Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Streetscape topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Selectmen approve $112,006 streetscape holiday-decorations contract, question budget gap
Summary
After a lengthy presentation and Q&A, the Board of Selectmen approved contracts for holiday wreaths and garlands and an electrical upfit with an estimated total of $112,006.53; the board noted budgeted line items total $93,750 and asked staff to confirm funding sources.
The Southbury Board of Selectmen voted July 6 to approve streetscape holiday decorations for Main Street, authorizing recommended vendors and an electrical upfit after hearing detailed specifications, vendor evaluations and cost estimates.
Don Antilla, vice chairman of the Streetscape subcommittee, presented the committee’s preferred configuration—alternating wreaths and garlands from Poverty Road to Brown Road/post office—and technical choices intended to limit electrical load (36-inch lateral mounts, 3,000 K lights, a 27-watt-per-pole cap). Antilla said the subcommittee solicited samples and recommended Wright Electric for the electrical upfit and Downtown Decorations (with American Christmas also evaluated) for the wreaths and garlands.
Antilla presented a line-item estimate that added up to $112,006.53. Board members pressed for clarity on funding: the First Selectman reported a budgeted amount of $83,750 for features plus $10,000 for light-pole work (totaling $93,750), and the board asked town finance staff to confirm how the $112,006.53 estimate would be covered. Antilla said storage would be at the library basement, that spare lights and flammability certifications were included in bids, and that selected materials were expected to last about 15 years.
The board discussed economic activation benefits and long-term municipal value; on a voice vote the motion to approve streetscape holiday decorations carried. The item was approved under the meeting’s "Bids and procurements" section.
Why it matters: The contract funds physical changes to Main Street that are intended to boost downtown curb appeal and economic activity; the size of the award relative to budgeted funds prompted board attention to funding sources.
What’s next: Finance staff will reconcile the approved contract amount with the budgeted line items and advise the board if additional transfers or reserves are required.
