The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About2016-08-22 CSC Regular Meeting Agenda PacketCITY OF PALM DESERT CITIZENS' SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEEE AGENDA MONDAY, AUGUST 22, 2016 — 3:00 P.M. ADMINISTRATIVE CONFERENCE ROOM 73-510 FRED WARING DRIVE, PALM DESERT, CA 92260 I. CALL TO ORDER II. ROLL CALL III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Any person wishing to discuss any item not otherwise on the Agenda may address the Citizens' Sustainability Committee at this point by giving his/her name and address for the record. Remarks shall be limited to a maximum of five minutes unless additional time is authorized by the Committee. Because the Brown Act does not allow the Citizens' Sustainability Committee to take action on items not on the Agenda, members will not enter into discussion with speakers but briefly respond or instead refer the matter to staff for report and recommendation at a future Citizen's Sustainability Committee meeting. This is also the time and place for any person who wishes to comment on Agenda items. It should be noted that at Citizen's Sustainability Committee discretion, these comments may be deferred until such time on the agenda as the item is discussed. Remarks shall be limited to a maximum of five minutes unless additional time is authorized by the Citizens' Sustainability Committee. Reports and documents relating to each of the following items listed on the agenda, including those received following posting/distribution, are on file in the Office of the Department of Community Development and are available for public inspection during normal business hours, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., 73-510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92260, telephone (760) 346-0611, Extension 484. IV. CONSENT CALENDAR ALL MATTERS LISTED ON THE CONSENT CALENDAR ARE CONSIDERED TO BE ROUTINE AND WILL BE ENACTED BY ONE ROLL CALL VOTE. THERE WILL BE NO SEPARATE DISCUSSION OF THESE ITEMS UNLESS MEMBERS OF THE CITIZENS' SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE OR AUDIENCE REQUEST ITEMS BE REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR FOR SEPARATE DISCUSSION AND ACTION UNDER SECTION V. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER OF THE AGENDA. A. MINUTES of the Citizens' Sustainability Committee meeting of May 23, 2016. Rec: Approve as presented. Action: POSTED AGENDA CITIZENS' SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE V. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER VI. NEW BUSINESS AUGUST 22, 2016 A. PRESENTATION ON THE CALIFORNIA MUNICIPAL FINANCE AUTHORITY (CMFA) PACE PROGRAM BY BENJAMIN DRUYON, COACHELLA VALLEY ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS. Rec: Provide staff direction on the CMFA PACE program. Action: B. PRESENTATION ON THE PROPOSED MODEL LANDSCAPER CERTIFICATION ORDINANCE BY KATIE BARROWS, COACHELLA VALLEY ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS. Rec: Provide staff direction on the proposed Model Landscaper Certification Ordinance. Action: VII. CONTINUED BUSINESS None VIII. OLD BUSINESS None IX. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. COMMITTEE MEMBERS COMMENTS X. ADJOURNMENT I hereby certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California, that the foregoing agenda for the Citizens' Sustainability Committee was posted on the City Hall bulletin board not less than 72 hours prior to the meeting. Dated on this 17th day of August, 2016. � �1 _ �,t_. Monica O'Reilly, Recording S retary Please contact the Planning Department, 73510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Deserf, CA 92260, (760) 346-0611, for assistance with access to any of the agenda, materials, or participation at the meeting. 2 G:1Planning\Monica OReiIlylSustainability Committee�2016Wgenda\8-22-16 a.docx CITY OF PALM DESERT CITIZENS' SUSTAINABILITY COMITTEEE PRELIMINARY MINUTES MONDAY, MAY 23, 2016 — 2:00 P.M. ADMINISTRATIVE CONFERENCE ROOM 73-510 FRED WARING DRIVE, PALM DESERT, CA 92260 � CALL TO ORDER Chair Susan Rosenberg called the meeting to 0 ROLL CALL Prior to taking Roll Call, Ms. Debor °�'r ��°��`��licki Sustainability Coordinator/staff liaison. ` .�. � Present: �� .� < Member Gregory Gritters at 3: Member Dennis Guinaw �, Member Courtney Li le ;� Member Ralph '� ,� � Vice Chair De � � tons � �� '�� , Chair Susa, �°��.��°�"�enberg �� k �; r� � Also Presentf�� . . ``��,� �,. uced Tommy Edwards the new n, L � � �� n iviemaer � x` Inte ity Manager �:�� Man �� '• ent Analyst �, � � � � rdin ` � � retary � OI� '' OMMUNIC ' ONS Chair Ro , er ` d if there still is a Recycling Technician position. Ms. Glickma • sponded there is a Recycling Technician; however, she is on a leave of absence. With the recent staff changes, the Citizens' Sustainability Committee members and City staff introduced themselves. 3 PRELIMINARY MINUTES CITIZENS' SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE MAY 23, 2016 IV. