Downtown lighting project update: contractor correcting strings, city to address a handful of access and color issues

City staff provided an update on the downtown rooftop lighting project, saying the contractor has been correcting existing light strings and will move to new, finalized installations once current strings are aligned.

David Smith read a written update prepared by staff: "Invoice to date, lamps and wires, $526.12. $560 of Shawnee Electric for a total of $1,086.12. Work completed, 36 through 52. 1 125 lamps have been changed. On 146 Lockwood could not gain access to the panel." The update also noted that a few buildings may require a bucket truck for installation and that contractor visits have been occurring one to two days per week.

Commission members asked staff to contact a building owner at 146 Lockwood to secure rooftop access. Members also discussed reports from Dan Warner that some building lights appear to show slightly different color tones, and noted that future LED replacements should allow more consistent color rendering. One commissioner said the city’s bucket truck was discussed in the past as a possible cost‑saving option but that the city may not be able to loan that equipment to a private contractor.

Why it matters: the lighting project aims to improve downtown appearance and wayfinding during evening hours; securing access for a small number of rooftops and ensuring consistent bulb color will affect the final visual result.

Next steps: staff will follow up with the 146 Lockwood building owner to gain access to the panel and will confirm whether LED bulbs with matching color rendering can be specified for future replacements. No new commission vote was taken on the lighting update during this meeting.