11-28-07 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 28, 2007 STREET The Public Works Superintendent reviewed his report dated November LIGHTS 21, 2007 relative to street light requests and the costs of installation and monthly service fees. The Superintendent reported that most requests received do meet the requirements set forth under the City's street lighting policy. The Superintendent specifically reviewed requests for additional street lighting on LaBore Avenue, Leeward and Windward Way, and Morrison Avenue. While the cost of new lights on Labore Avenue and Leeward and Windward Ways are very expensive, it is felt that installation of a light at the end of Morrison could be done with no installation charge from Xcel given there are existing overhead power lines along the street. The Superintendent reported that Xcel offers to options for installing new street lights. The first is that the City pays all construction costs up front and the light is billed to the City at $5.82 per month after that. The second is that Xcel pays the up font installation costs and the City is billed at $15.12 per month. The City has been using the second option, but underground costs have risen to a level that makes installing street lights cost prohibitive. The Superintendent stated that the question becomes what is a reasonable price to pay to provide street lighting that fits the City's policy. Staff is asking for the City's input on street light installations, specifically from the perspective of cost. The City's street light policy does not address how new lights will be paid for. Options to consider include assessing benefitting properties, or establishing a street utility and charging property owners for the cost of installation and operation. The Superintendent noted that the City of Shoreview takes this approach. Blesener suggested that a street light utility may be the way to go, and noted that a minimal charge could be added to utility bills. Blesener noted that street lighting is necessary from a safety standpoint for drivers, and pointed out that everyone benefits from street lighting. The City Administrator noted that the street light policy says that lighting is not justified from a security standpoint. The Administrator also noted that the City will have some one-time funds available that could be set aside for a street light fund to help offset these costs. 23