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I I I I 1 I II Manager Patterson described why costs increase when high pressure sodium lights are used. Low pressure sodium lights, while they do not appear to put out more light, actually do put out more light per watt, and therefore are more efficient. When high pressure '- sodium lights are used, "the wattage must be increased in order to get the same light as perceived through a light meter even though our eyes think it is much brighter... As we change to a brighter and brighter light it actually takes more and more wattage and that's why the cost goes up." If the same wattage was used in a low pressure sodium and a metal halide, the low pressure sodium would be much brighter. Manager Patterson said installation as well as long tenn maintenance costs must be considered in the overall program. He said low pressure sodium lights will increase in brightness over the life of the bulb, and then without warning just burn out. It is obvious when they need replacement. High pressure sodium lights start out very bright and become dimmer and dimmer through the years, reaching a level that is considered unsafe before they slowly fade away. High pressure sodium lights must have a strict maintenance program in order to replace still functioning lights before they reach that unsafe level. There is an additional cost of replacing high pressure sodium lights due to their hazardous materials. Using other than low pressure sodium lights will require additional electricity and maintenance costs. Manager Patterson said in the downtown there are areas such as Broadway or Main where the Council might want to use some sort of brighter light, and that can be done over a period of time. He said capital costs for a total conversion would be $130,200, and energy costs would eventually increase to $9,600 per year, but could be done through -- several budget cycles. Mayor Hartnett asked that the report on the proposed Underground District also be presented at this time. Manager Patterson said the proposed Underground District would be funded through Rule 20A funds, the City would pay for the connections to single family dwellings according to established Council policy, and staff is recommending the use of high pressure sodium lights. He said Rule 20A funds are set aside funds ITom the State of California derived ITom energy bills and used to fund Underground Districts throughout the state. The City gets a certain portion every year, and has used those funds for various projects, such as Chestnut Street, and some will be used for James Avenue. Manager Patterson said the proposed $130,000 for a total conversion of the downtown area could be reduced with the use of Rule 20A funds. In response to Councilman Ruskin's questions, Manager Patterson said some areas within the proposed District boundary already have high pressure sodium lights; the proposal did not include changing lights on Broadway; the boundaries of an Underground District must be contiguous and are drawn very liberally to prevent utility companies ITom installing above ground utility poles at any time in the future; and wooden poles will be - removed and existing and new street lights will be on metal poles within the District. Manager Patterson said that in other areas of the City the wooden poles are being used by REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTE BOOK NO. 55 APRIL 7, 1997 MINUTES Page No. 233 PAGE 11