Exh 8CAGENDA ITEM 8C
--_- MARCH 11, 2002
STAFF REPORT
City of Atlantic Beach
Commission Meeting
AGENDA ITEM: Proposed Streetlight Policy
DATE:. Mazch 1, 2002
SUBMITTED BY: David E. Thompson, Chief of Police/DPS
BACKGROUND:
In the 2001 strategic planning session, the City Commission identified the need for a
policy relative to streetlights in Atlantic Beach. Streetlights have the potential to improve
public safety in specific areas, and it is not unusual for the City to receive requests for
addition lighting. Although informal procedures have existed for many yeazs, there were
no formal policies relative to streetlights in Atlantic Beach
The attached policy was promulgated by police personnel who have been dealing with
lighting and crime prevention issues for many yeazs. The policy attempts to provide
flexibility for decision making that will allow for the consideration of a vaziety of factors
relative to streetlights.
The purpose of this report is to provide the City Commission with information for review
and input before the formal adoption ofthe policy.
BUDGET:
The City of Atlantic Beach pays approximately $4.50 per streetlight per month for the
electricity. The installation of a streetlight on an existing pole is not usually chazged to
Atlantic Beach, and the installation of a new pole costs Atlantic Beach $500 a piece.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Approval of the attached Proposed Streetlight Policy
ATTACHMENTS:
Proposed Streetlight Policy
REVIEWED BY CITY
ITEM NUMBER:
AGENDA ITEM 8C
MARCH 11, 2002
Proposed Streetlight Policy for Atlantic Beach
I. Purpose: The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines and procedures for
the installation of streetlights in the City of Atlantic Beach
II. General Observations:
There would be some advantage to setting a specific distance between streetlights in
residential subdivisions. With a few measurements, the City could establish, in a fair and
unbiased manner, how many streetlights are needed within a specific azea. All of the
lighting would by symmetrical in appearance, and it would look very well organized.
However, this is not practical for a variety ofreasons:
1. The roads aze not straight and consistent relative to distances,
2. There are existing lights that may not be centered in ideal locations;
3. There are businesses, parks, apartments; drainage ditches, and properties
which have unique chazacteristics;
4. There aze existing businesses that provide lighting for certain azeas; and
5. There aze trees that restrict the lighting in certain azeas.
It should be noted that additional lighting occasionally generates complaints. There aze
citizens who do not want additional lighting, and they complain that it keeps them awake
or otherwise disturbs them Although this should not be the sole reason for rejecting
lighting, it is a factor that should be considered in the decision making process.
III. Background:
The. Police Department has historically evaluated an area based on a visual evaluation of
the lighting. If the azea has a heavy tree canopy, it may need more lighting. In a business
azea where lighting is already adequate, no streetlight may be needed. This is not the
most "scientific" method of evaluation, but it has been adequate in the past.
In the past, the police department has taken requests from residents.. If a citizen requested
an evaluation of a specific area, a police supervisor performed the evaluation and made a
recommendation for lighting. Most of the existing streetlights in the city have been a
result of citizen requests and police department approval
IV. Procedures:
Police:. Police officers aze encouraged to identify locations where lighting is limited and
additional lighting is recommended. Officers may submit their requests through email or
memorandums. Their recommendations should consider crimes committed in that
specific azea, high probability or high profile tazgets, vulnerability of tazgets, and general
safety considerations including high traffic locations (pedestrian and vehiculaz) and
identifiable hazards. Officers will forwazd requests for additional lighting to an assigned
supervisor in the Police Department.
AGENDA ITEM 8C
MARCH 11, 2002
The assigned supervisor will evaluate the recommendation and communicate the decision
back to the originating officer. The supervisor will coordinate the installation of approved
streetlights with the Jacksonville Electric Authority.
Citizens/Citizen Groups: Citizens are encouraged to submit requests for streetlights to
the Police Department. They may:
A. Call in requests by telephone to the Police Communications Division;
B. Mail a letter to the Police Department; or
C. Utilize email to send their requests.
All requests will be forwazded to an appointed police supervisor to review and
communicate with the citizen. After review, the supervisor will contact the citizen to
obtain more information and/or to advise the citizen of the Police Department's
recommendation. The supervisor will coordinate the installation of approved streetlights
with the Jacksonville Electric Authority.
Community Development: All subdivision and commercial development plans
submitted to the Community Development Director for review, will include an evaluation
ofthe lighting. This review will include assurances that all codes and ordinances aze
being met, and will include safety considerations for people who will be affected by the
development and construction. Generally, the Jacksonville Electric Authority
recommends streetlights approximately 150' to 200' apart or every other pole.
Lighting on the Oceanfront: Lighting on the oceanfront creates a number of problems
relative to balancing the interests of environmentalist with the interests of crime
prevention. It is the Police Department's goal to seek an appropriate balance between
these opposing interests.
The City of Atlantic Beach does not have an ordinance regulating lighting on the
oceanfront. However, when complaints aze received relative to bright lights on the beach
that might create a problem for sea turtles, the Police Department will take steps to
resolve the problem amicably with the citizen at the source of the light. As much as
possible, the Police Department will seek voluntary compliance with homeowners neaz
the oceanfront.
Complaints should be directed to the supervisor assigned this responsibility, and the
supervisor will handle the communication and interaction with all parties.
V. Costs:
The cost to erect a new pole is approximately $500.00. Tlus includes setting the pole,
hanging the arm, head and bulb. Where there is an existing pole, there is no chazge for a
new light.
AGENDA ITEM 8C
MARCH il, 2002
The monthly fee for power to a streetlight is approximately $4.50, depending on the
wattage of the light. As of February 2002; the City of Atlantic Beach was spending
approximately $5,000 per month on streetlights.
VI. Inspections:
On a monthly basis, the designated police supervisor will assign midnight shift officers
to identify the locations and pole numbers of all broken streetlights. The supervisor will
report this information to the Jacksonville Electric Authority to have the lights repaired.
An ongoing log will be maintained to track the streetlight repairs.