Westlake Village says new irrigation system will help reduce costs

In an effort to save from $50,000 to $70,000 in annual water and maintenance costs, the Westlake Village City Councimay approve the installation of new technology for the citywide irrigation system. Irrigation costs the city abou$200,000 a year at present water rates. As rates increase, the amount saved will also rise, officials said. Through a central station acity hall, the system, if approvedwould control irrigation throughout the city. The current system includes 53 standalone irrigation controllers on standard power as well as 42 batteryoperated controllers.

The updated technology is expected to reduce water expenses, landscape maintenance costs and damage to city roads caused by irrigation runoff.

"Maintenance becomes much more efficient. We're not chasing down problems," city engineer John Knipe said.

The proposed system will also be used to control lighting for parks and pedestrians, and time the opening and closing of park restroom doors.

No specific figure was available on the installation cost of the system. Councilmember Robert Slavin requested additional information on the price. "I don't dispute the cost savings or the benefit at all," Slavin said, but "I'm not comfortable not having a good grasp of what this is going to cost."

The system's cost, Knipe said, will depend on whether the city installs new landscaping that would require additional irrigation equipment. Knipe estimated that the total cost over the eightto 10-year installation period would be between $550,000 and $650,000.

"When we bring back a report (an estimate of annual savings on labor for repair and maintenance and possible savings on wear and tear on city roads), we will better clarify costs, what will be allocated and what the source of funds will be," City Manager Ray Taylor said.

To help offset the cost of the system the city has applied for a $250,000 grant from the state. Other funding would come from the city's landscape funds and general fund.

Last week the council voted unanimously to enter into an agreement with a Glendora manufac

turer to provide equipment for the new system, and okayed the preparation by city staff of a purchase agreement. The city environmental committee and City Council will review the agreement prior to making a final decision.

The city received proposals from five companies. The Rain Bird Corp. was chosen because the company has experience converting irrigation systems for the cities of Chino Hills and Brea, Disneyland and several school districts.

"I look at this as an investment. It's sometimes painful to make an investment but in the long run it's something that's going to benefit the city," said Mayor Sue McSweeney.