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Council declines immediate $286,000 Dorset-Street sidewalk-lighting add-on, reserves funds for school-safety projects
Summary
After extended public comment, the South Burlington City Council voted Feb. 3 not to add a bid alternate to install 16 new sidewalk lights on Dorset Street at the time of planned paving, and instead reserved the $286,000 for future safe-routes-to-school or other school-area safety projects.
The South Burlington City Council on Feb. 3 decided not to add a $286,000 lighting add-on to a paving contract for Dorset Street and instead directed staff to reserve the funds for safety projects near schools or other priority public-safety improvements.
Public Works Director Tom DiPietro explained that the base paving work already includes a consolidated crosswalk with Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) and two streetlights adjacent to that crosswalk. The $286,000 contract alternate would have added 16 sidewalk-mounted fixtures set back from the curb and would require small easements on several properties, including private parcels and portions of school property.
After extensive public comment — including parents and residents who said children and older residents regularly walk and bike along the narrow shoulder — council discussed options. Some members pressed staff to trim trees and monitor the effect of the base project (the consolidated RRFB crosswalk and the two adjacent lights) before buying additional lights. Others argued the full set of lights was defensible because the corridor abuts the middle and high schools.
Councilor motioned and council voted unanimously to defer the lighting add-on now, keep the $286,000 from the paving budget in reserve specifically for school-area or other safety projects, and return later with options. DiPietro noted that if the council later decides to add lights the contractor's change order would have to be negotiated and lead-time for materials considered.
Council asked staff to pursue tree trimming where appropriate, monitor the lighting and safety outcomes after the base paving work and consolidate the reserved funds for prioritized school-safety projects.
