06/05/2001 RA RPTS 14 - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY OF RIVERSIDE COUNCIL/AGENCY MEMORANDUM Honorable Mayor & City Council and Redevelopment Agency Date: Iuuc 5, 200] Item No.: 14 Subject: Request Transfer of Funds for Lighting Retrofit in Garage 1 and Garage 3 Background The electrical fixtures found in Garage 1 and Garage 3 require the use ofmereury vapor lights. Mercury vapor lights were first introduced in 1934, and are relatively inefficient producers of light, compared to fiuorescent or other high-intensity discharge (HID) sources. Their use has been confined to low waRage lamps for landscape lighting where their blue-green color enhances many plants and trees. Current Issue On April 16, 2001, Building Services received informal bid proposals to conduct a lighting retrofit program that would include replacing the 68 mercury vapor lights in Garage 1, and 45 mercury vapor lights in Garage 3 with fluorescent lighting. The low bid was submitted by City Electric and has been determined by City staff to be the most "responsive" and "responsible" for $15,370. The ultimate goal of this program is to increase the lighting levels in the parking structures, which would have a positive impact on garage security. These poorly lit areas in the parking structures provide a breeding area for vandals and other criminal activity. Improved lighting will also demonstrate to the users of these structures that the city is willing to put money back into their investments for the benefit of its citizens. Analysis Public Utilities manages a Lighting Retrofit Program that offers a rebate of $0.05 per kilowatt-hour saved. Approximately 95.519-kilowatt hours in both structures will be saved. Garage I would save approximately 57,641, and Garage 3 would save approximately 37,878 kilowatt-hours. The Agency would receive a rebate from Public Utilities for approximately $4,775 for participating in the Lighting Retrofit Program. The annual energy savings, however, are estimated to be $7,957. Over a ten-year period, the total energy savings will be $79,567. In addition to the return on investment, an additional saving will also be realized from the reduced cost of replacement bulbs. The existing mercury vapor lights cost approximately $8 each and the fluorescent lights cost approximately $2.50. The Downtown Parking Committee has endorsed this proposed project. Fiscal Impact The lighting retrofit of Garage 1 and Garage 3 would actually cost less than $15,370 as a result of the rebate issued by Public Utilities once the project has been completed. However, the lighting retrofit is advisable based upon increased security and the long-term financial impact. Funding for this project is available in the Parking Maintenance and Repair Account No. 2830810-424130. Alternatives The City Council and Agency Board may not desire to proceed with the lighting retrofit of Garage I and Garage 3 at this time. Consequently, the lighting levels would remain dim and would not reduce the Ageney's overall energy and maintenance expenses. 14-1