A bright idea? Council looks to save money on operation of streetlights

A pilot program to save money on the cost of operating streetlights is being considered in Brainerd.

Tom Phelps, Brainerd Public Utilities superintendent, told the Personnel and Finance Committee he would prepare a plan that would include shutting off about 27 streetlights across north Brainerd.

The Brainerd City Council unanimously approved the conceptual plan, to be finalized for action at the council's Nov. 2 meeting. The pilot program would be for six months.

The council also approved shutting off lights to alleys in north Brainerd and using timers on lights in Gregory Park. Areas that will maintain lights will be main thoroughfares - Kingwood Street, North Fourth Street, North Eighth Street and Bluff Avenue - as well as around schools, churches, the hospital and the senior center.

Phelps estimated an annual savings of $3,400 a year.

Council President Kevin Goedker asked Police Chief John Bolduc if there were any safety concerns and whether there was a correlation between streetlights and reduced crime. Bolduc said he'd have to wait and see how the pilot program works before answering those questions.

"It won't be that many (streetlights) that are turned off," council member Anne Nelson Fisher said. "I hope it's not too radical a change."

The pilot program would be evaluated on an ongoing basis.

Phelps also informed the committee that changing the wattage in streetlights installed with the South Eighth Street and North Ninth Street projects will save the city about $465 a year and Brainerd Public Utilities will continue seeking stimulus money to improve energy efficiency.

"Just little things like that we can do to reduce costs," Phelps told the committee.

In other action, the council:

Approved by a 5-2 vote a phased retirement agreement with Parks and Recreation Supervisor Charles Vandeberg from Jan. 1, 2010, to December 2010. With the agreement, Vandeberg would be considered a half-time employee while still receiving health and life insurance benefits. The move is expected to save the city more than $30,000 in its 2010 budget.

Voting against were council members Mary Koep and Bob Olson. Koep wanted it held over for more discussion at the council's Nov. 9 budget workshop. Olson said more money could be saved by eliminating Vandeberg's position and paying his health insurance until he's 66.

Council member Kelly Bevans said phased retirement agreements were previously approved by the council and the council directed staff to negotiate with employees who were eligible. He said the motion to offer the agreement to Vandeberg should not include discussion on whether the position is eliminated.

Included a discussion on the 800 megahertz radio system that in the future will be required by all emergency services for the Personnel and Finance Committee's Nov. 2 agenda.

Approved by a 5-2 vote staff authorization to make right-of-way offers, directed City Attorney Tom Fitzpatrick to initiate eminent domain proceedings as needed and authorized proper city officials to sign and record a right-of-way plat for the College Drive reconstruction project. Voting against were Koep and Bevans, who said he was rethinking the more than $7 million project.

Authorized staff to seek $4.5 million in the next state bonding bill for the College Drive project. Koep voted against.

Set a College Drive assessment hearing at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 16 at city hall.

Set a College Drive on-site meeting at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the corner of Southwest Fourth Street and College Drive.

Set a downtown snow removal assessment public hearing at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 2 at city hall.

Set a Safety and Public Works Committee meeting for South Eighth Street scoping at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 27 at city hall.

Adjourned to a closed session to discuss union negotiation strategy; a joint meeting between the council and the planning commission to discuss the zoning map at 6 p.m. Wednesday at city hall; and a joint meeting between the council and the Planning Commission to discuss the draft subdivison ordinance at 6 p.m. Oct. 26 at the Brainerd Fire Hall.

MATT ERICKSON may be reached at matt.erickson@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5857.