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES of the Citizens' Sustainability Committee meeting of November 16, 2015. Rec: Approve as presented. Upon a motion by Vice Chair Gatons, second by Member Gritters, and a 5-0-1-1 vote of the Citizens' Sustainability Committee, the Consent Calendar was approved as presented (AYES: Gatons, Gritters, Guinaw, Lingle, and nberg; NOES: None; ABSENT: Edwards; ABSTAIN: Raya). V. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER None VI. NEW BUSINESS A. UPDATE ON THE CITIZENS' SUST` �` BILIT. Ms. Glickman communicated t the City C� commissions/committees m he size ` Citizens' Sustainability Commi � an as- As sustainability issues arise, fr .eithe - a mm would look at the C�ittee to c ne a ,�. MITTEE. recently reviewed how often the m. It was suggested that the ed basis instead of quarterly. u� the Committee, then staff a sors on those issues. Member Ralp � a cori� nted th is in favor of developing a strategy for the Sustainabil' mmittee t �tart tack issues that touch sustainability one way or another. He onally fe ` t they sh `� be proactive than reactive. Ms. ..�1;��an in � ,�� Kyan 5C . r ' n ity Council tas ' istic about w c " ; issions/corr wou e chang Sustai � 'ty Cor what is k� r the next item on the agenda. f} r of Community Development, briefly explained that the �f " bers to look at the resources on hand today, and to be staf Id handle. He noted that there are 17 different �es. As a result, some bylaws for commissions/committees �-le expressed that staff is not looking at dissolving the `ee; staff is making sure there are enough resources to tackle City Council. Councilman ��by Jonathan communicated that since the recession in 2008, the City went from approximately 170 employees to under 110 employees and the challenging times are not over. The recovery has been very slow so the City has been very vigilant about where it allocates its resources. He said that the City Council is trying to make the citizen input process via commissions/committees more efficient and more effective. If the Sustainability Committee is addressing an issue where they need to meet monthly and they are meaningful meetings, then they would meet monthly. He emphasized that the City values the Sustainability Committee, with sustainability being a priority for them. If Committee members 2 G:\Planning\Monica OReilly\Sustainability Committee12016\Minutes\5-23-16 min.docx PRELIMINARY MINUTES CITIZENS' SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE MAY 23, 2016 become aware of issues and have a desire to meet, please funnel issues through the staff liaison or the Committee chairperson to initiate the meeting. Mr. Justin McCarthy, Interim City Manager, summarized the economic impact due to the dissolution of redevelopment agencies in the state, which affected the staffing levels of the City of Palm Desert. Vice Chair Dean Gatons said that he raises his children in this community, and he loves serving the community. He stated that he would meet once a year as a member of the Citizens' Sustainability Committee, and a� . if he could serve on more than one committee. �� "� Councilman Jonathan responded that there are and recommended for anyone interested in serving on other committees . onta ', . City Clerk. Member Dennis Guinaw thanked the citizen of Palm Desert. Member Gregory Gritters is interested ii� as it can; given the constraints due to bu the best way to get involved i Councilman Jonathan replied�� i� addresses landscaping. He beli th appropriate City st��,review M �ie B. DISCUSS � � : Ms. Glickm addressed. a�s � ,�,�,�`� 4 r� eisana , .'��atered. �� { � ilman Jon atte �. Ms. Glic approximat _ , ��N T �', ,ITY O� � ked the. ainability �ncil and staff �� eir efforts as a � , ng ty's landscape� rok as good , r restrictions. He inquired what s not mission or committee that roa o schedule a time with the _ �nm ts and feedback. DESERT'S SUSTAINABILITY ISSUES. mittee if there are issues that need to be ° ented that water conservation is crucial. She mentioned her ,� �� lives that does not have landscape; however, it is being replied that in those instances; bring them to the City's that the City of Palm Desert has decreased water usage snt. Mr. McCarthy mentioned that the Coachella Valley Water District will be increasing their water rates. The new increase is heavily loaded on non-residential, i.e. large landscape, parks, and other users. He stated the issue of sustainability may become an issue of economic survival. Ms. Glickman announced the City has a new app called the Palm Desert in Touch. The app allows residents and visitors to identify issues and report them directly to 3 G:\Planning\Monica OReilly\Sustainability Committee�2016\Minutesl5-23-16 mindocx PRELIMINARY MINUTES CITIZENS' SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE MAY 23, 2016 the City using the mobile app on their smartphones, tablets, or personal computers. Councilman Jonathan referred to the CV Link project, and said that at some point the Sustainability Committee may choose to take a position or not on that project. Vice Chair Gatons stated that he lives off Hovley Lane West, and there is one last section of lawn to be pulled out. He suggested in the past adding an article on the BrightSide so it encourages other communities to change to desert landscape. In addition, he walks down Hovley Lane West every mornin � is picking up trash all the time. He stated he would like to see an Adopt-A-R F y program in the City to help keep the community free of trash. �,�, Chair Rosenberg agreed with Vice Chair Street, and believed the trash floats off t Cook Street. She does not believe peoplE roadway. �� Vice Chair Gatons remarked that he has� truck. He also asked for an update on the are they going with recycling ' City. Ms. Glickman responded thaf � � �� Rosenberg and Vice Chair Gato nd Chair Rosenber � �� that th '�r �� get recycled. believ .