Memorandum
City of Lawrence
Public Works Department
|
TO: |
Dave Corliss, City Manager Debbie Van Saun, Asst. City Manager |
|
FROM: |
Dena Mezger, Asst. Public Works Director |
|
CC: |
Charles Soules, Public Works Director |
|
Date: |
March 20, 2007 |
|
RE: |
March 27, 2007 Agenda Item Project No. 15-CP4-404(C) Kasold Drive, Bob Billings Parkway to W. 22nd Street Street, Storm Sewer, Waterline Improvements |
Please include the following item on the City Commission consent agenda for consideration at the March 27, 2007 meeting:
Streetlight Installation on Kasold – Bob Billings Pkwy to 22nd St. This is in conjunction with the street reconstruction project.
Project History. Streetlights on Kasold prior to reconstruction were standard wood poles with overhead power lines located in the median. The initial plan for re-establishing streetlights called for staggered placement of wood poles on each side of the street, again with overhead power. However, placing the poles at the back of the recreation path on the west side would locate the lights considerably closer to the existing homes. In addition, with the grade changes along that side, the actual lights would be much lower relative to the adjacent properties. The retaining walls next to the lights could also potentially facilitate unauthorized access to the light fixtures. Concerns were also raised about the aesthetics of wood poles and overhead lines along the newly constructed corridor. With these issues in mind, city and Westar staff members developed an alternative plan to locate the streetlights in the new median.
Proposed Project Details. The revised plan calls for dual-arm streetlights to be installed in the median for most of the length of the reconstruction project. Some lights will still be located on the sides of the road near each end of the project where there are no medians. In addition, the plan is to install underground power and to upgrade from wood to steel poles in the median for a cleaner, more aesthetically pleasing appearance. Screw-in type pole bases will be used instead of the large concrete foundations often seen on steel streetlights. Breakaway bases, which allow the pole to give more easily if hit by a vehicle, will be installed for improved safety for the traveling public.
Proposed Project Status. The plan for the lighting is complete. Pending approval, Westar will order the materials. Material delivery is expected to take several weeks. During that time Westar and the city’s contractor will complete installation of the foundations, power supply, cables and conduit in coordination with the remaining road work.
Project Funding. The costs associated with the proposed streetlight plan total $29,850. Of that amount, $19,700 will be paid to Westar for the cost differential between dual-arm and single-arm lights, the breakaway bases, secondary power pedestals and a service riser. The remainder of the amount ($10,150) will be paid to RD Johnson, the city’s project contractor, for trenching for underground power cable installation and conduit at two locations where power must cross the western lanes of the roads. There is approximately $37,000 still available of the total $5,110,000 approved by the Commission in Resolution No. 6647.
Action Request. Public Works staff requests approval of the proposed additional funding in the amount of $29,850 for upgraded streetlights on Kasold.
Respectfully Submitted,
Dena E. Mezger, P.E.
Asst. Public Works Director
Attachments: Westar Invoice