The Garden City Downtown Development Authority voted unanimously to contract with English Gardens for installation, inspection and off-season storage of the downtown Christmas tree.

Matt Miller, a DDA staff member presenting the item, told the board English Gardens inspects and installs the downtown tree and ensures safe operation for the ceremonial lighting. "Part of what they do is, of course, they inspect it, make sure it's installed safely, because it's 30 feet tall, and to make sure that it's all working properly so that when we do have the ceremony, we flip the lights on and it works," Miller said.

Board members discussed cost comparisons to prior years. Trustees noted the first quote for installation was about $8,000; the DDA is funding $7,000 for the installation. The group also discussed storage: staff reported English Gardens stores the tree and lights and that private storage was roughly $2,000, while in-house storage with DPW would require purchasing containers and could risk damage to lights or electronics. After clarification that DPW would handle post-install light replacement if needed, a motion to approve the installation contract passed 7-0; a separate motion to approve takedown and storage with English Gardens also passed 7-0.

The meeting record does not show the full contract text or long-term replacement schedules. Gary Carter (DPW) was identified in the discussion as the person who would handle in-season replacements of burned-out lights after installation. Staff said they would return final contract details to the board through standard administrative processes.