01 - Laserfiche WebLink

A Golden Eagle homeowner explained that there are 9 courts within lower Golden Eagle with standard City lighting at the entrance to each. He stated that 3 courts and the gated entrance to lower Golden Eagle have additional lighting. Mr. Rogers said there are 2 types of neighborhoods, Golden Eagle estates and Golden Eagle luxury homes. The luxury home neighborhoods employ more conventional lighting while estate neighborhoods have a more rural feel with further spaced lighting. Councilmember Sullivan inquired about the lighting situation travelling south on Foothill Road near Oak Tree Farm. Mr. Kelcourse said that stretch lies within the County and is more rural in nature. He explained that any lights in that area are most likely on existing PG &E poles and not have standard spacing. Councilmember Sullivan said that while the accident record does not explicitly indicate an automobile safety issue at night, he believes there is a significant issue with deer at night and particularly along unlit stretches of road. He said that concerns regarding the loss of a rural feel are legitimate, acknowledged the information regarding LED lighting, and said that would still result in bright light, spillover, and disruption of the area's charm. He recommended that staff reconsider the existing lighting design to consider possible improvements in spacing that would mitigate safety issues without disrupting the rural feel. Councilmember Thorne said he has driven that stretch of road at night, believes it to be a safety issue, and supports staff's recommendation. Vice -Mayor Cook Kallio said she has driven the road quite a bit, cited an unreported incident wherein a deer ran over the back of the car in front of her, and wondered how often similar incidents go unreported. She agreed this is a safety issue, said she feels for the neighbors who will be impacted, but believed the lights should be reinstalled. Councilmember McGovern said that all of this housing was built without allowing for a wildlife corridor in which the deer could access the arroyo. She said she loves the rural feel of the area, moved there herself in 1973 when it was still very much so, but that the deer population is only increasing and will continue to be an issue. She supported the staff recommendation and hoped the light could be controlled to minimally impact the night sky. Mayor Hosterman supported the recommendation, said the loss of night sky is of great concern and that she understands the position of neighbors opposed to the lights. She felt the LED application will enable focused lighting that minimally invades residents' homes and is excited to introduce this new program here. Councilmember Sullivan believed there may be a better solution and said he would not support the staff recommendation. 12. Motion: It was m/s by Thorne /Cook Kallio to approve the reinstallation of 18 streetlights on Foothill Road along the frontage of the Golden Eagle development and the replacement of the 3 existing streetlights with LED fixtures; approve and authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with Vista Universal, Inc. for the installation and conversion of LED lighting fixture from High Pressure Sodium in the amount of $48,878 and for the City Engineer to approve and execute contract change order up to $7,331. Motion passed by the following vote: City Council Minutes Page 5 of 15 September 1, 2009