City to coordinate tree lighting with new Medley development; committee to offer small supporting program

Staff said the Medley development will run a primary tree-lighting event and proposed the city coordinate rather than compete: the council "is okay if we sort of lean in to let them take the tree lighting and do the main party and their property," staff said. Committee members generally supported that approach and suggested the city run a smaller, complementary program—caroling by elementary choirs, hot chocolate and a modest community gathering—while turning on the city's tree at the same time.

Committee members discussed relative sizes and staging; staff estimated both trees would be "about the same size" and proposed synchronizing the lights. The committee emphasized giving Medley the spotlight in its first year while keeping a community, low-cost presence at Newtown Park. Staff will refine a plan that coordinates timing and staffing with the Medley event team.