Council authorizes roughly $55,000 contract to fix stolen wiring on Lundin Parkway lights

The Lake Stevens City Council voted Sept. 23 to authorize the mayor to sign a contract with Service Electric to repair underground streetlight wiring stolen from Lundin Parkway and to secure the affected junction boxes.

Public Works Director Aaron Halverson told the council the theft affected city‑owned lights on Lundin Parkway between SR‑204 and State Route 9 and that the city owns about 90 streetlights overall. Halverson said the immediate contract — for a little under $55,000 — covers replacement of the stolen wiring, new connections and secure lids on the cabinets to make unauthorized entry more difficult.

Halverson said the city will replicate the physical security improvement across its other city‑owned light boxes and will bring a budget amendment forward to pay for the repairs and the broader hardening effort. He also said the theft losses are not currently covered under the city’s property schedule and that staff will explore whether listing such assets on the insurance schedule is practical.

Council member discussion covered cost estimates and whether city crews could complete the protective work; Halverson said staff are expected to be able to do most of the follow‑up work but that he would return with an estimate if contracting is required.

The council approved the contract authorization by voice vote and directed staff to bring the budget amendment and any insurance recommendations back to council.

Next steps: mayor signs contract; staff to return with formal budget amendment and an estimate of the cost to harden remaining city light boxes.