City staff presented a proposed 2025 holiday lighting package totaling $221,580 and asked for commissioner feedback on colors, installations and additional decorations before returning with a final resolution.

The proposal listed a total price of $221,580 for the 2025 plan, representing an increase of $52,500 from the 2024 season cost of $169,080, staff said. Staff noted the current vendor contract runs through July 31, 2025, with one remaining one‑year renewal option.

Design changes and additions in the staff presentation included: a large centerpiece or “wow piece” for Gateway Park (described as 30+ feet tall by roughly 40 feet wide and 40 feet deep), relocating the walk‑through tunnel from Sampson Park to Heritage Park, a star design at Sampson Park (commissioners asked whether that could be replaced with a traditional Christmas tree), redesigned stage trees with red and gold accents, additional dreidels and menorahs placed inside parks and at planned locations, reintroduction of a lighted wall at Heritage Park, and new wreaths over the city seal on 160th Street.

Commissioners asked staff to explore options to increase the visual impact without a proportional budget increase — for example, substituting or mixing colors (gold and red suggested as alternatives to the dominant blue/white scheme used previously), redistributing pole decor, or using additional ground displays (gifts, wreaths) where power is available. Staff warned that swapping or customizing pole decor could trigger change‑order charges and that adding new pole decor where no electrical feed exists would require additional installation and potentially higher cost.

Commissioners also discussed distribution equity across neighborhoods (Golden Shores, Atlantic Isle, Winston Towers entrances and other corridors) and storage/inventory constraints (staff noted the city retains pole decor in inventory under the vendor contract and that adding decorations could increase storage and unused inventory). Several commissioners asked staff to return with budget options — keep the current package at $221,580, identify lower‑cost alternatives, or present a higher‑cost option if commissioners wished to expand scope. The vendor contract is set to be rebid following the final renewal period after this season, staff said.

No formal vote was taken; staff will compile requested alternatives and cost impacts for a resolution to be considered at a subsequent meeting.