Council action is requested to approve a contract with the Independence Chamber of Commerce for the license of the Independence Square public area for the Santa-Cali-Gon Festival from August 30, 2019 through September 2, 2019. 

Staff recommends approval.

The City contracts with the Independence Chamber of Commerce on an annual basis for the use of public spaces and resources for the Santa-Cali-Gon Festival.  A renewal contract is recommended for the 2019 festival under similar terms and conditions as in prior years.  Changes were negotiated to address various operational issues.

The proposed contract grants the Independence Chamber of Commerce exclusive use of the public areas within the area depicted on Exhibit A for operating the Santa-Cali-Gon Festival.  The contract addresses various operating issues associated with conducting the festival including parking, vendor licensing, trash collection, security, public access, electrical service and use of public spaces for temporary structures.  The contract obligates the Chamber to obtain liability insurance and indemnify the City from claims associated with occupancy of the festival grounds.

The City agrees to provide $12,000 as a festival sponsorship and a base level of police protection. Additional security personnel or off-duty police officers may be required at Chamber expense.  The City provides water supply to the festival grounds, lot sweeping for the carnival site and fencing for the main stage location. 

The agreement is subject to appropriations in cost center 4205-5213 in the Fiscal Year 2019-20 budget.