ITEM:		CONSENT CALENDAR
6.	CONSIDER APPROVAL OF “MULCH MADNESS” CONTINGENCY FUNDING
Meeting Date:			May 16, 2022	Budgeted:	Yes
From:			David J. Stoldt,	Program/	Conservation Program
			General Manager	Line Item No.: 4-2-2-O
Prepared By:			Stephanie Kister	Cost Estimate:	NTE $10,000
General Counsel Approval: N/A
Committee Recommendation: The Administrative Committee considered this item on May 9, 2022, and recommended approval.
CEQA Compliance: This action does not constitute a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378.

SUMMARY: As the District and Cal-Am prepare to launch the “Mulch Madness” conservation event in May, staff is requesting approval of contingency funds to augment the program if there is demand for additional mulch vouchers. The initial program budget includes $7,500 in mulch reimbursements (approximately 228 free mulch vouchers). It is likely that Cal-Am customers will move to Stage 2 of the Monterey Peninsula Water Conservation and Rationing Plan in early June in response to state requirements, resulting in an increase in water efficiency messaging and awareness. Staff would like approval of up to $10,000 in contingency funds to augment the program if is more popular than anticipated. Funding is in the current budget. The Board of Directors approved an expenditure of up to $10,000 of budgeted funds at the April 2022 board meeting, which amounts to one-half of the initial program costs as we are cost-sharing with California American Water.

BACKGROUND: The District, in partnership with California American Water (CAW), has planned a spring “Mulch Madness” event to promote water conservation in the landscape by providing reduced cost mulch to District occupants. Mulch is a layer of organic material, usually bark/wood chips, leaves, and grasses, but can include items such as newspaper, straw and hay. It is applied in the landscape to the surface of the soil to conserve soil moisture, improve fertility, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weed growth. Mulch can reduce water use by 20-25 percent. As an organic product, it decomposes into soil over time and needs to be topped off annually.

“Mulch Madness” will provide two cubic yards of free mulch to MPWMD/CAW customers, both commercial and residential properties. The mulch will be provided by Tope’s Sustainable Garden Center, 115 Monterey Salinas Hwy, Salinas, at a heavily discounted rate of $15/cubic yard (cu yd) compared to the normal $35/cu yd, for a total cost of $30 per customer, plus tax (two other Peninsula vendors refused to offer a discount). Customers must pick up the mulch or pay a delivery cost. Two cubic yards will fit in a truck bed or in the back of most cars. Tope’s has agreed to offer additional mulch to the customer at $25/cu yd, a discount of nearly 30% off the normal price. There is no limit on the amount of discounted mulch the customer may purchase. The type of mulch is recycled green waste from local tree trimming/removal vendors, primarily Monterey Pine and Monterey Cypress.

The giveaway will be promoted by email using CAW’s email database, through MPWMD/CAW social media pages, and with print ads in local papers. To confirm eligibility, customers will be required to fill out a form on Montereywaterinfo.org which will be reviewed by CAW staff. Once approved, they will be issued a voucher to present to Tope’s. Tope’s will bill MPWMD/CAW for the number of vouchers redeemed.

RECOMMENDATION: The Administrative Committee recommends that the Board approve contingency funds of up to $10,000 for additional free mulch vouchers and advertising, if needed.

IMPACT TO STAFF/RESOURCES: Funds for this expenditure were included in item 4-2-2-O in the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 budget.

EXHIBITS

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