Council reviews options for solar speed displays and stop-sign flashers, tables purchase for more info

Council members spent substantial time reviewing vendor proposals for roadside safety equipment and postponed a purchase pending additional technical details and pricing. The packet included two main approaches: replacing full sign assemblies or adding retrofit flasher units with solar panels and a separate battery box. A vendor line item for two speed-display signs plus two posts was listed at $8,152, not including freight; delivery was quoted at 30–45 days in spring.

Members noted durability and maintenance concerns for existing solar-powered flashers. The group discussed that existing battery packs were original to the installations (installed in 2018) and that replacement deep‑cycle batteries were quoted at roughly $600 each. Warranty language in the vendor materials listed a 25‑year power‑output warranty for the solar array and a five‑year material and workmanship warranty for the hardware.

Location priorities discussed were Elm Street by Chamber Acres and the B60/Hefty area. Members also weighed using the town’s speed trailer as a movable solution during winter when larger units are harder to deploy. After discussing color and mounting of the existing flashing lenses and whether a white strobe option was worthwhile, Council member Brian moved to table the item pending follow-up on strobe/light options and installation details; the motion was seconded and carried to postpone final purchasing until the next meeting.

Next steps: staff will verify battery/connectors and mount options, confirm strobe pricing, and report back with comparisons to other vendors before the council considers ordering.