HomeMy WebLinkAbout02.25.2002 (2)COUNCIL WORK SESSION
February 25, 2002
4:15 p.m.
Council Chambers
Members present: Mayor Rooff, Berry, Welper, Greenwood, Clark, Jordan, Hurley.
Members absent: Getty.
Moved by Jordan, seconded by Clark that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Ayes: Six.
Absent: Getty. Motion carried.
A study to evaluate the cost effectiveness of converting incandescent signal lights to Light
Emitting Dials (LED) lights was reviewed. The study finds that changing the red lights and the
12-inch "Don't Walk" signals is most economical and requires a small amount of initial
investment. It will save the city about $40,000 each year. The 9-inch "Don't Walk" signal lights
could also be changed to bring about savings. Green lights are not cost effective and cause a
negative cash flow. Yellow and Walk lights were not recommended for replacement because
they use little electricity, have a longer user life and their LED replacements are expensive.
The city currently has 200 signalized intersections. Almost all of these intersections are
equipped with incandescent lights. Recent advances in technology have made it possible for the
industry to market LED lights that meet requirements for use in traffic signals. Because LED
lights consume a lot less electricity than the traditional incandescent lamps, they are desirable for
energy efficiency. They also have a longer life than incandescent lamps. Longer life means less
maintenance and less safety related problems. Although LED lights have a high initial cost, their
combined advantages, coupled with attractive rebate programs from utility companies, have
provided an opportunity for many local communities to convert over to them. MidAmerican
Energy has a program which will rebate $40 for each light, which would mean the city would
receive a little over $99,000 from the rebates. Once the city makes application for the rebates we
are locked into the program, and as soon as we install the LED lights, we send MidAmerican an
invoice of the cost of the LED lights. Traffic Operations will do the installation of the LED
lights, with each light taking approximately 15 minutes.
Mayor Rooff stated that a lot of labor will be saved in addition to the cost, and he asked Traffic
Operations to calculate the labor savings.
Ms. Greco reported that GO Bonds will be used to purchase the LED lights.
It was the consensus of the council that this item would not need approval from the Finance
Committee, and the Traffic Operations Department was authorized to proceed with the project.
With no further business before the council, it was moved by Jordan, seconded by Clark that the
meeting be adjourned at 4:36 p.m. Ayes: Six. Absent: Getty. Motion carried.
Nancy Eckert
City Clerk