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Council weighs artificial tree purchase for Public Square after transport, safety concerns
Summary
Staff and council discussed replacing an unreliable donated- or cut-tree process with a commercial artificial tree (25–30 ft.) or planting city-owned trees for future years; staff flagged vendor costs (roughly $13,000–$25,000 upfront for a 25–30 ft. commercial tree and multi-year service contracts) and storage/installation trade-offs.
Bridal Rismendi presented options for the Public Square Christmas tree program after several recent difficulties transporting donated trees. She said an artificial tree would be a capital investment expected to last 10–15 years and that the light department has raised safety concerns about transporting very large donated trees to downtown.
Council members and staff discussed pros and cons: one council member described vendor arrangements that often include a multi-year contract (the first year bearing more upfront cost while years 2–3 spread remaining payments), and an experienced manager estimated a commercial 25–30-foot tree could cost in the range of $13,000–$25,000 upfront plus installation and storage logistics. The council asked staff to research vendors and storage options and signaled support for returning with a procurement plan and cost estimates for formal budget consideration.
