HomeMy WebLinkAboutC29220 - Joint Lndscp Retrofit Pgrm w/CVWD Contract No. C29220
CITY OF PALM DESERT
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
STAFF REPORT
REQUEST: Authorize Staff to Develop and Implement a Joint Landscape Retrofit
Program with the Coachella Valley Water District, and Authorize the
City Manager to Execute the Agreement
SUBMITTED BY: Mark Greenwood, P.E., Director of Public Works
DATE: September 10, 2009
CONTENTS: City of La Quinta/Coachella Valley Water District Program
Description
RECOMMENDATION:
By Minute Motion:
1. Authorize staff to develop and implement a joint Landscape Retrofit
Program with the Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD);
2. Authorize City Manager to execute an agreement with CVWD for co-
sponsorship of the program; and
3. Authorize the Director of Finance to appropriate $110,000 from
unobligated general funds to Account No. 110-4614-453-3915, Special �
Programs-Water Conservation.
BACKGROUND:
The goals of this proposed program are to advance landscape water conservation,
eliminate nuisance water in streets caused by landscape irrigation, and provide an
incentive for Palm Desert residents to convert to desert landscaping. It is proposed that
CVWD and the City be equal co-sponsors of this proposed program. Each agency's
initial financial investment would be $110,000 for a program total of$220,000.
Currently, the City of La Quinta and CVWD offer a residential turf removal rebate
through their co-sponsored Cooperative Landscape Water Management Program. The
basics include a $1.50 per square foot rebate for turF removal with a $1,000 maximum.
They provide several typical landscape designs that can be modified by the resident,
and a hotline for sprinkler problems. Attached is a detailed description of the La Quinta
program.
Staff Report
Approve Landscape Retrofit Program Co-Sponsored by CVWD
Page2of3
September 10, 2009
At the request of the City Manager, Landscape Services staff contacted CVWD about
co-sponsoring a landscape retrofit program for Palm Desert residents. CVWD
responded that they would be interested and had funding available for such a program.
In addition, staff met with CVWD representatives and discussed their experiences with
the City of La Quinta and CVWD's Cooperative Landscape Water Management
Program. Based on those discussions and the character of the City's water
conservation philosophy, Landscape Services staff proposes the following Landscape
Retrofit Program. It is noted that this program was presented to and approved by the
Landscape Beautification Committee to be advanced for City Council consideration.
DISCUSSION:
The proposed program will have three components that will address the residential
sector, the homeowner association (HOA) sector, and a sprinkler replacement option for
residents that remain committed to turf or cannot afford a major landscape renovation.
The residential component will provide a rebate of$2.00 per square foot for the removal
of turf and installation of drip irrigated desert landscaping with a maximum rebate of
$2,000. The rebate will be limited to residential front yards. The retrofit must also
include a SMART irrigation controller. This component of the proposed program will be
administered by Landscape Services staff in order to maintain the aesthetic character of
landscapes in the City. Staff proposes to make available to residents guidance on
desert landscape design. The City's Desert Flora publications will be posted on the City
website as will the nearly completed design manual. In addition, City staff will provide a
design packet for each applicant to assist them in the development of a biddable
landscape design, and to guide them through the approval process. Residents may also
use the services of a design professional. The City's investment for this component is
proposed to be $50,000. The combined City and CVWD contribution of $100,000 wilt
benefit 50 homes based on the assumption that each home would utilize the maximum
retrofit rebate of$2,000.
The HOA component will provide a rebate of $2.00 per square foot for removal of turf
and installation of drip irrigated desert landscaping with a maximum rebate of $5,000 for
a minimal retro fit, and $10,000 for a complete conversion of turF to desert landscaping.
The rebate will be limited to parkways (streetscapes) adjacent to City streets. At a
minimum, a retrofit plan must have a 24-inch wide, curb adjacent section of non-turf
area. This area can be treated with decomposed granite or cobble. All turf sprinkler
heads shall be replaced with new generation, efficient rotor type nozzles or comparable
sprinklers with sprinkler type to be reviewed and approved by both agencies. All
irrigated areas must be controlled by a SMART irrigation controller. This component of
the proposed program will also be administered by Landscape Services staff, and
design assistance will be provided in a similar manner as the residential component. It
should be noted that this component of the proposed program is based on a
continuation of the Curbside Landscape Retrofit Pilot Project that was co-sponsored by
the City and CVWD last year. The City's investment for this component is proposed to
be $50,000. The HOA component of the program will benefit 15 HOAs assuming that
Staff Report
Approve Landscape Retrofit Program Co-Sponsored by CVWD
Page 3 of 3
September 10, 2009
half of the City and CVWD combined contribution of $100,000 is used for the minimal
retrofit rebate and would cover ten HOAs, and half is used for the maximum retrofit
rebate and would cover five HOAs.
