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Pacific Park Board discusses lighting options amid budget cuts
Summary
At its July 15 meeting the City of Pacific Park Board reviewed options to add lighting in darker park areas and clarified that lighting is funded from a general park improvements line rather than a separate lighting budget; board members discussed solar fixtures, estimated counts and the need for bids and possible budget amendments.
The City of Pacific Park Park Board on July 15 discussed options to add lighting in unlit areas of city parks and how such work fits into the recently adopted budget.
The board’s meeting chair opened the item and asked Park Director Mr. Fowler for an update. Mr. Fowler said he had "looked at some solar lighting street lights" and that solar units are substantially cheaper than when the board last reviewed options a few years ago. Board members discussed whether to extend electrical service to the backside of the park, and Mr. Fowler said running power had been the expensive piece in prior proposals.
Board members reviewed the approved budget worksheet and identified a $20,000 line for "park improvements" and a separate $20,000 line for courts and related work. The chair noted that lighting was not a separate line item but appeared under park improvements along with playground mulch and ball-field maintenance. The board also said an amended budget would likely be needed to correct several line-item errors discovered after adoption.
Members discussed how many fixtures would be needed, estimating from two fixtures to half a dozen depending on coverage; one board member said "just 2 would really light that corner up." The group agreed that solar lighting could reduce the cost burden but expressed concern about tree cover limiting solar effectiveness.
The board directed staff to gather multiple bids and bring options back to the Park Board. No formal motion or vote on a specific lighting purchase occurred at the meeting; the chair said the department would take the lead on soliciting proposals and report back.
The board also noted the skate-park funds remain in the budget but are contingent on grant approval and that any larger capital work would be examined as part of an amended budget process.
