HomeMy WebLinkAboutGuidelines to Implmt - Lndscp Wtr Mgmt Pgrm - Turf Buybck CITY OF PALM DESERT
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
STAFF REPORT
REQUEST: APPROVAL ADDITIONAL FUNDS AND REVISE THE TERMS FOR THE
COOPERATIVE LANDSCAPE WATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM IN
CONJUNCTION WITH THE COACHELLA VALLEY WATER DISTRICT IN
AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $50,000
SUBMITTED BY: Mark Greenwood, P.E., Director of Public Works
CONTRACTOR: Coachella Valley Water District
75-515 Hovley Lane East
Palm Desert, CA 92211
DATE: September 25, 2014
CONTENTS: Amendment No. 1 to Cooperative Landscape Water Management Plan
Agreement
Recommendation
By Minute Motion:
1. Request approval for additional funds for the Cooperative Landscape Water
Management Program (CoLWMP) in conjunction with the Coachella Valley
Water District (CVWD) in an amount not to exceed $50,000 to provide up to $1
per square foot for residential front yard turf removal up to a maximum of
$1,000, and $1 per square foot for street adjacent turf removal for Home
Owner's Association(s) (HOA) and commercial customers up to a maximum of
$2,000;
2. Appropriate $50,000 from unobligated General Funds to Account No. 110-4614-
453-3915, Landscape Medians; and
3. Amend the Cooperative Landscape Water Management Plan agreement to
include the extended and revised terms; and
4. Authorize the Mayor to execute the Amendment.
Backqround
On June 12, 2014, the City Council authorized the expenditure of $100,000 for the Cooperative
Landscape Water Management Program in conjunction with CVWD. The program began
accepting applications on August 1, 2014, and the response has been tremendous. Based on the
number of applications that have been received, all of the original funds have been allocated and
a waiting list has been formed. Therefore, staff is requesting an additional $50,000 for the
program. The recommended allocation of the funds is $30,000 for residential turf removal, and
$20,000 for turf removal by homeowners associations/commercial properties. Applications
currently on the waiting list will be accepted first into the extended program.
Staff Report
Approve Turf Buy Back Program-CoLWMP
Page 2 of 2
September 25, 2014
The current program limits reimbursement for residential turf removal to front yard turF that is
adjacent to a public street. This has precluded residential property owners who live in private,
gated communities from participating in the program. The extended program will now allow
residents who live in private, gated communities to apply for reimbursement for turf removal, but
still only from their front yards. Reimbursement for backyard turf removal is excluded from the
City's portion of the rebate program. If approved, applications for the additional funds would be
accepted beginning on October 1, 2014, on a first come first served basis until the funds are
exhausted. No applications would be approved retroactively. For example, if a homeowner had
already begun removing turf and installing desert friendly plants and hardscape material, their
application would not be accepted in the City's program.
Because the CoLWMP Agreement with CVWD states program specifics such as the total amount
of funding that the City is providing, and the maximum amounts offered to participants, an
amendment to the Agreement is required. A draft amendment is attached for Council's approval.
The City will continue to partner with CVWD who will act as the lead agency and handle all
applications and paperwork associated with the program. In conjunction with CVWD, City staff
would provide plan review, inspections related to public safety and final installation, and would
waive plan check and encroachment permit fees. Upon final approval by the City for each
landscape project, the City will make payment directly to property owners for the City's portion of
the rebate.
Fiscal Analvsis
Allocation of funds would be broken down as follows: $30,000 for residential turF conversion and
$20,000 for large landscape turf conversions (HOAs and commercial properties). The proposed
limits are: $1 per square foot for residential turf removal up to 1,000 square feet, or $1,000
maximum; and $1 per square foot for turF removal for HOA and commercial customers up to a
maximum of 2,000 square feet, or $2,000. CVWD is also offering the same rebate, thereby
doubling the amount a prop y owner could receive.
