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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Mike Nelson, Community Events Director
DATE: April 21, 2025
SUBJECT:
A Resolution for a three-year contract with Pyrotecnico Fireworks for the Independence Day Fireworks Display for Special Events in the Amount of $46,000 in 2025, 2026 and 2027.
PURPOSE:
To extend a contract with Pyrotecnico Fireworks for a Fireworks Display for the City's Independence Day Celebration in 2025, 2026 and 2027. Pyrotecnico (formerly Melrose Pyrotechnics) has been the City's Fireworks vendor for the past ten years. Pyrotecnico has provided a 20-25-minute show synchronized to music. Over the past several years, staff has established a great working relationship with Pyrotecnico. Fireworks vendors do not all have the same level of experience, performance and professionalism. Staff is concerned that the next vendor may not produce the same quality experience. It is not uncommon for communities to have the same fireworks vendor for an extended period. This contract extension will eliminate additional staff time that would be required with a change in vendors.
BACKGROUND:
The three-year extension will cover 2025, 2026 and 2027 displays. As of the City's last extension, Pyrotecnico's qualifications included extensive experience with multiple communities and has been providing services to some communities for over 20 years including Champaign County, Itasca and Streator. Their corporate clients include Allstate, Amway, Anheuser-Busch, Caterpillar, Firestone, McDonald’s, Miller Brewing, Nike, State Farm, Target and Toyota. They provide spectacular displays for various large events including the Chicago Air & Water Show, the City of Chicago, the City of Naperville, the Great Lakes Naval Station Celebration, the NHL Winter Classic and the Taste of Chicago. They also have an extensive background in providing pyrotechnic displays for the Chicago White Sox, the Kansas City Royals, the Milwaukee Brewers, the Indy Racing League, the NASCAR Nextel Cup, the Chicago Bears, the Green Bay Packers, the Chicago Bulls and the Milwaukee Bucks.
Pyrotecnico has earned exceptional awards and recognition:
- Exhibition, Seoul International Fireworks Festival, Seoul, South Korea (2015)
- Exhibition, L’International des Feux Loto-Quebec, Montreal, Canada (2016)
- Exhibition, Pohang International Fireworks Festival, Pohang, South Korea (2017)
DISCUSSION:
The Fireworks Display for the City Independence Day Celebration has received exceptional feedback from residents. Pyrotecnico is one of the premiere Fireworks Display Companies with an impressive track record. City staff has had a phenomenal experience with Pyrotecnico and strongly feels that portion of the Independence Day Celebration is in good hands. Pyrotecnico has experienced staff and is concerned about safety. In this regard, they are a good partner. Pyrotecnico has agreed to provide the same show for the price of $46,000 a year for the next three years. Previous contracts included a 24.5-minute show with 3,214 shells with a minimum shell size of 3" and maximum of 6". Pyrotecnico will provide all necessary licenses, permits and certificates of insurance prior to each event.
Funds for the Fireworks display are budgeted in the Special Events budget in account 101-1026-450-53-01 (July 4th Activities).
Pyrotecnico was the lowest responsible bidder in 2013 and has provided exceptional service every year since. They provided excellent references who were contacted during the vetting process and have certainly proven themselves to be the best.
Approval of this contract without prior competitive bidding is permissible under the City's home rule authority.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
This contract extension has an additional financial impact as services will increase by $3,000 per year for the next three years, due to an increase in materials and global shipping costs. However, the contract extension will have a positive impact on staff and event efficiency.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff recommends approval of the proposed resolution for a contract extension with Pyrotecnico Fireworks.
cc: Finance Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
title
A Resolution authorizing the execution of a three-year contract with Pyrotecnico Fireworks for Independence Day fireworks displays in a total annual amount not to exceed $46,000.00.
body
WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, Pryotecnico Fireoworks has provided exceptional services for the City's Independence Day celebrations for the past eight years; and
WHEREAS, Pyrotecnico has agreed to provide the same level of service for an additional three years with a minimal cost increase; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to enter into a three (3) year contract with Pyrotecnico, commencing in 2025 for its annual Independence Day fireworks display; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the services sought under said contract, by their very nature, and given the artistic and safety considerations involved, and the professional skill of the vendor involved, are not suitable for award by competitive bidding; and
WHEREAS, funding for this expense is budgeted in account 101-1405-450.53-01.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: that the Purchasing Director is shall be and hereby is authorized to execute a three (3) year agreement with Pyrotecnio Fireworks for the services described in Exhibit A in a total annual contract amount not to exceed $46,000.00.