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HomeMy WebLinkAbout8.2 Tree Light Ceremony CITY CLERK File# ~;~ [~--~-~t=~ O[~_~ AGEN DA STATEMENT CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: February 3, 2004 SUBJECT: Relocation of Tree Lighting Ceremony Report by Paul McCreary, Parks & Community Services Manager ATTACHMENTS: None RECOMMENDATION:,.,,4/'/~,~ Receive report and direct Staff to relocate the event to the Civic  . - ~ o- v, Center Courtyard or provide alternate direction. FINANCIAL STATEMENT: None DESCRIPTION: The 20th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony was held on December 4, 2003, outdoors in front of the Dublin Public Library. The event included musical performances by the Wells Middle School Jazz Band, Dublin High School Choir, and Dublin Bluegrass Band. In addition to the lighting of the tree, a holiday sing-along was led by local Girl and Boy Scout troops. The event ended with a visit from Santa and refreshments in the Community Room at the Library. Those in attendance received a free pair of"holiday glasses" for special viewing of the tree lights. In prior years the event had been conducted at the Civic Center. During the early years, it was held inside the lobby of the Civic Center, with the performers using the staircase as a stage. Through the years the event began to outgrow the lobby of the Civic Center. In response, in 1999 the City Council directed Staff to look at alternative outdoor locations for the ceremony. In addition, because the City's holiday tree was located inside the Civic Center and could not be enjoyed by the general public, the Council wanted Staff to look at possible locations for planting a large redwood tree. After review, the Council directed Staff to move the ceremony outdoors to the Civic Center Courtyard and plant a large tree along Dublin Boulevard to light as a second holiday tree. The Council also wanted Staff to have the Architect for the neW Library determine a location at that site for a permanent outdoor holiday tree where the ceremony could be held in the future. As part of the construction of the new library a Spruce tree was planted adjacent to the circular driveway in front of the Library. Following the opening of the new Library, Staff made plans to move the Tree Lighting Ceremony to the new outdoor location. The stage was setup in the center of the circular driveway facing east towards the holiday tree. The audience could view the ceremony from the flat driveway area or up on the grassy mound past the driveway. The height of the mound made it easier for people in the back of the audience to see, much like an amphitheater. COPIES TO: ,~-~-- ITEM NO. ~'~ G:\COUNCIL~Agenda StatementsL2004X2-3 Tree Lighting Ceremony.doc Due to inclement weather it was extremely wet during the ceremony. Despite the weather there were still approximately 250 people in attendance. The wet conditions caused some problems with the electrical equipment. Due to the noise from the freeway it was difficUlt to hear the performances for those who were not close to the stage. Staff has conducted an evaluation of the event. Based on the evaluation and comments received front those in attendance, it was determined that the Library site was not conducive to the event. Therefore Staff recommends moving the ceremony back to the Civic Center Courtyard. The Courtyard offers an intimate and quieter setting which is more conducive to this event. It also provides both outdoor and indoor viewing areas for the ceremony which would be beneficial in inclement weather. Staff also recommends continuing to light the tree in front of the Library as a second holiday tree that can be enjoyed by the public and those passing on the freeway. At the January 12, 2004, Parks and Community Services Commission meeting, the Commissioners unanimously recommended relocating the event to the Civic Center. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends the Council receive report and direct Staff to relocate the event to 'the Civic Center Courtyard or provide alternate direction.