Editor’s Note: The following is the response we received from LA Partyworks’ CEO, David Nemetz.
This is what we sent the city last week. Although not mentioned we did stop kettle corn sales and drink sales by LA PartyWorks. We also worked out a spot for Jake’s BBQ and kettle corn that met Tony’s approval.
-Implement an improved traffic safety program to ensure that vehicular–pedestrian conflicts do not occur at the Event.
-All vendor vehicles must have ID and no cars are allowed to enter at 4:45 and must be off the street by 5:00. No vehicles are allowed for load out until 10:00. Barricades are placed on all streets and monitored until 5:15 by an attendant and after via security and LA PartyWorks staff.
-Improve event set-up and take-down procedures, paying particular attention to traffic safety issues.
-We have implemented a plan where all vehicles enter from the East past a placed barricade with an attendant with a vehicle ID. All vendors are required (and have been notified) that they must enter, unload and have their vehicle leave the area prior to set-up. We have added that no cars can enter after 4:45. At the end of the event we are staggering the close. We are closing the kid zone and farmers market at 9:30. Prior to July there was no supervision for traffic safety at the close of the event.
-Provide adequate and trained staff to coordinate the set-up, management, and take-down of the Event.
-For set-up we have 3 people per city block assisting set-up and traffic control. During event we have customer service both and multiple personnel available for electrical and other issues.
-Provide the City with information regarding the licensed and bonded security guard company providing security services for the Event.
-We have hired Absolute Security International Inc.
861 South Oak Park Rd.
Covina, CA 91724
(626) 858-7188 Office
-Implement a program to improve trash collection services for the proper removal and disposal of trash generated by the Event.
-We are checking with Public Works to clarify what trash we need to pick-up. Per our conversations we are under the impression that we pick-up all of the trash from all the trash cans that we have provided and the city collects the trash from city bins. We have placed 12 trash bins throughout the fair and empty them as they fill. We do have an account with Athens and place all of the trash generated in a designated bin. We also go down the street sweeping and cleaning all debris. We have contacted Niles after every event to see if trash collection was up to specifications. We have talked with Niles and will collect overflow from city cans.
-Provide the equipment necessary to provide all Event vendors with reliable electrical power.
-We have improved our electrical distribution through the first 3 weeks. We are having some issues with vendors who require added electricity. Per our handbook: Total power usage including lighting cannot exceed 200 watts and this maximum will be strictly enforced. No electric heaters or halogen lights may be used. For any electrical requirements other than basic lighting, please contact market manager in advance to determine if the requirements may be met. At this time a number of vendors have surpassed their electricity needs without contacting us. We are working to insure that their needs are met.
-Correct any Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) deficiencies currently associated with the production of the Event.
-Issue is with some street corners and the cable guards. We will check all sidewalks and use more carpeting and make sure accessible routes are available.
-Cease operations of the LA PartyWorks kettle corn both, which is being operated in violation of the Agreement.
-Asking for clarification on violation and definitions for future. We assume the direct competition phrase is being used. Can we codify the rules for direct competition for old town merchants. We assumed the previous policy that merchants must have a store and sell the products in the store for direct competition protection. Please clarify.
-Cease the prohibition on Event vendors from selling drinks, including soda and water.
-Asking for clarification on event vendors. If drinks are sold in direct competition with old town merchants should this be open to all vendors? Or should be protected to old town merchants?
-Cease operations of the LA PartyWorks drink booths, which is being operated in violation of the Agreement.
-Please clarify what the violation is based on – and if so how to adapt for all vendors (See above).
-Allow Jake’s Roadhouse to set-up and operate the Jake’s BBQ and Jake’s Kettle Corn booths in a similar location to where they operated prior to LA PartyWorks taking over production of the Event.
-We have contacted Tony and have questions about booth size and available locations. We have a stage on Myrtle and have been using the intersection for entertainment.
-Present a plan for the City’s consideration to improve seating areas, both in terms of quantity and quality, at the Event.
-Previous event had 2 seating areas, one by behind Jake’s food booth and one by Rudy’s. The area by Jakes had 3 tables and around 40 chairs. The area by Rudy’s had up to 6 tables with 6 chairs. Total was 8 tables and 76 chairs. We have put in 8 tables with 10 seats for a seating of 80. We have added 40 seats to the area by Walnut and Myrtle. We plan to add seating near Rudy’s once we add food to that area. We have put in large 8 foot tables with vinyl tablecloths and folding chairs. We ask for clarification on quality as these are industry standards for seating.
-Present a plan for the City’s consideration to improve the lighting at the Event after sunset.
-We are setting more lights up in the kid zone. Are there other areas that need lighting? Please be specific so that we can address the areas.
David Nemetz
LA PartyWorks, Inc.
Business Development
626.305.6655
www.partyworksusa.com
