Adopt Resolution 15-04-095 Approving Preliminary Plans and Cost Estimate and Awarding a Contract to Connexus Energy for Riverdale Drive Lighting Improvements, Improvement Project #15-22

Purpose:
The purpose of this case is to approve proposed street and pedestrian facility lighting plans for Riverdale Drive between Armstrong Boulevard and Traprock Street.

Background:
Street and pedestrian facility lighting improvements were not bid with the Riverdale Drive Reconstruction and Extension project between Armstrong Boulevard and Traprock Street.  Since Riverdale Drive will serve as the south frontage road to Highway 10, and since two pedestrian trails are being constructed along Riverdale Drive, including the nationally designated Mississippi River Trail south of Riverdale Drive, staff believes an adequately safe level of street and pedestrian facility lighting is appropriate for this segment of Riverdale Drive and has worked with Connexus Energy to develop the attached proposed street and pedestrian facility lighting plan.
 
Connexus Energy’s design proposal includes 27 street lights with 135 watt LED low-profile shoebox style light fixtures mounted on 30-foot tall fiberglass poles, and 27 pedestrian facility lights with 50 watt LED Traditionaire style light fixtures mounted on 14-foot tall fiberglass poles.  Fourteen (14) of the pedestrian lights are located along the 10-foot wide Mississippi River Trail south of Riverdale Drive, and 13 pedestrian lights are located along the 10-foot wide public trail north of Riverdale Drive.  Pictures of the proposed lights are attached for reference.
 
The proposed design intentionally provides adequately safe lighting levels along Riverdale Drive and the adjacent trails on either side, while purposely not over-lighting the corridor.  The intent is to provide safe lighting levels for drivers and to minimize dark spots for pedestrians along the trails to enhance their feeling of safety.  The proposed lighting system will be unmetered and will be operational from dusk to dawn.
 
The City of Ramsey works exclusively with Connexus Energy to construct and maintain public street and trail lighting improvements throughout the City.  No other bids or quotes were therefore obtained.  Attached is a copy of Connexus Energy’s estimated costs for the proposed street and pedestrian facility lighting improvements in the amount of $170,347.70.  If directional boring is required an additional cost of $9.90 per linear foot of boring will be charged.
 
If approved, Connexus Energy would install the lighting improvements in the spring of 2015.  Ideally, all underground work (wiring and pole bases) would be completed in conjunction with the completion of the Riverdale Drive Reconstruction and Extension project, and the above ground work (poles and fixtures) would follow soon thereafter based on material delivery schedules.  Connexus Energy will retain ownership of the lighting systems, and will provide on-going maintenance of the lights under their current monthly energy and maintenance rates.
 
Conduits for street and pedestrian facility lighting were installed under driveways and streets during the Riverdale Drive project in anticipation of future lighting improvements.  No impacts to existing infrastructure are therefore anticipated.

Observations:
The Public Works Committee reviewed the proposed design during their March 31^st meeting and recommended City Council approval as proposed.

Alternatives:
Alternative #1 – Motion to approve plans and specifications and award a contract to Connexus Energy for Riverdale Drive Lighting Improvements, Improvement Project #15-22.

Alternative #2 – Motion denying approval of plans and specifications for Riverdale Drive Lighting Improvements at this time.