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Selma council hears solar streetlight proposal from Foner (Von Roche); public works flags outdated arc circuits
Summary
City staff and Foner (Von Roche) representatives presented a solar street‑lighting standard for Selma, citing safety concerns with three aging arc circuits and an initial quote of about $70,000 to replace 13 fixtures. Council sought cost and timeline details and indicated interest in adopting a standard for new development.
Jacob Fox, a representative for Foner (Von Roche) Solar Lighting, and city public works staff presented a proposal to standardize solar streetlights across Selma and to replace three aging “arc circuits” that staff described as a public‑safety hazard. The presentation, delivered during the Nov. 18 Selma City Council meeting, reviewed system design, warranties and monitoring tools and included questions from council and residents.
Fox said Foner sizes systems for worst‑case winter conditions, guarantees 10–12 year maintenance cycles for the company’s power centers and offers an eight‑year full parts‑and‑labor warranty. He added that solar panels carry a 30‑year warranty and the pole/arm have a 20‑year warranty. City staff and Foner described a monitoring gateway (FonRous/Fonderos Connect) that logs battery health and performance and does not require a recurring subscription fee beyond a one‑time gateway charge.
Public Works Director (on the record) said Selma currently has three arc circuits—electrical distributions installed mid‑20th century—that lack the breaker systems of modern circuits and can leave lines energized even when damaged. He described a prior local incident in which a contractor’s saw struck an arc line and staff considered the contractor fortunate no serious injury followed. The director said Von Roche supplied an initial quote “right under $70,000” to replace one 13‑light arc circuit using adapter plates so new fixtures could mount to existing foundations, reducing excavation and foundation costs.
Council members pressed for total program costs, installation timelines, and options beyond downtown aesthetics. Fox and city staff said early quotes apply to individual circuits rather than the entire city and emphasized the minimal trenching, lower maintenance demands and theft resistance compared with conduit‑based systems. Staff said the city would continue evaluating fixture styles (bell, lantern and other options were discussed) and that the proposed downtown fixtures could serve as a visual identifier for the district.
No formal action or procurement resolution was taken at the meeting; the presentation was described as informational and staff indicated they will return with cost breakdowns and options for council direction.
The council requested more detailed cost estimates, timeline estimates for replacing additional circuits, and coordination with upcoming downtown beautification grants before any contract decision. The public works director noted that the city is considering standardizing solar in new developments to reduce long‑term utility costs for residents and maintenance demands on public works.
The presentation is part of staff’s ongoing work tied to the city’s 2nd Street beautification and Clean California grant projects; staff advised that final design selections and funding approaches will be presented in later agenda items.
