Council awards contract for 32 decorative pedestrian lights for Third Street beautification

The Laramie City Council on July 1 approved awarding a contract to purchase 32 Hall of Fame decorative pedestrian lights for the Third Street beautification project using the Omnia Partners cooperative purchasing contract.

Assistant city staff explained the purchase is allowed under Wyoming statute that permits cooperative purchasing and that Omnia Partners provided a nationwide bid. The lights are LED, night-sky compliant, and come with integrated features such as banner channels, bases rated for local wind loads and a 110-volt receptacle for holiday lighting.

Staff said the chosen poles match four existing fixtures already installed on Grand Avenue and will simplify future maintenance and attachment of banners and signs. Delivery was estimated at 10–12 weeks, meaning the poles should arrive prior to Christmas, and the streets division will remove old poles and install the new fixtures; a local electrical contractor will complete final electrical connections.

Councilors asked about procurement options and timeline. Assistant city manager Todd Feizer explained municipal purchasing processes and reasons the cooperative contract was used rather than an internet supplier: "When you go to those Internet companies, you're kinda selecting parts and pieces...this quote does include shipping and handling," he said.

Councilors voiced support for the aesthetic and night-sky compliance aspects. The motion to approve the contract carried unanimously on a 9-0 roll call.

The meeting record contains a transcribed dollar amount in the motion that was unclear; the staff presentation supplied delivery timing and installation responsibilities. The city will proceed with ordering under the Omnia Partners contract and coordinate installation with in-house crews and a local electrical contractor.