Minutes - Public Works Committee - 11/18/2025

Home

City Engineer/Public Works Director Westby reviewed the staff report and stated that, based on that information, staff recommends not approving street light installation requests for school bus stops on local streets unless extenuating circumstances exist, in which case staff can evaluate the request in detail and present staff’s findings at the next regularly scheduled Public Works Committee meeting. Staff also recommends evaluating all other requests on a case-by-case basis until such time that the Traffic Control Modification Request Policy is amended to incorporate street light requests. Councilmember Riley referenced one of the additional requests received and asked if it is a dark neighborhood with no lights. City Engineer/Public Works Director Westby replied that most of the streetlight requests he is receiving are in older neighborhoods and the northern areas of the city where no streetlights exist, except at intersections along collector streets. Councilmember Specht asked if that was an intentional decision to avoid light pollution. City Engineer/Public Works Director Westby replied that the homes existed when the City was incorporated in 1974, and there were no lights at that time. He stated that generally, residents in the northern part of the city tend to prefer the dark sky and enjoy the ability to see the stars. He stated that there is no policy in place, but generally the City does not install lights for bus stops, noting that by the time the light is installed it is Spring and the sun rises earlier, therefore the need no longer exists. Chairperson Olson invited residents to speak. Carolyn Struffert, 18031 Uranium St NW, commented that there is one street light at Green Valley Road and Vanadium Street as you enter the neighborhood, but the remaining streets are dark. She did not believe light pollution would be a concern with the number of trees that exist, but believed that an additional light would provide a safety benefit. She stated that she has looked to install solar lighting but was unsure if that would function properly in her yard. Councilmember Riley asked if this location is a bus stop. Ms. Struffert identified the bus stop location and confirmed that is the intersection she is requesting a street light for. She recognized that bus stop locations will change, but the intersection will always benefit from increased lighting. City Engineer/Public Works Director Westby identified the intersection, noting the proximity to the city boundary with Nowthen and the cross-connection between cities. Chairperson Olson thanked the resident for bringing forward her request, but recognized that more work would need to be done before a decision could be made. He recognized that bus stop locations often change from year to year, and therefore, providing lighting based on a bus stop location is not a proper justification, but recognized that this will always be an intersection. He stated that additional research will be done on this request. Public Works Committee / November 18, 2025 Page 2 of 4