The importance of taking your concerns to city leaders was evidenced last night as members of the Carroll City Council discussed the possibility of removing 36 mid-block street lights. Director of Public Works, Randy Krauel, told council members at a previous meeting that MidAmerican Energy had provided a list of lights that needed replacing or had become obsolete. Per city policy, the council may remove these lights once they reach this status. After tabling the issue for two weeks to receive public input, Krauel reported he had been contacted by only eight residents. Mayor, Dr. Eric Jensen, and council members, Clay Haley and Carolyn Seimann, reported they had been contacted personally about two lights in particular—one on North Court and another on West 8th Streets.
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The second light is located near a funeral home, and was brought to the council’s attention because of the many nighttime visitations. Seimann said it made sense to retain the lights in these two instances.
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Haley added that one constituent had even asked if they would be able to personally pay the charges on the light in their neighborhood at just slightly over $7 per month. Krauel said that would be up to MidAmerican Energy. He then reminded council members of the reasoning behind the removal of these lights. He said since the policy was adopted in 1980, there have been several mid-block street lights removed.
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He said this could result in requests for more mid-block street lighting and new subdivisions could ask that more lights be included, greatly increasing overall costs. Seimann made a motion to remove 34 mid-block lights with the two on Court and 8th Streets to remain in place. The motion passed five votes in favor and one against. Councilman Haley was the only nay vote on the resolution. A link to an overview of the lights is included below.
Google Map of Street Lights Listed for Removal