Roswell approves Smith Plantation Trail lighting project; staff recommends sole-source fixtures from SESCO

City staff presented details and a request to sign two contracts for the Smith Plantation Trail lighting project aimed at replacing failing historic electrical infrastructure and improving safety on a heavily used pedestrian corridor.

Stephen Malone said the project will remove existing string lighting, preserve and reuse historic cast-iron lamp posts when possible, and add 52 LED lamp posts "based on a photometric lighting plan" intended to provide denser illumination in key areas. He said the installation portion was priced through a cooperative procurement (prime contractors) at $171,871 after four bids exceeded budget, and staff recommended sole-source procurement of materials from SESCO Lighting for $171,030.60, which the city identified as the only authorized dealer in Georgia for the approved fixture.

Malone described a construction timeline that would sign contracts in September, begin construction in December, and reach substantial completion in February to take advantage of cooler months.

Council members asked about fixture color temperature and dimming; Malone and staff said fixtures can be dimmed and that staff will use the Historic Preservation Commission'approved fixture matching Town Square and Canton Street. Council also discussed spacing and safety tradeoffs; staff said they'd used a 15-foot on-center spacing for a brighter corridor. With questions addressed, the council voted to move the two contract items forward.