Dep e t ead: Revi d:
Mark re nwood, P. . Paul S. Gibson, Director of Finance
Direct r f Public Works �
Reviewed: CITY COUNCILA�I'ION
APPROVED DFNTED
Ap oval� RECEIVED OTHER
� <� MEETI�G DATE ��' - ' -- ' C�
�---, _.� AYES:�� � ��' "�i') � �`I�' � TC���I 1�r�
n M. Wohlmuth, City Manager NOES: �
A13SENT: '�� � �
ABSTAIN:
VCR[FIED BY: � ��
Original on File with City erk's Office
G:\PubWorks\Staff Reports�2014\September 25\01 Approve Additional Funds for Turf Buy Back and Revise the Program\SR Approve Additional Funds for Turf Buy Back-CoLWMP.doc
Amendment No. 1
Coachella Valley Water District and City of Palm Desert
Cost-Share Agreement for a
Cooperative Landscape Water Management Program
THIS AMENDMENT NO. 1 is entered into on the day of
, 2014, between the City of Palm Desert (City) and the Coachella Valley
Water District (CVWD)
WHEREAS, on July 10, 2014, the City and CVWD entered into a Cost-Share
Agreement for a Cooperative Landscape Water Management Program (Agreement) to
provide incentive for City property owners to convert spray irrigated lawn to water
efficient drip irrigated desert friendly landscapes.
WHEREAS, the parties agree to amend the Agreement as follows:
1. Section 5 of the Agreement is amended to add the following:
In addition to the original funding contribution by each of the parties, the City
agrees to provide an additional 50 percent funding contribution to this joint
CVWD/City Program not to exceed $50,000. CVWD agrees to provide an
additional 50 percent funding contribution to this joint CVWD/City Program not to
exceed $50,000.
2. Section 6 of the Agreement is amended to add the following:
In addition to the original funding, The City and CVWD agree to provide
additional funding for the two main Program components as follows:
a. Residential turf conversions: $30,000 City/$30,000 CVWD
b. Large landscape turf conversions: $20,000 City/$20,000 CVWD
Limitations on the additional funding are residential turf conversions are limited to
$1/per square foot for street adjacent front yards up to a maximum of 1,000
square feet. Large landscape turf conversions (HOAs and commercial
properties) are limited to $1/per square foot for removal of turf between the street
curb and the HOA perimeter wall or any other defined area that would reduce
water use and prevent runoff to the street.
3. Attachment A to the Agreement is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with
the revised Attachment A.
Amendment No. 1 to CoLWMP Page 1 of 3
Except as herein amended, the terms and conditions of the Agreement remain in
full force and effect.
City of Palm Desert Coachella Valley Water District
Van G. Tanner Jim Barrett
Mayor General Manager-Chief Engineer
Amendment No. 1 to CoLWMP Page 2 of 3
ATTACHMENT A
Program Description
Cooperative Landscape Water Manaqement Proqram
Obiective:
The goals of this Cooperative Landscape Water Management Program (Program) are to advance
landscape water conservation, eliminate nuisance water in streets caused by landscape irrigation, and
provide an incentive for Coachella Valley residents to convert to desert landscaping. It is proposed that
the Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) and the City of Palm Desert (City) be equal co-sponsors of
this Program.
The Proqram:
The Program will have two components. These will address residential turf conversions, and large
landscape turf conversions for homeowner associations (HOAs) and other large commercial type
landscapes.
Program participants are required to provide a scaled, legible landscape plan. The City's Desert Flora
publication and Design Manual are posted on the City's website to provide assistance. Program
participants may also use the services of a design professional.
The residential turf conversion component provides for the removal of turf and installation of drip irrigated
desert landscaping. The rebate will be limited to residential front yards. The retrofit must also include a
SMART irrigation controller (the City is not participating with CVWD in the SMART irrigation controller
program).
