HomeMy WebLinkAboutInformation Only 050923AGENDA
INFORMATION UPDATE
May 9, 2023
5:00 PM,
I.Information Update
I.A ACRA Destination Marketing Staff Report
I.B Congressionally Directed Spending Update
I.C 2022 Annual Air Quality Report
I.D City Council Community Picnic
April2023_DM Report.pdf
Council Info CDS FY24 update May 1 - TN.docx
2022 Air Quality Report Informational Only Memo.pdf
2022 Air Quality Report.pdf
2023CommPicnicMOI_final_final.docx
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April 2023 Destination Marketing Report for Council
Destination Marketing Staff Report Excerpt from ACRA’s Board of Directors Packet:
Destination Marketing: The Destination Marketing Contract was approved at City Council on March 28th. It is a 5-year
contract. Jessica attended both the DMA West Tech Summit as well as her 3rd Colorado Leadership Journey Experience
Training in Breckenridge this month. As part of the CTOLJ, Jessica is required to conduct a project within the community,
and she was able to put together a panel of Aspen High School graduates to go into the school and speak about careers
in tourism to the current students as part of AHS’ Career and Technical Education Programming. Bridget attended the
Mountain Travel Symposium in Banff, with special attendance at the MTS Young Leader's Summit. The Fly Aspen
Snowmass Bi-Annual meeting was held this month, and the board presentation covered content highlights from that
meeting. We continue working towards Global Sustainable Tourism Council certification and are exploring many ways to
collaborate with the City of Aspen on this project. We continue our work with the Maroon Bells Comprehensive
Recreation Management Plan as part of the steering committee as well as the communications group responsible for
reservations which have been rolled out on a monthly basis and is going smoothly this year. May 1st is the final
reservations release for parking and shuttle reservations in September and October. Our summer media campaign will
be in market beginning May 1st. Our content campaign is also currently live. We are looking forward to welcoming back
International Media FAMs for the first-time post covid this summer; however, we need to be creative as accommodation
availability and flight costs are making this challenging.
Sarah and Nichole hosted a meet and greet for a group of university students from the University of Wales, Trinity St.
David. The students and their professors toured hotels in Aspen and Vail. This university has placed many students in
Aspen for internships since the late 1990s and they are looking to start up the placements again post covid. Sarah
participated in CTO International Promotions quarterly meeting. CTO has reactivated an agency in Canada. Sales
missions are planned for all markets this year as well as many media and trade FAMs coming through the state. The non-
stop from Denver to Tokyo restarted and is celebrating 10 years of services. Nichole completed her Professional’s in
Destination Management Certification program. She was able to gain new knowledge in the tourism industry from a
Destination Organization perspective and the role we play in the community. The team participated in a networking
event with Aspen Skiing Company and hotel group and catering sales managers in Aspen and Snowmass.
Occupancy Reports:
March Occupancy was 76%, down 2.5% YOY, while average daily rate for March was up 9.9% YOY. As of 3/31/23, pace of
bookings for the next 6 months (April-September) is down 17% against this same time last year.
Sales Tax Reports:
As of the February Consumption Tax Report, released in April of 2023, the Tourism Promotion Fund is pacing 14% above
year to date budgeted revenues, and is up 14.5% above last year’s actual year-to-date revenues. These increases are
being driven primarily by increase in average daily rates.
Recent Press Coverage
Website Stats
Please see aspenchamber.org web statistics on the following page.
