Memorandum 17-030 Lighting Controls System Appropriation for Harbor Lights

Memorandum 17-030

TO:                        MAYOR BRYAN ZAK & HOMER CITY COUNCIL

CC:                         KATIE KOESTER, CITY MANAGER

FROM:                 BRYAN HAWKINS, PORT DIRECTOR/HARBORMASTER

DATE:                   FEBRUARY 17, 2017

SUBJECT:          LIGHTING CONTROLS SYSTEM APPROPRIATION FOR NEW LED HIGH MAST LIGHTS

City Staff advertised a Request for Proposals on December 15, 2016 per Resolution 16-49 with a total budget amount of $180,000.  The purpose of this RFP was to upgrade the Port and Harbor’s high mast light system from high-pressure, sodium lighting to LED.

While writing the RFP, staff became aware that additional energy savings can be found through lighting control systems.  Our current lights are either full-on or full-off; new control systems give facilities options to gradually bring the lights to full power at sundown and reverse order at sunrise, which reduces electricity use and helps further lower the harbor’s monthly bill, as much as 20% in additional savings.  It was for this reason that staff included an additive alternative in the RFP for wireless lighting controls.

The High Mast Light LED contract was awarded to Puffin Electric of Homer, Alaska per Resolution 17-016 for the primary replacement project.  In their bid, they proposed an additional lighting control system and product that has received great reviews; Harbor Staff has spoken with operation managers who are in charge of large facility lighting systems to learn more about the product being recommended by Puffin Electric.

The new LED lights are projected to give us service for at least 20 years.  This investment into lighting controls simply gives us the ability to capitalize on all the potential saving opportunities for the life of the project.

Recommendation:

Staff recommends that City Council approve Ordinance 17-09, Amending the 2017 Operating Budget by appropriating funds in the amount of $30,702.00 from Port and Harbor Reserves to fund a Wireless Control System for the High Mast Light Poles at the Harbor.

Attached:           Bid & Product Information on Puffin Electric’s Lighting Controls System