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RESOLUTION NO. 2014-130 OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA AMENDING THE CONSERVATION SECTION'S FISCAL YEAR 2015 BUDGET TO APPROPRIATE $12,000 IN SAN DIEGO GAS & ELECTRIC COOL PLANET INCENTIVES TO SUPPORT THIRD-PARTY VERIFICATION OF THE CITY'S 2012 GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS INVENTORY AND TO APPROPRIATE $1,118 IN COOL CALIFORNIA CHALLENGE PRIZE FUNDING TO SUPPORT COMMUNITY ENERGY EFFICIENCY SERVICES (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 climate action and energy conservation initiatives, staff is requesting two budget amendments to the Public Works - Conservation Section budget. First, staff is requesting an appropriation of $12,000 in San Diego Gas & Electric incentives for greenhouse gas inventory preparation. Secondly, staff is requesting an appropriation of $1,118 in Cool California Challenge prize funding to support further community participation in the City's energy efficiency and sustainability programs.
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 and water savings resulting from the environmental 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 two budget amendments in order to support implementation of various climate action and energy conservation initiatives. The first budget amendment would appropriate $12,000 in unanticipated revenue from San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) Cool Planet Program incentives to the Public Works - Conservation Section budget. The Cool Planet Program reimburses local agencies and businesses for costs associated with preparing and verifying their greenhouse gas emission inventories through The Climate Registry. In January, the City successfully completed its 2012 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory and now plans to pursue third-party verification and public disclosure of its inventory results.
The second budget amendment would appropriate $1,118 in unanticipated revenue from Cool California Challenge prize funding to the Public Works - Conservation Section budget. The Cool California Challenge, sponsored by the California Air Resources Board and the University of California Berkeley, is designed to recognize communities for their sustainability accomplishments. Each community earns points when its residents and businesses sign-up through the Cool California web portal (www.coolcalifornia.org/community-challenge) and successfully implement sustainable practices such as reducing their energy use or using alternative commute options. As part of its participation, the City of Chula Vista was awarded $1,118 in prize funding during the first stage of the statewide competition. The appropriated funds would support community energy and sustainability initiatives that would help Chula Vista earn additional competition points.
DECISION-MAKER CONFLICT
Staff has reviewed the decision contemplated by this action and has determined that it is not site specific and consequently, the 500-foot rule found in California Code of Regulations section 18704.2(a)(1), is not applicable to this decision. 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 two budget amendments will support the Healthy Community goal by helping the City design and implement innovative sustainability programs in the community.
CURRENT YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
The $13,118 total appropriation has no net-impact to the General Fund, because these one-time revenues will offset the one-time expenditures.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
The proposed appropriations to the General Fund are a one-time activity, so there are no ongoing fiscal impacts associated with these budget amendments.
ATTACHMENTS
None
Staff Contact: Brendan Reed