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Month of Mar 2023
Web Activity for https://aspenchamber.org
Pages/Session: 2.00
Industry Average: 1.80
Comparison: +11.0% ▲
Bounce Rate: 48.84%
Industry Average: 55.60%
Comparison: -12.2% ▼
Avg Session Duration: 00:01:48
Industry Average: 01:40:00
Comparison: +8% ▲
Occupancy Data
[ACRA] ADR
Mar 2022 - Mar 2023
0
0.6K
896.00
999.00
[ACRA] Paid Occupancy
Mar 2022 - Mar 2023
0
50 %79.00 %
76.00 %
1 - 5 of 5 items
Web Analytics Page Path Level 2 Pageviews Unique Pageviews Avg. Time On Page Bounce
/top-5-reasons-visit-aspen-spring-0 1,316 1,221.00 00:02:42 66
/everything-you-need-know-about-…929 844.00 00:05:11 44
/week-aspen 701 652.00 00:03:25 45
/hiking-around-maroon-bells 696 639.00 00:04:18 32
/tips-getting-adjusted-altitude 529 513.00 00:04:40 58
Total 4,171 3,869.00 00:04:03 49
68,295
Sessions
Average Daily Rate YOY Paid Occupancy YOY
Top Blogs from aspenchamber.org/blog
Emailed Monthly Report Compact 2023-03-01 - 2023-03-31
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INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM
TO:Mayor and Members of City Council
FROM:Tara Nelson, Senior Paralegal
THROUGH:Sara Ott, City Manager
Jennifer Phelan, Development Manager
MEMO DATE:May 1, 2023
RE:Congressionally Directed Spending update
SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND: One of Congress’ constitutional powers is the power
to approve congressionally directed spending items, and to do so with enhanced
transparency and accountability. This memo will update the Mayor and City Council
regarding staff efforts to secure financial support through an application under the
Congressionally Directed Spending (“CDS”) program.
DISCUSSION: Back in March, 2023, staff received direction and prepared separate
applications to Senators Hickenlooper and Bennet with the strategy of gaining the support
for a better chance of approval for the Early Childhood Education Center at Burlingame
Ranch Affordable Housing Phase III. Staff had previously submitted for this project in
fiscal year 2023 but did not receive prioritization or funding. The proposal will contain
seven classrooms, a gross motor room, and potential affordable housing units for
childcare staff.
On April 28th, staff from Senator Hickenlooper’s office contacted the City to inform us that
Senator Hickenlooper did prioritize our Aspen Early Childhood Education project. This is
the first step in the CDS process. The subcommittee has the final decision on funding and
will now carefully review all requests received. All projects up for consideration are
required to be posted on the Senators’ office website and is public information. We remain
hopeful that our requests will be included in the final legislation this coming Fall.
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Page 1 of 2
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Natalie Tsevdos, Environmental Health and Sustainability
THROUGH: CJ Oliver, Environmental Health and Sustainability Director
DATE: May 3, 2023
RE: 2022 Annual Air Quality Report
PURPOSE: This memo is to inform Aspen City Council of the release of the 2022 Annual Air
Quality Report. No action is requested from Council at this time.
BACKGROUND: The City of Aspen has been monitoring ambient air quality since the early
1980’s. The city monitors particulate matter at 10 microns (PM10), particulate matter at 2.5 microns
(PM2.5) and ground level ozone (O3) using air quality monitors that provide scientifically validated
data to city staff and the community. In 1987, Aspen was designated a PM10 non-attainment area
by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Since the 1980s, stricter federal emission
guidelines for vehicles and local air quality regulations and programs have reduced pollution levels
and air quality has improved. Beginning in 2003, Aspen was officially back in attainment for PM10,
That attainment status remains due to the focused efforts of the City and our partners
DISCUSSION: Aspen’s air quality program has direct, measurable effects on air quality and the
health of Aspen residents and visitors and has decades of demonstrated success in meeting or
exceeding EPA requirements. The protection of Aspen’s airshed is dependent on the city’s values
of partnership and stewardship. Numerous city departments contribute to the collective
community vision of clean air through year-round street sweeping, carpool incentives, free
shuttles, and trail maintenance. Regulations on wood burning, fireplaces, and restaurant grills
preserve Aspen’s character and clear vistas. The 2022 Annual Air Quality Report catalogs the air
quality protection efforts taken by the City of Aspen and our partners, outlines air quality and its
importance, and presents recommendations to withstand and combat negative air quality impacts
now and into the future.
Aspen overall has good air quality. Aspen did not exceed any of the Environmental Protection
Act’s National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for criteria pollutants, including ozone and
particulate matter. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is an index for reporting how clean or polluted
your air is and is generated using local air quality monitoring data.
