Item #7 on the April 7, 2026, city council meeting agenda will focus on a proposal to award a purchase order, not to exceed $100,000 annually, to Fonroche Lighting America. This initiative aims to replace and install streetlights in Fullerton, addressing ongoing failures in the current high-voltage series system. The proposal includes options for annual contract renewals through Fiscal Year 2029-30.

The motion calls for the Director of Administrative Services to initiate the purchase order under the Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Contract No. 041525-FNR. Additionally, it directs the Director of Public Works to oversee all related procurement processes.

The fiscal details indicate that funds for this project will come from the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-26, specifically drawn from Gas Tax funds within the Annual Street Light Conversion Project No. 47003.

Background information indicates that Fullerton operates approximately 51 high-voltage series circuits serving around 3,000 streetlights, many of which have become outdated and unreliable. The dependence on Southern California Edison-owned electrical transformers complicates maintenance, as these transformers are no longer manufactured, leading to prolonged outages that can last up to eight months.

Recently, the city converted 69 streetlights to solar-powered fixtures along Bastanchury Road, enhancing lighting reliability and operational efficiency while reducing costs. City staff aims to continue this transition by expanding the solar streetlight project citywide.

The recommendation follows Fullerton Municipal Code Section 2.64 and City Procurement Policy 4.1.2, which allow the use of cooperative purchasing agreements in lieu of formal bidding to streamline procurement processes. The council’s decision on the purchase order will be a significant step toward modernizing the city’s street lighting infrastructure.