Council reallocates $125,000 to start parks projects; vendor presents $1.42 million park lighting package

The council voted to move $125,000 from prior-year revenue to begin construction on two pickleball courts and a canopy for three softball fields, approving the transfer by roll call after a motion and second.

During department reports, Charles Wilson said the planned improvements would add parking and recreational capacity in the location near the L&E building and that the $125,000 would fund initial contract labor and related work. "I just make a motion we move that money to get a couple projects going," a speaker said; the motion was seconded and the council recorded affirmative roll-call votes.

Later in the meeting, a lighting vendor (presented by Donnie Chambers) provided a line-item cost breakdown for a proposed park-lighting package. The vendor said the downtown small-park scope would cost about $527,704, Archie Park alone about $1,064,788, and doing both together would total $1,417,492 — saving $175,000 compared with separate contracts. The presenter also highlighted federal investment tax credit (IRA) opportunities, saying the city could be eligible for between 30% and 40% back if installations are completed before Dec. 31, 2027.

The vendor discussed warranties and component life: a 25-year component life for solar components, a 10-year full product warranty for some items, and about 12 years for battery component life, noting that software-setup issues can be addressed under warranty. Councilors asked about lead times and installation; the vendor estimated 8–12 weeks for installation from material availability.

What happens next: The council has moved initial funds for parks work and heard the lighting cost proposal; further procurement steps (engineer drawings, bidding, and vendor selection) and any decision to pursue IRA-eligible installations will be documented in future agenda items and bid packets.