The uplighting project emerged as a focal point of the meeting, with council members deliberating on the selection of trees around the lake to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the area. The discussion centered on the use of warm white lights, with flexibility to change colors seasonally, such as red for Valentine’s Day and festive colors for Christmas. The council agreed to test the lighting on a tree identified as the “Grinch tree,” located near the amphitheater. This decision followed a light-hearted debate over the exact identification of trees from provided photographs.

The practical aspects of the lighting installation were thoroughly examined. Council members discussed mounting the lights above ground to prevent interference from growing trees and facilitate easy maintenance. A nighttime workshop was proposed to assess the visual impact of the lights from different viewpoints, scheduled to take place after the upcoming Lake Fest. This workshop aims to ensure the lighting setup aligns with the council’s vision for beautifying the area while maintaining practical functionality.

The council also addressed preparations for Lake Fest, a community event. Cleanup activities were a priority, with a designated day for city employees to focus on tidying Chipley Park. Efforts to engage volunteers, including master gardeners, were discussed to ensure the park is ready for the festival. The council sought to enhance communication with potential volunteers to resolve prior miscommunication about dates.

In conjunction with park cleanup, the council received updates on ancillary projects like the installation of bluebird houses within Chipley Park. It was reported that many bluebirds had already laid eggs, highlighting the positive environmental impact of these efforts.

Attention then turned to the Chipley Park master plan, with a council member acknowledging limited awareness of recent developments due to travel. An update was provided that Andrew, presumably a project manager, was reviewing the existing document and would suggest edits before board approval. Once finalized, the plan would advance to the city council for further consideration.

The council briefly touched on other agenda items, such as the status of a mural associated with a dismantled tower. Frustration was expressed over stalled progress due to corporate decisions, and the council voiced a consensus of disappointment. A proposal was made to paint a chain-link fence owned by Century Link black for aesthetic reasons, given its location in the historic district.

The prioritization of projects was another topic of interest, with members discussing the feasibility of pursuing a fountain project through grant funding. Current water quality assessments did not meet the criteria for such a project, leading to humorous suggestions about artificially creating conditions to qualify for grants. Monthly water testing was confirmed, conducted from various lake locations, including the boat ramp, with annual fish stocking activities mentioned.