Council authorizes staff to contract with event prime contractor for Fiesta Bonita to speed vendor procurement

Bonita Springs City Council authorized staff to enter into an agreement with the selected prime contractor for Fiesta Bonita and directed that contractor to manage vendor procurement and payments, with the city receiving receipts and documentation.

Council member Jesse explained the approach is intended to speed event planning and reduce administrative burden by letting the event prime contractor contract with and pay individual vendors rather than the city setting up multiple small contracts. City staff and legal counsel confirmed the arrangement will require documentation and receipts from the contractor so the city can account for public funds.

Why it matters: the procurement approach is designed to accelerate event preparation and payment to vendors while preserving accountability. Council directed staff to enter a single contract with the RFP winner and to require receipts and documentation for subcontracted vendor payments.

A motion to authorize staff to execute an agreement with the RFP winner and permit the contractor to pay vendors, subject to documentation, was made and seconded. The roll call vote was unanimous in favor. Staff said the arrangement will follow procurement and special‑events procedures and legal review.

Council members noted the approach was intended to reduce paperwork and speed vendor coordination while maintaining oversight and documentation requirements. Staff will execute the contract under existing procurement rules and return with required documentation as appropriate.