Skip to content
Saltash Town Council, Working for the People of Saltash
Your Town Council

Agenda item

To receive a report on Christmas Lights and the Christmas Lights Switch On Event 2022 and consider any actions and associated expenditure

Minutes:

Additional Festive Lighting

Due to insufficient staffing levels the ASDM had been unable to progress with the procurement of additional festive lighting.

 

It was proposed by Councillor Gillies, seconded by Councillor Stoyel and RESOLVED that the ASDM obtains three quotes for alternative lighting structures, giving consideration to the location, and for a bespoke lighting engineer to manage the Christmas lights reporting back at the Services Committee budget / precept meeting.

 

 

Appointment of Contractor for Christmas Lights 2022

The ASDM informed Members only one contractor provided a suitable quote for consideration.

 

Members agreed the quote received from contractor A seemed appropriate.

 

It was proposed by Councillor Miller, seconded by Councillor Stoyel and RESOLVED to:

 

1.  Appoint contractor A at a fixed cost of £3,950.00 for storage, installation and removal of all Town Council Christmas lighting decorations allocated to  budget code 6572 SE EMF Festive Lights.

 

The above cost is inclusive of three confirmed site visits and maintenance checks (inclusive of lift hire). One site visit prior to the light switch on event and two site visits during the festive period of November – January.

 

2.  Approve the cost of £2.40 per lamp subject to requirements and within budget availability - 6572 SE EMF Festive Lights.

 

3.  Approve the additional maintenance costs of £80.00 per hour for labour subject to requirements and within budget availability - 6572 SE EMF Festive Lights.

 

Replacement of Core White Bulbs to Warm White Bulbs

The ASDM informed Members of the difficulties of maintaining the river of lights situated in Fore Street and at the Waterside.

 

Poor weather and the length of duration the lights are situated outdoors will always have an impact on the ‘shelf life’ of each individual bulb.  There are 1600 bulbs situated in Fore Street alone, the ASDM informed Members that it is impossible to eliminate the issue of bulbs requiring maintenance and replacement during any festive period.

 

 

 

 

 

It was proposed by Councillor Peggs, seconded by Councillor P Samuels and RESOLVED to:

 

1.  Procure warm white festoon bulbs for the entire section of Fore Street at an approximate cost of £3,800.00 plus take down and install cost of approximately £2,750 allocated to budget code 6572 EMF Festive Lights.

 

2.   Reuse the existing core white bulbs at the Waterside.

 

 

Christmas Tree Installation and Light Switch On Event

 

It was proposed by Councillor Peggs, seconded by Councillor Dent and RESOLVED that:

 

1.  The Christmas Light switch on event be held on Friday 18th November 2022.

 

2.  The switch on celebrations include the Mayor arriving at Victoria Gardens on Saltash Rotary’s Santa sleigh to switch on both Christmas trees and all festive lights accompanied with local school choir groups.

 

3.  Due to the current economic climate no sponsorship is required for the purchase of the Christmas trees.

 

It was proposed by Councillor Miller, seconded by Councillor Gillies and RESOLVED that due to the local schools having many commitments over the festive season schools will not be requested to assist in decorating the Town Council trees.

 

Councillor Yates asked if Members would consider the purchase and planting of a ‘live’ Christmas tree.  Members discussed the practicalities of planting a live tree.  However, due to additional permissions requiring to be sought with Cornwall Council (the land owners of Victoria Gardens and Brunel Green) no further investigations will be made at this time.

 

Procurement of Christmas Trees

The ASDM informed Members of the cost for the purchase and delivery of two 20ft Christmas trees to be situated at Victoria Gardens and the Waterside.

 

Company A – Did not wish to quote

 

Company B - £220.00 + VAT per tree with an additional £30.00 per tree for delivery

 

Company C - £320.00 inc. VAT per tree with collection only

 

The ASDM reported that the best value for money is contractor B at a total cost of £500.00 for the purchase of two 20ft Christmas trees and delivery.

 

It was proposed by Councillor B Samuels, seconded by Councillor Foster and RESOLVED to appoint company B to supply and install two 20ft Christmas trees to be situated at Victoria Gardens and the Waterside (Brunel Green) allocated to budget code 6572 SE EMF Festive Lights.

 

 

Councillor Miller left the meeting.

 

Councillor Miller returned to the meeting.

 

Councillor Miller gave his apologies and left the meeting.

 

 

It was proposed by Councillor Bickford, seconded by Councillor Peggs and RESOLVED to:

 

1.  Note the maintenance schedules contained within the report with Councillor Yates to further investigate the Guildhall wash lighting control system.

 

2.  Note that the electricity supply point at Victoria Gardens is safe to use.

 

3.  Give delegated authority to the ASDM to purchase and install smaller Ukrainian and Cornish flags for the Christmas period as required.

 

Members thanked the ASDM for his excellent report, continuous hard work and dedication during this period of insufficient staffing levels within the SD Department.

 

 

Supporting documents: