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Council tables $36,500 arena lighting purchase pending second quote
Summary
After extended debate over funding source, warranty and procurement rules, councilors voted to table a $36,500 purchase to replace arena high‑bay lights until staff can obtain a second competitive quote.
Councilors debated whether to replace nearly half the Chevrolet Arena’s high‑bay lighting at a quoted price of $36,500 and ultimately voted to table the purchase until staff can obtain a second quote.
Jim Hunt, who manages arena operations, told councilors 29 fixtures had already failed and that 49 additional fixtures were quoted for replacement. He said the existing fixtures had more than 25,000 hours of use and were beyond recommended service life. "They each have over 25,000 hours of use… and that's kind of a conservative estimate, but they're all over 25,000 hours of use and that's why they're starting to fail," Hunt said.
Councilors raised multiple concerns: whether the 1% sales‑tax fund can be used for capital improvements before the related bond is retired; the arena's operating deficit; statutory procurement rules requiring two quotes for some purchases; and whether a phased replacement or cheaper alternatives had been fully explored. City attorney Brian Lindsey confirmed that the enabling legislation allows the sales‑tax revenue to fund renovation, reconstruction and improvements to the recreation complex while bonds are current, but he agreed a second quote is prudent for a purchase of this size. Councilor Bach Schneider moved to table the item until a second quote is obtained; the motion carried 5‑2.
Staff said they would solicit additional quotes quickly and return with cost‑breakdowns, potential alternate funding sources and a timeline for staged replacement options.