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Page 2 of 2
There were 17 more days of good air quality in 2022 compared
to 2021 and no days that went above moderate, compared to 2
days of unhealthy air for sensitive groups in 2021. This is
attributed to fewer impacts from wildfire smoke. The 28 days of
moderate air quality occurred in the spring and summer months
due to elevated levels of ozone and particulate matter,
respectively.
Aspen’s air quality remains vulnerable to wildfires and other
natural events. With our partners, staff will continue to improve
Aspen’s air quality messaging and community support during air
quality events, with special attention to wildfire smoke.
On November 18, 2023, the EPA maintenance State Improvement Plan (SIP) for the Aspen area
expires and Aspen will no longer have a federal mandate for outdoor air quality programming.
Planning is underway to provide a long-term framework for air quality protection. Staff’s goal is to
ensure that the community continues to have good air quality and access to local air quality
information during an air quality event.
Community members can visit www.pitkinemergency.org/airquality, which connects people to
local air quality information via www.AspenAirQuality.com. The site contains details on Colorado
Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) air advisories, the fire and smoke map
(https://fire.airnow.gov/), and steps to take to protect against wildfire smoke. The Pitkin Alert
notification system also directs people to this website during air pollution events affecting our
area.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS: Short- and/or long-term exposure to air pollution is associated
with a wide range of human health effects , including respiratory disease (e.g., asthma),
hospitalization for heart or lung diseases, and even premature death. Specific groups within the
general population may have a greater risk of pollution effects due to a variety of factors such as
age, lung or heart conditions, and intensity of outdoor activity.
To prevent these impacts, the city provides local, up to date air quality information to assist the
community in making mindful decisions when the air quality is impaired.
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Aspen’s clean, clear skies are a cherished asset to our mountain community. However, our air quality
has not always been a point of pride. For many years in the 1980s, Aspen failed to meet Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) standards for particulate matter 10 microns or less (PM10). Historically, Aspen
experienced the worst pollution days in the winter months, due to local sources. With climate change,
western states are experiencing extreme wildfire seasons causing high pollution events in the summer
months.
In response to our pollution history, City Council, staff, and the community passed local air quality regulations
and programs to reduce particulate matter pollution, such as the restaurant grill ordinance and restrictions
on woodburning.
Aspen’s air quality remains vulnerable to wildfires and other natural events. In 2021, the city partnered
with Pitkin County to increase wildfire smoke communication. We developed a new air quality webpage,
www.pitkinemergency.org/airquality, that connects people to local air quality information via
www.AspenAirQuality.com. The site contains details on Colorado Department of Public Health and
Environment (CDPHE) air advisories, the https://fire.airnow.gov/ (Fire and Smoke map), as well as steps
to take to protect against wildfire smoke. The Pitkin Alert notification system directs people to this website
during air pollution events affecting our area. Our goal is to ensure that the community has access to local
air quality information so they can understand the potential health impacts and protective actions one can
take during an air quality event.
The protection of Aspen’s airshed is dependent on the city’s shared values of stewardship, partnership,
service, and innovation. Numerous city departments, regional partners, and the community play a vital role
in Aspen’s air quality programs. This report catalogs the air quality protection efforts taken by the City of
Aspen and our partners, outlines air quality and its importance, and highlights goals for the future.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
PROGRAM CONTACT
Natalie Tsevdos
Environmental Health Administrator, Air Quality
natalie.tsevdos@aspen.gov | 970.920.5075
MORE INFO
AspenAirQuality.com
AIR QUALITY REPORT
2022
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• Aspen has frequent
PM pollution clouds.
• PM10 monitoring and
in-town shuttles begin.
• Air quality
ordinances in effect.
• RFTA begins valley-
wide operations.
• Paid parking
implemented; first of
its kind in the nation.
• Diesel emissions
ordinance in effect.
• Construction mitigation
plan developed.
• Aspen in
attainment for PM10.
• Aspen violates EPA
PM10 standard.
• Vehicle idling
ordinance in effect.
ASPEN’S CLEAN AIR STORY
COMMUNITY ACTION FOR CLEANER AIR
• EPA maintenance
SIP expires
Aspen sits in a valley surrounded by mountains making it more prone to temperature inversions
in which warm air traps cooler air near the ground, preventing pollutants from escaping into the
atmosphere.
