City Council Study Session Agenda and Packet 2009 10 27

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COUNCIL COMMUNICATION TO: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL FROM: MALCOLM FLEMING, CITY MANAGER DATE: OCTOBER 27, 2009 SUBJECT: UPDATE /DISCUSSION EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION WARNING SYSTEM ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT: POLICE DEPARTMENT SUMMARY: The City purchased three emergency warning sirens and, to date, one was installed on the south side of Dillon Road near the golf course maintenance facility. The siren designated for Pirate's Park is pending the finalization of an amended use agreement between the Boulder Valley School District and the City of Louisville. The third siren slated for the Harper Lake Parking lot is uncertain at this time. On August 12, 2009, Louisville's Open Space Advisory Board unanimously voted to not approve the Harper Lake placement as it was their belief that the siren and pole would obstruct views, and that the OSAB charter requires the board to protect those views. Also, the Public Works Department has concerns about the general area because of the buried utilities. Joe Stevens, Parks Recreation Director, and I evaluated alternative sites and determined that Joe Carnival Park on the south side of West Alder was acceptable. (Even though Joe Carnival is colored as open space on the City's map, the land is parks, not open space.) A suitable site has four prerequisites; (1) no underground utilities, (2) accessible by large equipment and a crane for installation, (3) accessible by a large bucket truck for periodic maintenance, and (4) located so the siren's warning reaches as many residents as possible. Joe Carnival Park meets all of these criteria. I wrote to Mr. Gallagher whose home would be right next to the siren and explained that I would like to meet with them about the proposed location. Mr. Gallagher objects to the siren in Joe Carnival Park because of concerns about sound levels, the offensive appearance of the large pole, and the possible impact upon real estate values. On October 14, 2009, Mr. Gallagher and other West Alder residents came to the OSAB meeting to express their belief the siren would be better placed in the Harper Lake parking lot. Residents' letters are included with this communication. L SUBJECT AGENDA ITEM UPDATE /DISCUSSION EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION WARNING SYSTEM