Introduction

The Public Works Department manages and/or directs work related to street lights and traffic signals in the City of Hutchinson in conjunction with Hutchinson Utilities for street lights and traffic signals, and the Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) for traffic signals. Much of the maintenance and operational work on the system is completed by Hutchinson Utilities, Mn/DOT or private contractors under contract with one of the agencies.

Report Maintenance Concerns

There are a limited number of maintenance personnel to keep an eye out for potential problems, so we appreciate when you notify us of maintenance concerns (lights not working correctly, traffic signal timing, etc.). To report maintenance concerns, please fill out the "Report a Problem" Fix-It Form and clearly note the type and location of the concern. The fields for contact information also need to be filled out completely.

Overview

The following overview is a brief description of policies in place at the City of Hutchinson. These may not be the complete, current policies. Please contact the Public Works Department if you have additional questions or comments.

Street Lights: The City of Hutchinson currently has almost 1,400 street lights within its boundaries. The City spends between $100,000 to $150,000 per year on the maintenance, operation and placement of street light systems. Electrical costs alone can run over $90,000.

All new developments must install street lights to City standards at their own expense. The placement of new street lights in existing, currently or previously served locations within the City is based on a priority system.. All requests for new street lighting shall be put in writing and directed to the City Council. The Council shall refer the requests to the Director of Engineering/Public Works, and Hutchinson Utilities Electric Division for evaluation and a cost estimate. They may also review the request with the Director of Police/Emergency Management Services for requests related to safety. Street lighting safety is primarily based on issues related to pedestrian and vehicular traffic in the street and right-of-way, and not on lighting entrances or properties beyond the public right-of-way. Street lighting determined to be required for safety purposes may be financed out of the annual improvement bond or out of other budgetary sources, but is generally not assessed to the property owner. The City reserves the right to set the priority for, deny or delay the installation of lights based on funding and other reasonable criteria.

Lighting not meeting the above safety criteria, additional lighting or ornamental lighting requests may be permitted, however, the area being served must agree to pay the additional cost to provide this service. The option to make a one-time payment or place the cost on an assessment roll is available.

Traffic Signals: All traffic signals within the City of Hutchinson are on State Highways and are under the control of Mn/DOT. The City of Hutchinson and Hutchinson Utilities provide general maintenance services (changing bulbs, general electrical work, painting, etc.) but all issues related to placement and timing are under the direction and management of Mn/DOT. The City’s Public Works Department shall direct questions and comments to the appropriate authority, Please use the information above to “Report Maintenance Problems”.