Finance committee approves agreement for Monona LED streetlight conversions

The City of Monona Finance and Personnel Committee on Monday approved Resolution 25-2-2776, authorizing an installation services agreement with MG&E for the Monona LED street light conversions project. The committee voted aye; the clerk recorded Alder Colleen Wood and Mayor Mary O'Connor voting in favor and the motion was recorded as passing.

City staff said the installation agreement is for approximately $70,000. Staff explained the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law carbon reduction program is funding the equipment and materials, but the grant will not cover installation because the fixtures sit on MG&E-owned poles and the city did not competitively bid the installation. The city must pay installation costs up front and seek reimbursement for eligible materials.

Staff described the installation as replacing the entire fixture — removing the existing head and wiring and installing a new LED head, associated housings to limit light trespass, and testing. The city estimated about 250 fixtures will be converted, which staff said equates to roughly $280 per pole for the installation portion of the work. Staff also cautioned that if crews encounter degraded wiring or other problems, the city would be charged additional repair work beyond the base installation estimate.

According to staff, MG&E’s standard contract language does not include a firm “not to exceed” price for this work; the $70,000 figure was provided as an expected amount rather than a hard cap. The project was previously budgeted, and staff said the budget predates the grant award, so if grant reimbursement were later reduced or withdrawn the city has budgeted funds to complete the project.

The public works committee reviewed and recommended the agreement for council approval on Feb. 5. The finance committee approved forwarding the agreement as presented. No amendments or conditions were recorded in the meeting minutes.