Do We Need 8,000 Additional Street Lights in Colorado Springs?

	A letter from a Concerned Citizen
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Greetings,

As a Colorado Springs resident, I've been following the street light service
charge issue with a good deal of interest. I have a few questions that I
have not been able to resolve using online resources such as the city's
website and CSU's website. I'd be grateful if you could help me out --
either by answering the questions directly, or by pointing me to an
appropriate source of information.

First off, I've seen numerous references to "8000 streetlights". What
exactly does this figure represent? Is it limited to brand new fixtures
(lighting areas that are currently without streetlights) -- or will some of
these new streetlights replace existing fixtures (perhaps with newer, more
efficient/modern/eco-friendly fixtures)? If it's a mix, can you give me an
idea of what percentage of the 8000 will replace existing fixtures, and what
percentage will be lighting new areas?

How will the placement of these lights be determined (or has it already been
determined?) Will the plan be available for public review? I've driven
around Colo Sprgs quite a bit at night, and agree that there are areas that
could use better lighting -- nevertheless, I'm skeptical that we need *that*
much more lighting. By my calculation, 8000 streetlights represents a 40%
increase in the number of streetlights in the city (this, of course, assumes
all lights are "new" lights and not replacement lights).

Do you have any idea what percentage of lights will be used to illuminate
larger thoroughfares and what percentage will be installed in residential
neighborhoods? For the residential lights, will the established policy of
affected residents vote for/against the lights still apply?

In terms of fixture design, I noticed in a newspaper article that the lights
will be a full cutoff design that direct light downward. I've noticed such
lights being installed recently on major thoroughfares (thanks!) -- but I
haven't noticed any new designs for residential areas. The lights I'm
familiar with in those areas are more of a globe or lantern-type light that
directs light in all directions. Do you have a new design for residential
areas?

Thanks much for any input you can give me on these matters.

-- Gary Frerking

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Phillip Tollefson, CEO of Colorado Springs Utilities:

The 8000 refers to the number of lights estimated to be needed for areas currently without lights. Replacements, upgrades, etc are done on an ongoing basis and will also be supported by the proposed rate. There are about 4000 mercury vapor lights in service that are less efficient than high pressure sodium lights to be installed. We will replace those as possible.

We are continuing to work on the scheduling/prioritization process in the transition of responsibilities from Traffic to CSU. There are some standards regarding placement at intersections and spacing in between depending on roadway design, traffic volume, etc. We anticipate being able to satisfy all currently outstanding residential requests in 2003 and begin placing arterials in p! riority as recommended by Police and Traffic based on public safety assessments, etc. Once the decision criteria are a little more finalized, they will, of course, be available for public review.

Something like 75% of the backlog is for arterial roadways. There is more info on this in the Attachment. We do expect to continue the process of residents within 100 ft of a proposed residential light agreeing to its placement unless there is an overriding safety or technical issue, etc.

Residential light design can get pretty complicated, since some standards are set by a local association or group agreement. For example, old Colo City area wants all "period" lighting, some folks in Cedar Heights wanted natural gas lights. We basically try to meet the light output standards and then match whatever architectural style folks want within reason. Obviously, we don't want to go overboard on this due to inventory management, ! spare parts, etc. We are not currently looking at adding any new designs to our inventory, to my knowledge.

Phillip also included this fact sheet in his response:

FACT SHEET – STREET LIGHTS

BACKGROUND

Colorado Springs Utilities installs, maintains and operates streetlights within its service territory (City Traffic Engineering – prior to the current proposal – directed the location and number of lights to be installed). The City of Colorado Springs was then billed for these services – services that were paid for out of the City General Fund Budget.

Due to competing priorities in police and fire services and capital improvements – in addition to other budget constraints – the City has been unable to keep up with a growing backlog of streetlights around the community.

Last year, City Council – recognizing an urgent public safety need – asked Colorado Springs Utilities to assist the municipal government in addressing a backlog of nearly 8,000 street lights in the community.

Since Colorado Springs Utilities already installs, maintains and operates the city’s streetlight program, City Council recognized the economies of scale and efficiencies in moving the funding mechanism for the streetlight program from the municipal government to the community-owned utility.

If approved by City Council in December, Colorado Springs Utilities would take primary financial responsibility for the streetlight program in 2003.

UTILITY BILL IMPACTS

If approved by City Council, beginning February 1, 2003, a Street Light Service Charge would be added to Colorado Springs Utilities’ commercial and residential customers’ monthly utility bill, providing they operate their business or live within the Colorado Springs city limits.

Residential customers would see a Street Light Service Charge of approximately $1.79 per month.

Non-residential customers would see a Street Light Service Charge of approximately $4.86 per month.

A letter from a Concerned Citizen