The large landscape turf conversion component provides for the removal of turf between the street curb
and the HOA perimeter wall or any other defined area that would reduce water use and prevent runoff to
the street. As part of the requirements, all irrigated areas must be controlled by a SMART irrigation
controller (the City is not participating with CVWD in the SMART irrigation controller program).
Cost-share rebates will be split between the City and CVWD as set forth for in the Cost-Share Agreement
for a Cooperative Landscape Water Management Program and any subsequent amendments thereto.
Program participants will pay the balance not covered by the rebate.
For both Program components, participants will receive rebate checks. Upon approval by the City and
CVWD, the City and CVWD will each issue separate payments to participants on a 50/50 basis (50
percent City/50 percent CVWD).
CVWD will cooperate with the City to develop a comprehensive public outreach campaign to publicize the
program and promote conservation in general. The City and CVWD will work jointly to disseminate
information through several different means to reach the greatest number of people. 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 website.
Amendment No. 1 to CoLWMP Page 3 of 3
AGENDA ADDENDUM
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2014
CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBER
73510 FRED WARING DRIVE, PALM DESERT, CA 92260
XVI. OLD BUSINESS
A. CONSIDERATION OF GUIDELINES FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE
COOPERATIVE LANDSCAPE WATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM ("TURF
BUYBACK PROGRAM") IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE COACHELLA VALLEY
WATER DISTRICT (CVWD).
Rec: Verbal report and discussion to occur at the meetin�.
Action: ..,��.,,�,a,�.��� R��„�, --�
? � � � �
CONTINUID TO THE MEETING OF 9-25-14, � •-..-�-�::;-+ ;. .^�..,.��-���..:...�,.....,.------ �
i�IITH MAYOR PRO TEM WEBER AND MAYOR ' t� ��� ,~ � n
TANNER APPOINTID AS THE SUBCOMMITTEE ;i � �,�,,,�_,...._ ?'
�- .. .. . _ ',.._�..-..�.._s...
TO WORK WITH CITY STAFF ON THE : ;
RECOMMIIJDATION TO BE MADE. � V i��•`::L�. . , .'•.`..� .'t:�f:'i::� ._._._ �
:� �
i� y
��.���.:�
POSTED: Monday, September 8, 2014, 2:45 p.m.
CITY OF PALM DESERT
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
STAFF REPORT
REQUEST: APPROVAL TO PROCEED WITH A COOPERATIVE LANDSCAPE
WATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE
COACHELLA VALLEY WATER DISTRICT IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO
EXCEED $100,�00
SUBMITTED BY: Mark Greenwood, P.E., Director of Public Works
CONTRACTOR: Coachella Valley Water District
75-515 Hovley Lane East
Palm Desert, CA 92211
DATE: June 12, 2014
CONTENTS: Program Comparison Table
Draft Cooperative Landscape Water Management Plan Agreement
Draft Application contract rto. C33690
Recommendation
By Minute Motion:
1. Request approval to proceed with a Cooperative Landscape Water
Management Program in conjunction with the Coachella Valley Water
District (CVWD);
2. Approve an amount not to exceed $100,000 to provide up to $1 per square
foot for residentiai front yard turf removal up to a maximum of $1,000, and
$1 per square foot for street adjacent turf removal for Home Owner's
Association(s) (HOA) and commercial customers up to a maximum of
$5,000; and
3. Authorize the Mayor to execute the Agreement.
Contingent upon approval of the Fiscal Year 2014-2015 budget, funds will available in
Account No. 110-4614-453-3915, Landscape Medians.
Backqround
In 2010, the City of Palm Desert and the Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) participated
in a joint water conservation cost sharing program. The program provided City residents,
homeowner associations, and commercial properties the opportunity to convert their turf
landscape to a more water efficient landscape. The response to this program was
outstanding. All of our funds were committed within the first week, and we continue to
receive inquiries from residents regarding the program.
Contract No. C3369U
Staff Repo�t
Approve Turf Buy Back Program-CoLWMP
Page 2 of 2
June 12, 2014
With the current drought situation facing California along with heightened public awareness,
the need to be more proactive in water conservation is of paramount importance. Offering a
water conservation rebate program to residents directly cor�elates to water savings.
