Council tables $10,000 mural funding pending legal review; approves Magnolia Park lease and $1,000 for Snowman Wonderland advertising

The Seminole City Council on the same agenda considered three community-facing items: a proposed $10,000 mural initiative from the Seminole Arts Council, the annual Magnolia Park lease to the Seminole Lions Club for a holiday light display, and a $1,000 advertising allocation for Snowman Wonderland activity nights.

Arts Council representative Jackie described a two-phase plan to paint window spaces in a downtown alleyway between Oak Street and Evans, said she had verbal permission from some property owners and asked for $10,000 from the city’s beautification funds. Councilmembers broadly supported beautification but raised legal and policy concerns about using public funds to improve private property and the risk of perceived favoritism. The city attorney and staff suggested securing an easement or similar written agreement so the art would be effectively city-controlled; after discussion the council voted to table the mural item until December to obtain clearer agreements and legal cover.

Separately the council approved the Magnolia Park lease renewal for the Seminole Lions Club to host the Seminole Wonderland light display (effective Nov. 15, 2025–Jan. 10, 2026). The council also approved a $1,000 allocation from the beautification budget for advertising specific Snowman Wonderland activity nights; event organizers said tourism funding that previously supported advertising is not currently available and that the $1,000 is a discounted buy expected to help draw visitors.

Council asked staff to bring back legal language and any property agreements needed to ensure public-money safeguards if public funds are used on private property artworks. The mural request will be revisited at the next meeting after additional documentation is provided.