City events staff presented a menu of enhancements for the 2026 Fourth of July celebration (the nation’s 250th) and asked council for initial direction. Options included a time capsule ($2,500–$3,000), a torch run (estimated $11,000–$17,500 with potential participant fees), installation of flagpoles and flags along key arterials (estimates ranged; staff flagged $10–$30K depending on scope) and a drone show to supplement or partially replace fireworks (quotes varied with examples around $39,000 for a 10‑minute program).

Councilmembers split on priorities. Several members praised the idea of buying flagpoles and rotating flags for reuse on other holidays, noting that the one‑time capital outlay would create a recurring civic asset. Others urged caution over a drone show’s expense and the additional staff and police resources required for more complex programming. Councilmembers suggested partnering with existing events (Camp Patriot 5K) or seeking sponsorships and volunteer groups (scouts, veteran organizations) to offset labor and setup costs.

Members of the public weighed in: one community leader urged fiscal restraint and said groups could bring funding if an idea is advanced; another commenter recommended improving safe transit and parking logistics to reduce congestion at the stadium. Staff said the drone option is the most time‑sensitive to lock vendors but that other items (torch run, flags) can be developed over months and do not require immediate procurement.

Next steps: staff will return with cost‑neutral or sponsored options for council to consider during upcoming budget adjustments; no formal appropriations were requested at the workshop.