Title
Chief Administrative Office, Parks Division, recommending the Board approve adding one solar light and pole for the rail maintenance yard for improved Railroad History Center and Park Security at a cost of $8,000.
FUNDING: General Fund.
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
On June 21, 2022, Supervisor Thomas identified a security need at the El Dorado Rail Park (Legistar #22-1097) after repeated vandalism events were brought to her attention. This Board directed the Parks Division to explore security options with the Museum Division and El Dorado Western Railroad. El Dorado Western Railroad have installed two solar lights and have fenced in a maintenance yard to secure the rail equipment. Since that has been installed, there have been no reported vandalism on the rail equipment but there has been vandalism on the County restroom.
Staff met at the Rail Park with Facilities Division and the Sheriff’s Office to discuss the options. With no power and no internet, security cameras would be difficult to have at this site. It was determined that lighting would at the restrooms would improve security. Facilities installed solar motion lights on the front and back of the restrooms which have helped to light the area. In terms of additional safety measures to secure the site and in preparation for the Rail Park Playground to be installed in 2023, there are several options available:
Option 1: Run electricity to the Rail Park ($175,000). Facilities prepared a comprehensive scope of work to run full power to the Rail Park for this project and future projects. Facilities, working with PG&E, discussed pulling the power down Oriental Street which would involve tree impacts, new poles, possible easements and power panels. Whereas power may be needed in the future for this site, at this time, this option is not recommended due to the high cost.
Option 2: Install three solar lights ($25,000). Facilities obtained a quote from Carnahan Electric for solar lights. The estimate would be to install three 30-foot poles with solar street lights at a cost of $25,000.
Option 3: Add one additional solar light to the rail maintenance yard ($8,000). Working to bring a conservative cost recommendation forward, staff went to the site at night to get an idea of the light coverage. Based on the site visit, staff was surprised at the coverage that the motion solar lights added to the restroom. The playground will be moved closer to the restroom with the understanding that if El Dorado County Museum wants to move on construction of a building at this location in the future, the playground will be moved. Under this option, a solar light will be added to the playground project at the time of installation which will add light to that area. Therefore, it is staff’s recommendation to add one additional solar light facing the Rail Maintenance Yard to provide further light coverage to secure the site.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board could chose not to install additional lighting.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
22-1097
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
Library-Museum program
El Dorado Western Railroad
Facilities Division
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
With the addition of one solar light, the cost would be $8,000 for adding the light to the rail maintenance yard. Funding is available in the FY 2022-23 budget for this project.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
N/A
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Infrastructure
CONTACT
Vickie Sanders-621-7538