In the 1980s,
Aspen had an air
pollution problem.
PM10 and other
harmful pollutants
were trapped
under wintertime
inversions. Pollution
from woodburning
fireplaces, restaurant
grills, vehicle exhaust,
and dirt on the roads
would sometimes
reach unhealthy
levels. In 1987, Aspen
was designated a
PM10 non-attainment
area by the EPA. Since the 1980s, stricter federal emission guidelines for vehicles and local air quality
regulations and programs have reduced pollution levels and air quality has improved. In 2003, Aspen
was officially back in attainment for PM10.
On November 18, 2023, the EPA maintenance State Improvement Plan (SIP) for the Aspen area
expires and Aspen will no longer have a federal mandate for outdoor air quality programming.
Planning is underway to provide a long-term framework for air quality protection.
Aspen in 1985
1970 1980 1983 1992 1995 2003 2007 2016 2023
Aspen in 2023
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3
Purchased and
operated by anyone
Meet EPA
requirements
Affordable; installed
outside of a building
Regularly maintained and
more accurate
Placed in many locations
to find pollution hot spots
Data used for
assessing health risks
Data used for immediate air
quality conditions
Data used for forecasting
and modeling
Air quality assessments
are not official
Monitor placement
is limited
Not routinely
cleaned or calibrated
Require a controlled
environment
Less accurate; can report
higher than actual levels
Require oversight by an
air scientist
Do not meet EPA
requirements
Expensive to purchase
and maintain
Monitors
Sensors
HOW AIR QUALITY IS MEASURED
Good air quality means the air is free of or has low levels of pollutants. Air quality is determined by
assessing a variety of pollution indicators using monitors and sensors. The key difference between
the two is that monitors are used for regulatory and health-based decision making while sensors do
not meet EPA standards. Aspen has a Teledyne ozone monitor and a Grimm particulate monitor that
meet EPA standards. The city also maintains two Purple Air sensors located at Mountain Rescue
Aspen. The other sensors shown on the map below are owned and operated by other entities.
SENSORSMONITORS
Advantages Advantages LimitationsLimitations
MONITORS & SENSORS IN ASPEN
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4
Unhealthy
151 - 200 201 - 300
Very Unhealthy
301 - 500
Hazardous
Air Quality Index Good
0 - 50 51 - 100
Moderate Unhealthy for
Sensitive Groups
101 - 150
Air quality changes from day to day or even hour to hour - like the weather. Aspen uses the EPA’s
Air Quality Index (AQI) tool to understand current air quality and pollution levels. The higher the
AQI value, the greater the level of air pollution, and the greater the health concern. Aspen’s AQI is
calculated using data from air quality monitors.
Think of the AQI as a yardstick that runs from 0 to 500.
AQI levels above 100 are considered unhealthy for sensitive populations, including older adults,
children, and people with respiratory and heart conditions. When AQI values go above 150, air quality
is considered unhealthy for everyone.
In 2022, the Aspen area saw improved air quality
from 2021 due to fewer impacts from wildfire
smoke. There were 17 more days of good air
quality in 2022 compared to 2021 and no days
that went above moderate, compared to 2 days
of unhealthy air for sensitive groups in 2021.
The 28 days of moderate air quality occurred
in the spring and summer months due to
elevated levels of ozone and particulate matter,
respectively.
337 Days
Good Moderate
28 Days
While air is mostly gas, it also holds lots of tiny particles called aerosols. Some aerosols, like dust
and pollen, are picked up naturally when the wind blows. Air can also carry particles that cause
air pollution, such as the soot, smoke, and other pollutants from car exhaust and coal and oil-fired
power plants. Air pollution occurs when substances, such as particles and gases, reach harmful
concentrations making it difficult to breath or causing negative health impacts over time.
THE AIR WE BREATHE
AQI: AIR QUALITY INDEX
HOW WE MEASURE UP
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Particulate matter (PM) is a complex mixture of extremely small particles and liquid droplets. PM2.5 is
associated with the greatest proportion of severe health effects related to air pollution.
