Council notes improved Christmas lighting in King Jack Park

Webb City Council members on Monday said they’re more than impressed by the Christmas light displays in King Jack Park that have multiplied, with many technologically advanced.

They got a first-look during the Mayor’s Christmas Lighting ceremony at sundown Saturday.

Jim Dawson (4th Ward) said he was especially amazed by the new lights and sound system that have vastly improved the syncronized show. Riders on the Polar Bear Express get to see the syncronized display when Streetcar No. 60 makes a scheduled stop on each trip around the park.

Alisa Barroeta (2nd Ward) said riding the Polar Bear Express and seeing the lights have become a family tradition, bringing people from other towns.

Erin Turner, community development director, said the lights are breathtaking – even without the show. Vehicles can be driven through the park to see the lights. She noted that the park roads won’t be blocked off on Polar Bear Express nights this year, as they have been before.

Mayor Lynn Ragsdale said that the decorative lights, as well as the street lights downtown “are also exceptional.” They’ll be shown off Wednesday, Dec. 6, during the annual Joy of Christmas parade, sponsored by Project Graduation.

Dawson also noted an improved camaradarie among all involved with the Christmas events, including city staff, the streetcar crew and farmers market.

As the annual leaf pickup program begins this week, it was appropriate timing for the council to buy a new leaf vacuum system for public works. A bid of $132,292 was accepted from Armor Equipment, of Arnold, Mo., for the purchase a leaf and debris collection trailer system.

However, it won’t be delivered in time to be used this year.

The council also approved:

• Renewal of the annual subscription for fire department reporting software at a cost of $9,044.

• The purchase of a new truck dump bed at a cost of $18,450 from Bus Andrews Truck Equipment, Springfield.

The next council meeting will be Monday, Dec. 11. As is usual, there will be no second December council meeting because of conflicts with holiday events.