CC 2014-02-25_08.l. Resolution Sustainable Communities Planning Grant ProgramMEMORANDUM
TO: CITY COUNCIL ~
FROM: TERESA MCCLISH, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
BY: K.tf: KELLY HEFFERNON, ASSOCIATE PLANNER
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SUBMITI AL OF
A GRANT APPLICATION THROUGH THE SUSTAINABLE
COMMUNITIES PLANNING GRANT AND INCENTIVES PROGRAM
UNDER PROPOSITION 84 TO FUND DEVELOPMENT OF A CLIMATE
ACTION PLAN (CAP) IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM TOOLKIT
DATE: FEBRUARY 25, 2014
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended the City Council adopt a Resolution as the "lead" applicant
authorizing submittal of a grant application to the Strategic Growth Council for
development of a Climate Action Plan (CAP) Implementation Program Toolkit ("Toolkit")
for use by participating jurisdictions within San Luis Obispo County.
IMPACT ON FINANCIAL AND PERSONNEL RESOURCES:
The grant application includes a matching fund requirement of ten percent (10%). Five
percent (5%) of the match can be met through "in-kind" services with the remaining
balance required in cash. The County of San Luis Obispo has agreed to use
EnergyWatch funds for the cash match. There will be no cost to the City. There will be
no staffing requirements to serve as the lead agency. There will be some impact on
staffing to participate in the program, but utilizing development of the CAP
implementation program toolkit should reduce overall staff work already required to
implement the CAP that has been approved.
BACKGROUND:
The Sustainable Communities Planning Grant Program (the "Grant Program") is
administered through the State's Strategic Growth Council and funded by Proposition
84, Chapter 9 funds from the Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality, Flood Control, River
and Coastal Protection Act of 2006.
This Grant Program implements the vision of the Governor and Legislature to foster the
development of sustainable communities throughout California. It is designed to help
local governments meet the challenges of adopting land use plans and integrating
strategies in order to transform communities and create long-term prosperity.
Sustainable communities are to promote equity, strengthen the economy, protect the
Item 8.l. - Page 1
CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SUBMITTAL OF A GRANT
APPLICATION THROUGH THE SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES PLANNING GRANT
AND INCENTIVES PROGRAM UNDER PROPOSITION 84 TO FUND DEVELOPMENT
OF A CLIMATE ACTION PLAN (CAP) IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM TOOLKIT
FEBRARY 25, 2014
PAGE2
environment and promote healthy, safe communities. The primary goal of the Grant
Program is to develop and implement plans that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and
achieve the following objectives:
Grant Objectives
• Improve Air and Water Quality
• Promote Equity
• Increase Infill & Compact
Development
• Protect Natural Resources & Ag
Lands
• Improve Infrastructure Systems
• Promote Energy Efficiency &
Conservation
• Promote Public Health
• Increase Housing Affordability
• Revitalize Urban & Community
Centers
• Reduce Auto Usage & Fuel
Consumption
• Promote Water Conservation
• Strengthen the Economy
The intent of Focus Area #1 of the Grant Program is to support the development and
implementation of effective and/or innovative local plans that support the state's AB 32
greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets and implement SB 375, while
creating sustainable communities. One example of an eligible proposal is to develop
implementation instruments to meet the goals of the Grant Program.
The City Council adopted a CAP to comply with State regulations on November 26,
2013.
ANALYSIS OF ISSUES:
The CAP includes numerous implementation "action" measures to reduce GHG .
emissions to achieve the goals of the plan. Other responsibilities to implement the
City's CAP include tracking, monitoring and reporting on the City's progress. The City
does not have a tracking or monitoring system for this purpose. A Toolkit can be
developed to assist the City (and participating agencies) by outside consultants to track
and monitor CAP implementation. A cost estimate to develop such a program is
approximately $125,000.
The Strategic Growth Council has circulated the third and final round of the Proposition
84 grant application program. Development of a CAP Implementation Toolkit that could
be used by all jurisdictions in the County is an eligible project for funding under this
grant program. The grant application requires a "lead" applicant and a Resolution
approving the lead applicant to apply for the grant. The County and other city
participants are not able to include this item on an agenda in time to meet the grant
application deadline of February 28th. Staff is therefore requesting the City Council
consider taking the position of lead applicant to assist in applying for this grant.
Item 8.l. - Page 2
CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SUBMITTAL OF A GRANT
APPLICATION THROUGH THE SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES PLANNING GRANT
AND INCENTIVES PROGRAM UNDER PROPOSITION 84 TO FUND DEVELOPMENT
OF A CLIMATE ACTION PLAN (CAP) IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM TOOLKIT
FEBRARY 25, 2014
PAGE3
Rincon Consultants is able to prepare the grant application at no cost to the City. The
San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control District is available to assist in grant
administration and project management. Therefore, no additional work appears to be
necessary as the lead agency.