PM10 is “inhalable coarse particles” and can be found near roadways and construction sites.
• High levels of PM10 can decrease lung function and aggravate asthma and chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
PM2.5 is “fine particles” and can be found in smoke and haze. These particles can be directly emitted
from sources like fireplaces, restaurant grills, forest fires, or when gases emitted from vehicles react
in the air.
• Short-term exposure may cause respiratory symptoms and eye, nose, throat, and lung
irritation. It can also decrease lung function and worsen asthma and heart disease.
• Long-term exposure may increase rates of chronic bronchitis and increase mortality from
lung cancer and heart disease.
PARTICULATE MATTER
These graphs represent the
highest PM10 and PM2.5 daily
averages by year. Wildfire smoke
has a significant impact on local
levels of PM2.5. Local air quality
programs are keeping PM10 levels
low overall.
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6
Ground level ozone is a pollutant that forms when the right mix of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile
organics (VOCs) get “cooked” by sunlight. The sources for these precursor pollutants are both natural
and man-made.
• Short-term ozone exposure may cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, respiratory symptoms, and
decreased lung function and exercise performance, and may occur in both adults and children.
• Ground level ozone can worsen bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma, and reduce exercise
performance.
OZONE
This graph represents the highest ground-level ozone 8-hour average by year. Aspen experiences its highest levels of ground
level ozone during the spring months (March-June) due to natural events.
The health effects of air pollution are serious and hard to escape. Microscopic pollutants in the air can
slip past our body’s defenses and can cause damage to our lungs, heart, and brain. Understanding
how these pollutants impact the air and our health is important, as is taking personal action during an
air quality event. People with cardiovascular conditions, children, and older adults are the most at risk
for experiencing negative health effects from air pollution.
Health Effects of Air Pollution
Stress to Heart Stress to Lungs Shortened Life Span Eye Irritation Harm to BloodAsthma
AIR QUALITY AND YOUR HEALTH
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COMMUNITY CALL TO ACTION
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Clean air does not come naturally for the Aspen area. It takes continued dedication from the following
City of Aspen departments and regional partners to keep our vistas clean and clear.
Forestry cares for Aspen’s
urban forest and natural
resources
The community protects our clean air by using public transportation and walking or biking
instead of driving. Planting trees, avoiding burning wood, and refraining from idling reduce
pollutants as well. Take steps to prepare for wildfire smoke, such as signing up for Pitkin
alerts, buying a portable air cleaner, and speaking to your doctor about your health and
sensitivity to air pollution.
CLEAN AIR THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS
TRAILSSTREETSFORESTRY
ASPEN TRANSIT PASSENGERS:
896,967
DOWNTOWNER PASSENGERS:
74,422
WE-CYCLE:
66,564 Riders (May-October)
TRANSPORTATION
Less vehicles on Aspen’s streets mean less vehicle exhaust and
dirt being entrained in the air.
CARPOOL PERMITS:
60,148
PARKING
Paid parking and free carpool
parking permits reduce single
passenger vehicles.
POLLUTANTS REMOVED FROM THE AIR:
9,428 Pounds
CO2 REMOVED ANNUALLY:
40,000 Pounds
Year-round street sweeping
removes dirt from our roads
before it becomes PM10.
25 miles of hard surface, soft
surface, and single-track trails
make it easier for pedestrians
and bikers to get around town.
There was a leap in trail use
in 2020 and that increase has
been maintained. Trail use in
the shoulder seasons has grown
significantly.
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Staff is looking at the near- and long-term future of Aspen’s air quality,
including how factors, such as a changing climate, prolonged drought, and
wildfires contribute. The long-term air quality plan will fill gaps left by federal,
state and county efforts; provide local education, incentives, and regulation;
coordinate the efforts of multiple City departments; and allow for flexibility to
respond to emerging issues.
Aspen’s air quality has a high probability to be periodically impacted by
wildfire smoke or dust storms from both near and far. Support of Aspen’s
existing air quality programs, potential new programming, and personal
action during air quality events is key to maintaining clean air and a healthy,
resilient community.
