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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNB 1 TILLER DAYS 03-01-93- NEW BUSINESS N0. 1 on.; f 3-1-93 hUt:NDA3-)-1,$ Inter -Com ATE.. February 16, 1993 TO: WILLIAM A. HUSTON, CITY MANAGER FROM: COMMUNITY SERVICES STAFF SUBJECT: RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE TUSTIN TILLER DAYS CELEBRATIONS RE— COIwIIKENDATION: 1. Limit the 1993 Tiller Days celebration to include only the parade and a one day festival to coincide with the dedication of the Civic Center. 2. Establish a Blue Ribbon committee to study Tiller Days and provide recommendations to the City Council about the organization of future Tustin Tiller Day events. Tustin Tiller Days has served as the Tustin area's annual civic celebration for the past 35 years. over the years the event has been organized by a variety of individuals, groups, and businesses as well as the City of Tustin and the Tustin Unified School District. The event is traditionally held annually the third weekend of October. The most recent Tustin Tiller Days celebration was held on October 9-11, 1992. Tiller Days attracted a crowd of 25,000 to 30,000 over three days. The event featured a parade, vending and display booths, entertainment, food and beverages, children's rides and games, and contests. In 1992, Tiller Days attracted a family crowd. • On February 8, 1993 staff received a letter from Tustin Tiller Days chair Jim Carr indicating that he,and the Committees's Executive Council and Board of Directors have chosen to discontinue their participation in Tiller Days activities. Mr. Carr cited the major reason to end participation as the enormous commitment of time and effort to successfully stage the event. He also said that there is frustration related to an unclear description of the relationship that exists between the City and the Committee. The letter also included a refund to the City of the $6,000 seed account provided for the 1992 event. The Committee is donating the proceeds from last year's event and the balance of their accounts to the Boys and Girls Club of Tustin. Staff understands the Committee's concerns about the large commitment necessary to organize Tiller Days. This Committee spent countless hours to organize past Tiller Days events. Staff also shares the Committee's frustration with the lack of clear definition of roles. This problem created very difficult situations for the City. The Community Services Department commends the Committee for their dedication to Tiller Days. This Committee has worked diligently to organize an annual celebration which has brought enjoyment to thousands of people. Staff encourages everyone on the Committee to continue to volunteer to serve Tustin. This change in Tiller Days represents an opportunity for the event to grow and change with the times. Therefore, staff has recommended the appointment of a Blue Ribbon Committee to rebuild Tiller Days from the ground up. Representatives from the City Council, Parks and Recreation Commission, business community, nonprofit organizations, past Tiller Days Committee members, the public at large and City staff could make up this Committee. To keep the spark of Tiller Days alive, staff proposes scheduling the 1993 event, including the parade, to coincide with the dedication of the Civic Center. A community-based festival could be organized with this event. Tiller Days would continue in 1994 and into the future based on a plan developed by the Blue Ribbon Committee. Should the City Council concur with the recommendation, staff will provide the City Council with a detailed proposal regarding the Blue Ribbon Committee and the 1993 celebration at a future meeting. a4estrick Reion Supervisor Attachments RW:TTDrUTOR.CC Susan M. Jones Recreation Superintendent February 8, 1993 Randy Westrick City of Tustin 15222 Del Amo Avenue Tustin, California 92680 Dear Randy: This is to inform you and the City of Tustin that I will no longer be involved in the Tustin Tiller Days activities. Also, all of the Executive Council and most of the Board of Directors of this Association have decided not to continue with their participation.in the Tiller Days activities. At this time the only member of the Board that I know of that will continue is Cherrill Cady of the parade committee. While there are a few reasons for everyone resigning, I would suggest that the major reason is simple. Tiller Days takes a lot of time and effort to put on. The fact is that a few people end up with the bulk of the work. Actually that may be fine if one has the time and financial resources to do that. The case is those of us who find ourselves in this position can no longer devote the time necessary to get it done. The other issue is frustration. 'The role of the City and of the volunteer organization needs to be clearly defined. Perhaps this will be an opportunity to look at that issue. We had the best year that I know of with regard to finances at Tiller Days. I have enclosed two checks made out to the City. The one for $493.75 is for the city license fees collected for the 1992 event. The other check is for $6000.00 and is being given back to the city for next year's event. The remainder of the funds received this year has been donated to the Boys and Girls club of Tustin. I will do what ever can to assist you i for the entire Tiller Days organization and -respected. You truly are the best! Regards: Jim Carr JC/hf this transistion. I know that I speak when I tell you that you are appreciated Tustin THIer Days Fair & Parade • 15222 Del Amo Ave. • Tustin, California 92680