Agenda - Public Works Committee - 03/15/2011

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Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson McGlone, Commissioners Elvig and Backous. Voting No: None. Absent: None. Case #6: Update on Retro Fitting of Public Works Lighting Public Works Director Olson reviewed the staff report. Rob Schiller, Ready Watt Electric, explained the cost of using LED would be 25% less than fluorescent in usage. However, the replacement cost would be a larger savings due to the low maintenance. However, fluorescent bulbs have a significantly shorter life span. Councilmember Elvig asked whether it shortens the life of LED lights to turn them on and off. Mr. Schiller responded the fluorescent bulbs are better for that. Motion by Commissioner Elvig, seconded by Commissioner Tossey, to recommend to City Council approval of the retro fitting project and approve contracting with AID Electric for the installation. Further discussion: Commissioner Tossey inquired if the parameters were the same for all the company's quotes. Public Works Director Olson answered they were the same. The companies were asked to replace the ballast and fixtures. Mr. Schiller commented he discovered his bid is higher than others, though he found discrepancies with other proposals. Because their bids are a matter of public record, he compared the bids. Mr. Schiller detailed the discrepancies he noticed with the quote on fluorescent lighting and pointed out the difference in dollar amounts. There was no debate on whether another fluorescent quote would be accepted. Public Works Director Olson indicated the specific direction from the Council was to obtain an LED quote. Chairperson McGlone noted Mr. Schiller gave a quote and did his homework to find discrepancies in the other quotes. This is public information and if there are discrepancies, Staff needs to get to the bottom of it. Public Works Director Olson stated he will research the discrepancies. He recommended the Public Works Committee delay this item until he can determine the facts. Substitute motion by Commissioner Elvig, seconded by Commissioner Tossey, to table this item until the next Public Works Committee meeting. Further discussion: Councilmember Elvig asked when this would come back to the Committee. City Administrator Ulrich said it will be postponed to the March Public Works Committee meeting. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson McGlone, Commissioners Elvig, Tossey, Backous, Jeffrey, Ramsey, and Wise. Voting No: None. Absent: None. Public Works Committee / February 15, 2011 Page 6 of 7