The sprinkler option of the proposed program will provide an opportunity for the retrofit
of older, less efficient sprinklers with new generation, efficient rotor type nozzles or
comparable sprinklers. Sprinkler type to be reviewed and approved by both agencies.
A SMART irrigation controller is also required as part of this option. This component will
provide rebates to the homeowner of $5.00 per new generation sprinkler head. This
component will be for front yards only and will be administrated by CVWD. The City's
investment for this component is proposed to be $10,000.
Public education and notification of this program will be jointly handled by both
agencies. The application process will be on a first come, first served basis and the
program start date will be announced in advance. Applications will be made available
on-line at the City's web-site and at the Public Works Department counter.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The City's initial investment for this proposed project would be $110,000. It is estimated
that an average of three hours of professional staff time and one hour of administrative
staff time will be required for each applicant of the residential and HOA components.
The in-kind cost for City staff time for this proposed program is estimated to be $74,409.
Therefore, staff recommends that City Council authorize staff to develop and implement
a joint Landscape Retrofit Program with CVWD, authorize the City Manager to execute
the agreement, and authorize the Director of Finance to appropriate $110,000 from
unobligated general fund reserves.
Submitted By: Depart e ad:
;
;�
H. p nce� ight Mark Gree wood, P.E.
Lan s ape anager Director of Public Works
Approval:
Paul . Gibson Jo M. Wohlmu
Finance Director it Manager
POSTED AGENDA
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 10, 2009
XIV. NEW BUSINESS
F. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION FOR STAFF TO DEVELOP AND
IMPLEMENT A JOINT LANDSCAPE RETROFIT PROGRAM WITH THE
COACHELLA VALLEY WATER DISTRICT (CVWD).
Rec: By Minute Motion: 1) Authorize staff to develop and implement a
Joint Landscape Retrofit Program with CVWD; 2) authorize the
City Manager to execute an agreement with CVWD for co-
sponsorship of the program (Contract No. C29220); 3) authorize
the Director of Finance to appropriate $110,000 from Unobligated
General Funds to Account No. 110_4614_453 3915 - Special
Programs-Water Conservation for this purpose.
Action: Approved the recommendations. 5_0
CtTY COUNCIL A�ON
APFROVED DEIVIFD
RECEiVED OTHER
MF,ETI G DATE • /U�
AYI;S: � '���,r Y� ` � ( �t ' i�`�
nc�rs: an� �
ABSENT: __/l/IJYI�
AI3STAtN:
VI;RIFI�D BY " �'iGG
Original on File with City erk's Office
,` ATTACHMENT A
City of La Quinta/Coachella Va�ley Water District
Cooperative Landscape Water Management Program
Frogram Description
This cooperative program between the City of La Quinta(City) and the Coachella Valley Water
District (CVWD)will initially focus on runoff on City maintained properties. lt wilt also include the
continuation and expansion of the City/CVWD Weather Based Imigation Controiler(WBIC) pcogram.
A third component of the initial phase is to provide cost share rebaEes for home owners who retrofit
their landscapes to impr�ve water use efficiency and eliminate runoff.
These initial efforts are part of an overall program to improve water use ef€iciency on hoth public and
priv�te property within the City. The overall program includes five rrtain components:
1) Water management opportunities on City properties.
2) Water management opportunities in singie family hames.
3) Water managen�ent opportunities for homeowner assaciation properties.
4) Water management opportunities on gotf courses.
5} Public relations apportunities.
` This cooperative effort to improve water management on landscapes and reduce water runoff to streets
in the Coachella Valley addresses a vital issue. Not only will it conserve our precious water resources,
but it will also decrease street mai�ntenance costs, and will address safety issues,and health issues
associated with standing water as mosquito breeding areas and the threat of West Nile Virus. An
overdraft of the groundwater table,persistent droui;ht in source areas of the State Water Project and the
Colorado River, and energy issues associated with the pumping of water are other reasons far
inereased emphasis on proper water management.