� ducati �, asked ifi sh �� -�� ds a bag ��:� n at a s� > Vice Chair ban� ; � s. Glickman a ': er Raya saic toge�� " and email and ex es incr� n� he s" e walks along Cook � ec trucks ` � rive up and down ��hrowing that m��; �� ash out into the �N d u that has flown °�ff a Burrtec le-use plastic bags, and where issues brought up by Chair � back to the Committee. �arge a�i��nt of plastic bottles that do not � public would help. At least now, she is in Palm Desert. �o' ��' �� • � D��rt is surrounded by cities that have not c bags, � N se bags are still getting into the City. He eeing less single-use plastic bags going out to recycling. red he would look into the recycling of plastic bags. t in a week or so he would put a list of sustainability issues taff. He voiced his concern with regard to water conservation , ng in country clubs. He would like to know what type of issues ing through, and how the City or the Committee could help country c address tho ; es. Chair Rosenberg commented she works with property managements and homeowners' associations. She said there is a group that meets monthly called Community Association Institute (CAI). She stated that everyone is struggling with landscaping, water, and managing budgets. Every month the group brings in a speaker, and they discuss issues that are in common with all the communities. Member Raya recommended a newsletter to keep the communities more informed of what the City is doing, and also to get feedback from the communities. 4 G:\Planning\Monica OReilly\Sustainability Committee12016\Minutesl5-23-16 min.docx PRELIMINARY MINUTES CITIZENS' SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE they think Member Courtney Lingle asked how animal agriculture, water, and other resources directly impact the City of Palm Desert. Mr. Stendell responded that there is a lot going on with water in agriculture, and noted they are charged different water rates, which does not affect the City too much. Councilman Jonathan mentioned that the state governor's executive order for those that use two-thirds of water in the state, which is agriculture, are exempt from water saving mandates. He also mentioned that the City C� il recently adopted a backyard bee ordinance, which has to do with sustaina ' ecause an issue facing the world is the lack of pollonization. Chair Rosenberg asked what the backyard bee Councilman Jonathan explained that the �`i to two apiaries in a residential home. Ms. Glickman asked the Committee to er issues they would like to be addressed. C. PRESENTATION ON TH ; F PALM BY DIRECTOR OF COM , LOF Mr. Stendell gave At this point, north sph Redevelopr�' in rPoint p .en �"was �� discus: uring th�:� �recess �gency. ,: � MAY 23, 2016 beekeeping, up stainability GENERAL PLAN UPDATE YAN STENDELL. General Plan Update. i how development came to a stop in the nd the demise of the Palm Desert the Vision San Pablo event was. �Stendel ed `' ustainability Committee on the Vision San Pablo event, ich had an hel , �ositive response from the community. He noted that Draft General �° n Up `� is available on the City's website. He said to let staff ��'r�f the Commit �� has any comments or questions. ChairY� �' berg „ d staff to email the link to the Committee for the Draft General Plan Up ', n Palm Desert in Touch app. VII. CONTINUED �1SINESS None VIII. OLD BUSINESS None nce ce allows bac 5 G:\Planning\Monica OReilly\Sustainability Committee�2016\Minutesl5-23-16 min.docx PRELIMINARY MINUTES CITIZENS' SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE MAY 23, 2016 IX. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. Committee Members Comments Vice Chair Gatons inquired if the Citizens' Sustainability Committee would be meeting in August. Ms. Glickman responded that she would assess the information the Committee has provided her, and answer questions the Committee had during the meeting. She said staff would schedule a meeting, if needed. X. ADJOURNMENT With Committee concurrence, Chair Rosenberg a�� ned �_��`;:� eeting at 4:38 p.m. ica ly, Recording S�cretary 6 G:\Planning\Monica OReilly\Sustainability Committee�20161Minutes\5-23-16 min.docx ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA MUNICIPAL FINANCE AUTHORITY (CMFA) PROPERTY ASSESSED CLEAN ENERGY PROGRAM (PACE) CVAG RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution related to the City's participation in the California Municipal Finance Authority ("CMFA") Open Property Assessed Clean Energy ("PACE") Program: 1) Authorizing the CMFA to accept applications from property owners, conduct contractual assessment