The Carroll City Council has tabled a proposal for the removal of 36 mid-block street lights throughout the city until residents have had the opportunity to give feedback. The current policy states the council has the authority to remove existing mid-block lighting on what they have termed standard-sized lots at any time the light is in need of replacement or becomes obsolete. Director of Public Works, Randy Krauel, said that after a review with MidAmerican Energy, it has become apparent that the identified lights now fit into that policy criteria.
The list Krauel presented to the council at Monday night’s meeting did not include lights adjacent to schools, but would impact residential areas. Krauel said they have not heard any comments from the public, but that typically doesn’t happen until the lights are removed. Mayor, Eric Jensen, voiced some concerns over the removal of the residential lighting.
Krauel said the city will realize a savings of about $277.62 per month, or just over $3,331 per year, on the costs of operating the lights. Savings aside, council member Clay Haley asked if the momentum could be slowed a little.
The new policy for streetlight placement is one at about 300 feet, and these light removals will, according to Krauel, bring older areas with closer placement into line with current policy. The council unanimously agreed to postpone a decision and will be posting a complete list on their website for the citizens of Carroll to review. That list can be found included below this story. For more information or to leave a comment, contact City Hall at 792-1000.
