AgdaPkt 2002-05-20 - Laserfiche WebLink

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REPOR From the City Manager May 20, 2002 Subject Application to Participate in High Efficiency Clothes Washer Rebate Program Recommendation By Motion: 1. Authorize an increase to the rebate funding for Fiscal Year 2001/2002 from $45,000 to $56,250 representing an increase in the number of rebates from 300 to 375. 2. Authorize funding for Fiscal Year 200212003, to continue participation in the regional high-efficiency clothes washer rebate program, at $66,900. 3. Continue the rebate amount per customer at $150.00. Background Pursuant to the California Urban Water Management Planning Act, the City of Redwood City is a signatory to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Regarding Urban Water Conservation in California. The MOU includes the implementation of a high efficiency clothes washing machine rebate program, known as "Best Management Practice (BMP) #6". The Bay Area Water Users Association (BAWUA) has taken on the role of administering a regional program for this BMP, based on the successful model in use by PG&E for various appliance rebates. BAWUA's Board of Directors approved the master contract at their August 2, 2001 meeting. On August 27, 2001, The City Council authorized participation in the BAWUA regional high-efficiency clothes washer rebate program for the total amount of $45,000. As of today, a total of 275 rebates have been awarded totaling $41,250. This translates to 1,689,325 gallons of water saved per year or 38 acre feet. From all the BAWUA agencies participating in this program, Redwood City is the first one to achieve 100% of its projected number of rebates and the one with the most rebates; Redwood City's success is based on the higher rebate amount offered and the city's marketing efforts. Staff recommends that the Council increase the rebate total amount for this Fiscal Year from $45,000 to $56,250, raising the number of rebates from 300 to 375. Staff also recommends that for Fiscal Year 2002~2003 the per-customer rebate amount continues to be $150, and the funding amount for the program be $66,900, to support 446 rebates. Alternatives 1. One alternative would be to recommend against increasing the funding for this Fiscal Year and terminate the rebate program until next Fiscal Year on July 1,2002. 2. Another alternative would be to withhold application to the high efficiency clothes washer rebate program for Fiscal Year 2002/2003, and set up a stand-alone city program for BMP #6. Staff would not expect this approach to be as cost effective or product tangible water savings on the scale of the BAWUA regional program.