Implementation of this type of rebate program wi{{ help accomplish CVWD's and the City's
mutual goals of increased efficiency in landscape water use, reduced groundwater
consumption, and elimination of street water run-off.
The City will once again partner with CVWD to provide the opportunity for Palm Desert
residents, HOAs, and commercial sites to become more water efficient by converting existing
turf to water efficient landscape. Applications for residential property owners would be
available on August 1, 2014; and for HOA or commercial property owners on August 15,
2014.
CVWD wi{I act as the lead agency and handle al1 applications and paperwork associated with
the program. In conjunction with CVWD, City staff would provide plan revisw, inspections
related to public safety and final installation, and would waive plan check and encroachment
permit fees. Upon final approval by the City for each landscape project, the City wil! make
payment directly to property owners for the City's portion af the rebate. Attached is a
comparison of the program elements being offered by CVWD and the City.
Fiscal Ana{vsis
AIlocation of funds would be broken down as follows: $50,000 for residential turf conversion
and $50,000 for large landscape turf conversions (HOAs and commercial properties). The
proposed limits are: $1 per square foot for residential turF removal up to 1,000 square feet, or
$1,000 maximum; and $1 per square foot for turf removal for HOA and commercial
customers up to a maximum of 5,000 square feet, or $5,000. CVWD is also offering the
same rebate, thereby doubling the amount a property owner could receive.
Prepared By: Depa t ead:
� �-P��'
Di Hollinger, Landscape S cialist Mark Gr nwood, P.E.
Director o Public Works
Re 'ew : CITY COUNCILA�TION
C/, APPROVED '� DENTED
'�'� RECEIVED OTHER
Paul S. Gibson, Director of Finance
MEET G DA ' j
�
A rovaf: AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
AB5TAIN:
J n M. Wohlmuth, City Manager ERIFIED BY: �
Origiaa!on Fife witb Ci erk's Office
G:\PubWakslSlaff Reports12014Uune 12�02 Authorize Turf Buy Badc-CoLWMP Program with CVWDISR Approva TuA 8uy Back-CoLWMP.doc
Contract No. C33690
Cooperative Landscape Water Management Program
Comparison Table
Pr ram Element Offered b CVWD Offered b Cit
Front Yard Turf Removal $1/ s . ft. X X
Back/Side Yard Turf Removal $1/s . ft. X
HOA Perimeter Turt Removai $1/s . ft. X X
Inside HOA Turf Removal $1/s . ft. X
Water Efficient Nozzles $2.50/nozzle X
Smart frri ation Controllers` X
*CVWD requires the prope�ty owner to have a Smart Irrigation Controller and will subsidize the cost.
Contract No. C33690
Coachella Valiey Water District and City of Palm Desert
Cost-Share Agreement for a
Cooperative Landscape Water Management Program
1. The purpose of this agreement is to formally document the intention of the Coachella
Valley Water District (CVWD) and the City of Palm Desert (City� to participate in a
joint water conservation cost-share program (Program). This Program will provide
those CVWD customers residing within the City the opportunity to convert spray
irrigated lawn to water efficient drip irrigated desert friendly landscapes Turt
conversions will help accomplish CWVD's and the City's mutual goals of increased
efficiency in landscape water use, reduced groundwater consumption and
elimination of street water run-off.
2. !t is understood by both parties that this agreement funds and executes a Program
to cost-share landscape turf conversions on a first come, first served delivery
sequence until the initial funding has been exhausted.
3. The Program consists of two main components as follows:
a. Residential turf conversions
b. Large landscape turf conversions (HOAs and commercial properties)
4. Details of the Program are provided in Attachment A.
5. The City agrees to provide a 50 percent funding contribution to this joint CVWD/City
Program, not to exceed $100,000. CVWD agrees to provide a 50 percent funding
contribution to this joint CVWD/City Program, not to exceed $100,000.
