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City Council approves new street lights, telephone system for $3.5 million
Low interest loan to finance energy-saving lights

by Jeb Bing

The Pleasanton City Council on Tuesday night authorized the city staff to seek low-interest loans that will finance the installation of energy-saving street lights throughout the city.

The project, estimated to cost $3.2 million, is part of the city's Climate Action Plan the council adopted last year that includes a range of energy-reducing goals, including those related to LED retrofit projects. Once installed, the cost savings can amount to a 60% reduction over current maintenance and electricity costs, according to a study by the Bay Area Climate Collaborative.

The council also approved spending $310,799 for a new telephone system for city-owned and operated facilities.

Daniel Smith, director of Pleasanton's Operations Services, said the conversion to LEDs would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 1,556 metric tons per year.

The installation of a new telephone system at the Civic Center and Senior Center campuses and outlying facilities would improve communications significantly, according to a city staff report.

It would also provide a convergence of various communication mediums, including voice, email, video and instant messaging for users whether in their offices or away, using a new ShorTel system that would replace the city's current Mitel system.

The cost of the new system is estimated at $310,799 plus another $12,260 in sales taxes and an additional 10% project contingency to address enhanced features or system modifications that might become apparent during the implementation process.