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Canal Fulton to repair Canal Days power pedestals after FirstEnergy safety review; estimate about $18,000
Summary
City staff reported FirstEnergy found safety issues with four downtown power pedestals used for Canal Days. Staff said repairs to underground wiring/handholds will cost a little over $18,000 and recommended using the downtown improvement loan fund to cover the work; council asked staff to seek contractor quotes and follow up with FirstEnergy.
Canal Fulton — City engineers and streets staff told council members that four downtown power pedestals used during the Canal Days festival need electrical repairs after a FirstEnergy inspection, and they recommended using city funds to cover the work.
Dan, the city engineer, told council that FirstEnergy determined problems existed with the wiring and the handholds underneath the sidewalk boxes that power Canal Days. “It’s gonna be a little over $18,000 to do all 4 of them,” Dan said, adding that FirstEnergy would not reconnect the pedestals until repairs were made.
Council and staff discussed funding options. Tracy (finance) pointed out the city has about $15,000 remaining in a downtown-improvement loan fund originally set up to help property owners with exterior repairs. Staff recommended using that downtown fund to cover the cost so the pedestals can be repaired before the next Canal Days; the plan discussed would leave about $3,000 in the fund.
Staff also said they checked FirstEnergy’s grant program but learned the utility’s grants cannot be used for electrical-work repairs in this setup. Council members asked whether a private, licensed contractor could perform the work and whether a competitive quote could be obtained rather than relying solely on FirstEnergy. Council directed staff to contact the FirstEnergy representative again, seek contractor quotes, and confirm prevailing-wage or procurement thresholds that might apply to the job.
Members noted the safety concern stemmed from two pedestals that posed a higher risk of shock and that the underground handholds will need enlargement to pull new wire into the boxes. Jason Spencer (who coordinates Canal Days tie-ins) was discussed as a possible contractor but staff said a licensed electrical contractor would be required.
No formal ordinance or appropriation vote was taken at the meeting; council members instructed staff to return with quotes and options for how to proceed, and to follow up with the FirstEnergy contact.
