2010-01-25 Reg - Laserfiche WebLink

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