PISMO BEACH COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Agenda Item #9.J
SUBJECT/TITLE:
CASH FOR GRASS WATER CONSERVATION INCENTIVE PROGRAM
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt a Resolution increasing the rebate for the “Cash for Grass” water conservation rebate incentive program to $2.00 per square foot of grass replaced with drought tolerant landscaping or artificial turf.
BACKGROUND:
On February 2, 2021 the City Council directed staff to reestablish and fund the most effective water conservation programs, namely the “Cash for Grass” and Water-Efficient Toilet Rebates. Currently the Cash for Grass program offers a rebate of $0.50 per square foot of grass that is replaced with drought-tolerant landscaping or artificial turf.
The Cash for Grass rebate program has proven to be a cost-effective way of encouraging residents to conserve water and help the City to achieve its water conservation goals. In order to further its water conservation efforts, the Council directed staff to present options for increasing the amount of the Cash for Grass rebate. At the September 20, 2022 City Council meeting, the Council reviewed staff’s options for increasing the rebate, and directed staff to increase the rebate amount $2.00 per square foot of grass that is replaced with drought-tolerant landscaping or artificial turf.
Conclusion and Recommendation
Staff recommends the Council adopt the attached Resolution (Attachment 1) increasing the Cash for Grass rebate to help encourage residents to conserve more water.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The remaining water conservation program budget is $42,533, not including rebates in progress. Increasing the Cash for Grass rebate will exhaust the current budget at a faster rate, and a reduction in water use will result in less revenue to the Water Enterprise Fund, the extent of which is unknown.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Do not adopt the proposed Resolution, provide staff with direction.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution
Prepared by: Meeting Date: October 4, 2022
Erin Olsen, Management Analyst
Submitted by: Benjamin A. Fine, P.E., Director of Public Works/City Engineer City Manager Approval:
Council Agenda 10-4-2022 9.J-1
RESOLUTION NO. R-2022-XXX
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PISMO BEACH, CALIFORNIA INCREASING THE REBATE FOR THE “CASH FOR GRASS” WATER CONSERVATION REBATE INCENTIVE PROGRAM TO $2.00 PER SQUARE FOOT
OF GRASS REPLACED WITH DROUGHT TOLERANT LANDSCAPING OR
ARTIFICIAL TURF
WHEREAS, the “Cash for Grass” rebate program has proven to be a cost-effective way of encouraging residents to conserve water and help the City to achieve its water conservation goals; and
WHEREAS, currently, the Cash for Grass program offers $0.50 per square foot of grass that is replaced with drought-tolerant landscaping or artificial turf; and WHEREAS, in order to further its water conservation efforts, the Council reviewed options for increasing the rebate.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Pismo Beach hereby increases the rebate for the Cash for Grass water conservation rebate incentive program to $2.00 per square foot of grass replaced with drought tolerant landscaping or artificial turf.
UPON MOTION OF Council Member , seconded by Council Member , the foregoing resolution was adopted by the City Council of the City of Pismo Beach this 4th day of October 2022, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
RECUSED:
Approved: Attest:
________________________ ________________________
Ed Waage, Mayor Erica Inderlied, City Clerk
Council Agenda 10-4-2022 9.J-2
Attachment 1