To: Board of Directors, Sonoma County Water Agency
Department or Agency Name(s): Sonoma County Water Agency
Staff Name and Phone Number: Ryan Pedrotti 521-6209
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): All
Title:
Title
Update and Implement an Energy Education Program with Sonoma Clean Power Authority
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Recommended Action:
Recommended action
In an ongoing effort to protect watersheds and reduce water usage through public education and outreach:
Authorize Sonoma County Water Agency’s General Manager to execute an agreement with Sonoma Clean Power Authority for Sonoma County Water Agency to update and implement an Energy Education Program through June 30, 2021, in the amount of $550,000 (Sonoma Clean Power Authority is paying Sonoma County Water Agency) and, consistent with other agreements, authorize the General Manager to amend or terminate the agreement with approval of County Counsel.
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Executive Summary:
Sonoma County Water Agency’s (Sonoma Water) Water Education Program reaches roughly 13,000 students annually. The program provides field trips and classroom visits. This item requests authorization for Sonoma Water to enter into an agreement with Sonoma Clean Power Authority (Authority) to continue implementing an Energy Education Program.
Discussion:
HISTORY OF ITEM/BACKGROUND
There are 70,000 students in Sonoma County and 13,000 in Mendocino County. Sonoma Water’s Water Education Program is an expansive program with established connections to teachers in schools throughout Sonoma and Marin counties. Programs are aligned to current “Next Generation Science Standards,” and teachers consistently apply for and provide excellent reviews of field and classroom programs, workshops, and assemblies.
As one of the largest energy users in Sonoma County, Sonoma Water strived to become carbon neutral by 2015. In 2011 the Water Education Program began teaching about climate change and the water/energy nexus. Sonoma Water achieved carbon neutral status, but climate change and energy efficiency continue to direct policy. Assembly Bill 32 aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 80% below 1990 levels by 2050. Sonoma County is pursuing the same goal. Statewide, 20% of energy use involves treating and transporting water. California has implemented “Next Generation Science Standards,” and energy education will provide teachers locally based curriculum, teach students the water/energy nexus, energy efficiency, and the effects of climate change. Hands-on, science-based energy and water education programs allow students to become informed and accountable citizens who make a positive impact.
Sonoma Water sought partners to offset the costs of developing energy education programs and has collaborated with Authority to develop a scope of work. Sonoma Water has worked with the Regional Climate Protection Authority and the Center for Climate Protection to share resources and curriculum ideas.
SERVICES TO BE PERFORMED FOR AUTHORITY BY SONOMA WATER
Under the proposed agreement, Authority will pay Sonoma Water to update and implement an Energy Education Program. Services to be provided under the agreement include:
• Market energy education programs in the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 water education brochure. Develop and mail additional flyer for schools outside Sonoma Water’s education service area.
• Implement the ZunZun assembly program with energy and climate change content.
• Implement third and fourth grade classroom programs.
• Expand the classroom program into middle schools and provide hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) activities with wind and solar power.
• Continue to include an energy conservation theme in the annual Water Awareness Poster Contest and Calendar.
• Provide energy education to secondary school students on a case-by-case basis. Provide job shadow opportunities to high school students interested in jobs in the water/energy sector.
• Continue to incorporate a water/energy nexus into 5th grade classrooms and a field trip program.
• Conduct Climate Literacy and Understanding Global Change teacher workshops. Develop short lessons that can be taught to teachers at their school site.
• Develop a web-based map to guide teachers within Authority’s service area to education opportunities available based on their school location.
• Develop and implement renewable energy outreach activities for public events.
• Develop a year-end report.
Under the agreement, Sonoma Water will invoice Authority for services at the same rates Sonoma Water allocates to its internal projects and programs up to a maximum of $550,000. Sonoma Water is recovering its actual costs of providing services to Authority with no mark-up. The agreement terminates on June 30, 2021.
Funding for FY20-21 costs ($275,000) will be subject to approval by Authority’s Board of Directors. Therefore, Authority could terminate the agreement if such funding is not approved.
REQUEST FOR SONOMA WATER GENERAL MANAGER AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION AUTHORITY
Staff recommends that the Board authorize Sonoma Water’s General Manager to amend or terminate the agreement with approval of County Counsel.
Prior Board Actions:
08/14/2018: Approved agreement between Sonoma Water and Sonoma Clean Power Authority to develop and implement an energy education program. Cost $275,000; term end June 30, 2019.
09/19/2017: Approved agreement between Sonoma Water and Sonoma Clean Power Authority to develop and implement an energy education program. Cost $275,000; term end June 30, 2018.
Fiscal Summary
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Expenditures |
FY 19-20 Adopted |
FY20-21 Projected |
FY 21-22 Projected |
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Budgeted Expenses |
$275,000 |
$275,000 |
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Additional Appropriation Requested |
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Total Expenditures |
$275,000 |
$275,000 |
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Funding Sources |
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General Fund/WA GF |
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State/Federal |
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Fees/Other |
$275,000 |
$275,000 |
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Use of Fund Balance |
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Contingencies |
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Total Sources |
$275,000 |
$275,000 |
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Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
Budgeted amount of $275,000 is available from FY 2019/2020 appropriations for the Sustainability and Renewable Energy Fund. FY 2020/2021 appropriations in the amount of $275,000 will be made in the Sustainability and Renewable Energy Fund. Offsetting revenue in the amount of $550,000 will be from Sonoma Clean Power Authority.
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Staffing Impacts: |
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Position Title (Payroll Classification) |
Monthly Salary Range (A-I Step) |
Additions (Number) |
Deletions (Number) |
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Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
N/A
Attachments:
Attachment 1: Agreement with Sonoma Clean Power Authority
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
None