The Port Richey Events Committee on an unspecified November meeting date approved logistics for the Dec. 5 “Light Up City Hall” event, choosing lower‑cost options and setting follow‑up tasks on insurance and lighting quotes.

Troy Peterson, a Port Richey resident who spoke during public comment, offered a 40‑by‑60 tent owned by his church and volunteered a team to set it up and remove it. “I’ve just been elected director for Turning Point USA Faith Pasco,” Peterson said while describing the church’s outreach and events experience and offering to support the city’s event.

Committee members reviewed a Coastal Rental quote for a 30x60 tent, chairs and theater/sound setup that totaled $2,075.50 and agreed not to proceed with that vendor after hearing that Peterson’s tent might be used instead. City staff advised that any donated tent must be permitted and be inspected and signed off by the building official before it is erected on city property; the committee approved using the donated tent contingent on permitting and inspection.

On restroom logistics, members settled on a reduced porta‑potty package to cut costs: three standard units and one handicap unit, with a single double (Bravo) sink unit rather than multiple sink units. Committee discussion estimated the change would lower the porta‑potty line by roughly $800; staff will confirm final pricing and delivery dates covering the event weekend.

The committee also approved hiring a five‑piece band, Bad Habit (lead Rocky Boven), for a 4–7 p.m. concert slot at a fee of $700. The band booking and vendor fees were described as fitting within the existing event budget.

A substantial part of the meeting focused on decorative lighting. Members criticized a $7,000 quote for building and tree lighting as expensive and requested staff to obtain additional quotes and a site plan before approving permanent or rented installations. Staff warned against using city crews or volunteers for high‑risk aerial work and stressed that a contractor’s turnkey installation would include a floor/site plan and maintenance for bulbs and wiring.

Vendor participation also emerged as a sticking point. Staff referenced the vendor application language requiring a certificate of insurance (COI) naming the City of Port Richey as additional insured with minimum limits of $1,000,000 for bodily injury and $50,000 for property damage. Several small craft vendors have declined to participate because of that requirement; committee members asked staff to verify the policy source and whether any waiver is permissible for city‑organized events.

What’s next: staff will confirm final porta‑potty costs/delivery, verify vendor insurance rules with legal/insurance, solicit additional lighting quotes, and confirm tent permitting/inspection with the building official. The committee set a follow‑up meeting (noted for the 18th during the session) and adjourned by voice vote.