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Council approves SMPA takeover of 18 streetlights and LED conversions to meet dark‑sky goals
Summary
Ridgway approved a proposal from San Miguel Power Association to assume ownership and maintenance of 18 utility pole‑mounted streetlights, convert remaining fixtures to LED, and improve dark‑sky compliance; the proposal excludes the Town’s decorative lighting system and does not change pole heights.
Paul Hora, a San Miguel Power Association representative, presented a proposal for SMPA to transfer ownership, operation and maintenance of 18 utility pole‑mounted streetlights. Hora said ten had already been converted to LED and the remaining eight legacy fixtures would be replaced with energy‑efficient LED fixtures that comply with the Town’s dark‑sky standards. He listed benefits including improved color rendering for safety, reduced maintenance and energy use, and better directional lighting to minimize trespass.
Resident Kuno Vollenweider raised concerns about the current height of existing lights. Hora clarified the proposal covers only utility pole‑mounted streetlights and does not include decorative lighting; no pole height changes would be made. Council approved the SMPA proposal unanimously (moved by Councilor Scoville, seconded by Councilor Grambley).
The council discussion emphasized dark‑sky compliance and minimizing light trespass onto adjacent properties as goals of the conversion.