The fotlowing are descriptions of the five main program components:
L} Water management opportunities on City properties.
- The City and CVWD will list and inventory City-maintained properties and rank them
according to water savings and runoff reduction potentials.
- CVWD will pravide water use analyses for identified City properties.
- CVWD will assist the City in designing a package of conservation measwes tait�red to
each property. Water management ineasures that cauld be implemented include, but are not
- limited to,WBICs, turf conversions, tt�rf setbacks, subsurface and surface flow irrigation,
clock adjustments, time of day adjustments/run times, more efficiertt sprinkiers, landscape
design reviews, etc.
- CVWD and the City will document water savings by using bef�re and after water use
records. Runaff reductions will also be measured on a before and af�er i�asis.
ACT1�N PROGRAM:
• Evaluate and compare watcr efficiency of new a�edian island landscape on Avenue 52
and Avenue 54.
• Evaluate exiscing parkways included in the City landscape district and retro�it existing .
landscape and irrigation where runoff is observeci.
• Evatuate irrigation system for City Hall expansion and ad nonspray turf irrigation for
new turf area.
• Explore implementing a caoperative water waste hotline and response program.
2) Water management opportunities in single family homes.
- CVWD wi11 provide water management tecluiical assistance and follow-up to participants.
- CVWD wi11 monitar participants' water use records to aocument savings and prepare
public information.
- CV1�VD and City Redevelopment Agency(RDA}will use RDA Cove homes as a '
demonstration project.
� - CVWD and the City will offer a demonstration project which will include landscape retrofit
cost share rebates to individual homeowners to encourage implementation of water
efficiency measures including WBICs,turf setbacks, sub surface and surface #Iow
irrigation, etc.
ACTION PROGRAM:
• City and CVWD will prepare typical landscape and irrigation designs for single family
residential properties.
• City and CVWD will actively promote WB1Cs and prepare regular monitoring updates
for use in public relations programs.
• "The retrotit program will incur up to $I,000 matching/cost-share fut�d program for the
first SO single-family residenees.
• The RDA witl retrofit up to three of its Cove homes with water-efficient landscaping.
Additionally, as existing Cove homes are soid to qualitied law-income families, the
landscape will be retrofitted with water-efficient landscape and irrigation systems.
• CVWD will monitor monthly water bills of participants, notify them of any unusual
usage patterns,and will provide technical assistance to deerease water use.
3) Water�nanagement opportunities for homeowner association(HOA)properties
- The City and CVWD will list ancl invcntory HOA inaintained properties and rank them
according to water savings and runoff reduction potentials.
- CV WD will promote its Landscape Low-Tnterest Loan prc�gram to identified H4A
properties.
- CV WD will assist the H�A in designing a package of conservation measures tailored to
each property. Water management measures that could be implemented, include bvt are not
limited to WB1Gs,turf conversions, turf setbacks,subsurface and surface flow irri�ation,
clock adjustments, tirrce of day adjustments/run times,more efficient sprinklers, landscape
design revicws, etc.
ACT10N PROGRAM:
+ CVWD will perform water use analyses for identified HOA properties.
• CVWD will contact HOA boards and/or management companies to explain Ehe loan
program and to assist interested HOAs in�lling nut and processing the loan application.
� CVWD will document water savings by using before and after water use records.
4) Water management�pportunities on golf courses
- CVWD can oEfer irrigation system evaluations and technical assistance to golf course
managers to improve water use efficiency.
- CVWD will promote participation in its Water Efficient Go1f Course Certificate program.
- CVWD will wark with Golf Courses to assist them in more fully utilizing Coachelta Canal
water rather than groundwater for turf and Iandscape irrigation.
ACTIQN PR�GRAM:
• CVWD and the City will tist golf courses within the City.
� CVWD will provide water use records and water use analyses For tisted golf courses.
• CVWD wil( document water savings by using before and after watcr use records.
5} Pubiic relations opportunities
- Tlirough the initiation of laigh visibility projects on City property, private homes and golf
`� courses this cooperative program can foster the growth of a water management ethic for the
citizens oELa Quinta and the entire Coac}Zella Valley.
- CVWD and the City will keep visibility and �vater use efficiency in mind when prioritizing
and selecting water manageinent projects.
- The public relations departments oFCVWD and the City wiI! wark with one another to
produce news releases, City newstetter articles, CV�ID newsletter articles, water bill
announcements and signage.
