Council discusses repeated vandalism of Jordan River Trail lighting; direction to remove inoperable lights and notify nearby HOAs

Midvale City staff reported extensive theft and vandalism to a lighting system along a section of the Jordan River Trail and presented three options to the council on May 6: fund ongoing repairs, remove the lighting infrastructure, or seek to transfer ownership/maintenance to adjacent homeowners associations (HOAs) or property owners.

Staff said inspections found the feeder and secondary pull wires had been cut and stolen, junction boxes damaged and filled with dirt, broken lids, and six stolen fixtures between F.L. Smith and the tracks crossing. The city previously replaced wiring in one section, and staff said theft recurred within 10 days despite theft-deterrent measures being added. Staff estimated the repair bid at $72,853 and annual maintenance at $3,000–$15,000 depending on recurrence of damage.

Council members discussed whether lighting deterred crime or made the system a target because of valuable wiring and components. Alternatives such as high‑mounted poles, solar fixtures and paid nightly security were raised; staff noted solar options cost two to three times current repair/installation and can themselves be stolen. Several council members said repeated repairs are not fiscally sustainable and that the rest of the Jordan River Trail generally does not have continuous lighting, only underpasses or trailhead illumination.

Council reached consensus to remove the inoperable lighting infrastructure. Staff were directed to notify nearby HOAs and stakeholders, explain the decision and invite input or proposals if those organizations wished to pursue replacement or alternative approaches. Staff said removal and neighborhood outreach would be pursued rather than indefinite, repeated repairs.