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HomeMy WebLinkAbout55C - RESO FOR WATERSMART GRANTREQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: SEPTEMBER 15, 2020 TITLE: ADOPT A RESOLUTION AND AUTHORIZE A GRANT APPLICATION SUBMISSION FOR THE BUREAU OF RECLAMATION'S WATERSMART WATER AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY GRANTS PROGRAM FOR THE LANDSCAPED ROADWAY IRRIGATION PROJECT CLERK OF COUNCIL USE ONLY: ❑ As Recommended ❑ As Amended ❑ Ordinance on 1 sl Reading ❑ Ordinance on 2od Reading ❑ Implementing Resolution ❑ Set Public Hearing For_ CONTINUED TO /s/ Kristine Ridge FILE NUMBER CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDED ACTION Adopt a resolution authorizing the Executive Director of Public Works to submit a grant application for the Bureau of Reclamation's WaterSMART, Sustain and Manage America's Resources for Tomorrow, Water and Energy Efficiency Grants, Funding Group I for the Landscaped Roadway Irrigation Project, in the amount of $500,000. DISCUSSION The City of Santa Ana maintains and irrigates landscaping for many medians and roadside parkways throughout the City. Some medians and parkways contain landscaping, such as turf, with high water needs, which due to recurring drought cycles in the region, have not received adequate water to maintain a vibrant and aesthetically pleasing condition. The appearance and aesthetic appeal of our roadways is an important aspect of projecting an image of a city that works for its residents and visitors. Therefore, the City embarked on an effort to revitalize landscaping along high -visibility roadways by replacing withered vegetation with drought tolerant, low-water use plants, while still greatly improving the appearance of the medians and parkways. Moving forward, the City will improve medians and parkways along arterial roadways as part of standard street improvements. The Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) administers the WaterSMART Water and Energy Efficiency Grants (WEEG) as a competitive grant program with one of the main objectives to conserve water and use it more efficiently. The program has approximately $7.8 million available for FY 2021-22 and the program requires a minimum of 100% in matching funds. In order to implement an efficient irrigation system to conserve water, staff proposes employing a combination of a drip system to irrigate half of the new landscaping in the roadways, and using efficient sprinkler nozzles in the other half. The project also includes replacing existing turf in roadside parkways with low-water plants. 55C-1 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing grant application for Landscaped Roadway Irrigation September 15, 2020 Page 2 Staff recommends authorization to submit an application (Exhibit 1) to BOR's WEEG program in the amount of $500,000 for this project. FISCAL IMPACT There is no fiscal impact associated with this action. Staff will return to the City Council with a request for approval of further actions and will indicate the fiscal impact of any such awards and associated expenditures at that time. Submitted By: Nabil Saba, P.E., Executive Director— Public Works Agency Exhibit: 1. Resolution Authorizing Grant Application for Landscaped Roadway Irrigation Project 55C-2 EXHIBIT 1 jmf 8/18/20 RESOLUTION NO. 2020-XXX A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA AUTHORIZING AN APPLICATION FOR GRANT FUNDING FROM THE BUREAU OF RECLAMATION'S WATERSMART WATER AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY GRANTS FOR THE LANDSCAPED ROADWAY IRRIGATION PROJECT BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. The City Council of the City of Santa Ana hereby finds, determines and declares as follows: A. The City of Santa Ana will be updating landscaping and irrigation systems in medians and parkways along certain arterial roadways ("Landscaped Roadway Irrigation Project"). B. A combination of drip irrigation system, efficient sprinkler nozzles, turf removal and low water usage plants are proposed in the landscape areas in the project roadways. C. The United States Department of the Interior offers financial assistance in the form of grant funding through its Bureau of Reclamation's WaterSMART (Sustain and Manage America's Resources for Tomorrow) Water and Energy Efficiency Grants (WEEG) for this type of project. The program provides two levels of funding: up to a maximum of $2,000,000 for longer term projects and up to a maximum of $500,000 for other smaller projects, but not to exceed 50% of the total project cost. D. The City of Santa Ana desires to fund part of the cost of the Landscaped Roadway Irrigation Project with grant funding from the Bureau of Reclamation's WaterSMART WEEG program, Funding Group I, in the amount of $500,000. Section 2. The City Council of the City of Santa Ana hereby authorizes and directs the Executive Director of Public Works, or his or her designee, to complete, review, sign and submit, for and on behalf of the City of Santa Ana, a grant application for the Bureau of Reclamation's WaterSMART WEEG for the Landscaped Roadway Irrigation Project in the amount of $500,000. Section 3. The City Council of the City of Santa Ana hereby designates the Executive Director of Public Works, or his or her designee to provide the assurances, certifications, and commitments required for the grant application, including executing a financial assistance or similar agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation within established deadlines and any amendments or changes thereto. Section 4. The Executive Director of Public Works, or his or her designee, is designated to represent the City of Santa Ana in carrying out the City's responsibilities 55C-3 under the grant agreement, including certifying disbursement requests on behalf of the City and compliance with applicable state and federal laws. Section 5. If a grant award is made by the Bureau of Reclamation, the City of Santa Ana commits to providing a minimum of 100% in matching funds ($500,000) for the project, and up to the balance of funds needed to complete the construction of the project. Section 6. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption by the City Council, and the Clerk of the Council shall attest to and certify the vote adopting this Resolution. ADOPTED this day of 12020. Miguel A. Pulido Mayor APPROVED AS TO FORM: Sonia R. Carvalho, City Attorney By: 7�'. -f.4-, John M. Funk Assistant City Attorney AYES: Councilmembers NOES: Councilmembers ABSTAIN: Councilmembers CERTIFICATE OF ATTESTATION AND ORIGINALITY I, DAISY GOMEZ, Clerk of the Council, do hereby certify the attached Resolution No. 2020 - to be the original resolution adopted by the City Council of the City of Santa Ana on .2020. Date: Clerk of the Council City of Santa Ana Resolution No. 2020-XXX Page 2 of 2 55C-4