Letter to Board About Park Lighting project

As a dedicated member of our community, I wanted to take a moment to express my thoughts on the park lighting project.

I believe it's a fantastic initiative and will undoubtedly enhance the overall ambiance and safety of our neighborhood.

Having significant experience in property management, I wanted to contribute some suggestions and pose an important question.

Firstly, regarding the procurement process, I'd like to inquire whether we are planning to implement a bid process. It's standard practice to solicit at least three quotes from qualified contractors for such projects to ensure transparency and to obtain the best possible value for our investment.

Secondly, while the initial proposal suggests installing "one light per palm." This would leave some palms in the dark, depending on your viewing angle.

I'd like to propose considering installing 2-3 lights per palm. Given that a substantial portion of the project cost is the trenching and wiring, the incremental cost of adding additional lights is minimal. This would eliminate dark spots and enhance the overall illumination and safety of the park. Going on the cheap with a single light will be a decision we will probably regret.

Additionally, I'd like to draw attention to the importance of choosing fixtures with replaceable light elements and adequate lens protection. Falling fronds from tall palms can break the lights, and while commercial LED fixtures are cost-effective, it's essential to consider their longevity and maintenance. Ensuring that the light elements are replaceable and readily available will prevent the fixtures from becoming obsolete when they eventually fail, thus optimizing the longevity of our investment.

In conclusion, I appreciate the board's dedication to enhancing our community, and I believe that addressing these considerations will contribute to the success and longevity of the park lighting project. Thank you for considering my input, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact this project will have on our neighborhood.

Warm regards,
Bert Gonzalez

P.S. Anyone who wants to comment can do so below!!