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Council reviews Parker Square lighting plan after in-ground fixtures removed
Summary
Following damage to in-ground lights at Parker Square, city staff told council the in-pavement fixtures were removed and replacing them would cost about $38,000; staff recommended simpler above-ground options and discussed adding a street light.
City staff told the Waterville City Council on June 23 that the in-ground lighting in Parker Square was removed after damage and that reinstallation would be costly and difficult to maintain.
Public works director Rob told council the pavement-mounted lights had been damaged by vandalism and other wear, and replacing them would require cutting and repairing concrete at an estimated cost of $38,000. "Those lights are still on order. Those should be coming in about the first week in July. So those would those will be reinstalled," Rob said of the front-facing lights; he said the low in-plaza fixtures were the ones removed because of damage and tripping concerns.
Rob recommended against re-installing more in-pavement fixtures and suggested above-ground alternatives that are easier to maintain. He also proposed adding a street light near the plaza to improve visibility; he said lead time for the style of city street lights is about 20 weeks, which would likely put installation in November. "One issue the committee looked at was the low lighting is a tripping hazard," Rob said, describing the committee's preference to minimize lights that shine into neighboring properties.
Council members expressed interest in balancing maintenance cost, public safety and neighborhood impact. Rob noted the earlier lighting plan had been reviewed by the park-and-rec board and a committee that included neighbors; the plan intentionally limited plaza illumination to avoid over-lighting nearby properties. He also said the concrete fixtures had poor durability under traffic and winter maintenance.
Council discussed additional park maintenance and landscaping responsibilities at the meeting, including whether summer staff and contracted services were sufficient to keep planted areas and benches clear of invasive growth. Rob said the parks receive regular maintenance and that summer help is deployed for mowing and watering.
Council asked staff to bring cost estimates and alternatives for additional plaza lighting and for consideration of a simpler, more maintainable solution rather than replacing in-pavement fixtures.
A city official noted new lighting for the plaza will retain color-change capability for holidays and events once the front-facing fixtures are replaced.
