At what was the last meeting of the current iteration of the Berthoud Board of Trustees on Tuesday night – the new board members will be sworn in at the next meeting on April 26 – the board approved a contract with Zambelli fireworks for this summer’s Independence Day celebration, approved an addendum to the contract of Town Administrator Chris Kirk.

Town staff recommended the board approve the contract with Zambelli fireworks, who have provided the town with the fireworks display the last three years. The 2021 fireworks display, which was located on the northern reaches of town near Loveland Reservoir, was well-received in some areas of town but those attempting to view the display from the areas near Bein Park suffered from an obscured view and many departed the park and areas adjacent prior to the conclusion of the display and expressed discontent on social media.

This year’s display will initiate from Waggener Park, a more central location that is further south from last year, with Kirk saying this year’s plans provide, “An easier viewing location, (we) had some challenges last year, that was disappointing, this would be a better viewing location,” and the presentation will be, “A little more intense show, more bang for the buck.”

In addition to the fireworks demonstration that is slated to begin at 9:30 p.m. on July 3 and last for about 20 minutes, the town will host an event at Waggener Park that will include food trucks, a beer garden, DJ-provided music, a Kids Zone with inflatables, laser tag and other amenities during the afternoon and evening hours preceding the fireworks display. The event will be open from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. that evening.

Zambelli provided a detailed description of the show they plan to produce for a price of $36,000 and is one that will adhere to all codes and safety ordinances required. The board, after some discussion about expanding the display at a higher cost, voted unanimously to approve the contract with Zambelli as recommended by town staff at the initial $36,000 price point.

The board then voted unanimously to approve an addendum to Kirk’s contract that provided the town administrator a small salary increase to $200,000 annually with an additional, one-time, $5,000 bonus.

The trustees were extremely complimentary of the work Kirk has done in his role, further stating that the department heads on town staff expressed equally strong support. Mayor Will Karspeck said of Kirk, “Chris really is top-notch and we’re lucky to have him,” and Kirk himself expressed humble gratitude in saying, “I love being here and I love being part of this town.”

The next meeting of the Berthoud Board of Trustees will take place on April 26.