The Environmental Health and Sustainability department recently introduced the Aspen Sustainability
Action Plan (ASAP). The ASAP is the City of Aspen’s guiding document for lowering the community’s
greenhouse gas emissions at levels necessary to reach our science-based targets of a 63% reduction
by 2030 and a 100% reduction by 2050, based on 2017 emissions levels. Science based targets are
designed to reduce global emissions and model community-scale climate action for others.
The ASAP puts forth opportunities for departments and community partners to collaborate on
reducing emissions from several sectors, including those from vehicles and transportation. Reducing
vehicle emissions can lead to lower ground-level ozone and particulate matter and lessen the health
effects caused by these air pollutants.
2022 ASPEN ELECTRIC VEHICLE (EV) HIGHLIGHTS:
AIR QUALITY & CLIMATE
LOOKING AHEAD
Aspen Police Department purchased 5 Tesla Model Y’s
Replacement of direct current fast charger (DCFC)
installed at S. Galena Street
Fleet Zero Emissions Roadmap direction approved by Aspen City Council
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MEMORANDUM OF INFORMATION
TO:Mayor and Council
FROM: Nancy Lesley, Director of Events and Marketing
Sarah Roy, Director of Red Brick Center for the Arts
THROUGH: Austin Weiss, Director of Parks and Recreation
Diane Foster, Assistant City Manager
MEMO DATE:April 19, 2023
MEETING DATE: May 9, 2023
RE: City Council Community Picnic
PURPOSE:Staff is proposing to host the annual Community Picnic in conjunction with a
reception for the new City Hall art exhibition on Thursday, August 17, 2023. The picnic
will be held in Galena Plaza and guests will be invited inside the civic building to view the
artworks, meet the artists, and learn more about the exhibition program.
SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND: Over the past couple of decades, the Community
Picnic has taken on a few iterations and themes. Staff has found that hosting the picnic
in various locations showcases different City assets and allows people to enjoy the
spaces in a unique way. Throughout it all, the event has maintained the same underlying
goal of providing the community with a delicious, fresh meal served by City Council and
City Management and offering a chance for more informal interaction outside of Council
Chambers. Most importantly, it provides an opportunity for our entire community to come
together for a fun, social gathering.
The Red Brick Center for the Arts is pleased to present City Hall’s second art exhibition
since it’s opening in 2021. The exhibition program is intended to recognize and celebrate
the work of our local and regional artists and add to the experience of our governmental
building. The new exhibition introduces artworks by 12 artists selected through a juried
process along with the ongoing display of a few selected works. The artworks reflect
themes and experiences relevant to contemporary life and life in the mountain west. They
are a testament to the incredible talents of our regional artists. The inaugural exhibition
was very well received by the public and staff and became a draw for visitors to the
building.
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DISCUSSION: Following the success of last year’s community picnic held in Galena
Plaza, staff recommends hosting the event in the same location. Last year, Galena Plaza
was activated with kids' games and informational booths hosted by different City
departments who shared information about their services and engaged with folks in a
casual setting. Staff is proposing similar activations for the event this year with the addition
of inviting people into City Hall to view the new exhibition of artworks by local and regional
artists. As a recognized community celebration and gathering, the annual picnic offers the
perfect occasion to feature the art exhibition and add a new element to the event.
The date proposed, Thursday, August 17th is prior to the start of the school year, which
we hope will attract families. The location is convenient for walking, public transportation,
and potentially attracts downtown workers and business owners. The following elements
will be included:
o Event held from 4:30pm to 7:00pm on Thursday, August 17th
o Dinner served by Council and Staff (to the first 750 diners)
o Tables and chairs for gathering, eating, and socializing
o City Departments hosting tables or booths to educate the public on City
services
o City Hall will be open for guests to view artworks and meet artists
o Lawn games
FINANCIAL IMPACTS:
The Community Picnic feeds approximately 750 people and has a budget of $25,000.
Where possible, all foods are locally sourced and includes homemade desserts. This
event continues to work towards (and obtains) a zero waste goal. With the addition of
the new exhibition, staff has planned for and budgeted an additional $2,000 for outreach
and information. All of this is within the approved budget in the Special Events
Department.
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