The Reesburg Common Council approved funding for an electrical upgrade at Webb Park intended to support the annual Reesburg Community Lights display and other park uses. The council voted to approve the applicant's request for additional power service, accepting the contractor estimate and the applicant's plan to coordinate construction with city staff.

The request came from applicant Jenny Tudo of the Reesburg Community Lights Group, who said the event drew large crowds and needs more permanent power to avoid running dozens of extension cords. "I just want to try to keep the event going," Tudo said. She told the council the upgrade would let the group expand displays and that the event “bring[s] people to town.” She also said the first night of last year’s event had "2, 3000 people there at the park in and out" and that the group planned to expand sponsorship trees from 25 to 75 this year.

Why it matters: The work is intended to support a recurring community event that attracts visitors and sponsors, and the council approved use of city Web fund money (Fund 200) to pay a contractor estimate that appeared in the application packet.

Key facts and discussion: The application requested either $27,414 or a lower figure of $24,914 (the lower amount reflected an approximately $2,500 donation of labor discussed during the hearing). The applicant said the only written contractor estimate in the packet was from Hall (the applicant said Hall was the only quoted contractor) and that a local electrician named Scott would donate some labor, which the application accounted for.

Council members asked about alternatives and procurement. Council member John raised procedural questions and said he missed a staff recommendation and would like clearer guidance on Web fund applications in the future. Several council members said they favored keeping projects local when possible. City staff confirmed the Web fund requires a plaque or other acknowledgement for funding; the council discussed placement and asked the applicant to coordinate plaque placement with city staff.

Follow-up and direction: City staff identified Matt as the point of contact for construction and plaque placement. The council approved the request with a motion by Council member Dietrich and a second by Council member Phil; the motion passed with all members present voting in favor. The approval is subject to the standard project and permitting process and to final coordination with city staff.

Ending: The applicant said event publicity and sponsor materials will acknowledge the Web fund contribution. The council did not require additional bids for this Web-funded project and accepted the applicant’s provided estimate; staff and council members asked the group to work with city staff on final placement of permanent elements and the required plaque.