I would like to discuss the potential implementation of a requirement wherein electrical outlets located in public rights-of-way and outside public buildings be covered, locked, and/or otherwise secured and rendered inoperable for use by anyone other than City staff or permitted events staff. 

As a densely populated urban area that hosts thousands of visitors each day, extreme demand is consistently placed upon the City’s infrastructure.  To that effect, the City has become increasingly aware of the potential for vandalism or leakage of resources presented by unsecured electrical outlets in its public rights-of-way which are typically high-traffic areas.  In addition to the added cost to City taxpayers attributable to the use of unsecured electrical outlets, the possibility of electrical outlets being vandalized (or even unintentionally damaged due to water intrusion, power equipment, or general maintenance) presents issues that can go unnoticed until an accident occurs due to these vandalized or damaged electrical outlets being unpredictable and creating a safety hazard to the general public.  

Accordingly, after hearing from the City Administration, I would like to discuss with my colleagues the options presented for covering, locking, and/or otherwise securing and rendering inoperable those electrical outlets in the public rights-of-way and outside of public buildings to include tamper-resistant lock boxes and remotely controlling/enabling/disabling the power to these electrical outlets through a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) or other means.  I would also like the City Administration, upon consideration of all relevant factors (including, but not limited to cost, effectiveness, safety, and security), to provide the Mayor and City Commission with its recommendations regarding the various options, along with any specific issues or concerns relating to this initiative, so that we may discuss and take any appropriate action.