But even at $10,000 fireworks display is meager by comparison
By Jennifer Eisenbart
Staff writer
Two weeks after discussing at length the cost for City of Burlington-sponsored fireworks on the Fourth of July, the City Council on Tuesday voted to double the amount it spends on the annual display to $10,000.
The motion passed on a 4-2 vote, with Aldermen Steve Rauch and Katie Simenson both voting no.
The discussion at the council meeting two weeks ago focused on whether to beef up what many considered a meager display or drop the funding for the holiday tradition.
Even at double the former amount, the $10,000 pales in comparison to the $25,000 figure ChocolateFest pays for the Memorial Day weekend show, though that is underwritten by Runzheimer.
Simenson said two weeks ago that it would be difficult for the city to keep up with ChocolateFest.
“Do we have to ‘wow’ them?” she asked.
Alderman Jeff Fischer, who was absent Tuesday night, countered that the fireworks are one of the few city services residents appreciate.
Others said they couldn’t imagine Independence Day without fireworks.
Other action
The council unanimously approved eight other resolutions Tuesday night. They are:
• Authorizing the extension of deadlines for installing street trees and public sidewalks, as well as the final lift of asphalt and water main loops for the struggling Glen at Stonegate development.
• Declaring intent to exercise special assessment powers for reconstruction and repair of sidewalks at various locations in the city.
• The purchase of a pick-up truck for the Department of Public Works from Ewald Automotive Group for $18,729.
• The purchase of an aerial truck for the Department of Public Works from Dueco, Inc. for $199,585.
• The purchase of two zero-turn radius lawn mowers for the Department of Public Works from Reinders for $81,784.
• The purchase of a hot patch machine – for filling potholes – for the DPW from Casper Truck Equipment for $9,150.
• The approval of a Letter of Agreement for three years with Accurate Appraisal for assessment services for the amount of $13,500 per year. That item was discussed at Tuesday night’s Committee of the Whole meeting.
The switch is being made from National Appraisal, which currently charges $18,000 a year.
-
-
-
-
-