01 - Laserfiche WebLink

Councilmember Thorne said this is similar to what happened when Fairlands Park was built and asked if there was any concern for consistency. Mr. Kelcourse said that Illumination Engineer Society (IES) standards are different for traffic, park, and security lighting. While the two issues are similar, this pertains more to concerns over streetlights for driving and public safety. Councilmember Thorne noted that in the case of Fairlands Park, residents were made to wait for the normal CIP cycle since they had refused the lights in the first place. Councilmember McGovern referenced the City Council Minutes of July 10, 1990 where the Council voted to remove the lighting; she noted that Mr. Elliot, then Director of Public Works, responded to a question from Councilmember Brandis by saying that although no lighting would be an alternative, it was not a viable one. Mr. Fialho concurred and noted that fortunately when the Council voted to remove the lights, the foundations and electrical infrastructure were left in place. Councilmember Sullivan asked if there was any precedent for this sort of action where residents dictate the installation and removal of public works fixtures and confirmed that 126 residents signed the petition in favor of the light reinstallation. Mr. Kelcourse corrected the number to be 162 residents. City Attorney Roush said that while it is not entirely clear what happened in 1990, the issue was certainly raised in a way that resonated with the Council. Councilmember Sullivan said that while this is not likely to be the same set of residents who asked that the lighting be removed, it may be more appropriate to ask them to assume the cost of doing so. He said it seems unfair for all taxpayers to foot the bill for the whims of a few. Mr. Kelcourse clarified that the developer paid for the initial installation. Mr. Fialho added that the City assumed the task of removing them and now, based on the dialogue staff has had with the community, staff is prepared to recommend that the City reinstall them. Mayor Hosterman questioned whether staff has any idea of what the eventual cost of conversion to LED lighting throughout the City will be. Mr. Fialho said staff is currently testing technology and did not know what the cost would be. Mayor Hosterman asked, assuming the Council supports it, if the reinstallation of these lights could be conditioned upon the conversion to LED. Mr. Kelcourse said that the recommendation at this time is to reinstall the lights using their current infrastructure and spacing; LEDs would be unadvisable at this time as they would require extensive analysis and very likely, design changes. Mayor Hosterman noted that incandescent bulbs will be unavailable in the not so distant future and asked staff to attempt to find an LED solution that would provide the same basic illumination. She also asked if the Council supported reinstallation, that it be conditional upon the use of skirts to direct the lighting downward and mitigate loss of the night sky. Mayor Hosterman opened the item for public comment. Lee Arioto stated he lives on the far south end of Foothill Road in one of the two homes with direct frontage onto Foothill Road. He shared concerns that he and his neighbor have--that the lighting would come straight into their homes. He agreed that the road conditions require care and asked that the plan be revised to forgo installation of the last three lights at the southern end of Foothill Road. City Council Minutes Page 5 of 17 April 7, 2009