Consider Recommendation for City Council Authorization to Prepare Plans and Agreements for Street Lighting Improvements for Riverdale Drive and Highway 10 North Frontage Roads

Purpose:
The purpose of this case is to recommend City Council authorization for Connexus Energy to prepare plans and agreements for street lighting improvements for unlit segments of Riverdale Drive and the new Highway 10 North Frontage Roads.  

Background:
Lighting is deficient along numerous segments of Riverdale Drive, including all recently constructed or reconstructed segments, as well as along the north frontage roads recently constructed with the Ramsey Gateway Highway 10 improvements project. 

Attached are sheets 289 – 292 from the 2026-2035 Capital Improvement Plan outlining proposed street lighting improvement project costs for these street segments.

Staff is requesting a recommendation from the Public Works Committee to the City Council to authorize Connexus Energy to prepare plans and specifications for these street lighting improvements.

Timeframe:
Staff estimate this case will take up to 10 minutes to present and discuss. 
 
Observations/Alternatives:
Tentative project schedule:

• April 21^st – Public Works Committee considers recommending City Council authorization for Connexus Energy to prepare plans
• July 28^th – City Council considers approving plans and construction and maintenance agreements with Connexus Energy
• August 3^rd – Begin construction
• October 23^rd – Final completion

 
Alternatives:
Alternative #1: Motion recommending City Council authorization for Connexus Energy to prepare plans and agreements for street lighting improvements for unlit segments of Riverdale Drive and Highway 10 North Frontage Roads.
 
Alternative #2: Motion of other. 

The estimated costs for these proposed 2026 street lighting improvements totals $525,000.
 
Funding for the proposed street light improvements is proposed to come from the Street Light Utility Fund. 

Staff recommends alternative action #1.  

Motion recommending City Council authorization for Connexus Energy to prepare plans and agreements for street lighting improvements for unlit segments of Riverdale Drive and Highway 10 North Frontage Roads.