6. The City and CVWD agree to provide funding for the two main Program components
as follows:
a. Residential turf conversions: $50,000 City/$50,000 CVWD
b. Large landscape turf conversions: $50,000 City/$50,000 CVWD
7. The City and CVWD agree to consider the continuation of funding for this Program in
subsequent years if funding is availab{e.
Signed and approved on the day of 2014, by:
City of Palm Desert Coachella Valley Water District
Van G. Tanner Jim Barrett
Mayor General Manager-Chief Engineer
Contract No. C33690
PALM llESER'I'&COA�F�E[,LA VALI.,EY WATER DTSI,RICT
COOPERATIVF, LANUSCAPE WATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
The City ot' f'alm Uesert (City) and Coachella Vallcy Water I)istrict (CVWD) establishcd thc Co�perativc Landscapc Water
Management Probnam (1'ro�ram) f�r the purpose of water conservation and to reduce nuisance water run-off from residential f�ont
yards and f-[omeowners Association (HVA) property. The City and CVWU wi11 jointly fund the Program. Financial reimbursements
will be on a tirst come, first scrvcd basis and subjcct tt�ih�:availabitity of funds.The pragram r-onsists ol�:
1) Conversicm of turfio water efficient drip irrigated deserf landscape
In order to participate in the I'rogram, Residential Property nwners, tiomeowners Associations, Commercial Property Owners and/or
a designated representative must submit an application in person direclly to CVWD. A designated representative must have written
authorization to represent property owner and photo ideniification. Unly ane application per property owner/designated representativc
will be accepted (na batched applications). To be eligible for the Program, a Residential Property OwnerMomeowner Association
must:
1) Be a customer of CVWD in good standin�for a minimum of one(1)year.
2) Own the property at the designated site.
3) Have a lully functioning irrigation system that is run by a working irrigation timer/ctock and an actively growing turf lawn,
� 4) The area to bc retroiitted for single tamily resiclents shall bc Gont yards abutting city streets.
5) HOAs/Commercial areas to be retrofitted shall be in parkways adjacent to City streets from back of curb to property line or
wall.
6) Contractors must have a City of Palm Desert I3usiness License and must apply for a No Fee Encroachment Permit when
worki�7g in the City right-of-way.
CVWD and the City will review tlie application for acceptance into the program. Upon acceptance into the Program,the applicant will
be notified,and shall do the following:
1) Develop and submit a landscape design to CVWD for review and approval. Design to follow City Landscape Ordinance for
residents. *linl<,and thc Water I�fficicnl Lar��i5cape Ord. Cor I-10�'1;cummercial
?) CVWD wi{I forward to the City the application and design as well as any required paperwork; W-9, W-8, Tax I.D. number
(HOA).
3) Participants shall install the approved renovated landscape within 90 days from the date of written CVWD application
approval.
4) CVWD requires applicants to provide a Smart Inigation Controller for all retro-fitted landscapes.
5) Allow the City and/or CVWD representative(s) onto the property to confirm eligibility of the properiy for the program and
for a final inspection of the newly retrofitted landscape.
All work completed shall be completed in conformance with all laws, rules and regulations of all governmental bodies and agencies
having jurisdiction over the work.
(f an applicant satisfres all of the conditians set forth herein and subject to availability of funds, the City shall reimburse Residential
Property Owners $1.00 per square foot of turFremoved from the designated site, up to a maximum of$I,000. (Residential Property
Owners may apply to CVWD separately for additional incentives.) For an HOA or Commercial Property, the reimbursement will be
up to$5,000 maximum for a complete landscape conversion.(HOAs may apply to CVWD separately for landscape conversions inside
the gated community). Rebate checks will be mailed to the applicant within ninety (90) days from the date the conversion is
completed,inspected,and verified. Each participant will receive two checks,one from the CVWD and one from the City.
