ITEM:		CONSENT CALENDAR
7.	CONSIDER LAWN REMOVAL REBATE REQUEST FROM MONTEREY PENINSULA UNIFED SCHOOL DISTRICT
Meeting Date:			December 14, 2015	Budgeted:	Yes
From:			David J. Stoldt,	Program/	4-2-4 Rebate Program
			General Manager	Line Item No.: 26-05-781412
Prepared By:			Stephanie Locke	Cost Estimate:	$56,642
General Counsel Review: N/A
Committee Recommendation: The Water Demand Committee recommended approval on November 4, 2015. The Administrative Committee reviewed this item on December 7, 2015 and recommended approval.
CEQA Compliance: N/A

SUMMARY: Monterey Peninsula Unified School District (MPUSD) has enacted a District Wide Master Water Conservation Plan which includes the removal of large quantities of irrigated turf area across the District. They are requesting a rebate of $56,642 for removal of 56,642 square-feet of irrigated Lawn. MPUSD’s goal is to reduce ornamental turf by 65% and to retrofit every field with water efficient irrigation systems by 2021.  The estimated savings is more than 1.65 Million Gallons/year or 5 Acre-Feet.

The following is a summary of the work to be done during the turf removal projects:

• Del Rey Woods Elementary
• $53,142 requested for the removal of 53,142 sqft of turf from 5 areas
• The replacement will include bio swales, cisterns, vegetable planters, benches, a class amphitheater, and drought tolerant plants
• The turf removal will save an estimated 1,547,711 gallons/year
• MPUSD’s proposed portion of the cost is $0

• Monte Vista Elementary
• $3,500 requested for the removal of 3,500 sqft of turf
• The replacement will include a bio swales, cisterns, benches, a class amphitheater, and drought tolerant plants
• The turf removal will save an estimated 101,419 gallons/year
• MPUSD’s proposed portion of the cost is $7,000

During 2015-2016 MPUSD is implementing a 5^th grade Eco-Ambassador program in partnership with Return of the Natives, Pacific Grove Museum and the Monterey Art Council. The goals of the program include educating the students about water conservation, create a native plant garden, and install active rainwater catchment. The Eco-Ambassador program is tied into the lawn conversion project. The designs for the new gardens were inspired by the professional landscape designs created for Ord Terrace Elementary who received a grant from MPWMD in 2014.

FUNDING SOURCE: The total rebate amount requested for two Cal-Am schools is $56,642. This is reimbursable through the PUC approved Conservation Rebate Budget. The Lawn removal Rebate at a Public facility may exceed the square-footage limitation of Rule 143 (i.e., 2,500 sf) subject to Board approval.

RECOMMENDATION: The Water Demand Committee reviewed MPUSD’s request at its November 4, 2015 meeting and recommended the Board approve the rebate.

EXHIBIT

None

U:\staff\Boardpacket\2015\20151214\ConsentClndr\07\Item7.docx