Culbertson accepts new street-light contract with Montana-Dakota Utilities and reviews lighting upgrades

The council reviewed and accepted a new street-lighting contract from Montana-Dakota Utilities (MDU) and discussed options for improved lighting along Main Street and Park Avenue.

Representatives from MDU explained costs associated with mercury streetlights and answered questions about pole rentals and installation. The council accepted the new contract in early August and instructed the clerk to obtain signatures; the record shows the council later approved specific street-light additions including a light at Cowan Avenue and Searles Street.

Chamber and resident requests for better lighting near the Lutheran Church and along Main Street were taken under advisement; the council asked the utilities representative to return to a special meeting for further discussion and later requested the State Highway Department be contacted before making certain street improvements. The minutes also show the council pursued a negotiated adjustment to pole rental rates with the utilities representative.

The minutes do not provide the contract text or the final rental-rate terms, only that the contract was accepted, that MDU provided cost explanations, and that the council approved discrete light placements.