One seat is now vacant on the Des Moines City Council.
Mayor Dave Kaplan announced April 4 the resignation of Councilmember Dan Caldwell. Mayor Kaplan read aloud Councilmember Caldwell’s letter of resignation. Caldwell explained that although it was not an easy decision for him to make, it was one that was necessary due to health reasons.
“Dan’s going to be missed,” said Kaplan. “We wish him well and the best of health and happiness.”
The Des Moines City Council has 90 days to fill the position and in the event they do not, the decision will be passed on to the King County City Council.
Since the position became vacant ahead of elections, the new councilmember will be chosen by the current City Council. The Council in time will release an application form. Anyone can apply. Applicants that meet the criteria will be interviewed; these interviews will be open to the public.
Although the new council member will be chosen by application, the position will be up for election in the fall. If an applicant is accepted they can choose to run and win the seat by election or step down.
LED Streetlight Conversion Project
The City Council unanimously voted to change the High Pressure Sodium (HSP) streetlights in Des Moines to Light Emitting Diode (LED) streetlights.
“LED lights use 50 percent less energy and last three times longer than HPS lights,” said Acting Transportation Manager Brandon Carver.
In the long run this transition will reduce the cost of the electricity bill by about sixteen percent. The city of Des Moines will also take on maintenance of these lights further reducing costs.
Currently streetlights take up about 30 percent of total Street Fund expenditures.
Out of the 1,655 lights in the city, 1,036 are 100-watt HSP streetlights. The monthly cost for a 100-watt HSP light is $12.02 per month or $144.24 per year. The cost for a 54-watt LED (same equivalent of the 100 watt HSP) is $8.38 per month, which includes electricity and maintenance.
Carver laid out a three-year plan to council, which would gradually replace all the HSP lights with LED lights.
“If the city were to convert all 1,036 lights to LED, Des Moines would realize an annual saving of $45,253 per year indefinitely,” said Carver.
LED lights bear a strong physical resemblance to the already in place HSP lights. The only change noticeable will be the color of the light. LED lights give off a more white than yellow glow.
Borrowing money from the Street Fund, all of which will be replaced by 2016, will fund the project.
“It’s an investment in the city’s future,” said Councilmember Bob Sheckler.
