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Mayor Adams charged all resident to be sure they, their neighbors and friends fill out the <br />short census questionnaire. He encouraged all candidates to put the importance of the <br />census in their campaign material. <br />Mayor Adams noted that Mr. Glickert had asked to move street lighting up on the agenda to <br />accommodate the large number of residents present and it was approved. <br />Ms. Feier noted that staff had been tasked with communicating more with residents so they <br />would not be surprised by any City proposals. Staff was exploring areas with street lighting <br />as how to impact the environment less and save the City some money. Ms. Eastman is <br />working on a $150,000 grant and is working with the assistance of an intern working with <br />Public Works. The City first worked with Ameren to have more efficient lighting with the <br />result in knowing that it would not make any difference in what Ameren charges. While in <br />the process of trying to have more efficient lighting, Ameren came out with a proposed 18% <br />rate increase. The City has been studying all the different rate structures Ameren UE has. <br />In the study, the City has experimented with turning the Cobra lights off in the Loop area <br />with focus in the commercial areas first.The City will be sending out people to do the <br />lighting assessment and sent out a letter to inform people of what is being studied and to let <br />them know the City may be coming back with a cost share with private subdivision. Ms. <br />Feier noted that there is no proposal on the table or what the outcome of the study will be. <br />CITIZEN COMMENTS <br />Dr. John Tieman, 854 Barkley Square <br />Dr. Tieman read a letter from the private subdivisions of Ames Place, Barkley Square, <br />Brittany Woods, Parkview Place, University Heights No 1, 2 and 3, University Park 1 and 2 <br />and Village of University Place. This letter is attached to the end of the minutes. They were <br />present to object to the City charging the private subdivision for their street lighting. The <br />subdivisions ask that street lighting have an equitable distribution of costs and services. Dr. <br />Tieman noted that our private subdivisions have done much to make University City the <br />thriving, beautiful and vibrant community that it is and expect to see fairness in this issue. <br />Mr. Price asked the City Manager if it was cheaper for the City to own the lights. The City <br />Manager stated it was a complex question. She said if the City owned the lights, they would <br />have reduced billing rates but the cost of purchasing the lights and poles plus the <br />maintenance cost thereafter. Mr. Price stated that Ameren will continue to increase their <br />rate. He asked what the up front cost of owning the lights would be. Ms. Feier stated that <br />the City has not been able to get these answers from Ameren UE but in the last couple of <br />weeks Ameren has said they would work with the City in doing an assessment. When this <br />study is done the City will be able to have a better idea of associated costs. Mr. Price asked <br />about duplicated lighting along Olive. Ms. Feier stated a better assessment would be to <br />have consistent lighting. Mr. Price stated he had heard that the designer lights can use a <br />different type bulb. Ms. Feier stated that different bulbs could be used but would be cost <br />prohibitive to retrofit the lamp heads. Also there is no financial benefit with Ameren on the <br />type of bulb used. <br />Ms. Ricci asked Ms. Feier how many street lights is being discussed. Ms. Feier stated that <br />there is no specific number on the table but will be looking at the whole city. Ms. Ricci noted <br />that she hoped the City would keep in mind that lighting is a crime deterrent. <br /> 8 <br /> <br />