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Chair raises electrical‑safety concerns at Christmas in the Park; Parks says vendor inspected site
Summary
Chair Manuel Bark raised concerns that only one certified electrician was relied on for Christmas in the Park wiring and that some pedestals were unsafe; Parks Director Michelle Newman said Parks uses experienced specialists and invited STACO to inspect all in‑use pedestals.
Manuel Bark, chair of the Jackson County Public Works Committee, pressed Parks staff about electrical safety at Christmas in the Park, saying he had received reports of shocks and images of pedestals that he believed were "not up to code." Bark said he was troubled that "we have thousands of lights being set up and one certified electrician" and questioned whether uncertified technicians and a bypass of union processes had been used for wiring.
Michelle Newman, director of Jackson County Parks plus Rec, told the committee Parks employs long‑time park specialists who have installed and maintained the event for decades and said the department invited STACO, the county’s term‑and‑supply electrical vendor, to inspect the entire event site. "We did invite STACO to come in and inspect the entire event site," Newman said, adding that STACO is familiar with the event’s pedestals, power pedestals and load capacities and could immediately perform any needed work.
A Parks representative said the photographs provided to the committee showed a pedestal that was no longer in use at the campground and that all pedestals currently in use had been inspected by STACO and were not "hot." Tina Spalo, deputy director of park operations, described how the department had relied on experienced staff and contractors for installation and said the department had patched and maintained infrastructure over time.
Bark also asked whether the use of nonunion technicians violated an existing memorandum of understanding (MOU). An administration representative said they were not aware of any MOU nonconformance and that the MOU "was left unchanged." Committee members asked Parks to make documentation available if safety issues or noncompliance grievances are filed.
Next steps: Parks staff said they will continue to work with STACO on inspections and follow up if grievances are filed; the committee did not take formal action during the meeting.
