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RESOLUTION 2021-15 - A RESOLUTION to take effect immediately provided it <br /> receives the vote of at least two thirds of the members of Council, or otherwise to take <br /> effect at the earliest period allowed by law, authorizing the City of Lakewood to enter into <br /> an agreement to accept Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council ("NOPEC") Energized <br /> Community Grant("NEC Grant"). (Referred to PWS 0415121) <br /> Chief of staff John Storey remarked that NOPEC requires this resolution in order for the City to <br /> accept funds. This year the City will receive $143,000. Last year the City received $193,000.The <br /> amount is based on the number of meters/accounts in the City. <br /> Director Leininger explained that the City intends to use the funds to continue its LED street <br /> light conversion program for a fourth year. The funds will convert 590 lights to LED and put the <br /> City on pace to convert 72% of streetlights. There are over 3,300 lights in the City. <br /> Councilmember Bullock asked for further justification for this particular use of the funds. He <br /> mentioned other important projects that could make a bigger impact. He asked for more <br /> information on the performance of the LED streetlights. <br /> Director Leininger discussed the new EV charging stations which were installed with grant <br /> funding. He mentioned this it may be possible to use other grants to pay for some of the other <br /> projects mentioned. He noted that by converting to LED streetlights, the City saves on its annual <br /> electric bill. So far, it has saved $26,000 annually and will save an additional $4,000-$5,000 once <br /> the project is complete. <br /> Councilmember Rader raised concern about paying for the streetlights that First Energy owns. <br /> Councilmember Bullock suggested that First Energy is selling the City more energy than it <br /> needs, and that the City could get an even better deal by contracting with an outside contractor. <br /> Councilmember Rader acknowledged that it is not the goal of the Resolution to have Council <br /> decide the use of the funds but that he hopes the administration will enter into further discussion <br /> about the use of funds in good faith. He remarked that although ownership of the lights is <br /> questionable that LED streetlights are a valuable way to become more efficient and save the City <br /> money. <br /> A motion was made and seconded to recommend adoption of Resolution 2021-15 to Council. A <br /> roll call vote was taken as follows: <br /> Yeas: Rader, Bullock, Shachner <br /> Nays: none <br /> Motion adopted. Resolution 2021-15 recommended for adoption. <br /> 2 <br />