Carefree Truth

                      Issue #450, December 28, 2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unique custom faux gas lamps were purchased from Second Avenue Lighting to create a village-like feel.  The additional lamps posts will match the existing ones, and will also be fitted with LED lighting by Let There Be Light, the Carefree LED company.  If approved, 28 posts will be ordered at a cost of $215,000, with an additional $31,000 to install the LED components.  It will take 4 months to receive the lights.  The next item before Council will be the installation of the lights, which will involve a separate contract with an electrical contractor.

 

 

 

Councilman Mike Farrar said he loved it.  He walks his dog and has the same desire for more lighting in that area.  He asked if the new lamps would have the same spacing as the existing ones. Mr. Neiss explained that the distances would vary, relating to the location of electrical supplies, medians, and dark spots.  Mr. Farrar asked how many lights there are on Ho and Hum Roads.  Mr. Neiss replied that there is one on the corner of Hum and Cave Creek Roads and one near Easy Street by Ortega's.  In between are bollard lights installed by the owner of the Galleria, which are on private property.  The parking around Spanish Village is also private property, so the Town has no ability to light that. 

 

 

 

Mr. Farrar agreed that the additional lighting is "well needed".  Mr. Miller said it would take care of the dark spots.  Mr. Farrar said he wouldn't mind ordering 29 lamps, rather than 28, to have lights in more areas.  Vice Mayor John Crane asked if there is a minimum order required if it is decided that addition lamps are needed.  Mr. Miller explained that the 28 included 2 extras.  Mr. Neiss said this is standard.  The extras are used for replacement parts or if lamps get damaged.  Mr. Farrar asked if Ed Lewis was aware of the lamps going in over by his project.  Mr. Miller said the Town had coordinated with Mr. Lewis' architect.  

 

 

 

The Vice Mayor pointed out that part of the cost is the lamps and the LED components, but another part is the installation.  Mr. Farrar asked if there was any idea about that cost.  Mr. Miller had a number in mind but didn't think it was appropriate to make it public since it would be going out to bid.  Mr. Farrar wanted to see the whole picture, not half.  Mr. Miller assured him that it would be within budget for everything.  Mr. Farrar asked if it could be phased, and again asked for the total price.  Mr. Miller said he would tell him, but not publicly, since it will be going out to bid later, and the Town wouldn't get the best number if an expectation is made public.  Mr. Farrar asked if there was any ballpark figure, saying he had no idea. 

 

 

 

Vice Mayor Crane asked if it would be $10,000, $100,000, $250,000?  Mr. Miller replied that it would be within the budget the Council put together for this budget year.  Mr. Farrar didn't know where it was in the budget, other than under a "catch all", stating it was not specified in the budget, and just because it's in the budget does not mean it is warranted to be spent.  He added that he hated to go down that road without knowing, and asked why keep it secret from the public. 

 

 

 

Mayor Les Peterson reminded Mr. Farrar that numerous people had donated components of the gateways, and they were being constructed well under budget.  The Town had an appraisal done on the 33 Easy Street building that will host the new Council Chambers.  That appraisal was not published, and the building was purchased for significantly less.  Mr. Farrar responded, "Publish the appraisal? On the property we're going to buy?"  The Mayor said a request was received to release it.  Mr. Farrar replied, "Sellers, buyers never release an appraisal to a seller."  Mayor Peterson responded that the appraisal was requested by a resident.  

 

 

 

Mayor Peterson stated he was comfortable about purchasing the lights and the LED components, recognizing that the Town is going to negotiate the installation.  Vice Mayor Crane understood not having an exact number or disclosing an anticipated number when it's going out to bid, since it would skew the results.  But he did want to know if it's going to cost $10,000, $100,000, or $250,000.  Mr. Miller explained that $340,000 was budgeted for the lights and installation, and that it would be at or under that amount.  The Vice Mayor said that answered his question, and he thanked Mr. Miller for refreshing his memory.  Mr. Farrar still didn't remember that, or landscaping, specified in the budget.  Mr. Miller held up the sheet below, which showed $340,000 budgeted for  Pedestrian Lights.  Reading from it, he said $24,000 was budgeted for landscaping.  Another $400,000 was budgeted for the splash pad, the sundial reflective pool, and the fireplaces.  He pointed out that $88,366 was actually spent after donations were received; the Town is not throwing money away.  Mr. Farrar still insisted on knowing the installation cost, adding, "And do we really need that many lights?"

 

 

 

Councilwoman Melissa Price said the Town needed to get the lights on order, and made a motion to approve the expenditure.  Councilman Gene Orrico seconded the motion.  The motion was approved 6-1, with Councilman Farrar opposed, saying he didn't know the total cost.  Vice Mayor Crane felt the concept of the cost was provided, and he was comfortable with that clue.  Mr. Farrar repeated that he was not sure 27 lamps were needed.

 

https://vimeo.com/user18676056/review/148987476/6b02451451

 

 

Lyn Hitchon

 

 

 

Prepared by Carefree Truth

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