Agenda - Public Works Committee - 10/17/2006

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Case #5: Discuss Modification of Priority Street Lighting Policy City Engineer Jankowski explained under the City's current street lighting policy which is attached to this case, priority street lights are to be located at intersections of all County and State trunk highways as well as the City's higher speed MSA streets. Priority lights are 150 watt high pressure sodium luminaries which are mounted on either existing wooden poles or fiberglass standards with a cobra head style fixture. The City began the installation of priority lights during the mid 90s and budgeted $25,000 each year for the installation of additional lights until all intersections eligible for priority lights had them in place. This goal was accomplished in 2006. Mr. Jankowski indicated the City has received requests for street lights in other locations that appear to have a high need for street lighting. For example, a second priority light was placed at the intersection of Armstrong Boulevard and Alpine Drive upon the Council determining that the . single light in place did not adequately light the intersection. A priority light was placed at the intersection of 166th Ave and J aspar Street after a determination that a light at this location would benefit the area which was reported to have a large amount of after dark trespass activity. Mr. Jankowski stated Councilperson David Jeffrey has suggested that an appropriate location for a priority light may be the intersection of Waco Street and 142nd Avenue. Staff anticipates that requests for consideration of such additional priority lights will continue as the population of the City grows. City Engineer Jankowski advised staff recommends that the Committee consider maintaining a modest budget for the installation of additional priority lights that are deemed justified for addition to the priority system. A fund balance of$15,000 would allow for the installation of several priority lights. The Committee should also give consideration to appropriate criteria for determining the eligibility of additional light locations. Staff would suggest that such criteria might co~sist of being a collector or MSA street, or establishing a minimum level of traffic. Motion by Councilmember Cook, seconded by Councilmember Olson, to recommend to City Council that a budget be maintained for additional priority street lights and that staffbe directed to modify the existing street lighting policy to include criteria for additional priority street lights. Further discussion: Public Works Director Olson advised there is a street light utility that would be utilized for the street light budget; it would not affect the general fund budget. This budget could also be utilized for some of the streetlights within the Town Center area on Sunwood Drive, which is an MSA street. Staff would also like direction to place a streetlight at the. intersection of 142nd Avenue and Waco Street, which is near the park entrance. The motion on the floor was amended as follows: To recommend to City Council that a budget be maintained for additional priority street lights and that staffbe directed to modify the existing street lighting policy to include criteria for additional priority street lights; and that staffbe directed to place a streetlight at the intersection of 142nd Avenue and Waco Street. Further discussion: Chairperson Elvig noted there will be a serious need for lighting in the area of Green Valley Road and CR 63, which is being discussed as a turnback from the County. Councilmember Olson asked ifthe fund balance will be replenished each year at budget time. Public Works Committee / September 19, 2006 Page 8 of9