Council approves $33,500 contract for Whitaker Park holiday light display

The council accepted a $33,500 bid from Evergreen Weed Control and Fertilizer LLC to install a holiday light display at Whitaker Park, approving the measure in a roll-call vote after a vendor presentation and Q&A.

Contractor Clint Elliott introduced the plan, saying, "My name is Clint Elliott, and I'm the owner, and this is Tyler Dezort. He's my partner in the Christmas lights." He described perimeter lighting for the park — lamp posts, pavilions, bridge decoration, and lit trees — and said the company would lease and maintain the lights year-round. "Each year, we kind of reach out by email to say, when's your preferred time to get these lights up?" Elliott said, adding that second‑year work would be discounted because of the initial design fee.

Council members pressed for practical details including an installation timeline, storage and vandalism response. Parks staff noted storage constraints and discussed integrating existing functioning decorations into the new display. On vandalism Elliott said the contractor includes night maintenance as part of the service and suggested cameras if the problem became persistent.

After discussion the council moved and seconded acceptance of the bid. The roll-call vote showed unanimous approval by members present. Staff said they would finalize contract language and timing with the mayor and return with a contract before payment.

Why it matters: the installation is intended to replace aging lights that failed to work last season, increase park walkability during the colder months and create an annual event that can be built out over time.