At the July 26, 2017 City Commission meeting, Commissioner Kristen Rosen Gonzalez sponsored an item regarding having the City contract with a Christmas tree vendor to operate out of the West Lots. This matter was referred by acclamation to the Neighborhood/Community Affairs Committee (“NCAC”).
At the July 28, 2017 Neighborhood/Community Affairs Committee (“NCAC”) meeting, Commissioner Rosen Gonzalez suggested the City should contract with a Christmas tree vendor to operate out of the West Lots in order to provide a local and convenient location for residents to purchase Christmas trees. The NCAC discussed this matter and was in favor of identifying a not-for-profit entity to perform this service so they may supplement their revenue. However, in an effort to identify the most qualified operator, the NCAC recommended staff consider not-for-profit and for-profit entities, and utilize the most expeditious procurement method in order to identify a vendor for the 2017 holiday season, and present the results at the next Commission meeting.
The Administration determined the most expeditious procurement process would be to issue a Request for Letters of Interest (“RFLI”). On August 22, 2017, the Procurement Department issued a RFLI, to 160 for-profit and not-for-profit entities, with responses due September 5, 2017. No responses were received by the City. This is likely due to being so close to the holiday season and the fact that Christmas tree vendors typically already have contracts in place with their suppliers by this time.