Agenda - Public Works Committee - 09/21/2010

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CONSIDER REQUESTS FOR THE INSTALLATION OF STREET LIGHTS AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS WITHIN THE CITY By: Tim Himmer, City Engineer CASE # 3 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: During the implementation of City project 08 -33, the bituminous paving of Ute Street, it was discovered that a streetlight meeting the priority siting requirements was missing at the intersection of Ute Street and County Road 27. Therefore, staff is requesting approval to install a light at this location, which would be funded through the street lighting utility. The police have requested the installation of a light within Alpine Park, near the skateboard park area for added security. As the season transitions into the fall and winter, with less daylight hours, it is difficult to see whether individuals are on the site, and what they may be doing. Added lighting will give the police the ability to review activities that are occurring within the park from the adjacent roadway. With the advancement of City project 08 -34, the bituminous paving of 151 152 and Fluorine, it was requested by a resident in the area that a streetlight be added at the intersection of 152 Avenue and Erkium Street (TH 47 frontage road). This request was previously made, but the TH 47 Corridor Study contemplated closing this intersection. Because this neighborhood is isolated (one way in and out), and the concern for u- turning larger vehicles (school buses, trash trucks, etc.) at 149 Lane and TH 47 creating potential traffic conflicts the closing was delayed. This location meets the criteria for a priority streetlight, but when the planned improvements are completed a new access point will be created into the neighborhood from Helium Street, which may trigger the closing of this intersection in the near future. Should we be installing a streetlight that may be removed as part of this closure? 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. The approximate cost for the installation of these streetlights is $2,500 each, and the current annual maintenance rate is $110/ light. Recommendation: Staff is recommending the installation of priority streetlights at the intersections of Ute Street and County Road 27, and 152 Avenue and Erkium Street (TH 47 frontage road) to be funded by the streetlight utility fund.