ITEM:		CONSENT CALENDAR
4.	CONSIDER EXPENDITURE OF BUDGETED FUNDS TO CONTRACT WITH SPOT WATER MANAGEMENT TO CONDUCT CERTIFIED LANDSCAPE IRRIGATION AUDITOR (CLIA) TRAINING IN THE MPWMD
Meeting Date:			August 16, 2010	Budgeted:	Yes
From:			Darby Fuerst,	Program/	Conservation
			General Manager	Line Item No.:	4-2-1-f (Reimburseable)
Prepared By:			Stephanie Pintar	Cost Estimate:	$5,500
General Counsel Review: N/A
Committee Recommendation: The Administrative Committee reviewed this item on August 6, 2010 and recommended approval.
CEQA Compliance: N/A

SUMMARY: Staff is requesting Board authorization to enter into a contract with Spot Water Management (SWM) to conduct landscape irrigation auditor training October 27-29, 2010. The training includes two courses: a Landscape Water Auditor class, and a half-day class titled “Sprinkler System Scheduling.” These two classes are followed with the Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor (CLIA) exam at the completion of the training that would be proctored and administered by SWM. In addition to contracting with SWM to conduct the training, staff is requesting authorization to have the District sponsor a portion of the tuition for the Landscape Water Auditor class for MPWMD participants, and to fully sponsor the cost of the sprinkler system training, site rental, class materials, lunch/refreshments, etc. and for advertising the training. The total anticipated cost is not to exceed $5,500 (reimbursable by California American Water).

The training is tentatively scheduled for October 27-29, 2010, in Pacific Grove at the California American Water training room. It is necessary to execute a contract with Spot Water Management before a training date and other details can be finalized. Funding for this training is reimbursable from California American Water and was included in the conservation budget approved by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).

The Landscape Irrigation Auditor training involves the analysis of existing and reasonable landscape irrigation water use. This 1.5-day class trains auditors to collect site data, make maintenance and hardware recommendations, and prepare irrigation schedules. The CLIA examination takes place following the class. Training of this type is important in our area to respond to District and California American Water requirements for landscape audits and water budgets. It is also important because portions of the State Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance require certified auditors to review landscapes installed pursuant to that regulation.

Andy Slack, President of SWM, is the only CLIA trainer and proctor available in the Monterey area. SWM is one of the District’s three contractors for conducting Landscape Water Audits and Budgets in compliance with District Rule 172. CLIA are certified by the Irrigation Association, which is a non-profit entity that provides technical information related to irrigation services and offers professional training and certification to irrigation technicians in the public and private sectors.

RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the Administrative Committee support this item with a recommendation to authorize the General Manager to enter into contract with Spot Water Management to conduct the Landscape Irrigation Auditor training and expenditure of funds in an amount not to exceed $5,500.

IMPACT TO STAFF/RESOURCES: Funding is available in the Fiscal Year 2010-2011 budget through reimbursement by California American Water in the conservation budget approved by the CPUC.

EXHIBITS

None

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