Council to consider ‘smart city’ deals
On the table: Streetlight LED switch, citywide wireless network
Whether Yuma becomes a “smart city” or not will be decided this week by the City Council, which will consider relevant agreements under the motion consent agenda set for Wednesday’s regular meeting.
The council will also have an opportunity to discuss the agreements during a work session on Tuesday.
An agreement with Siemens Industry is for converting the city’s streetlights to LEDs, which officials say would save the city more than $3.85 million over the next 10 years in energy and operational costs.
The cost to the city, including the installation of LED lights and new ballasts and an investment grade audit, would be $3.71 million, using a cooperative purchase agreement with the state.
The council is also scheduled to discuss four agreements with anyCOMM Holdings Corp., which would provide advanced street lighting control; create a citywide high-speed wireless network; and “improve public safety and security” in exchange for use of the photocell sockets on the streetlights and other city-owned assets.
The agenda for Tuesday’s work session, starting at 6 p.m., includes an overview of a cost study for the Facilities Maintenance Fleet Services Shop by Joel Olea, public works director, and Paul Mickelberg, consultant with WMS Architects.
In addition, Charles Flynn, executive director at Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area Corp., will provide a historical summary and update of the 4th Avenue and 16th Street intersection improvements and surrounding redevelopment area.
For Wednesday’s regular meeting, scheduled to start at 5:30 p.m., the resolution consent agenda includes agreements with the Bureau of Reclamation and Yuma Mesa Irrigation and Drainage District for the construction, operation and maintenance of city utility and roadway infrastructure on bureau rights-of-way.
The ordinances consent agenda has code text amendments about the idling of trucks and trailers on residential streets; identifying residential zoning districts which will allow rooming and boarding houses; and allowing planning and zoning commissioners to appear at meeting via video or phone.
Ordinances to be introduced to the council include code text amendments relating to the use of Social Security numbers by the city and making the Infill Overlay District eligible for a waiver of development fees.
The council is also scheduled to discuss and possibly take action on the implementation of a Citizens Revenue Committee and hold a public hearing on the Old Town South Subarea Revitalization Plan 2016 Implementation Strategy.
No speakers signed up for the citizens forum, set for 5:30 p.m. Tuesday. Instead the council will spend that time in executive session discussing legal issues with counsel. All meetings will be held at the City Hall Council Chambers, 1 City Plaza.