Gulf Shores is planning a comprehensive refresh of its seasonal holiday displays after years of age, coastal weather and storage limitations left the city’s current decorations significantly deteriorated.
The City Council reviewed the proposal during a work session Monday, July 20, at 4 p.m. at Gulf Shores City Hall. Public works leadership is recommending the city move away from a scattered, citywide approach to holiday decorating in favor of a focused, professionally managed strategy that concentrates decorative resources at high-visibility locations.
Under the proposed agreement, the city would partner with The Decor Group, Inc. on a three-year contract valued at $604,506, using TIPS cooperative purchasing to help control costs. Year one alone would cost $237,448 and fund roofline lighting installations at eight municipal buildings, 150 pole-mounted fixtures, and illuminated palm tree displays at the Fort Morgan Trail and 59 Corner intersection as well as the 59 and East Beach areas.
The council’s work session agenda also includes Change Order #4 for the city’s Pedestrian Bridge project with Harrison Construction, carrying a net increase of $37,221.46. The change order covers structural steel fabrication designed to meet 160-mph wind loads, along with structural glass walkway components, funded through the project’s contingency reserves.
Human Resources Director Tonya T. Wilson is expected to present organizational changes adding $51,000 in personnel costs, including reclassifying Blake Phelps as Director of Strategic Initiatives and promoting Amy McKenzie to Planning and Budget Manager. The council will also recognize Ellie Flaig as June’s Lifeguard of the Month and consider recruitment contracts, public safety technology purchases and athletic championship hosting agreements.