HomeMy WebLinkAboutSR - C26430 - MOU C-op Curbside Consrvtn BufferCITY OF PALM DESERT
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
STAFF REPORT
Contract NO. C26430
REQUEST: Approve and Fund The Cooperative Curbside Conservation Buffer
Demonstration Program
SUBMITTED BY: Mark Greenwood, P.E., Director of Public Works
APPLICANT: Coachella Valley Water District
DATE: April 26, 2007
CONTENTS: MOU Draft
Recommendation:
That City Council, by minute motion:
1. Approve an agreement with Coachella Valley Water District for the
Cooperative Conservation Buffer Demonstration Program;
2. Appropriate $20,000.00 in cost share funds from the unobligated
general fund; and
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute the same.
Executive Summary:
At its January 17, 2007 meeting, the Landscape Beautification Committee reviewed this
new program and directed staff to bring it forward for Council approval.
The program will initiate a demonstration project to reduce or eliminate landscape
irrigation runoff to City streets. The Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD), the
Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District (CVMVCD), the City of Palm
Desert (City) and individual property owners and homeowners' associations (HOA) will
cooperate in this program. The cooperating agencies will cost share (75%) with the
landowners (25%) to retrofit curbside, spray -irrigated turf areas —changing them to
water -efficient landscapes with no overspray or runoff.
Discussion:
The City of Palm Desert has long been a valley leader in water conservation and
resource stewardship in the Coachella Valley. Of particular interest has been the area
of nuisance water, which is generated from landscape irrigation runoff and overspray.
Nuisance water is responsible for many undesirable conditions, from asphalt/road
damage to standing water which creates a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Approve and Fund The Cooperative Curbside Conservation Buffer Demonstration Program
April 26, 2007
Page 2 of 3
The high points of this new program are as follows:
• Participating agencies will choose demonstration sites based upon the potential
to reduce runoff and its associated issues.
• CVMVCD will focus on reducing runoff to address potential mosquito breeding
areas and the associated threat of West Nile Virus.
• "Before" and "after" measurements of runoff to the street, stagnant water
accumulation in retention basins, and water savings will be made.
The project will benefit landowners and the general public by decreasing irrigation and
street maintenance costs, and areas of standing, mosquito -breeding water.
To eliminate runoff, spray -irrigated turf areas will be modified. Modification will include
the removal of turf in any area where overspray results in runoff to the street. These
areas are adjacent to the street curb, sidewalk, driveway or any connected interior
sidewalks. Where landscapes are converted to water -efficient drip -irrigated shrubs it
will be necessary to build an attractive, undulating border at a distance not less than two
feet from any hardscape that may lead to runoff.
The program will be evaluated by determining the amount of runoff reduction. Sample
measurements will be made before and after retrofitting. Parameters will include flow
rates and accumulated flows down the street gutter. Water surface area will be
measured and/or estimated in affected retention basins. The number of mosquito
abatement treatments will be reported and water use by customers will be tracked.
Participating agencies will use the results to determine cost-effectiveness and future
program directions.
The total estimated cooperating agency cost for this demonstration program is
$74,000.00:
• CVWD is providing $29,000.00 in cost share funds and $20,611.00 of in -kind
services.
• The City's investment is $20,000.00 in cost share funds from the unobligated
general fund to account number 110-4614-453-3915.
• CVMVCD is providing the remaining $5,000.00 of cost share funds plus
$12,000.00 of in -kind services.
• The cooperative agencies will cover 75 percent of the conversion costs and the
landowners and/or HOA's will provide the remaining 25 percent.
The attached MOU draft, if approved, will be finalized and reviewed by the City
Attorney.
This proposed program, if approved, would be complementary to the Public Works
Department nuisance water abatement efforts and a continuation of the City's
commitment to water conservation.
G VPubWorkslStaff Repods120071Aprd 26108 Approve Curbside Conservation Buffer MOU\Curbs,de Cons Buffer MOU ooc
Approve and Fund The Cooperative Curbside Conservation Buffer Demonstration Program
April 26, 2007
Page 3of3
Therefore, staff recommends that, by minute motion, City Council approve, fund and
authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with the Coachella Valley Water
District for the Cooperative Curbside Conservation Buffer Demo stration Program
Approval:
aes( Homer Croy
ACM for Development Services
Carlos L. Orteg
City Manager
Submitt
Mark Greenifood, P.E.,
Director of Public Works
Paul Gibson
Finance Director
CITY COUNe1L ACTION:
APPROVED ,f DENIED
RECEIVED OTHER
MEETING DATE t+_ri
AYES: r,
NOES: ill on e_
ABSENT: &j or ke.
ABSTAIN: Nor»
VERIFIED BY: 12.f-)K,l ra
Original on File withJCity Clerk's Office
G:1Pub Works\Staff Reports120071Apri126108 Approve Curbside Conservation Buffer MOU\Curbside Cons Buffer MOU.doc