Sunset Valley council declines immediate task order for Savannah Trail electrification

Councilors on Tuesday declined staff’s request to issue an immediate task order to prepare construction documents and permitting for permanent electrical service on the Savannah Trail.

The item originated from staff’s presentation of a concept plan to run in‑ground electrical service and a few event‑only lights along the trail to ease setup for events such as the Jingle Bell Trail. Staff said initial professional‑services work for design and permitting would cost about $26,000 to $33,500 and asked for up to $40,000 from CIP fund balance for associated task orders and fees.

Residents and several council members questioned whether the expense is justified for what has been an occasional event space. One speaker said the one‑night generator and cord rental had cost the city only a few thousand dollars; staff estimated the single‑night rental was likely under $5,000. Several residents asked whether merchants had been consulted and where food trucks would park and noted permanent power could reduce merchants’ parking and restroom availability.

Council Member Johnson moved, "I move we do not ... create a task order for electrical improvements for the Savannah Trail and an ordinance amending the fiscal year 25 26 budget." The motion was seconded and council voted in favor of denying immediate release of the task order. The mayor said the project will remain available for discussion in the CIP and could be reconsidered later with additional analysis.

The council’s vote does not prevent future work on Savannah Trail electrification; staff and councilors repeatedly framed the denial as a pause to examine demand, alternative approaches (temporary power, targeted safety lighting, or staging improvements), and CIP timing rather than a permanent rejection.