Some CAP measures can be implemented through collaboration with other jurisdictions
since there are measures that are similar in each of the seven cities and the County
(e.g. education and outreach). Other measures are unique to each community and
must be implemented locally. Staff is working with our local partners to identify the most
efficient and cost-effective ways to implement the City's CAP. Development of a Toolkit
that can be used by each community (independently) would be a cost-efficient method
to proceed on this particular component of CAP implementation.
Many measures are already being voluntarily implemented, yet the City has no system
to track our progress. Additionally, since tracking measures requires data from several
departments, and in some cases, data from other agencies (i.e. traffic model and
population data), it would be extremely helpful to have a tracking program to manage it.
Participation in the grant application as the "lead" applicant only involves submitting the
attached resolution approving the City's participation. If the City and partners are
successful with the grant application, the City would only need to commit its
proportionate share of in-kind services and accept participation in the grant.
ALTERNATIVES:
The following alternatives are provided for the Council's consideration:
1. Adopt the attached Resolution to approve applying for the Strategic Growth
Council Proposition 84 Grant Program as "lead" applicant.
2. Modify and adopt the Resolution;
3. Do not agreed to be the lead agency or agree to participate; or
4. Provide direction to staff.
ADVANTAGES:
Submittal of the grant application could result in the awarding of funds that would cover
the cost of developing a tracking program (Toolkit) to implement the various action
measures contained in the City's CAP and continue coordination with other agencies in
the county.
DISADVANTAGES:
If the grant is approved, staff will need to contribute in-kind services up to $2,000.
However, if no application is made, or the grant is not awarded, the City will likely need
to dedicate more staff time to create and implement a monitoring program for the CAP.
.. __ __J
Item 8.l. - Page 3
CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SUBMITTAL OF A GRANT
APPLICATION THROUGH THE SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES PLANNING GRANT
AND INCENTIVES PROGRAM UNDER PROPOSITION 84 TO FUND DEVELOPMENT
OF A CLIMATE ACTION PLAN (CAP) IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM TOOLKIT
FEBRARY 25, 2014
PAGE4
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
None required for grant applications.
PUBLIC NOTIFICATION AND COMMENTS:
The agenda was posted in front of City Hall on Thursday, February 20, 2014. The
Agenda and report were posted on the City's website on Friday, February 21, 2014. No
public comments were received.
Item 8.l. - Page 4
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF ARROYO GRANDE APPROVING THE APPLICATION
FOR GRANT FUNDS FOR THE SUSTAINABLE
COMMUNITIES PLANNING GRANT AND INCENTIVES
PROGRAM UNDER THE SAFE DRINKING WATER,
WATER QUALITY AND SUPPLY, FLOOD CONTROL,
RIVER AND COASTAL PROTECTION BOND ACTION
OF 2006 (PROPOSITION 84) FOR THE CLIMATE
ACTION PLAN IMPLEMENTATION TOOLKIT
WHEREAS, the Legislature and Governor of the State of California have
provided funds for the Sustainable Communities Planning Grant and Incentives
Program; and
WHEREAS, the Strategic Growth Council has been delegated the responsibility
for the administration of this grant program, establishing necessary procedures;
and
WHEREAS, said procedures established by the Strategic Growth Council require
a resolution certifying the approval of applications by the Applicants governing
board before submission of said applications to the State; and
WHEREAS, the applicant, if selected, will enter into an agreement with the State
of California to carry out the development of the proposal ("Proposal").
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of
Arroyo Grande:
1. Approves the filing of an application for the Climate Action Plan
Implementation Toolkit in order to become a sustainable community;
and
2. Certifies that the City of Arroyo Grande understa_nds the assurances
and certification in the application; and
3. Certifies that the City of Arroyo Grande will have sufficient funds to
develop the Proposal or will secure the resources to do so; and
4. Certifies that the Proposal will comply with any applicable laws and
regulations; and
5. Appoints the Community Development Director, or designee, as agent
to conduct all negotiations, execute and submit all documents
. including, but not limited to, applications, agreements, payment
Item 8.l. - Page 5
RESOLUTION NO.
PAGE2
requests and so on, which may be necessary for the completion of the
aforementioned project.
On motion of Council Member , seconded by Council Member
and on the following roll call vote, to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
the foregoing Resolution was passed and adopted this 25th day of February, 2014.
Item 8.l. - Page 6
RESOLUTION NO.
PAGE3
TONY FERRARA, MAYOR
ATTEST:
KELLY WETMORE, CITY CLERK
APPROVED AS TO CONTENT:
STEVEN ADAMS, CITY MANAGER
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
TIMOTHY J. CARMEL, CITY ATTORNEY
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