DATE: 12/18/2024
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Public Works Department
2024-181
REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
SUBJECT:
ACCEPTANCE AND APPROPRIATION OF $197,940 FROM THE ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND CONSERVATION BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM FOR LIGHTEMITTING DIODE STREET NAME SIGNS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
This staff report asks the City Council to approve the acceptance of the 2024 grant from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program for the replacement of existing lighted street name signs on traffic signal poles with more efficient light-emitting diode (LED) signs and authorize an appropriation from the EECBG Program to the Public Works Grants/Agreement Fund 243. Upgrading outdated lighting systems will enhance the city's energy efficiency and reduce long-term operational costs.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
That the City Council:
a. Accept the grant award from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program in the amount of $197,940 for the purchase and installation of lightemitting diode street name signs. b. Authorize an appropriation and estimated revenue increase in the amount of $197,940 from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program to the Public Works Grants/Agreement Fund 243 for the purchase and installation of light-emitting diode street name signs.
BACKGROUND & HISTORY:
The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program provides funding to assist cities in improving energy efficiency and sustainability through various infrastructure projects. Although this grant is formulaic, which means a specific amount or allocation is set aside for cities based on population, cities are still required to apply for the grant.
While this grant is not guaranteed annually, the City anticipates pursuing future opportunities for similar funding to continue enhancing public safety and sustainability efforts.
ANALYSIS:
To maximize the use of the funds and ensure the ease of reporting while meeting the grant’s eligibility requirements, the funds will be used to replace existing lighted street name signs at traffic signal intersections with 68 edge-lit LED signs that are more energy efficient. Fifty-seven (57) of these signs are designated in disadvantaged communities, as identified by the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool. The LED signs consume less energy, contributing to lower greenhouse gas emissions and providing improved visibility for enhanced public safety. The project also aligns with the City’s broader energy resilience goals and ongoing efforts to implement sustainable infrastructure. These upgrades are expected to reduce the city's long-term maintenance and operational costs while directly benefiting disadvantaged areas with improved infrastructure.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Approval of the recommended actions will result in an appropriation and estimated revenue increase of $197,940 from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program to the Public Works Grants/Agreement Fund 243. The grant will cover the cost of purchasing and installing 68 edge-lit LED street name signs, with no additional costs anticipated beyond standard maintenance, which is expected to be lower due to LED technology's increased efficiency and longer lifespan.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS:
These actions are categorically exempt pursuant to Section §15301 of the Guidelines for the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), which states that the operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing, licensing, or minor alteration of an existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features, involving negligible or no expansion of use beyond that existing at the time of the CEQA determination and is therefore exempt from CEQA. The recommended actions are to accept and to appropriate funding. Therefore, no environmental analysis is required.
PREPARED BY: RACHEL MCLURE, CIP SUPERVISOR
REVIEWED BY: SAVAT KHAMPHOU, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Exhibit 1 – Award Notice
2. Exhibit 2 – Grant Application
3. Exhibit 3 – Final Allocation of Funds