Council hears praise and logistical lessons from July 4 drone show; battery life capped at about 13 minutes

City staff and council reviewed the July 4 celebration and said the drone show was generally well received as a safer alternative to fireworks during drought conditions.

"We have a 150 drone show. You can increase it to 200, and it just gets more detail in the graphics," staff said, adding that batteries currently limit flight time: "the batteries die at 13 minutes." Staff said an upgraded show with pyro effects would cost about $5,000 more. Council members asked staff to survey food-truck vendors about their experience, review parking/staging logistics for safety, and explore larger audio systems because attendees at the far ends of the park reported weak sound.

Staff committed to follow up with vendors and to test audio improvements for future events. Council members said the drone show offered variety and public-safety benefits but requested a short after-action report on attendance, vendor outcomes and costs.