the event, City Council review and approval, as well. The purpose of the Special Event permit is to allow the use of public space within the City by commercial or non-profit groups for an organized event, activity, celebration, or function. The purpose of the Pier Plaza Promotion permit is to provide companies or event sponsors a one-day promotional opportunity for commercial product or service promotions. Pier Plaza Promotion requests are approved at the staff level.
The second request is to extend the allowable hours for businesses to provide outdoor music until midnight. The City Attorney has reviewed Ordinance 21-1430U, An Urgency Ordinance Temporarily Allowing Limited Music at Commercial Establishments During the COVID-19 Crisis, and has advised staff that there is no provision in ordinance that would allow outdoor music until midnight. In this case, the request would be governed by Municipal Code Section 17.42.150 Temporary Minor Special Events and would require Planning Commission approval.
General Plan Consistency:
This report and associated recommendation have been evaluated for their consistency with the City’s General Plan. Relevant Policies are listed below:
Governance Element
Goal 1. A high degree of transparency and integrity in the decision-making process.
Policies:
• 1.4 Consensus Oriented. Strive to utilize a consensus-oriented decision-making process.
Parks and Open Space Element
Goal 3. Community parks and facilities encourage social activity and interaction.
Policies:
• 3.1 Community-friendly events. Encourage, permit, and support community group, nonprofit, or business organized events on City property that support physical activity, beach culture, and family-friendly social interactions.
• 3.2 Social and cultural events. Design and program parks and open space to accommodate unique social and cultural events to foster connectedness and interaction.
Fiscal Impact:
There is no direct fiscal impact to City funds associated with the recommended action. The indirect fiscal impact would include a reduction of approximately $25,000 in Chamber of Commerce financial support for community events.
Attachments:
1. Agreement with the Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce
2. First Amendment to Agreement
3. Second Amendment to Agreement
4. Chamber of Commerce Request Letter
Respectfully Submitted by: Angela Crespi, Deputy City Manager
Noted for Fiscal Impact: Viki Copeland, Finance Director
Legal Review: Mike Jenkins, City Attorney
Approved: Suja Lowenthal, City Manager