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<br />Councilmember Musgrove stated that they talked about having vendors come in for Happy Days <br />to save money. <br /> <br />Parks and Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood stated that this was discussed for food <br />vendors. He stated that they would still have to provide power for the stage and lighting, but he <br />thinks that those power packs can provide some additional power to save money. He added that <br />every year that he has taken estimates of Happy Days it is always over $100,000 in estimation and <br />when they run costs it is even higher. He shared concern with this being a one day event. He stated <br />that Councils in the past have discussed maybe more events throughout the year and not just <br />focusing on one big, one day festival. He noted that they have tried the carnival approach to this <br />but it is still a lot of money and a lot of Staff time. <br /> <br />Administrative Service Director Lasher added that there are things that they have done in the past <br />that will not be able to get done. <br /> <br />Parks and Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood stated that Recreation Specialist Martinez- <br />Flynn has made a positive impact on the recreation programming; however, she is not doing <br />anything else and is focusing on the recreational programming. <br /> <br />Mayor Kuzma stated that they are committed to Happy Days this year for sure and could be looked <br />at closely in the future. <br /> <br />Councilmember Specht shared that he likes the ideas of having outside groups and partnering with <br />organizations that can help. He stated that this event always has a good turn out and brings the <br />community together and he would hate to see it go away. He stated that he would also prefer one <br />large event over several smaller ones throughout the year. He noted that if they were to outsource <br />the event it could save money. <br /> <br />Councilmember Woestehoff suggested a youth sports organization. <br /> <br />City Administrator Hagen suggested something along the lines of reviewing Happy Days sourcing <br />more funding or outsourcing. <br /> <br />Mayor Kuzma suggested having options. <br /> <br />Parks and Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood suggested developing a menu of all options <br />and alternatives for the execution of Happy Days. He stated that Staff will do the recap after the <br />event to bring forward recommendations for the future. He said if there was an organization that <br />the event could be handed off to they would; however, there are not any in the community <br />presently. He stated that the Ramsey Lions focus on the threshing show and their revenue has <br />plummeted with ARAA getting in the game. <br /> <br />City Administrator Hagen asked if there were other operational efficiencies or cost savings that <br />anyone can think of. He shared the suggestion of reviewing efficiency and effectiveness of <br />City Council Special Work Session /April 24, 2023 <br />Page 16 of 21 <br /> <br />