1 TO: City Council
FROM: Andrew Vialpando, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Emma Kelley, Parks and Recreation Director MEETING DATE: August 19, 2025
SUBJECT: Purchase and Rental of Holiday Tree Lighting Decorations, Installation, and Storage
RECOMMENDATION
Approve the procurement of approximately 2,000 multicolor C9 LED lights,10-inch LED spheres, 5MM LED mini lights for the base of the tree, the rental of two (2) 8FT wreaths, and related services including professional installation and storage, in an amount not to exceed $35,160.42.
BACKGROUND
The City’s annual holiday tree lighting event is a cherished tradition that brings the community together to celebrate the season. In past years, City staff managed the decoration and lighting installation internally. While this approach was cost-effective, it required significant staff time and resources.
In 2024, City staff enhanced the quality of the event by contracting with a professional lighting vendor. The professionally decorated tree resulted in overwhelming positive feedback from the community and elevated the overall experience of the event.
Building on that success, staff recommends continuing with professional services for the 2025 holiday season, which includes the purchase of new holiday lighting components and securing installation and storage services.
DISCUSSION
The proposed purchase includes the following items and services:
• A one-time cost of $9,295.00 to purchase and own the C9 multicolor LED lights and 10-inch sphere.
CITY OF LOMITA
CITY COUNCIL REPORT
Item No. 7e
2 • A one-time cost of $236.25 to purchase 5MM LED mini lights for the base of the tree.
• An annual cost of $18,140.00 for professional installation and off-season storage, which will recur each year as part of ongoing services. • The rental cost of $6,100.00 for the year to secure and two (2) 8FT Wreaths to be affixed to the front of City Hall building.
Professional installation ensures consistent quality, safety compliance, and reduces the operational burden on staff. Ownership of the C9 multicolor LED lights, 5MM LED mini lights, and LED sphere represents a long-term investment, potentially lowering future costs related to rentals or repeated purchases.
As part of the procurement process, staff inquired about the lifespan of the proposed LED lighting components. The vendor indicated that the C9 multicolor LED lights, 5MM LED mini lights, and 10-inch sphere are expected to last approximately 5 to 7 years under typical seasonal use before needing replacement.
To ensure the longevity of the purchased lighting components, staff conducted a site visit with the vendor to review storage procedures. The vendor demonstrated that the string lights will be professionally wrapped around a pole and sealed with surround wrap to protect the lights from dust and tangling during storage. The same care and preservation methods will be used for the LED sphere, ensuring all purchased components remain in good condition for future use.
The total cost for Fiscal Year 2025/26 shall not exceed $35,160.42, which includes the initial purchase, rental items, and first year of installation and storage services.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funding for this purchase has been appropriated in the FY 25-26 Adopted Budget. The $9,531.25 one-time purchase of the C9 LED lights, 5MM LED mini lights, and sphere will become a City asset and is expected to remain in use for 5 to 7 holiday seasons, enhancing cost-effectiveness over time. The recurring annual expense of $18,140.00 for installation and storage has been planned within the ongoing program budget.
OPTIONS
Approve recommended action.
ATTACHMENTS
1. St. Nick’s invoice
2. Photo of 2024 Tree Lighting
3 Approved by:
______________________
Andrew Vialpando
City Manager
Prepared by:
__________________________
Emma Kelley, Parks and Recreation Director