proceedings and levy contractual assessments within the City and authorizing related actions; 2) Authorizing the Mayor or City Manager or designee thereof to execute the Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement to join CMFA; and 3) Authorizing the Mayor or City Manager or designee thereof, to execute all documents and take any actions necessary and appropriate to carry out the intent of this resolution. BACKGROUND: The CMFA is a Joint Powers Authority formed to assist local governments, non-profit organizations and businesses by promoting economic, cultural and community development, with the financing of economic development and charitable activities throughout California. To date, over 200 municipalities have become members of the CMFA. As part of its economic and community development, the CMFA along with its current Program Administrators, Energy Efficient Equity ("E3"), BlueFlame PACE Services, OnPACE Energy Solutions and Structured Finance Associates, are offering PACE financing for residential and commercial property owners in its member territories. The CMFA is expected to issue limited obiigation bonds, notes or other forms of indebtedness to fund the projects. PACE is an innovative way to finance energy efficiency, water efficiency, and renewable energy upgrades for residential and commercial buildings. Property owners who participate in the program repay the loans through a voluntary contractual assessment collected together with their property taxes. One of the most notable characteristics of PACE programs is that the loan is attached to the property rather than belonging to an individual. Therefore, when the owner selis the property, the loan may be paid off during the sale or stay with the property and be paid off by the new owner, who also benefits from the upgrades that were completed. PACE financing enables individuals and businesses to defer the upfront costs of energy efficiency, water efficiency and renewable energy improvements. PACE loans are paid over a long period of time while energy costs are simultaneously lower, which typically provides the property owner with net savings. PACE overcomes challenges that have hindered adoption of energy efficiency and renewabie energy measures for many property owners. ANALYSIS OF THE JOINT EXERCISE OF POWERS AGREEMENT: In order for the CMFA to have the authority to provide PACE financing in the City, it is necessary for the City to become a member of the CMFA. Attached to this report is a copy of the Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement to be executed by a designated signatory of the City. The Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement provides that the CMFA is a public entity, separate and apart from each member executing such agreement. The debts, liabilities and obligations of the CMFA do not constitute debts, liabilities or obligations of the members executing such agreement. There are no costs associated with membership in the CMFA. ANALYSIS OF THE PACE PROGRAM: Staff has determined that participation in this program is a cost effective means of offering property owners the opportunity to make energy and water efficiency retrofits to their property and create new local jobs. Property owners will repay the financing as a charge on their property tax bill over a period of years. The benefits to the property owner include: • Competition: CMFA Open PACE currently provides four options to property owners: Energy Efficient Equity ("E3"), BlueFlame PACE Services, OnPACE Energy Solutions and Structured Finance Associates. Property owners can shop for the best price and service through the availability of the PACE administrators. • Eligibilitv: In today's economic environment, alternatives for property owners to finance renewable energy, energy efficiency, and water conservation improvements may not be available. Therefore, many property owners do not have options available to them to lower their utility bills. • Savinqs: Renewable energy, energy efficiency, and water conservation improvements help lower utility biils. • Payment obliqation is tied to the property: The debt should not need to be repaid when the property is sold or transferred. The new owner assumes the obligation to repay the remaining balance with the property taxes. • 100% Voluntary: Property owners choose to participate in the program at their own discretion. • Repavment obliqation matched to the useful life of the financed improvements: The length of the financing is based on the expected useful life of the improvements. Depending on the lender and the improvements, the term can range from five (5) years to thirty-nine (39) years. • Prepayment options: Property owners can pay off the assessments at any time; however, there may be applicabie prepayment penalties, and the program administrators review these terms with prospective participants. • Improved quality of life: Residents benefit from improvements, such as more effective cooling provided by new air conditioning units and less outside noise when new double- paned windows are installed. The benefits to the City include: Prequalified PACE Administrators: The CMFA's