Title
Consider providing a Committee recommendation for the City Council on the acceptance of an LED lighting retrofit grant; and take appropriate action
Body
BACKGROUND:
The Comptroller of Public Accounts - State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) released a reimbursable grant opportunity for local governments to assist with the replacement of lighting equipment in government facilities with LED lights. City staff applied for and received $27,800 in the form of a reimbursable grant to retrofit lighting at the recreation center complex. The grant requires a 20% match ($5,560) by the City. The adopted Fiscal Year 2023-2024 budget did not allocate funds for lighting upgrades to the Recreation Center.
With the grant the City will replace seventy-eight (78) existing lights with LED light fixtures. These lights are located along the building exterior of the Recreation Center, the parking lot, and skate park. The project will need be completed before August 31, 2024 to meet the grant requirements.
Converting the lighting at the Recreation Center to LED will provide significant electricity cost savings over time. Since LED lights are more energy efficient and longer lasting than the existing bulbs, there are numerous sustainability benefits and reduced maintenance costs.
Acceptance of this grant will essentially allow the City to replace lighting for one-fifth the price. It allows staff the option to install fixtures that limit light pollution and provide more direct lighting that will help users of the site feel safer during evening hours.
The City has been completed reimbursable grants with SECO in the past including a $75,000 grant for LED lighting retrofits at the Justice Center and an $18,000 grant for electric vehicle chargers.
The City Council will vote whether to approve the acceptance of the grant on January 23, 2024.
ACTIONS:
1. Motion to provide a recommendation from the Sustainability Committee that the City Council approve the acceptance of the...
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