ACTION PROGRAM:
� The City and CVWD will prepare a feature section for the City's January newsletter
describing this program and encouragirig water conservation.
� The City and CVWD wi11 create award pro�rams and competitions sucti as yard
makeovers to stir public interest and involvement.
• The City and CVWD will attend neighborhood organizations, service organizations and
other activities to promote this progra�n,
(
{
COOPERATIVE LANDSCAPE WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
( "I'he City of I..a Quint�i('`City")and Co,ichella Val ley W�ter District("CV WD")est;�blished the Cooperative L��ndscape Water
De��elopment Program("Program"). The purpose of the plan is to establish a���ater conservation progrlm Por qualilying property
owners{`•Home�>�vncrs")in the City. The goal uf the Program is to provide Homeo�ti�ners�vith water ei�icic;nt landscapes. tvlore
pa��,ici3larl;,the Frogi•am wiEl aid in thc rcduction ot'�vater use and�vater run-ol'f li•om Ehe ironl yard of Homeo�vnas. The reduction
shall be facilitatcd by several met��ods,including(1)installati�n ol'`•SrrtarP'irrigaiion controllers(`'Irrigation Controller"),(2)
installation of curbside landscape bufFers("f3ut�ers"},and(3)conversion of turt'to�ti�atcr efficient drip irrigatcd tandsclpc.
Ho«�eowners may apply to CV WD to participaie in the Program, `i'o be eligible foi•the Prog�•am,a Hun�eo�vner musr.(i)be a
customer of CVWD in good standin�.(2)be a residenl o!'lhe City,(3)own the home at the clesignatcd site,(4}have a minimuin oCone
(I}year of�vater consumption hislory al thc dcsignated silc,and(5)have a t'ully Functioning irrigation systen�that is run by a���orking
timcr/clock.
CV WD and City shaU revie���the applications and determinc which I lomeowncrs qualify fOC tI1C PI'O�I'At17. IF CV WD and the City
deterinine that a I-lomeowner qualifies for the Program.the I-lomeowner shall do the Falloi��ing:
L Complete an application;
2. Purchase�nd install an hrigation Controllcr:
�. ti�stall buJ�ers,or convert turt kn drip irrigation landscape,or take other conserv;�tion actions,at such locations and wich such
landscaping mate�•ials as shall be agreed to by CVWn;
�t. Allo���CV WD represeniativc(s)anto the desi�nated sitc to confirm installation of the]n•igalion Controller,l3uffers and
landscaping materials.inciuding any required v3lves;and
�. Relain ihe old,replaced timei/cantrollef•t��r a CVWD tield technici�n lo verif'y cluring a��isiE al the d�sionatcd site.
nll work complcted by ar o��behaEf of�l Iomeo���na•shall bc coinpleted in conformance with ail la�vs,rules and regulations ofall
guvernmental bodies ancl ageneies havin�jurisdietion over the t��ork,including the City cind CV WD.
[n lhe eveni a Ho�nE��rner satisfies ail of the conditions set 1'�rth above to CV WD's saEisfaction,CV Wp and che City shall
( rcimburse the l-fomeo�vner One�nd 50/100 Dollars{$1.50)per square foot of documented turf���hich is removcd Gom thc designated
site up!o(1 maximurn of�One'1'housand Dollars($l,Q00.00).Such reimbursement shall take place within ninety(90)days al�er
CVWD's final inspectian of the completed wnrk.
Ap{�lication Agreement
Applicant/ Property Owners Name:
Mailing Address:
C��� Zip Code:
Phone:
Property Owner Signature:
CVWD Account Number: Date:
! certify the information contained in this application is true and correct. I have read,understand and agree to the tenns
and conditions oFthis program.
VVAT�IQ �<'�'
��S TRiG� � ���� .
