Friendswood reports progress on downtown streetlight installation; energizing planned pending a utility agreement and two easements

City staff updated the Friendswood Downtown Economic Development Corporation on the downtown illumination project, reporting that most foundations and poles are installed and that staff is working to secure final easements and a utility service agreement so the new lights can be energized.

"We do have 101 of 124 foundations and poles that have been set and completed," Ray said. He told the board the project team recently received the TNMP service agreement necessary to energize the lights and that it has been forwarded to the city attorney (Karen) for review so the city can proceed with energization. Ray said two remaining easement agreements need signatures; staff is pursuing owners and working with council contacts to expedite those documents.

Board members emphasized they did not want a ceremonial event to delay energization. Staff said testing and any required final work would continue regardless of a public ceremony; if the service agreement and final installations are completed in time, staff is pushing to energize sections of the corridor before daylight‑saving time begins so the demonstration can occur at a reasonable evening hour.

Staff said that if the two remaining easements are not obtained in time, crews would explore adjusting pole locations or other engineering solutions so the overall lighting program would not be held up. At the meeting staff reiterated that the majority of the system can be energized once TNMP and last installations are completed.