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Council approves eight new streetlights on Mitchell Hammock corridor; city will own poles
Summary
Council authorized a $107,970 installation of eight new Duke Energy streetlights on Mitchell Hammock Road to fill a lighting gap; city will own the lights but pay maintenance and electricity, and staff said broader corridor improvements are planned.
The Oviedo City Council approved a lighting-services agreement with Duke Energy for eight new streetlights along West Mitchell Hammock Road (from Norma Avenue to South Central Avenue/State Route 434) at the Sept. 15 meeting.
Staff said the lights will fill an existing gap between intersections on the corridor. The cost of installation was presented as $107,970; staff said the lights will become city property (the city will own the poles and fixtures) while continuing to pay electric and maintenance charges. A small budget amendment was provided to transfer $2,415 from reserves for contingency to the construction account.
Technical details noted in the presentation: the proposed fixtures are 30-foot concrete poles with black LED cobra-head luminaires; photometrics were used to justify spacing to adequately illuminate the corridor. Staff said the new poles are sited primarily on the south side of the road and will supplement existing lights to provide coverage for both directions.
Council discussion touched on recurring costs, light pollution and safety. One council member said the capital decision will reduce future rental‑style costs, though maintenance and monthly charges remain. Staff said most streetlights are photo‑cell controlled and remain on through overnight hours.
Staff also said the Mitchell Hammock corridor has further planned safety and lighting improvements as part of a minor widening project and a second lighting phase to be funded separately, possibly with third‑generation sales tax proceeds rather than the streetlight assessment.
Formal action: Council adopted Resolution No. 46-27-25 to authorize the agreement; roll-call votes recorded Ayes with Mayor Sladek recorded as Nay on the final call but the motion carried overall.
Why it matters: The lighting infill is intended to improve corridor safety and visibility along a major east‑west arterial where staff noted dimmer conditions on the south side; ownership of the poles transfers capital responsibility to the city while leaving maintenance and energy costs as an ongoing expense.
