Council approves design-only funding for Monroe Avenue string-light project

The City Council amended and approved a design-only approach Monday for a proposed downtown string-lighting project on Monroe Avenue. Public Works Director Amy Murray had sought to create CIP 260055 to install string lights along Monroe (3rd–7th Streets) with an early estimate of about $600,000, most of it tied to new pole infrastructure.

Amy Murray said existing power infrastructure could not support the proposed lighting and that the city secured a variance from APS to pull power from signalized intersections. She described a timeline for design, procurement and a goal to stage education and outreach with the Main Street Coalition and downtown businesses.

Council members raised concerns about cost per pole (estimated at about $19,000 each), the small number of restaurants open late at night and potential conflicts with a planned downtown storm-sewer reconstruction scheduled for FY2028–29. Several members recommended a smaller, staged approach and ensuring poles and wiring can be reused or temporarily removed during future underground utility work.

In response, council voted to limit action to design and engineering and approved up to $80,000 for that work so staff can return with full designs and more precise cost estimates. The motion passed on a council voice vote; staff said material purchases and full construction will return to council for approval after design is complete.

The decision aims to preserve momentum for downtown activation while reducing the risk of spending for construction that may conflict with future underground infrastructure work.