Lighting for soccer fields discussed at Lindsay City Council meeting

An extensive conversation took place at the Lindsay City Council meeting Tuesday evening regarding which direction the city should take for lighting the soccer fields.

Director of City Services Mike Camarena presented the Council with multiple options for illuminating the fields. The initial plan shown included 16 light poles to light the two adult fields and all three practice fields.

“There are a lot of options, but the thinking is the higher up we can get with the lights the more effective they will be,” informed Camarena. “But that also drives the cost up.”

After some discussion, Council seemed to agree that not all of the fields needed to be lit up. The suggestion that was presented by Mayor Kimball was that the two bigger fields needed to be lit more so than the three smaller practice fields.

Camarena also asked Council for direction regarding what type of lighting would be best suited for the fields. Camarena presented figures for Musco LED lighting and compared them to figures for HUD lighting. All estimates were based on the use of 50 foot lighting poles, and Council Member Watson suggested that the poles possibly be cut down to 30 foot.

The idea of experimenting with the 20 foot lights used for the Friday Night Market was brought up, and Council seemed to think it would be valuable to try out those lights on the fields to see how much lighting would actually be needed.

Council member Velasquez proposed that Council focus on lighting up the park before trying to light the soccer fields. He stated that the park is well used in to the evenings, and has witnessed people stumble around when it gets dark and was adamant that lighting for the park should be a priority.

The first to approach the podium during public comment was Eric Sinclair, a lifelong Lindsay resident. He spoke about the hurricanes and wanted to give thanks to the first responders who are helping in the Carolinas.

The final person to approach the podium was local ASB student at Lincoln elementary school, Gabriella Quezada, who addressed the Council about the lack of stores around town and suggested Council look into to bringing more stores to help boost the local economy.

Following public comment, Council members were given the chance to report on any happenings around the city. Council Member Velasquez was the first to report and spoke about going to visit the high school to looking at the lights they have there for possible future use at the sports park. Velasquez also mentioned that he was in attendance at the League of California Cities conference and announced that he will be running for re-election this November.

The second to give their report was Council Member Salinas, who gave a report regarding his attendance at the League of California Cities conference, where he said he learned about new lighting technologies.

Last to report was Mayor Kimball, who informed the Council that she gave a welcome address at the Cary Bible

College and seminary graduation.

After Council reports concluded, Ireland Mccall, Lindsay High School’s student representative gave an update on current happenings at the school. Mccall addressed Council members about the ongoing homecoming week at the high school and that the theme for this year’s homecoming is ‘Music Festivals.’ She also announced an upcoming food day the high school clubs will be taken part in.

City staff was next to give their report, and City Manager Bill Zigler spoke on city matters. Zigler informed Council that he met with an EDC representative to discuss what would be best for Lindsay development.

Zigler reported about a meeting in which discussion was centered around the Friday Night Market and the fees. Zigler also gave a small

update on the ongoing roundabout project.

“If you’ve been through the roundabout, you can see some pretty excellent signage out there,” said Zigler. “After the few first days of confusion it appears that our residents are adapting to it.”

The meeting included one public hearing regarding entering into agreements with Climatec to upgrade and improve the city use of energy. Eric Sinclair was the only one to speak and expressed his support for the agreements with Climatec.

After some debate, Council decided that they would continue the discussion until October 23.

A ballot box was brought in to the room so votes could be tallied regarding the name of the sports park. Naming the sports park has been an ongoing discussion and at the previous Council meeting, a social media poll was suggested. Council members decided not to use a social media poll, as any random

person can decide to vote online rather than just Lindsay locals.

“At the last meeting we had discussed possibly putting a survey on social media,” said Council Member Cortes. “Then after thinking about it, we thought maybe anyone could fill out the survey, even people that had no ties to Lindsay.”

Over 20 ballots were counted and a clear favorite emerged. The City of Lindsay will be drafting up a resolution to make the park name official at the next Council meeting.

A change in a contract for paving was presented to Council Tuesday evening. Camarena explained that the requirements for paving have been increased and that a current in-process project budget would have to be increased due to this change in requirement. The Council approved the change in a vote of 5-0.

The last item of the meeting was presented by Camarena regarding notifying the public of a missed water test. Camarena explained that the second quarter testing for disinfection by products and 1,2,3, trichloropropane in the water had been missed, therefore public notices must be sent out.

Mayor Kimball found this troubling, as the third quarter tests had already been completed. Camarena said that costs for public notifications as of now are planned to be billed to the water testing company.

Before the adjournment of the meeting, Council members were given the chance to propose future agenda items. Council Member Watson asked about an ordinance adjustment regarding mobile home parks and Zigler informed him that mobile home parks are protected and cannot be touched.

Watson also expressed

an interest in discussing the new state law regarding vendors.

Council member Salinas shared that he would like to receive an update on the study session that

took place regarding assessments for the streets.

The next Council meeting is scheduled for October 9 beginning at 6 p.m. at the City Hall located at 251 E. Honolulu Street.