Westminster City Council
SUBJECT
Title
Request to add a Community Barbecue to the Summer Concert/National Night Out Event on August 8, 2024 at the Civic Center.
End
From: Christine Cordon, City Manager
Requested by: Councilwoman Amy Phan West;
Council Member NamQuan Nguyen
Prepared by: Vanessa Johnson, Community Services Director
*Staff reports prepared by staff on behalf of members of the City Council do not reflect the opinions of staff and are generated in collaboration with the requesting council member(s).
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommendation
Consider the request to add a Community Barbecue to the Summer Concert/National Night Out event on August 8, 2024 at the Civic Center and provide direction to implement.
BACKGROUND
This item was requested by Councilwoman Amy Phan West (District 1) and seconded by Council Member NamQuan Nguyen (District 4).
Councilwoman Phan West and Council Member Nguyen are requesting that the City organize and host a Community Barbeque event as a gesture of appreciation for the residents in conjunction with the Summer Concert and National Night Out event scheduled for Thursday, August 8, 2024 in the Civic Center.
Traditionally, National Night Out and the Summer Concert Series have been held as separate events, but share a mutual goal of fostering community camaraderie to enhance the sense of belonging and unity in Westminster. Both events aim to make the city a more welcoming and caring environment for residents, workers, and visitors alike. This combined event in the Civic Center will attract a larger audience and allow for the opportunity to connect with neighbors and public officials, while saving resources spent on event management, logistics planning and marketing.
The event will combine both Summer Concert and the typical National Night Out activities including public safety exhibits and demonstrations from the Police Department and Orange County Fire Authority, community resource fair with booths from partner agencies, local service organizations and other City departments, children’s games, and activities for the entire family. The live entertainment will feature the popular, crowd-pleasing country band, Redneck Rodeo.
The proposed Community Barbecue component adds an extra dimension to the event, fostering an enhanced civic spirit for attendees. Bringing people together over food and entertainment, this type of gathering promotes a sense of unity and belonging within the community. Like National Night Out and Summer Concerts, the Community Barbecue event serves to strengthen community bonds and create a welcoming environment where residents can connect, engage, and support one another.
To implement this component of the event, staff would attempt to collaborate with a local non-profit organization to provide volunteers for the barbecue while supplies would be funded by the City. The meal would be free for the first 500 attendees and would be similar to what is provided at the Safety Day event in July, which includes a hot dog, chips, and a water bottle. The estimated cost is $2,000. Additionally, food trucks will still be invited to join the event, offering alternative meal options for purchase by attendees.
FISCAL IMPACT
The estimated cost of $2,000 would be funded through 75000-44020, Community Promotions - Special Department Expense. If approved, additional funds will be requested for the 2024-2025 fiscal year’s budget request cycle.
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed as to form.
CONCLUSION
Councilwoman Phan West and Council Member Nguyen are requesting the addition of a Community Barbeque to the Summer Concert/National Out event on August 8, 2024 at the Civic Center, bringing an extra dimension to the event and fostering an enhanced civic spirit for attendees. Staff is recommending that the Mayor and City Council consider this request and provide direction.
ATTACHMENTS
1. None
REVIEWED BY
Erin Backs, Finance Director
Christian Bettenhausen, City Attorney
Christine Cordon, City Manager