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Council discusses school-district offer of stadium lighting and controller; storage and future use undecided
Summary
Milford council discussed accepting used stadium lights and a 480-volt controller from the school district, weighing storage costs and future LED conversion benefits. Councilmembers endorsed saving the equipment if storage can be arranged, but no formal decision or appropriation was recorded.
A school-district maintenance offer to donate a 480-volt controller and stadium lights prompted the council on July 15 to discuss whether Milford should accept, store and eventually reuse the equipment.
A councilmember who oversees recreation and parks reported the district had offered the used controller and light fixtures. Staff and an electrician consulted by council members said the donated equipment is similar to the city’s existing products and could save money if a future project required compatible fixtures. However, councilmembers noted the equipment will need storage and possible refurbishment; options discussed included procuring a Connex container to store lights and a controller temporarily.
Council discussion raised these practical points: the donated fixtures are high-voltage (reported as 480-volt) and sodium-halide style (older technology), most new projects trend toward LED, installation would carry labor and conversion costs, and storage would require space and possibly a larger container than the city recently purchased. Electricians and district maintenance were referenced as confirming similarity to the city’s existing parts.
Councilmembers suggested storing the lights if a reasonable plan for storage and future use exists; one councilmember argued for taking the equipment and holding it until a future recreation plan clarifies needs, while others warned of storage costs and asset obsolescence. No formal motion or vote was recorded; council asked staff to research storage size, container costs and whether existing Connex units could accommodate the equipment, and to return with a recommendation.