I.l��,+V�13`�RI-
i Coachefla Valley Water District City of La Quinta
PO Box 1058 78-495 Calle Tampico
Coachella,CA 922;b La Quinta,CA 92253
(760)398-26�1 (760)777-7a90
ww��v.cva�d.or$ w�v�v.la-c{uinfa.org
HOMEO WNER AGREEMENT
CiTY OF LA QUINTA& CUACHELLA VALLEY WATER DISTRICT
COOPERATIVE LANDSCAPE WATER MANAGEMENT PR4GRAM t
Terms &Conditions
1. ApplicanLc must be a cuscomer oFC.oachella Valley Water Distrirt('`CV WU"}in good standina.
2. Applicaiits must be residents oti the City of'!_,a Quinta(=`City"}.
3. Applicanls must own lhc huine at the dcsignated pro�ram site.
4. Applicanls must have a minimum of one(1)year Ul��vater cansunZption history at!he designated sile.
�. Applicants must have a fuliy f'un�tioning irrigatian system that is run by a working timer/clock. ilppliclnts must retain th�old
replzced timer/controller for a CV WD field technician to verify cluring a site visit.
6. Applicants and CV W�shall agree to the scope ofthe consen�ation letions,which m��y include the installatinn of curbside
landscape bu(�fers�nd conveision oF lawn to water efficient drip irrigated landscape. "f'he proposed fandscape conversion area
must currcntly have a maintlin�d lawn. Cc�nvei�ted landscape lreas must cpver a minimum of four hundred(400)square feet.
Unless othenvise�igreed t�by CVWD,a converted drip irrigated landscape irrigation system will consist of drip irrigation
cam�wnents,smart eontroller,valve,tlush valr•2,pressure regulator,filter,back Ilaw preventcr,drip cmitters ancl/or pressure
compensating emitters not to exceed t�vo(2)gallons per hour. All applicanls maintaining grass and xericscape(desert landscape),
musl cnsure that such applicant's spray i�riga(ion system does not irrigatc or flow into thc applicant°s c�cscrt landscapc or to thc
street.
7• All ���ork cnmpleted by o�•on behalfof�ipplicants shall be completed and maintained in contormance tvith all laws,rules and
regulaticros uf aI!governmeniat bodies having.juriscliction over the worl:and designated site,including CV Wp and City.
8. CV WD wii!call the applicant�nd arrange for�site inspection at the designated site.�t a mutualty agreeab{e time and date. The �'•• '
appl icant must be present ti�r the site inspection. A fter the com�letion c�f the conserva[ion actions,�pplicants shal l co3itact
CVWD tu inspect the�vork. CV WD shaU either conlirm th2t the work is compleie or set forth a punchlisl oFilems that need to
be con�pleted or corrected. If CVWp pro��ides such a punchlisl,ihe t'oregoing notice and inspection procedure shaN be repeated
upon conipletiqn oi'thc punchlist items. Any inspection by CVWD shall be Cor the sole usc and benefit ol'CV WD and ncither
applicant nor ai�y third party shall be cnticicd to rely thercon For any purpose.
9. Appl icants agree to leave/keep in place ihe approved tii�ater etTiciency changes For a minimum aFvne(I)ye�r alter approval u1'the
changes by CVWD pursuantto Paragraph 8 above.
10. Applicants agree that CVWp shall have the right to inspect the designated site at any time,�vith prior notice to the app[ieant,
�vithin the first(]st}year after<ipproval of the changes by CVWD pursuant to['aragraph 8 above.
I 1. Applicants agrec to paiticipate in the customer satisfaction pa(I regarding the progr7m.
12. '1'he conservntion actions,including the landscape conversion must be completed within thrce(3)months aftcr CV WD has agrecd
to the conservation aclions by an a�pficant.
13. If an applicant satisfics aIl of the conditions set Forih herein to CVWD's satisfaction,CVWD and Ciiy shall reimburse the
applicant thc�mount of Onc and SO/l OQ Dollars($1.SU}per square foot of grass�vhich is rcmovcd from the cEesignaicd sitc up io
a maximum of Une Thousand Doliars($1.UOU.00). A ftcr the finaf instaflation is completcd,a rcbate check will be mailed to the
applEcant within ninety(90)days thereafter,
!4. Neither CV WD nor City,nor their contracEors,employces,dircciors,ol'ficcrs,represenlativcs or agents,make any representation
or warranty regarding the landscape or resulting�vater efficiency or any i•csults���ith respect to participalion in!he CV WD/City
program. By participating in the program.the participant waives and releases the CV WD�nd City and their respective officers,
directors,council m�mbers.employees and representatives,contractors�nd agents trom any and all cl�ims,liabilities.costs and
causes ot'action arising oul of or in connection with the same.
�..._,
'fhe program is sponsored b��the CVW D and City. (�or moE•c information or qucstions,cafl CV WE��t(760)398-26�I.