Lemon Grove approves $141,362 for 13‑light solar streetlight pilot on Main Street

Lemon Grove’s City Council voted unanimously May 5 to fund a pilot project to install up to 13 solar streetlights on Main Street between Broadway and Central Avenue, approving a $141,362 appropriation from the Lighting District general benefit fund and authorizing staff to execute a purchase agreement with a cooperative‑procurement vendor.

Public Works Director Izzy Maria told the council the pilot would place 13 independent, programmable solar luminaires within the city’s general benefit lighting zone and be paid from the zone’s fund balance. A photometric study included in the staff packet shows an average of about 0.85 foot‑candles at night — above the common residential standard of 0.4–0.6 — and staff said the selected fixtures meet International Dark‑Sky Association guidelines (a 3,000K maximum color temperature) while delivering dusk‑to‑dawn illumination for up to 10 years of rated lumen output.

Maria told council the estimated equipment cost is roughly $70,000, with installation and foundations adding about $56,000. She said the city used a Sourcewell cooperative purchasing agreement to select the vendor and that the lighting district’s general benefit fund has roughly $490,000 in reserves, sufficient to cover the appropriation.

Residents who spoke during public comment were split on priorities. Jennifer Morrison said she supported dark‑sky design and urged staff to consult the Dark Sky Association of San Diego County. Brenda Hammond said the priority should be safety: “This is about people who walk Main Street late at night to catch transit — it’s about safety,” she said. Keith Baxter raised a separate concern about nearby communications upgrades and said residents had not received notice when antennas were retrofitted, a point staff addressed during the meeting.

Councilmembers asked about aesthetics and cost per fixture; one councilmember observed that the $141,362 request equates to roughly $11,000 per pole but that grid‑connected ornamental fixtures can cost more. Maria clarified that the fixture portion was about $70,000 and that trenching, conduit and meter work make up the remainder of the total installation cost. The proposed poles are 20 feet high and include shields, dimming and Wi‑Fi interconnectivity to allow remote adjustment of color temperature and brightness.

The motion to approve the appropriation and contract was made by Mayor Snow and seconded by Councilmember Smith; the roll call vote was unanimous.

Councilmembers asked staff to continue outreach in the historic district about aesthetics and to return with any additional shielding or design changes if residents request them. Staff said crews could shadow vendor installations so public‑works staff can learn the installation process and potentially reduce future installation costs.

The pilot will allow the city to evaluate performance, maintenance needs and public reaction before deciding whether to expand solar lighting elsewhere in Lemon Grove.