REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Consider Hosting a 2024 Fourth of July Drone Show and Approval of Budget Modification No. 20
Report
BACKGROUND
In 2012, a group of Swedish researchers from public university ETH Zurich developed a system in which drones could be programmed to arrange and fly in certain formations. Operators can arrange illuminated and synchronized groups of drones into different aerial formations for drone light shows. Computer programs control the drones, rearranging them into specific graphics identified by operators.
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, are aircraft without a human pilot onboard that are controlled by an operator on the ground and are operated without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft. Drones can be operated for various reasons including for commercial purposes, recreational use, or in support of public agency services.
In 2023, numerous cities replaced Fourth of July fireworks shows with drone light shows. Southern California communities such as Grand Park and Pacific Palisades in Los Angeles County and La Jolla and Ocean Beach in San Diego County, as well as northern California agencies such as Port of Redwood City in San Mateo County and Brentwood and Dublin in Alameda County, have all moved from fireworks to drone light shows in recent years. As technology advances, experts predict that drone light shows will become more popular and accessible. Experts expect the drone light show market size to reach $2.2 billion by 2031.
Council requested that staff research the feasibility and cost analysis of hosting a Fourth of July drone show for Sunnyvale residents. The purpose of this report is for Council to review associated costs, determine feasibility and interest, and allocate required funding to host a Fourth of July drone show in Sunnyvale in 2024.
EXISTING POLICY
No local regulations pertaining to drones exist in the City of Sunnyvale, and the operation of drones is not addressed in the City’s Municipal Code.
The Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) regulates and sets guidelines for the safe operation of drones in the United States. Further, the FAA has a mandate from Congress to develop a comprehensive plan to accelerate the integration of civic UAS into the national airspace system. In this regard, the FAA requires recreational operators to register and mark their drones and to operate them under several best practice guidelines. Commercial drone operators are also required to learn specific drone rules (Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 107), obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate, and get an FAA tracking number, as there are FAA restrictions with the San Jose International Airport airspace (Attachment 1) and potentially other nearby airspace, such as Moffett Field. Any drone operator selected for this show will need to obtain a permit from the FAA guiding safety standards and meet all relevant FAA requirements, including rules related to operating drones in or near airport airspace.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
A single drone show for the 2024 Fourth of July Holiday is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15304 because it is a minor temporary use of land having negligible or no permanent effects on the environment.
DISCUSSION
July is Park and Recreation Month, and this year’s theme is “Where You Belong”. This theme celebrates the many ways park and recreation professionals across the country foster a sense of belonging in their community by providing welcoming and inclusive programs, essential services for all ages and abilities, and safe, accessible spaces to build meaningful connections. The proposed drone show would take place at Baylands Park in north Sunnyvale while providing a free, family-friendly event that brings the community together to celebrate each other, the City of Sunnyvale, and our nation’s independence. An alternate site would be the Community Center however, there is more traffic at that location and less parking would be available.
Drone light shows are a more environmentally friendly alternative than traditional fireworks. Drone lights emit less noise and air pollution than fireworks. Compared to fireworks, using drones avoids common fireworks debris and hazards, such as fire danger and air quality impacts.
Executing a drone light show can be safe, especially when a professional team or company assists with planning and execution. Some safety factors include maintaining a safe distance between the drones and the audience, using high-quality technology and secure programming, and having a clear flight path.
In researching local cities that have held drone light shows, average costs range from $27,000 to $50,000 for a 12-minute show with approximately 150-200 drones. Below are examples of neighboring jurisdictions that have previously hosted drone shows. These costs are for the shows only and do not include staffing or other associated costs.
|
Agency |
Cost |
Length |
Number of Drones |
|
Port of Redwood City |
$30,000 |
12 minutes |
150 |
|
Dublin |
$27,500 |
10-12 minutes |
Up to 200 |
|
Brentwood |
$50,000 |
12 minutes |
150 |
The total cost of a drone light show depends on the number of actual drones used and the duration of the show. Most cities that have hosted drone shows typically use around 200 drones per 10-12 minute show. Usually, a minimum of 100-150 drones is required for enjoyable visibility.
