City Council Minutes 2023 10 02 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

City Council Meeting Minutes October 2, 2023 Page 4 of 14 She would like the darkest skies possible and suggested phasing it in over five years for residential properties, pressuring Xcel to install dark sky compliant street lights, and turning off lights during bird migration times. Josh Cooperman, Louisville, stated this ordinance has lots of benefits and no draw backs. He stated there are some misconceptions that this reduces security and that the upgrades are required immediately even if people are not increasing home size. He suggested lowering the maximum color temperature and to regulate street lights. He would like to see a shorter amortization period to require all new lighting to be compliant. Sherry Sommer, Louisville, stated 25% may be the wrong threshold for commercial buildings. She would like to see an education campaign on this issue. Rick Kron, DBA President, stated his opposition to the ordinance. He stated it is ineffective as it is not being done regionally; it is a major cost for business owners; it is an impediment to filling vacant businesses; and he has concerns for the sight impaired. He urged a no vote. Andy Johnson, Louisville, stated this is a great ordinance and promotes good architectural value, He stated dark sky does not mean less light, it means a better use of light. He urged a yes vote. Rick Ratajczyk, Louisville, stated he supports the ordinance. He stated the new street lights on McCaslin are much brighter than the old one and the lights trespasses into the neighboring homes. He would like to see shields installed on the street lights to direct the light downward. Councilmember Hoefner asked what constitutes an addition for a residential trigger. Bracket Hogstad stated any additional square footage would trigger the requirement as would taking down part of a home and rebuilding it. Mayor Maloney asked if replacing a roof or window/siding maintenance would trigger the requirement. Bracket Hogstad stated roof or window maintenance would not trigger the requirement, residing would if it is more than 25% of the square footage. Councilmember Hamlington asked why residential light trespassing isn't included. Brackett Hogstad stated enforcement would be complaint based and staff is trying to avoid writing that into the code and instead would do an education based program. Also, it is very hard to enforce and difficult to determine the source of lighting in a residential area. Mayor Pro Tern Fahey asked if the City can enforce rules on Xcel's street lights. Director Zuccaro stated the City would have to pay Xcel for lower street poles.