Council waives bidding, approves purchase of pedestrian street lights; first 27 to go on Huntington Avenue

The Jonesboro City Council voted Feb. 17 to waive competitive bidding and authorize purchase of pedestrian street-light fixtures and poles from Tech Electric of Jonesboro.

Council considered a resolution (read into the record) naming specific fixture and pole models as the city standard for pedestrian-priority streets and directing the purchasing agent to proceed under ACA §14-58-303, the cited state statute allowing waivers where rapid access to parts is necessary for public safety. A resident, Patty Lack (4108 Forest Hill Road), asked where the 60 fixtures listed in the quote would be used and whether installation would be competitively bid.

City staff said the first 27 lights will be installed on Huntington Avenue from Union Street West to Flint; the remaining fixtures are being purchased in bulk for planned projects (including a Monroe Street pattern) so the city can avoid repeat purchase cycles. Staff also said installation bids will open in early March and that the purchase was included in the street-fund budget for the year.

Council approved the resolution by voice vote after no further public comment.

What’s next: staff will open bids for installation in March and proceed with fixture procurement for identified projects under the street fund appropriation.