CITY OF POMONA
COUNCIL REPORT
November 6, 2023
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: James W. Makshanoff, City Manager
Submitted by: Chris Diggs, Water Resources Director
SUBJECT: ADOPT A RESOLUTION TO RECEIVE AND APPROPRIATE METROPOLITAN WATER DISTRICT GRANT FUNDS FOR THE MEMBER AGENCY ADMINISTERED INCENTIVE PROGRAMS; IRRIGATION CONTROLLER INSTALLATION PROGRAM; THE RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE AUDIT; AND THE COMMUNITY PARTNERING PROGRAM RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council take the following action:
Adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-198 – A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF POMONA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE FY 2023-24 WATER ENTERPRISE FUND BUDGET TO INCREASE REVENUE ESTIMATES AND APPROPRIATIONS BY $20,000 FOR THE MEMBER AGENCY ADMINISTERED INCENTIVE PROGRAMS FOR THE RESIDENTIAL IRRIGATION CONTROLLER INSTALLATION PROGRAM AND RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE AUDIT; AND $3,000 FOR THE COMMUNITY PARTNERING PROGRAM
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The recommended actions will enable the receipt and appropriation of up to $23,000 in reimbursable grant funds from the Metropolitan Water District (MWD) via Three Valleys Water District (Three Valley’s) into the Water Fund. This financial support will be dedicated to the implementation of the Member Agency Administered Incentive Programs (MAAP) program, encompassing residential landscape audits. The program will offer residents the choice between a sprinkler tune-up or a weather-based irrigation controller, in addition to the Community Partnering Program grant.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The fiscal impact of the proposed actions is to increase revenue estimate and appropriations by $23,000 in the Water Enterprise Fund (571-8127-40380-51356). The grant funding for the projects are reimbursable, meaning the City will need to complete the work, and seek reimbursement after-the-fact. Expenses for this grant will be made out of Water Conservation account number ( 571-8127-52197-51356).
PREVIOUS RELATED ACTION:
The Water Resources Department has been successful in receiving similar grant funding in prior years as recently as last fiscal year.
DISCUSSION:
In August 2023, staff submitted a grant application to Three Valleys for $20,000.00 from the MWD MAAP grant project. The objective the grant is to promote water efficiency among our residents by offering them a complimentary residential landscape evaluation. To ensure a seamless implementation within the Pomona area, the Water Resources Department (WRD) will continue collaborating with Conserv Construction Inc., to educate residents on appropriate drought-tolerant planting materials. After the evaluation, residents can choose between a sprinkler tune-up or an installed weather-based irrigation controller. Staff plans to administer this program on a first-come, first-served basis until the grant funds have been fully allocated.
To ensure a seamless implementation within the Pomona area, the Water Resources Department (WRD) will continue collaborating with Conserv and leveraging their expertise in procedural and geographical aspects.
The Community Partnering Program grant supports the City’s efforts to provide residents with information centered around native plants, in the form of free webinar classes. Community members will have the option to select from a diverse range of workshop sessions. These educational opportunities are made possible through Green Garden Group, a program funded by MWD, and will be co-sponsored by the City. As a showing of appreciation, upon completion of the course, 125 participants will to receive two free native plants from a local nursery.
Staff received notice that the grant application was approved and was awarded the grant funds. At this point staff is seeking approval to receive the funds and if approved, staff will take all the necessary steps to complete the projects as mentioned above.
COUNCIL PRIORITIES AND GOALS:
This item supports City Council Priority 1: Fiscal and Operational Responsibility – Goal C: Obtain additional grant funding and other revenues to help achieve City goals.
Prepared by:
Melissa Cansino
Water Conservation Specialist
ATTACHMENT:
Attachment No. 1 – Resolution No. 2023-198
Adopt Resolution to Receive and Appropriate MWD Grant Funds