Agenda - Public Works Committee - 04/21/2009

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CASE # q CONSIDER REQUEST FOR A PRIORITY STREETLIGHT AT THE INTERSECTION OF ALPINE DRIVE AND UTE STREET By: Tim Himmer, City Engineer Background: The City Council adopted the current street lighting policy on November 14,2006. This policy references two distinct classifications of street lights: 1. Priority lights, which are placed at key intersections and other locations (mostly along high speed, high volume roadways) as a public safety measure. These lights are financed through the general fund and a City..wide street lighting utility. 2. Subdivision lights, which are placed in new subdivisions and established neighborhoods for greater pedestrian safety and increased crime deterrent. In new developments, these lights are financed initially by the developer, and on-going maintenance and operation costs are paid by the residents of that neighborhood. Existing neighborhoods can petition the City for additional street lights, with the costs assessed back to the benefiting residents in that neighborhood. Observations: As part of the discussion for a resident requested streetlight at the January 20, 2009 Public Works Committee meeting, it was brought to our attention that another location meeting the criteria of a priority streetlight was lacking such a light. Eligibility requirements as outlined in the approved policy are as follows: . High freql..lency of nighttime accidents. . Marked pedestrian crossings. . Location used by a high number of pedestrians near parks and schools. . Selected intersections on neighborhood collector streets where traffic volumes are significantly higher than on adjacent residential streets. . Within the Ramsey Town Center. The. current standard for priority street lights consists of placing a 1 SO watt high pressure sodium lamp and cobra head luminary with a flat glass lens on a wood or fiberglass pole. This is usually accomplished by placing the appropriate fixture on an existing pole, so there is no standard for which side of street it is placed, or on which intersecting leg. Current policy establishes a $15,000 annual budget to address concerns and requests for priority street lights as they arise. As problem areas are identified they are brought before the Public Works Committee for discussion. A proposal from Connexus Energy for the installation of a streetlight at this location is $2,800, and the current annual maintenance rate is $11 O. Recommendation: Staff is recommending the installation of a priority street light at the intersection of Alpine Drive and Ute Street to remain consistent with current City policy. Action: Motion to recommend to City Council that staff is directed to install a priority street light at the intersection of Alpine Drive and Ute Street. Reviewed By: Director of Public Works/Principal City Engineer PW: 4/21/09 71