Board has pre-qualified the PACE administrators based on their business practices, qualifications, experience and capital commitment to the PACE market. Sinqle Resolution: The City can pass a single resolution and provide access to residential and commercial property owners to highly qualified PACE administrators. There is no need to pass multiple resolutions to approve the administrators. • No Citv Obliqation: The City is not obligated to repay the bonds issued by CMFA or to pay the assessments levied on the participating properties. The Citv will not incur anv cost or involvement and there are no administrative responsibilities, marketinq obliqations, or financial exposures to the Citv. 2 • No Citv staff support required: The CMFA and its Program Administrators handle all assessment administration, bond issuance and bond administration functions. • Increase in local jobs: Property improvements provide local job opportunities. • Increased City Revenue: Property improvements result in an increase in sales and property tax revenue to the City. The proposed Resolution authorizes the CMFA to accept applications from owners of property within our territory for municipal financing of authorized improvements through the CMFA Program. It also authorizes The CMFA to conduct assessment proceedings and levy assessments against the property of participating owners within the incorporated territory of the City. FISCAL IMPACT: There is no negative fiscal impact to the City's general fund incurred by consenting to the inclusion of properties within the City limits in the PACE Programs. The Board of Directors of the California Foundation for Stronger Communities, a California non- profit public benefit corporation (the "Foundation"), acts as the Board of Directors for the CMFA. Through its conduit issuance activities, the CMFA shares a portion of the issuance fees it receives with its member communities and donates a portion of these issuance fees to the Foundation for the support of local charities. With respect to the City, it is expected that that a portion of the issuance fee wiil be granted by the CMFA to the general fund of the City. Such grant may be used for any lawful purpose of the City. A similar amount will be donated by the CMFA to a non-profit organization in the City. 3 ITEM 7C Coachella ValleyAssociatio� o� Governments Execu�ive Committee �une 6, 2016 Staff Report Subject: Landscaper Certification Program for Water Efficiency Contact: Katie Barrows, Director of Environmental Resources (kbarrows@cvag.org) Recommendation: Approve an Amendment to the Model Landscaper Overseeding Certification Ordinance to include a course on Water Efficiency as part of the Landscaper Certification Program. Enerqv & Environmental Resources Committee: CONCURS (Meeting of May 12tn) Technical Planninq Subcommittee: CONCURS (Meeting of May 17tn) Technical Advisory Committee (May Meeting canceled) Backqround: At the January 2016 meeting, staff reported on plans by the Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) to implement a water use efficiency course and landscaper certification program focused on professional landscapers, to increase their knowledge and use of best practices in water conservation. Last fall, CVAG staff began working with CVWD staff to model this program after CVAG's existing Landscaper Overseeding Certification Ordinance and our online course. Since that time, CVAG staff has been working with CVWD and College of the Desert on options to combine the water efficiency course with the existing Landscaper Overseeding Certification Program. By doing so, landscape professionals could be certified in best practices to meet regional goals to improve our air quality and increase water efficiency in a "one-stop shop" approach. Since this was discussed in January, CVWD staff has developed the draft water efficiency curriculum with their professional staff. The draft curriculum is being circulated for review by various landscape professionals and educators at College of the Desert. CVWD will then work with COD to prepare the course to be offered online. COD will ultimately manage the course along with CVAG's smart scalping course currently available online. Educational outreach in coordination with CVWD, COD and CVAG member agencies is planned. The goal is to complete the curriculum and amended ordinance by fall 2016. An amendment to the existing Model Landscaper Overseeding Certification Ordinance to add the requirements for water efficiency certification is attached for your review. This amendment has been reviewed by CVAG general counsel and CVWD staff. The original model ordinance for a landscapers' course on the Overseeding Alternative ("smart scalping") was developed and approved by the CVAG Executive Committee in July 2007 and subsequently adopted by CVAG member agencies. The smart scalping course has been offered since 2007 and continues to be a very effective part of our regional air quality program. The course is offered free of charge to landscape professionals and there is no cost to member agencies. In the first 18 months of the course approximately 630 overseeding certificates were issued. The