07-23-2012 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL Monday, July 23, 2012 7:00 o'clock p.m. (7. NAVARRE STREET LIGHT UPDATE, Continued) McMillan noted replacement of Orono's street lights will cost a couple hundred thousand dollars and that this is an opportunity for the City to improve the look of the lights and possibly create a small-town or neighborhood feeling in the Navarre area. McMillan stated Orono's current lights are rather industrial looking and that Spring Park is looking at other types of light fixtures. McMillan recommended the City of Orono look at other types of light fixtures for the downtown Navarre area. Struve noted costs can vary depending on the light fixture that is chosen but that the grant application does not lock the City into any type of design. Struve commented there is more than sufficient time to review this project and that he can bring some lighting options back to the City Council. Struve noted the earliest the project would take place is next year. Rahn commented it would help the City Council make decisions about the type of lighting they should go with if they know whether they are awarded the grant and what funds might be available. Struve stated it would be more expensive down the road if just the light poles are replaced. If the wiring is replaced later, the poles have to be dropped down, which is more costly. Franchot asked if there is any matching money from Xcel. Struve indicated he has not explored that at this point. McMillan asked if the grant requires the City to include specifics in the type of lighting it will choose. Struve stated not to his knowledge but he had not seen the application. He added that grants are typically for up to 50 percent of the project. Bremer moved, Rahn seconded, to direct Staff to work with the City of Spring Park to pursue grant opportunities for replacement of the light poles and wiring and to pursue any additional funding sources available for this project. McMillan asked when the City would be informed if they have been awarded the grant. Struve indicated he does not have that information available tonight. McMillan commented better illuminating the Navarre sign could also be explored. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. MAYOR/COUNCIL REPORT Rahn thanked Jesse Struve for cleaning up Sandy Beach and that it looks very nice. Printup noted Spirit of the Lakes had their parade last weekend and that on July 140' the Creative Kids Academy had their open house. Bremer reported that the Police Commission has met and that the City Council has already been provided an update on that meeting. Page 3 of 5