HomeMy WebLinkAbout06.11.2001• •
COUNCIL WORK SESSION
June 11, 2001
4:45 p.m.
Coundil Chambers
Members present: Mayor Rooff, Jordan, Krizek, Murphy, Gronen, Getty, Anders.
Moved by Getty, seconded by Murphy that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Ayes: Five.
Absent: Anders, Berry. Motion carried.
Cindy Preussner, Account Executive for MidAmerican Energy, presented information on the
proposed LED Traffic Signal Retrofit Project. Light emitting diodes (LEDs) are semiconductor
devices using solid-state electronics to create light.
Anders now present at 4:50 p.m.
LED traffic signals consist of a single circular indication with multiple LEDs mounted together
behind a lens. LED traffic signals can easily be retrofitted into an existing signal head and
replaces the incandescent lamp, lens and reflector. Ms. Preussner compared LEDs vs.
incandescent traffic signals. LED units reduce energy consumption and cost because LED units
use from 7 to 10.5 watts each and incandescent typically use 69 to 150 watts each. LED units
reduce maintenance requirements and cost because a LED unit life expectancy is a minimum of 5
to 10 times that of incandescent. LED units provide increase reliability as the failure rate is very
low, with less than 1 percent in five years. LED units provide durability in withstanding wind and
traffic vibration, and liability exposure to the city is greatly reduced. LED units provide improved
service quality, and in the event of a 28 volt reduction, incandescents provide only 33 percent of
their nominal intensity and LEDs provide 90 percent. Ms. Preussner reported that `universal
hand" and "person walking" indicators are required by 2002. LED units reflect sunlight off lens
and reflector, and LED units have a relatively flat face and no reflector. Wiring upgrades are
unnecessary due to the reduced electric load of LEDs. Ms. Preussner reported that tort liability is
reduced as complete unit failure occurrence is minimized and the "sun phantom" effect is
eliminated. LED units improve safety and air quality as less energy is used which reduces
emissions.
The project would include installation of 2,390 red and don't walk LED signals and installation of
all "Man/Hand" pedestrian indicators. The project would include 186 intersections and reduce the
annual cost from $110,000 to $55,000. The annual maintenance cost would be reduced from
$23,000 to $12,500. The LED system has a seven year warranty. Re-Lamping would only be
required from seven to ten years. MidAmerican Energy would not require a down payment by the
city. The equipment lease would be funded with energy savings and the city maintains credit lines
for day-to-day business. After seven years, the city would own the equipment. The expected
payback is seven years. If the project is approved, the materials would be received in four to six
weeks and installation would take place within four to six weeks of receipt of the materials.
Michelle Weidner, Chief Financial Officer, stated that the city will realize a savings after seven
years. Ms. Weidner stated that MidAmerican Energy could provide the labor and warranty, or the
city could purchase the lamps and provide our own labor. Ms. Weidner stated she feels this is a
good project, but the city would have to come up with funding.
Mayor Rooff asked that the Chief Financial Officer, Superintendent of Traffic and Assistant City
Attorney continue reviewing this project.
With no further business before the council, it was moved by Gronen, seconded by Getty that the
meeting be adjourned at 5:17 p.m. Ayes: Six. Absent: Berry. Motion carried.
Nancy Eckert
City Clerk