During its regular meeting July 6, the Red Bay City Council discussed replacement and refurbishment of downtown lighting.

“A few weeks ago, the council authorized me to begin the process,” said Fancher. “I’ve divided this into three projects.”

She explained the projects as follows:

1. The first project would be the refurbishing of 17 downtown light poles, located from Bay Tree Park to the corner across from the post office. Work will involve painting the poles and replacing the old sodium lamps with LED lighting. 
2. The second project, which would be in coordination with ALDOT because it concerns a state highway, is to pursue replacing all of the traffic lights downtown. Fancher said there are 30. It would also include pursuing the feasibility of encasing wires in decorative poles for holiday lights.
3. The third project would be to replace the existing standing poles downtown, primarily across from Heritage Park.

“There are poles there that are just for wires to light the trees for Christmas,” explained Fancher, “and so we would like to replace those poles with decorative poles that serve the purpose and have outlets for lighting purposes for the holidays. It will give downtown a beautiful, new, clean look.”

Fancher expressed her enthusiasm for the projects.

“I look forward to seeing all three projects completed. I believe the council does as well,” she said. “It’s amazing what even the paint will do for the poles, and it’s been long-needed to replace the lights with LEDs. I am confident those LEDs are going to help our power bill every month.”

Fancher announced a proposal for the first project with Robinson and Sons Construction. “This is a utility project,” said Fancher, “and this amount is under the $50,000 bid requirement. The amount of this project is to provide labor, equipment and material” – $27,605.17.

The council voted in favor of the proposal.

In other business, the Council discussed and approved repairs for the Red Bay Police Department jail cells, noting they had been working toward getting quotes for the work. 

“Our jail cells are in bad shape,” said Fancher, adding the repairs are necessary as part of safety procedures. Repairs will affect the urinals, sinks, showers and other related fixtures.

The council also:

• discussed the matter of the vacant position of David Brown on the water and gas board. This is because the council has not yet received a recorded amendment to the certificate of incorporation. The attorney has been on vacation, and the matter has thus been pushed forward to the next meeting.
• noted the supernumerary position of Helen Nelson on the City of Red Bay Senior Citizens Board is posted. Any interested person may sign up.
• moved forward the matter of the position of Jarod Massey on the City of Red Bay Youth Basketball Board to allow time for the parks and recreation board to consider the two people who have been proposed.
• re-appointed Jon McWilliams to the City of Red Bay Sewage Disposal Board.