By Chris Spangler
A chamber of commerce leadership class has received the City of Fort Atkinson’s blessing to raise funds for energy-efficient streetlights.
The Fort Atkinson City Council on Tuesday approved a proposal by the Fort Atkinson Area Chamber of Commerce’s Project LEAD (Leadership Enhancement for Area Development) class.
Aided by slides, Tom Williamson, the city’s Department of Public Works superintendent who also is a Project LEAD class member, along with Phil Walther, Builders FirstSource Assistant General Manager, and Katie Carey, Fort Atkinson Area Chamber of Commerce Tourism Manager presented information about the project
Plans calls for purchasing 24 energy-efficient LED bulbs for 19 lightpoles mainly in downtown Fort Atkinson.
Project LEAD estimated that the city will save roughly $3,500 in energy costs over the first year after implementation of the new lights.
The total project cost is estimated at $7,200 and includes the replacement of a total 24 streetlights on 19 poles, parts, and labor.
Lightpoles targeted for the new LED lights are those at the Fort Atkinson Municipal Building, East Milwaukee Avenue parking lot, South Third Street parking lot, police department and East Blackhawk Drive.
Based on electricity use for 12 hours per day, the estimated payback time on replacing the lights for all but the last site would be 21.1 months. The payback time for the seven lights along East Blackhawk Drive would be 40.7 months.
Project LEAD members intend to seek donations from the public, businesses and organizations in the city, as well as apply for a matching grant from the Fort Atkinson Community Foundation.
On Tuesday, the council unanimously approved the initial outlay of funds for the materials and labor from its street lighting budget. Project LEAD has agreed to reimburse all costs by the class’ graduation date of June 8.
The council also approved a partnership between Project LEAD, the Department of Public Works and the city electrician for installing the LED lighting and sponsorship plaques.
This marks the 33rd class of Project LEAD, which introduces members to the leadership of the area’s largest employers, while learning the inner workings of what makes the community function.
It is facilitated by Ryan Hill.
Fort Atkinson Municipal Building, file photo/Kim McDarison.
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