In addition to fees associated with procuring a drone light show contractor, there will be various internal service costs required to deliver a Fourth of July drone show, specifically staff overtime for the following supporting departments: Library and Recreation Services Department, Department of Public Safety, and Department of Public Works (Streets and Parks).
|
Department |
Cost |
|
DPS |
$14,744.40 |
|
PW - Streets |
$5,000.00 |
|
PW - Parks |
$4,440.00 |
|
LRS - Marketing |
$3,180.00 |
|
LRS - Staffing |
$6,000.00 |
|
ESD |
$1,561.81 |
|
Total: |
$34,926.21 |
At this time, the estimated total cost of a 10-12 minute drone show is $55,000 to $65,000, plus staffing costs of approximately $35,000. Due to timing constraints with July 4 only 3 months away, this RTC is recommending only a drone show and not a large multi-hour 4th of July Festival.
It is difficult to determine the number of people that would come to a drone show at this location. It is important to plan conservatively to minimize any issues. The entrance to Baylands Park is very close to 237, and any queuing of traffic trying to enter the park could back onto 237. There is also street parking on the other side of Caribbean from the park, which may be a desirable option for people coming to the event. It is important to consider, not only the physical traffic control devices, but also to utilize trained event personnel to direct traffic to prevent any queuing and help with pedestrian crossings that could be much larger than typical for this intersection. DPS will have trained personnel to do traffic control and depending on the final traffic control plan, the City will likely need to use a contractor for the physical traffic control devices.
FISCAL IMPACT
The estimated cost to cover City costs for a 2024 Fourth of July drone show is up to $100,000. As work on the event would need to be started now, staff is proposing Budget Modification No. 20 be appropriated from the General Fund Budget Stabilization Fund Reserve to a new project - Fourth of July Drone Show, with minimal impact to the reserve. Alternatively, Council can choose to fund the project from 829630 - Council Set Aside Council Set Aside project. This project annually sets aside $100,000 of General Fund dollars for Council to fund unplanned projects, services, or other initiatives that arise over the course of the fiscal year. There would be no impact to the General Fund Budget Stabilization Fund Reserve with this option. However, this would deplete the funds available in this project until the new appropriation in FY 2024/25.
Budget Modification No. 20
FY 2023/24
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Current |
Increase/(Decrease) |
Revised |
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|
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|
General Fund |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Expenditures |
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|
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|
New Project - Fourth of July Drone Show |
$0 |
$100,000 |
$100,000 |
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Reserves |
|
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Budget Stabilization Fund Reserve |
$78,031,580 |
($100,000) |
$77,931,580 |
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council meeting agenda on the City's official-notice bulletin board at City Hall, at the Sunnyvale Public Library and in the Department of Public Safety Lobby. In addition, the agenda and this report are available at the NOVA Workforce Services reception desk located on the first floor of City Hall at 456 W. Olive Avenue (during normal business hours), and on the City's website.
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve hosting a 2024 Fourth of July Drone Show and an appropriation from the General Fund Budget Stabilization Fund Reserve with Budget Modification No. 20.
2. Approve hosting a 2024 Fourth of July Drone Show and an appropriation from the 829630 - Council Set Aside with Budget Modification No. 20.
3. Do not approve hosting a 2024 Fourth of July Drone Show.
4. Take other action as determined by City Council.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Staff makes no recommendation.
Staff
Prepared by: Laura Jammal, Management Analyst, Library and Recreation Services
Reviewed by: Damon Sparacino, Superintendent of Recreation Services
Reviewed by: Michelle Perera, Director, Library and Recreation Services
Reviewed by: Tim Kirby, Director, Finance
Reviewed by: Phan Ngo, Chief, Public Safety
Reviewed by: Trudi Ryan, Director, Community Development
Reviewed by: Chip Taylor, Director, Public Works
Reviewed by: Jaqui Guzman, Deputy City Manager
Approved by: Kent Steffens, City Manager
ATTACHMENT
1. SJC Boundary Map
2. Drone Site Map Example