The Municipal Services Committee met 08/22/2022. One of they items they voted on was a request from Appleton Downtown Inc. for a street occupancy permit to install permanent Edison bulb style LED light strands at the College Avenue intersections of Superior, Appleton, Oneida and Morrison.
Jennifer Stephany, the executive director of Appleton Downtown Inc, told the committee that this idea actually originated with Mayor Woodford. They had a meeting in his office during the holiday season and as they looked down at the Christmas decorations hung across the intersection, he had commented that it would be cool if they could hang lightbulbs from it.
Ms. Stephany went on to discuss the idea with the Department of Public Works and had originally planned to revisit it next year; however, 2022 was the 140th anniversary of the Hearthstone and hydroelectric power and it seemed like the perfect timing to bring this idea forward for some more discussion.
There were still some logistics they had to determine. They were working with the Boldt Company on the details of installation and maintenance. They also needed to perform wind and load tests on the cables. Once they met all of the requirements necessary to receive the city’s approval, they would be able to move forward.
Essentially, the concept was what was being voted on by the Municipal Services Committee, and a vote of approval would allow Appleton Downtown Inc to move forward and see if the idea was workable from a logistical and safety standpoint.
Alderperson Katie Van Zeeland (District 5) asked to clarify that if they approved it that approval would still be pending the meeting of other qualifications.
Deputy Director of Public Works Ross Buetow confirmed that was the case. The Public Works Department was supportive of the approval and was hoping to get approval for the concept from the committee and Common Council. However, there were some logistical issues that needed to be resolved before the actual occupancy permit was issued.
Alderperson Brad Firkus (District 3) asked if the lightbulbs would stay on the wires year-round even when the holiday decorations were also hung on the wires or would the lightbulbs be put up and taken down seasonally.
Ms. Stephany answered that was not known yet and would depend upon the load test. If the cables were capable of supporting both the holiday decorations and the lights then it would be their preference to keep them up on a permanent basis. If they needed to go up and come down alternately with the holiday decorations, that would be the next discussion they had.
The committee members had no further comments or question and they voted 5-0 to approve the request.
View full meeting details and video here: https://cityofappleton.legistar.com/MeetingDetail.aspx?ID=982993&GUID=0F97248C-E1D7-411F-9D54-FCB23476798B
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