(8)AR 111709 Block Grant - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY OF COLTON AGENDA REPORT FOR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF NOVEMBER 17, 2009 TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS FROM: Jeannette Olko, Electric Utility General Manager ITEM #8 SUBJECT: Approve and Accept the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant and Approve Resolution Adjusting Budget for Fiscal Year 2009-2010 to Reflect Grant Acceptance DATE: November 10, 2009 BACKGROUND: The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 appropriated funding for the Department of Energy to award formula -based grants under the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program (EECBG). The purpose of the EECBG Program is to assist in the creation and implementation of programs that will: (1) reduce fossil fuel emissions in a manner that is environmentally sustainable and maximize benefits for local and regional communities; (2) reduce total energy use; and (3) improve energy efficiency. Each entity receiving an award is required to use the funds in a cost-effective manner that will maximize benefits to the community and yield continuous benefits over time in terms of energy and emissions reductions. The period of performance for programs funded under this program is 36 months, with a commitment of all funds awarded within 18 months from the effective date of the award. Although cost sharing is not required, it is encouraged in order to maximize the total energy-related benefits of the programs. The City of Colton Electric Utility submitted an application on June 25, 2009, and was officially notified of the award of $485,400 on October 26, 2009. DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS: Funding from this grant will be used for three programs. The first program is the installation of a solar electric generating system on the Teen Center. Combined with high efficiency lighting and cooling systems planned for the building, the Teen Center will be almost entirely self-sufficient of energy. As part of the project, an energy kiosk at the site will have information showing the actual production of solar energy from the rooftop system, and the financial and environmental benefits of solar power. The second program submitted is the purchase and installation of LED streetlights on a one mile section of the new Colton Bike Path. The EECBG funds will allow the installation of Solid State LED street lights to illuminate both the bike path and a poorly lit road adjacent to it. This project will allow the City's Electric Utility to demonstrate the value of LED lighting before adopting LED lighting for all new and replacement street lighting in the future. The third program is the expansion and implementation of a Residential Energy Audit and Direct Install Program, targeting 1,000 of the highest energy use customers. The EECBG funds will allow 1,000 customers to receive a home energy audit and potentially receive a free air conditioner tune-up, an evaporative cooler, compact fluorescent light bulbs, low cost refrigerators, and incentives for the purchase of energy saving equipment, products, and services.