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Board approves additional Waterway Wonderland lighting, including manger and menorah; five ayes, two nays
Summary
The board approved adding a manger scene and a menorah to the Woodlands Waterway Wonderland display under a five‑year contract; members debated whether holiday displays were religious in nature before a 5–2 approval.
The Woodlands Township board voted March 26 to add additional lighting to the Waterway Wonderland display, including both a manger scene and a menorah, under contract terms discussed at the meeting.
The motion to add the lights included a cost estimate that staff characterized as $5,715 per year under the contract, which the staff described as a five‑year contract (approximately $28,575 across five years). During discussion some members said the Waterway lighting is a seasonal holiday display and the additions were consistent with that tradition; one director said the display is not intended to be exclusively religious but acknowledged differing views among board members.
A board member moved to add the additional lights and specifically referenced adding a manger scene and a menorah. Another member seconded the motion. The chair called the vote; members answered on a voice vote with five ayes and two nays and the chair announced the motion carries. A tally announced later in the meeting indicated five in favor and two opposed.
Clarifying details: staff presented an incremental annual cost of $5,715 for the addition, packaged in a five‑year contract. During discussion staff also referenced larger expansion costs for the overall installation program; board members noted guidance from legal counsel that public display rules should be followed.
Outcome: board approved the additional lighting elements; staff will finalize contract amendments and scheduling.
