Residents raise safety concerns as council discusses dark stretch on North Mulberry; trimming and LED options examined

Residents and council members discussed a stretch of North Mulberry Street that several people described as “really dark” near a resident’s home, and the council asked staff to investigate options including tree trimming and replacing an older fixture. Speakers said there are five streetlights between Fourth and Sixth streets but that tree limbs and an older fixture near an intersection reduce illumination where one resident lives. Council members and staff discussed whether trimming trees would be the more effective fix than adding a new pole and whether the utility (referred to as KU) would trim trees or replace fixtures. Public works staff and other city staff agreed to check with KU about replacing older fixtures with newer LED lights; the council also discussed asking a city staff member (Melissa) to contact the utility. Staff noted that newer LED lights provide much brighter illumination but that tree trimming on private property may be the property owner’s responsibility. No motion was made to install a new light; the council held the item and took no action at the meeting.