ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE
1.	AUTHORIZE EXPENDITURE OF BUDGETED FUNDS FOR GREEN GARDENER PROGRAM
Meeting Date:		February 16, 2011	Budgeted:	Yes
From:		Darby Fuerst,	Program/	Community Outreach
		General Manager	Line Item No.:	4-2-1-F, Water Efficiency Training and Education
Prepared By:		Stevie Kister	Cost Estimate:	$2,955 (Reimbursable)
General Counsel Review: N/A
Committee Recommendation: The Administrative Committee reviewed this item on February 16, 2011 and recommended __________.
CEQA Compliance: N/A

SUMMARY: MPWMD has been asked by Ecology Action to co-sponsor (with Monterey Regional Water Pollution Control Agency) a series of bi-lingual Green Gardener Courses on the Monterey Peninsula this spring (Exhibit 1-A). Course topics include Green Landscape Design, Sustainable Hardscapes and Stormwater Management, Turf Removal Strategies/Water-wise Plant Selection, Drip Irrigation System Design and Maintenance, IPM for Vertebrates and Enhanced Biological Control, and Laundry to Landscape Graywater Systems. The program has received grant funding to incorporate hands-on learning activities in Green Gardener classes with a student installation of a water-wise demonstration landscape at the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District office in downtown Monterey. The Green Gardener Program requests additional funding from Monterey Peninsula agencies in order to fully fund the program and allow the classes to proceed. MPWMD has been asked to contribute $2,955 for the six Saturday courses. This amount is a portion of the total program cost of $10,249. Reimbursable funding is available through the Conservation Budget approved by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) in 2009.

Support for Monterey Bay Green Gardener courses on the Monterey Peninsula is in keeping with the District’s goal to reduce outdoor water use. The Monterey Bay Green Gardener Program provides professional training and certification in ecological landscaping. The program goals are to reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, reduce water pollution and encourage water conservation. Clients using Green Gardening services benefit from improved landscape health, appearance and value, as well as increased sensitivity to local environmental concerns (i.e., the local water problem).

RECOMMENDATION: The Administrative Committee should recommend approval of sponsorship of The Green Gardener program in the amount of $2,955. This funding is reimbursable through California American Water as part of the Conservation Budget approved by the CPUC in 2009.

EXHIBITS

1-A Email Requesting Funding

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