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Kingsford discusses switch to LED lighting

KINGSFORD — Kingsford officials continue to consider what it would take to convert the city to all LED lighting.

City Manager Anthony Edlebeck told the city council Monday that 335 light bulbs would have to be replaced. The lights now use high-pressure sodium bulbs that will be phased out, he said.

Under the proposal from WE Energies, the monthly utility cost would increase for seven years before it is reduced, so it would be a number of years before the city sees any savings, Edlebeck said. Edlebeck said it now costs the city an average of $13 per light. That would increase to $16 per light and then decrease to $8.77 per year.

“It will be a substantial cost until the payback. It’s the wave of the future, but I’m concerned about the initial cost and how we will pay for it,” he said.

One main question is whether the city completes the project all at once or in stages, Edlebeck said.

He plans to look more closely at the proposal and have a recommendation at a future meeting.

In other business, the council:

— Agreed to rebid the sale of several used municipal vehicles. Only one bid was submitted, and Edlebeck felt it was too low. The vehicles available include 2014, 2012 and 2011 Dodge Chargers, a 1994 Lodal EVO Mag 20 refuse truck and a 1980 International pumper fire truck.

— Took no action regarding the new recreational marijuana law that passed a statewide vote Nov. 6. They will come back to the issue as more information becomes available.

— Set the reorganizational meeting for Dec. 3.

— Approved a variance for a side yard set back at 845 Cass Ave.

— Learned while some work has been completed at Lodal Park fields, weather conditions may push completing the project to next spring.

— Scheduled a public hearing for 6:45 p.m. Dec. 17 on obtaining a U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development grant toward buying a new police vehicle.

— Learned 14 deer were taken in the city bow hunt, lower than previous years.

— Agreed to increase the holiday bonus from $20 to $25 for employees to purchase a turkey or ham.

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