The Ocala City Council will vote on a one-year contract renewal worth $170,000 for holiday lighting services, which includes the ornaments, lights, and tree for next month’s Light Up Ocala event.
The contract renewal request will be presented to the council during its regular meeting on Tuesday, October 1, at 4 p.m. at Ocala City Hall (110 SE Watula Avenue).
According to records, the city issued an invitation to bid on a contract for the leasing of holiday lights and installation services in July 2021. At the time, only one bid was received from Rileigh’s Outdoor, LLC, doing business as Clark Sales Display, Inc..
In October 2021, the city entered into a three-year contract with Clark Sales Display, Inc.
According to state corporate records, Rileigh’s Outdoor, LLC lists a mailing address in Allentown, Pennsylvania. A Google business profile listing for Clark Sales Display, Inc. lists an address in Tavares, Florida.
The original contract, which was worth $451,801.50, is scheduled to expire on October 6, 2024. The one-year renewal would not exceed $170,000 and would be good through October 6, 2025.
According to a city staff report, the labor portion of the contract was implemented “approximately 15 years ago to lessen the strain on the Ocala Electric Utility Department (OEU) labor resources.”
“The holiday decorations and lighting supplied and installed by the contractor augment the lighting installed by OEU. OEU will continue providing draped lighting and installation on the Downtown Square,” reads the staff report.
The contract calls for a large, decorated tree with synchronized lighting that is the focal point of the city’s Light Up Ocala event, which returns on November 23.
Additionally, Clark Sales Display, Inc. is responsible to install pole wraps, bows, lighting, wreaths, stationary holiday décor items, giant ornament bulbs, illuminated standalone features, palm tree spiral lighting, and drip lights throughout the downtown and midtown areas.
In addition to the Historic Downtown Square, lights will also be on display at Citizens’ Circle, Tuscawilla Park and Art Park, Union Station, the North Magnolia Business District, and the recently opened Heritage Trail.
The Ocala City Council regularly meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 4 p.m. at Ocala City Hall (110 SE Watula Avenue).
