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RESOLUTION NO. 2014-248 OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2015 BUDGET TO APPROPRIATE $21,881 OF UNSPENT SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC PROJECT (PHASE 2) FUNDS AND $3,124 OF UNANTICIPATED REVENUE FROM THE COOL CALIFORNIA CHALLENGE IN ORDER TO SUPPORT ADDITIONAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND SUSTAINABILITY PROJECTS (4/5 VOTE REQUIRED)
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommended Action
Council adopt the resolution.
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SUMMARY
To support implementation of various conservation initiatives, staff is requesting amendments to the 2015 budget. Staff is requesting that $21,881 total in unspent CIP project expenditures funds from the Solar Photovoltaic Project (Phase 2) be shifted to support an indoor LED lighting demonstration project. Staff is also requesting an appropriation of $3,124 in Cool California Challenge prize funding to support energy efficiency and sustainability programs in the community.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The Development Services Director has reviewed the proposed activity for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has determined that the proposed action(s) qualifies for a Class 8 categorical exemption pursuant to Section 15308 [Actions by Regulatory Agencies for Protection of the Environment] of the State CEQA Guidelines because the energy savings resulting from the sustainability initiatives will contribute to reducing Chula Vista's greenhouse gas or "carbon" emissions, thus improving air quality. Therefore, no further CEQA environmental review is required.
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
Not Applicable
DISCUSSION
Staff is requesting budget amendments in order to support implementation of various conservation initiatives. The first budget amendment would transfer $17,881 in unspent CIP project expenditure funds from the Solar Photovoltaic Project (Phase 2) to the Supplies & Services budget category within the Energy Conservation Fund. The second budget amendment would transfer an additional $4,000 in unspent funds from the Solar Photovoltaic Project (Phase 2) to the Other Expenses budget category within the Energy Conservation Fund. These funds would support an indoor LED lighting demonstration project at the Civic Library and the Public Works Corp Yard allowing the City to test the energy-saving technology's light quality and output.
The third budget amendment would appropriate $3,124 in unanticipated revenue from the Cool California Challenge to the Public Works - Conservation Section's Supplies & Services budget. The Cool California Challenge, sponsored by the California Air Resources Board and the University of California Berkeley, was designed to recognize communities for their sustainability accomplishments. Each community earned points when its residents and businesses signed-up through the Cool California web portal and successfully implemented sustainable practices such as reducing their energy use or using alternative commute options. The City of Chula Vista placed 5th in the statewide competition and, as a result, was awarded $3,124 in prize funding. The appropriated funds will support additional energy and sustainability initiatives in the community.
DECISION-MAKER CONFLICT
Staff has reviewed the decision contemplated by this action and has determined that it solely concerns the repair, replacement or maintenance of existing streets, sewer, storm drainage or similar facilities and, as such, the financial effect of the decision on real property is presumed to be not material, pursuant to California Code of Regulations Title 2, sections 18704.2(b)(2). Consequently, this item does not present a conflict under the Political Reform Act (Cal. Gov't Code 87100, et seq.). Staff is not independently aware, and has not been informed by any City Council member, of any other fact that may constitute a basis for a decision maker conflict of interest in this matter.
LINK TO STRATEGIC GOALS
The City's Strategic Plan has five major goals: Operational Excellence, Economic Vitality, Healthy Community, Strong and Secure Neighborhoods, and a Connected Community. The budget amendments will support the Healthy Community goal by helping staff implement energy and sustainability projects at municipal facilities and throughout the community.
CURRENT YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
The proposed budget amendments have no net fiscal impact to the General Fund or the Energy Conservation Fund; these one-time expenditures will be offset by one-time revenues.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
The proposed budget amendments are a one-time activity, so there are no ongoing fiscal impacts associated with these budget amendments.
ATTACHMENTS
None
Staff Contact: Brendan Reed