SR-502-006-05
Council Meeting: July 8, 2003 Santa Monica, California
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: City Staff
SUBJECT: Contract with the United States Bureau of Reclamation for the Water
Conservation Field Services Program Grant
Introduction
Staff recommends that the City Council authorize the City Manager to negotiate and
execute a one-year grant contract with the United States Bureau of Reclamation for the
Water Conservation Field Services Program Grant.
Background
In 1989, the City began its Sustainable Garden Program (Program) to promote the
installation of native and drought-tolerant landscapes, and low-water volume irrigation
systems. The Program includes tours of sustainable residential gardens in Santa
Monica, as well as workshops on plant selection, planting and maintenance. The
Program also features two sustainable demonstration gardens located in front of City
Hall and at the corner of Main Street and Pico Boulevard.
The Environmental Programs Division (EPD) is developing and implementing new
programs recommended in the City?s ?2002 Water Efficiency Strategic Plan.? The Plan
calls for new sustainable demonstration gardens that will assist the City in achieving
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the goal of reducing water consumption 20% by year 2010, which is a savings of 2.6
million gallons per day. These gardens also serve as community outreach projects to
inform residents and businesses about water-efficient landscapes, further helping the
City to reach its 20% reduction goal.
Discussion
To obtain financial assistance for these types of gardens and reduce the financial
burden on the City, the EPD staff applied for a federal grant. In June 2003, the City of
Santa Monica was awarded a $30,000 grant from the United States Bureau of
Reclamation (USBR ) for its Native Beach Tolerant Research Garden Grant Proposal.
The proposed research garden would replace the existing turf on the west side of the
City?s Beach Maintenance Facility located at 1540 Appian Way.
The goal of the garden is to inspire and help residents and businesses to retrofit their
water-thirsty gardens with sustainable landscapes by providing them with examples,
ideas and information. The garden is designed to focus on native plants, that are
appropriate to the coastal zone immediately above the mean high tide line. It will
promote public awareness of the benefits of native plants and efficient irrigation
systems appropriate to this environment. A variety of native plant materials will be
installed to determine which plants are best suited for our coastal climate and land use.
Each plant will have an identification tag that includes watering and sunlight
requirements. A low-volume irrigation system will be installed. A weather station, part
of the statewide CIMIS (California Irrigation Management Information System) system,
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will be installed on site and provide real-time weather data to the irrigation system. This
system ensures that plants receive the proper amount of water based on current
weather conditions.
Signage will be posted, explaining the native garden, identifying selected plants, and
describing the irrigation system. It will include the water conservation hotline number
and website address. The City?s Sustainable Garden Program will provide tours and
workshops at the site. Construction of the garden is scheduled for August 2003 to
August 2004.
Budget/Financial Impact
The total cost of the project is estimated at $35,000. The City was awarded a $30,000
grant from the USBR for this Project. The budget for this grant is not yet included in the
FY2003-04 budget; therefore, a revenue budget increase of $30,000 needs to be
reflected at account 31662.406770, and an appropriation of $30,000 needs to be
added at account 31662.555060.86267. The remaining $5,000 to complete and
maintain the Project will come from the EPD?s FY03-04 operating expense in-kind staff
time.
Recommendations
Staff recommends that the City Council authorize the City Manager to negotiate and
execute a grant contract with the United States Bureau of Reclamation for the Water
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Conservation Field Services Program Grant, and implement budget changes identified
above.
Prepared by: Craig Perkins, Director, EPWM
Brian Johnson, Manager, Environmental Programs Division
Neal Shapiro, Senior Administrative Analyst -Water Resources
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