What: Lighting for the Lindsey Street water tower (four base lights and ten catwalk LEDs, a bid of $150,173) and a $50,000 landscaping appropriation for a special-use Water Tower Park beneath it, tied to a naming and sponsorship agreement with Dr. Pepper.
Where it stands: On 10/20 the Council amended both items so they are paid entirely from the parks share of the guest room tax, then approved the lighting contract and the landscaping appropriation by voice vote, with at least one member opposed to the contract.
Next: The park designation and the naming agreement; the 11/10 Council consent agenda carried an amended Utilities Authority agreement with the sponsor.
Details
Lights point at the tower to limit light pollution and to keep the future park lit and secure; colors were dropped because the red tank absorbs them and the multi-color bid cost nearly twice as much.
Public parking, future maintenance by specialized electricians and long-term repainting costs are not in the budget.
Consent item amended the Utilities Authority agreement with the sponsor for logo use at Water Tower Park and two murals paid for by the company; see also Norman Forward Projects and Parks.
Staff recommended, and the Council adopted, amendments paying the lighting contract and the $50,000 landscaping appropriation entirely from the parks share of the guest room tax rather than splitting with the capital fund balance (one member opposed).
The lighting contract of $150,173 passed as amended, with at least one member opposed; the landscaping resolution passed by voice vote.
Debate covered the gap between the two bids, maintenance and warranty, tourism value, priorities against unfinished parks and homelessness spending, and future public parking.