1 | Discussion: Street Lighting to Enhance Dark Skies (SLEDS) Status Update | ||||||
Mayor Evans stated that before staff begins the update the Council needs to go into Executive Session for legal advice. | |||||||
Moved by Councilmember Jim McCarthy, seconded by Vice Mayor Jamie Whelan to recess into Executive Session for legal advice. | |||||||
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously | |||||||
The Council reconvened and Traffic Engineer Jeff Bauman presented a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following: SLEDS PROJECT UPDATE BACKGROUND/HISTORY HIGHLIGHTS OF RFP – CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES Vice Mayor Whelan asked the background on why hiring a consultant is the best way to go. Mr. Bauman explained that at the Dark Skies Conference the product that Flagstaff needs does not yet exist, even with all the people and products that were available there was no solution for the unique needs of Flagstaff. Vice Mayor Whelan asked why a change order is needed at this point. Mr. Bauman stated that the project has been a long and challenging one. Flagstaff was fortunate to get some discounted rates because of the notoriety of Flagstaff’s Dark Skies and the consultants really wanted to get in on the project. Staff is requesting an additional 18 months for the project and with more time comes more expense. Councilmember Barotz expressed concern about the impacts and is unsure how the solutions will affect all the facets of dark skies. It is important to understand those various impacts for the options. The solution will likely enhance dark skies in one or more ways but also compromise it in one or more ways. Mr. Bauman continued the presentation. HIGHLIGHTS OF RFP – SLEDS PROJECT DIRECTION COMPLETED TASKS TEST FIXTURES – NBA LED TEST FIXTURE – HLED Councilmember Barotz asked Dr. Fred Verber to offer his perspective relative to hybrid and narrow band amber (NBA) and the impact on dark skies. Dr. Verber stated that the long process is understandably frustrating for Council but is good for the science; technology is rapidly changing and that has played into the length issue as well. Generally speaking, the NBAs are the replacements for the low pressure sodium (LPS); they are not quite as good but unless the City will go completely dark something has to be done. Astronomy would be happy to have the 595 NBA in town. The 80/20 came up because staff wants a higher light on main arterials. One of the issues is that the hybrids give a little color rendition which is good for walkers but not so good for astronomy. Mr. Bauman continued. TEST FIXTURES SLEDS TEST AREAS MAP IN PROGRESS TASKS NEXT STEPS FINAL STEPS AFTER TESTING Councilmember Barotz stated that it appears that the hybrid LED light adversely impacts sky glow and the observatories; she asked why there will be testing of the lights if it is known that the impact will be negative. Mr. Bauman explained that the hybrid LEDs used in limited areas are actually better for the visible sky glow but not as good as the NBA only for astronomical observations. There is debate if adding color to the lights will benefit safety. Lab tests show a benefit but no real life testing has been done. The lights are dimmable and the hope is to reduce and reduce until a good level is found that will still have the advantages but less impact. |
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