City Council Meeting Date: November 14, 2017
To: Mayor and City Council
City Administrator
From: David E. Bennett, Public Works Director/City Engineer
Title
Update on Xcel Energy LED Street Light Conversion.
Body
Action Requested:
The Northfield City Council receives an update on Xcel Energy LED Street Lights.
Summary Report:
This fall Xcel Energy began converting the "cobra" style High Pressure Sodium (HPS) street lights in Northfield to LED. There are other street light poles that are owned by Xcel Energy that are not scheduled for conversion through this project. The street lights within the City are owned by Xcel, with the exception of a few areas where the City owns the lights (North Hwy 3, Woodley St, and Downtown). Woodley Street has LED technology and the City has been converting to LED in the downtown through regular maintenance over the past few years. The Xcel Energy LED conversion in Minnesota that began in 2016. The conversion in Northfield is nearly complete.
Some of the benefits of LED are listed below:
* LED street lights are more energy efficient.
* LED provide a better lighting pattern to see vehicles, pedestrians, bikes, and other objects that may be in the roadway.
* LED lighting is Dark Sky Compliant.
* LED's provide less spillage as compared to the old style HPS lights.
However, the LED lighting is more direct and focused, and if the light is not properly directed toward the street, it could spill onto homes and buildings. If residents are experiencing this, they can call the Public Works Department and they can have Xcel review the light. Xcel may be able to redirect it or provide shielding. The City has received about six inquiries related to this, which have been sent on to Xcel.
The City of Northfield does not have any formal policies or regulations on street lighting. The only regulations are in the Land Development Code, which tie site plan review for development for commercial, industrial, and residenti...
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