water efficiency course will be combined with the air quality course and will be free to participants. This amendment to the existing "smart scalping" model landscaper certification ordinance was reviewed by the Energy and Environmental Resources Committee at their meeting of May 12. They recommended approval of the proposed amendment. The online water efficiency course and proposed amendment were also discussed with the Technical Planning Subcommittee of planning directors and community development directors at their May 17 meeting. They were supportive of the approach. CVWD and Desert Water Agency also participated in that meeting. Pending approval by the Executive Committee, the model ordinance will be circulated for consideration by member agencies. By combining course material on overseeding and water efficiency, participants could be certified in one simple process. Thus, implementation of this program should require little to no staff time on the part of the local jurisdictions. CVWD has also been working with the State Water Resources Control Board on a settlement related to an alleged violation by CVWD of the Emergency Regulation for Statewide Urban Water Conservation. At their Aprii meeting, the CVAG Executive Committee authorized a letter of support for this settlement which was sent to the State Water Resources Control Board. Under the proposed settlement agreement, CVWD has agreed to implement a Landscaper Certification Program that will focus on water use efficiency. CVWD and the SWRCB have also agreed that the $61,000 fine paid by CVWD will be suspended pending completion of the water conservation project. The settlement is described in the notice from the SWRCB: http�//www waterboards.ca.qov/public notices/comments/docs/notice cvwd settlement.pdf. At this time, staff is requesting the Executive Committee approve the attached amendment to the Model Landscaper Overseeding Certification Ordinance to inciude a course on Water Efficiency. Fiscal Analysis: The costs associated with developing the program with College of the Desert would be funded by Coachella Valley Water District. Attachments: 1. Draft Model Landscaper Certification Ordinance Amendment ATTACHMENT 1 DRAFT MODEL LANDSCAPER CERTIFICATION ORDINANCE AMENDMENT AN ORDINANCE OF THE [CITY OF or COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE] AMENDING SECTION XXX [OF CHAPTER XXX] OF THE [CITY/COUNTY] CODE TO ADD WATER EFFICIENCY CURRICULUM TO THE EDUCATIONAL PREREQUISITES FOR ISSUANCE OF A BUSINESS LICENSE TO LANDSCAPE-RELATED BUSINESSES THE [CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF , CALIFORNIA or BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE], DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS: WHEREAS, the [City Council/Board of Supervisors] has previously adopted Ordinance XXX to require Landscape-Related Businesses to present proof that at least one employee has, within the preceding twelve-month period, completed a two-hour course on grass overseeding alternatives as a prerequisite to issuance or renewal of a business license; WHEREAS, air quality and water efficiency are among the most essential issues associated with public health and safety, which in turn is essential to the continued economic well-being of the Coachella Valley and to the needs of its residents; WHEREAS, the majority of water use in the Coachella Valley is for outdoor landscaping and our ability to meet water conservation goals and maintain the high quality of our water supply depends on water conservation best practices in landscaping; WHEREAS, one of the reasons for the failure to meet water conservation goals within the Coachella Valley is a lack of familiarity by landscape professionals with best practices in reducing water use in landscaped areas; WHEREAS, the Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD), in partnership with the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG), College of the Desert (COD), other local water districts, and local stakeholders, has developed a two-hour water efficiency course to provide guidance to Landscape-Related Business professionals regarding reduction of water use in turf and other landscape areas and encourage the use of water efficient desert landscaping; WHEREAS, by combining the existing two-hour educational course on overseeding alternatives and smart scalping with the recently developed two-hour course on water efficiency, landscape professionals can be certified in best practices to meet regional goals to improve our air quality and increase water efficiency in a"one-stop shop" approach; WHEREAS, the curriculum for the water efficiency course is high quality and appropriate for the Coachella Valley region; the course has been developed by professional staff at CVWD who hold licenses and certifications in irrigation efficiency, plant water use, horticultural practices, arboriculture, and landscape/golf course irrigation auditing; and the course has been reviewed by industry educators such as College of the Desert (COD) instructors and industry professionals.; WHEREAS, the water efficiency course developed by CVWD has been reviewed and approved by