Vandalia to replace all street lights

Switch to LED fixtures will use 20 to 30 percent less electricity.

The city of Vandalia will be phasing out its street lamps for newer LED or high-pressure sodium fixtures in the next five years,

— The city of Vandalia VANDALIA will be phasing out its street lamps for newer LED or high-pressure sodium fixtures over the next five years.

Vandalia is among 23 other cities that are contracting with Miami Valley Lighting, a subsidiary of DPL Inc., for the changeover, said city spokesman Rich Hopkins. The city council agreed to the plan at its meeting Monday night.

Vandalia has 500 street lights, so the process will take some time. LED fixtures use 20 percent to 30 percent less electricity.

The manufacture of mercury vapor lamps is winding down, Hopkins said.

Bob Stallman, manager of Miami Valley Lighting, said it’s up to the local governments to decide which type of new lamp to use. Highpressure sodium has a golden tint, and LEDs provide white light, like mercury vapor. Both use less electricity than mercury vapor fixtures.

LEDs have a ten to 15-year lifespan and high-pressure sodium has a similar lifespan,

but sodium lamps must be changed every three years.

Starting early next year, Stallman said, Miami Valley Lighting will be visiting with local officials to discuss the changeovers, which will cost in the millions of dollars for all the communities.

“It’s a pretty big deal,” Stallman said. “It’s a significant investment. People want to see more energy-efficient options as they are available.”

Monday’s council meeting also marked the end of Council Member Dave Brusman’s 12-year tenure. Brusman, who declined to run for reelection, was presented with a proclamation read by Mayor Arlene Setzer honoring his service.

In other council action, the council authorized a contract with Choice One Engineering Corporation of Sidney for engineering services as needed. The city has eliminated the position of city engineer in favor of contracting out for the services.

The city also entered into a mutual aid agreement with Butler Twp. for police services. A mutual aid agreement already is in place for five counties and 70 jurisdictions, but the agreement with Butler Twp. spells out more specific policies and procedures, Hopkins said.