Clifford will be celebrating next Christmas with new decorations – although as yet, council has not decided where the decorations will come from.
The economic development and planning committee recommended the town purchase 18 new Christmas decorations at a cost of $700 each for the community of Clifford.
Hembly said the decorations in Clifford were due to be replaced. “They are 103 years old now.” He said it was his understanding that there was a better price if the decorations were ordered by a certain date.
Mayor David Anderson asked how many suppliers there are for such decorations.
Public Works Director Norm Fisk was aware of one in Woodstock and another in Port Coquitlam, in British Columbia.
He asked councillor Wayne Martin if there are more.
Martin’s response was that it depends on exactly what type of lighting is being sought.
Martin stressed he supports the upgrades to the lights. “But I think we can do justice to our lights and still shop locally.”
Fisk asked if the lights would be the same quality as the current proposal.
Martin said he had looked at the proposal to compare.
He added that he did not want to throw a monkey wrench into the talks. “I think we have a fair amount of lighting in the new park, which seems to be weathering well … and it was all purchased locally. I guess I’m an advocate for more reasons than one, to shop locally.”
Councillor Hembly said everyone on council agrees with the idea of shopping locally when possible.
Martin said some of the choices, he was certain could be found locally.
“All I’m saying is that it was in the best interest of everyone to take a look.”
Councillor David Turton recommended deferring the issue since the purchase will not happen until 2009.
Martin wondered if there is an urgency in making a decision. Treasurer Gord Duff said it only was to get the 2008 pricing for the items.
Anderson said the recommendation is that council be willing to pay $700 per decoration. He felt it was something council could look at either way – since a supplier was not mentioned in the resolution.
Fisk said if something local is comparable, “We’d buy them.” Anderson offered a friendly amendment to the motion that stated council would buy the 18 decorations at a price “up to $700” per decoration.
