The Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly Finance Committee voted 8‑0 to award IFB 26003 to Fulford Electric Inc. for $224,002 to replace lighting at three outdoor rinks adjacent to the Big Dipper Ice Arena.

Corey Beal of General Services told the committee the project will replace fixtures, poles, conductors, controls and panel boards, and that the procurement complied with Title 16 bid procedures. Jonathan Shambare of Public Works said the project will install LED fixtures, correct leaning poles as needed and replace obsolete controls.

A member of the public and chief of the University Fire Department, Forest Keiper, had earlier urged support for public‑safety equipment on the agenda; committee members then focused on details for the lighting award. Committee members asked who uses the rinks and how often the lights are used; staff said specific usage counts were not available at the meeting but that the rinks are used in summer and winter and that lighting is primarily needed during winter hockey season. Tom Hewitt, speaking from experience at the skate counter, said in winter the lights are generally on while the facility is open and one‑hour push‑button lighting is available after hours.

Members asked whether the LED upgrade would yield energy savings; staff confirmed LEDs reduce energy use but did not provide a quantified savings estimate at the meeting and said they would provide usage and savings data later.

The motion to award the contract was made and seconded on the record and approved by roll call.