But Wills isn’t holding any grudges, according to a letter he sent to the city that stated, “I look forward to working with you this holiday season and am open to any and all community festivities that might also occur down by the Depot.”Keisler wrote that “Mr. Wills left the site in excellent condition after use in 1998. The site proved to be an excellent venture for Mr. Wills and the city,” during the holiday season.
Christmas in July: Council approves Depot lot rental for holiday tree sales
August 23, 1999
Santa Paula City Council
On the first day of Christmas Santa Paula will have granted a lease to a city lot to an operator of a tree farm, and in return the city will get rent, additional liability insurance and seven trees to decorate city buildings, among other goodies.
The contract between the city and David Wills was approved by the City Council as part of the Consent Calendar at the July 19 meeting.Per the rental agreement, Wills’ Christmas tree lot will return to the corner of 10th Street and Railroad Avenue just north of the Depot - an approximately 1/4 acre plot known as the Farmers Market area - for the third year in a row. Wills will set up shop on Dec. 1 and rent the lot through the month.According to a report by Community Services Director John Keisler, Wills will pay the city $750 for the month-long use of the lot. In addition, Wills - owner of Dave’s Fresh & Fragrant Oregon Christmas Trees of Philomath, Oregon - will provide liability insurance and name the city as the additional insured in the amount of $1,000,000, obtain a temporary business license and electrical permit, provide seven Christmas trees for city buildings (valued at about $220) and pay for any additional licenses or permits required.Keisler’s report noted that Wills “Did have a conflict with the Building & Safety Department” last year regarding permitting, electrical service and night lighting.
