LEWISTON — Former Mayor Larry Gilbert’s quest to light City Hall got a thumbs-up from some councilors and a pledge to help from current Mayor Robert Macdonald.

“We are on the same page about this,” Macdonald said. “I’ll even raise money and talk to people about this.”

Gilbert on Tuesday presented his plan to councilors to raise $26,292 to buy the materials needed to light up the building’s clock tower and cupola. Gilbert pledged the first $1,000.

“When there is light, people feel safe and want to be there,” Gilbert told councilors. “It brings in people and a sense of community develops. When that happens, the arts are appreciated more and a city that has art is alive.”

Councilors stopped short of pledging to pay $9,000 for city electricians to install the lights, saying it could wait until a future regular-meeting vote. The council’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Sept. 4.

Gilbert said he hopes to have raised the money by spring 2013. His plans call for lighting up City Hall’s northern face and two small towers framing the larger tower, clock and cupola. The larger tower would be lighted on four sides, making it visible for miles.

That would give downtown Lewiston three illuminated landmarks, including the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul and the Franco-American Heritage Center.

City Administrator Ed Barrett said the plans call for installing white LED lights on the building to light the structure. It would cost the city $640 per year in electricity to run the lights from dusk until dawn, less if they were timed to shut off after four hours.

Resident Kevin Morrisette said he liked the idea but warned councilors to think about City Hall’s neighbors.

“Just food for thought going forward,” Morrisette said. “I know the Labor Ready building is right next door. If there are lights shining up, it might impact some of those residents.”

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