City to draft policy for water-tower lighting after public reaction to new program

City staff told the council the recent lighting of the new water tower resulted from a contractor test that was left active and that the contractor supplied seasonal programming and additional effects (fading, “chase” patterns and color programs) for holidays. Staff said the technology allows scheduling and multiple programs but recommended the city adopt a written policy to define how the tower will be used.

Superintendent Dave Richards (city utilities) explained that a contractor’s test turned into a live display. The contractor also supplied software and programs for major U.S. holidays and other effects; staff said IT configuration and software downloads remain before the city can fully program shows. Councilors and staff raised several policy questions: whether the tower should be lit every night, what hours are appropriate, whether private groups could pay for time on the tower, whether to limit messages to civic or holiday observances, and possible impacts (light pollution, bird impacts and ongoing operating costs).

Staff said they will draft a policy for council consideration that addresses scheduling, permissible messaging, potential revenue uses if the city allows paid displays, and technical limits (hours, brightness, and conservation concerns). No policy decision was made at the meeting; councilors expressed general support for a policy that preserves the tower as a civic element rather than an ad-hoc advertising platform.