1
Contract No. C33690
ATTACHMENT A
Program Description
Cooaerative Landscape Water Manaqement Proqram
Ob ective:
The goals of this Cooperative Landscape Water Management Program (Program) a�e to advance
landscape water conservation, eliminate nuisance water in streets caused by landscape irrigation,
and provide an incentive for Coachella Valley residents to convert to desert landscaping. It is
proposed that the Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) and the City of Palm Desert (City) be
equal casponsors of this Program.
The Proqram:
The Program will have two components. These will address residential turf conversions, and large
landscape turf conversions for homeowner associations (HOAs) and other large commercial type
landscapes.
Program participants are required to provide a scaled, legible landscape plan. The City's Desert
Flora publication and Design Manual are posted on the City's website to provide assistance.
Program participants may a)so use the services of a design professional.
The residential turf conversion component will provide a rebate of $2.Q0 per square foot for the
removat of turt and installation of drip irrigated desert landscaping. The �ebate will be limited to
residential front yards. The retrofit must also include a SMART irrigation controller (the City is not
participating with CVWD in the SMART irrigation controller program).
The large landscape turF conversion componeni will a rebate of $2.00 per square foot for the
removal of turf between the street curb and the HOA perimeter wall or any other defined area that
would reduce water use and prevent runoff to the street. As part of the requirements, all irrigated
areas must be controlled by a SMART irrigation controller (the City is not participating with CVWD in
the SMART irrigation controller program).
Cost-share rebates will be split between the City and CVWD. The City and CVWD will each provide
$1.00 per square foot for turf replaced up to a maximum of $2,000 per residential project ($1,000
City contribution/$1,000 CVWD contribution); and $1.00 per square foot for turf replaced up to a
maximum of $10,000 per large landscape turf conversion ($5,000 City contribution/$5,OQ0 CVWD
contribution). Residential and large landscape turf conversions range between $4.00 and $6.00 per
square foot; therefore, the Program participant will pay the balance not covered by the rebate.
For both Program components, participants will receive rebate checks. Upon approval by the City
and CVWD, the City and CVWD wilf each issue separate payments to participants on a 50/50 basis
(50 percent City/50 percent CVWD).
CVWD will cooperate with the City to develop a comprehensive public outreach campaign to
publicize the program and promote conservation in general. The City and CVWD will work jointly to
disseminate info�mation through several different means to reach the greatest number of people.
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 availabie on-line at the City's website.
Contract No. C33690
PALM DESER'1'&COACHELLA VALLLY WATER DISTRICT
COOPERATIVE LANDSCAPE WATER MANAGEMENT PROGftAM
APPLICATION
Property Uwner/EiOA/Commercial Name:
Mailing Address:
Ciry: 'Lip Ccxie: Phone Number:
Conversion Location: Approximate Area: sq.ft.
CVWD Account Number: ] Year Service ❑ yes ❑ no
i'roperty�wner Signature: Daie:
Proeram Particiaation:
❑ RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY OWNER
❑ HOMEOWNER ASSOCIATION
� COMM�RCIAL PROPERTY
APPROVALS
Coachella Valley Water District approval by: __ _ Date
Signature: Title:
City of Palm Desert approval by: Date
Signature: Title: _
With this agreement both the City of Palm Desert and Coachella Valley Water District will rebate the property owner for turf removal
and the development of water efficient landscapes. The program will include, single family homes, homeowner association and
commercial property with tandscapes adjacent to city streets. Both the CVWD and the City may choose or elect to not participate in
any phase or component of this agreement. No party will be held at fault.
This program is sponsored by the Coachella Valley Water District and the City of Palm Desert. For more information or questions,
call the Coachella Valley Water District 760.398.2651 ext.3460
�`� � City of Palm Desert ATE
73-510 Fred Warin Drive � R Coachella Valley Water District
9 75515 Hovley Lane East
Palm Desert,CA 92260 Palm Desert,CA 92211
nsoi3as-os�i O�STR�G'� 760-398-2651
2