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Council discusses street-lighting retrofit, smart lights and potential FirstEnergy rate-resolution
Summary
Councilors discussed a planned street-lighting project with a private vendor and whether a separate resolution opposing proposed FirstEnergy rate increases would affect negotiations; officials warned FirstEnergy sign-off is required for some retrofits.
Council members on April 21 discussed ongoing street-lighting work and a proposed retrofit with an outside vendor, and debated whether a council resolution opposing FirstEnergy rate increases might complicate negotiations with the utility.
City staff and councilors referenced a Leopardo/Leopardo Energy project (spelled variously in discussion) that is working with FirstEnergy to change street lighting. Staff cautioned that Cleveland Heights would need utility sign-off for retrofits and that FirstEnergy’s tariffs may not currently permit some experimental fixtures. A councilmember asked whether the city should pursue motion-activated “smart lights” that light several blocks when pedestrians walk by; staff asked the council to forward specifications and any vendor materials for review.
A councilmember said drafts comparing approaches used by other cities are available and proposed a nonbinding resolution opposing proposed FirstEnergy rate increases. Law department staff said it could review draft language but could not predict whether a resolution would materially affect negotiations or FirstEnergy’s stance.
Direction: council asked the administration to consider whether pursuit of a rate-opposition resolution would interfere with ongoing negotiations and to advise council before formal introduction. Staff also advised council to hold off on separate budget increases for street lighting until the Leopardo/FirstEnergy project proceeds.
