Parks chief: Move would boost water efficiency at parks
As the drought continues to squeeze California’s soil dry, Benicia City Council will hear a recommendation from the Parks and Community Services Department on Tuesday to accept a new Irrigation Control System project that includes a software upgrade and water controls at 11 new sites.
In a report to City Manager Brad Kilger, Parks and Community Services Director Mike Dotson wrote that the proposed system would “significantly improve water efficiency throughout the city’s park system.”
The Valero/Good Neighbor Steering Committee Settlement Agreement provided $153,000 for the project, and the Council approved allocation of the funds on July 15, 2014. On Feb. 15 of this year, the Council gave John Deere Landscape LLC a contract to upgrade and expand the city’s irrigation system.
In 2004, an evapotranspiration (ET) controller, which manages water normally lost from the soil through evaporation and plant use, was installed at Benicia Community Park. Since then more controllers have been placed at 11 additional sites, Dotson wrote, three of which previously lacked the necessary communications infrastructure.
“The software upgrade and improved modem and radio communications included in this project are sufficient to enable the city to remotely manage these existing ET controllers using the ICS software,” Dotson wrote.
He said the new software will be able to detect leaks within the system and will be programmed to send emails or texts in the event of a serious leak or breakage.
The project includes improving energy efficiency, improving and maintaining public facilities and services and enacting new water conservation programs, Dotson wrote.
It will reduce annual water use by an estimated 3.6 million gallons, he wrote.
Dotson also is recommending the Council approve $7,555 in contract changes for additional work at Maria and Ribeiro fields, City Park and Benicia Middle School.
Also on Tuesday’s agenda, the Council will review a staff report on the status of the elevator replacement at the Clock Tower.
In July the historic building’s elevator was found to have “defects beyond repair” and was removed. Since many events are scheduled at the Clock Tower through fall, staff has had to provide temporary alternate access to the second floor that meets Americans with Disabilities standards as they look to provide a new permanent elevator.
In other business, the Council may approve a contract for streetlight maintenance and repair as well as a city vehicle replacement policy.
The Council will meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday in a closed session to discuss legal matters. The regular meeting will start at 7 that night in the Council Chamber of City Hall, 250 East L St.
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