Title
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT WITH DULUTH ENTERTAINMENT & CONVENTION CENTER FOR THE ANNUAL PROCUREMENT AND COORDINATION OF A FIREWORKS DISPLAY IN CONJUNCTION WITH FOURTH FEST.
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CITY PROPOSAL:
RESOLVED, that the proper city officials are authorized to enter into an agreement, substantially in the form of that attached as Exhibit A, with Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center for the annual procurement and coordination of a fireworks display in conjunction with Fourth Fest, the annual amount of which is determined by council approval of tourism tax allocations and payable from fund 258-030-5310 (tourism taxes; Finance; contract services). The amount allocated for fireworks display for 2026 is $100,000.
Statement of Purpose
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: This resolution authorizes a multi-year agreement with Duluth Entertainment & Convention Center (DECC) for the coordination and procurement of a fireworks display in conjunction with Fourth Fest activities. The annual amount of the agreement will be the amount approved by council when allocating tourism tax dollars. The amount approved for 2026 under resolution 25-0805R is $100,000.00.
In October 2024, the Purchasing Division issued a request for proposals for the management of Bayfront Festival Park which also sought information about proposers’ capacity and interest in assuming the coordination of the annual Fourth Fest Event and fireworks. As a result of the request for proposals, the management of Bayfront Festival Park was awarded to DECC; and in 2025 DECC staff shadowed City staff to learn about the coordination of the fireworks display.
This year, DECC will be responsible for procuring and coordinating a fireworks display, including any land use, with minimal assistance from City staff as a transition to future years solely coordinated by DECC.