the State Water Resources Control Board which requires urban water suppliers to reduce potable water use to meet state conservation standards and the implementation of the course will be monitored by the State Water Resources Control Board; WHEREAS, the water efficiency curriculum can be added to the existing course for the Landscape Certification Program; WHEREAS, the updated course for the Landscape Certification Program, which will include both the smart scalping curriculum and the water efficiency curriculum, will be available online and/or at a local testing center, and will be available in English and Spanish; WHEREAS, the most efficient and effective method of promoting the overseeding alternative and water efficiency is to require professionals in the landscaping installation, maintenance, design, and other landscape-related businesses, and their suppliers within the [City or unincorporated Coachella Valley area] to, on an annual basis, complete the four-hour course covering both of these topics, with said course organized by CVAG, AQMD, COD, and CVWD; WHEREAS, the public health and safety is served by requiring completion of said course as a prerequisite for the issuance and renewal of business licenses for Landscape-Related Businesses within the [City or Coachella Valley]. and WHEREAS, time for a public information campaign regarding the additional curriculum on water efficiency is required; the additional prerequisite specific to the water efficiency curriculum will, therefore, not be enforced until November 1, 2016. NOW, THEREFORE, THE [COUNCIL/BOARD] DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. That the recitals set forth above are true and correct and are incorporated herein by this reference. SECTION 2. [Sub-Section XXX of the XXX Code] is amended to read as follows: XXX. "LANDSCAPE-RELATED BUSINESSES" Effective November 1, 2016, as a prerequisite fo the issuance or renewal of a business /icense for any entity providing services or nursery products (in the unincorporated area within the territorial boundaries of the Coache/la Valley Association of Governments] related to or used for landscape installation, mainfenance, or design, the applicant shall present proof that at least one emp/oyee has, within the twelve months immediately preceding the application, completed a minimum four-hour course developed by the Coachella Valley Association of Governments, the South Coast Air Quality Management District, the Coachella Valley Water District, and local stakeho/ders, on grass overseeding alternatives to traditional scalping and landscaping water efficiency. Prior to November 1, 2016, said educational prerequisite shall be satisfied by completion of the two-hour course that was in place prior to the addition of the water efficiency segment of the curriculum. SECTION IV. SEVERABILITY If any section, subsection or clause of this ordinance shall be deemed to be unconstitutional or otherwise invalid, the validity of the remaining section, subsection and clauses shall not be affected thereby. SECTION V. EFFECTIVE DATE This ordinance shall become effective on the thirtieth (30th) day following its adoption. SECTION VI. POSTING The [City Clerk or Clerk of the Board] shall within fifteen (15) days after the passage of this ordinance, cause this ordinance to be posted in at least three (3) public places designated by resolution of the [City Council or Board of Supervisors]; shall certify to the adoption and posting of this ordinance; and shall cause this ordinance and its certification, together with proof of posting, to be entered in the Book of Ordinances of this [City or County]. The foregoing ordinance was [City Council or Board of Supervisors] held following vote: Ayes: Noes: Abstain: Absent: approved and adopted at a meeting of the on , 2016 by the [Mayor or Chairman of the Board] ATTEST: [City Clerk or Clerk of the Board] APPROVED AS TO FORM: [City Attorney or County Counsel] Landscaper Certification Class Outline The class will be available in both English and Spanish through COD. There will be a short quiz between each section of the class. • Introduction o Removing turf and replacing with desert landscaping is our first choice o If you have grass, how do you irrigate it efficiently • Define efficiency o In a technical way, as it relates to different types or irrigation o Understanding irrigation system water use • Know your soil o Gravelly sand, sand, sandy loam ■ Characteristics of each o How to irrigation each soil type • Know your weather o Weather determines Evapotranspiration ■ The amount of water drawn from a plant by the atmosphere o How to use Evapotranspiration to irrigate efficiently • Know your turf grass o Understanding the needs of different types of grass o Understanding root depth • Know your irrigation system o Types of irrigation o Irrigation system performance o Precipitation rates o Sprinkler uniformity • Match your irrigation system to your soil, your weather and your turf grass o Programming the irrigation controller o Scheduling a baseline for run times o The difference between entire areas and "spots" of stress o How to cut back • CVWD rebate programs