To: Board of Directors, Sonoma County Water Agency
Department or Agency Name(s): Sonoma County Water Agency
Staff Name and Phone Number: Dale Roberts / 707-547-1979
Vote Requirement: 4/5th
Supervisorial District(s): Countywide
Title:
Title
UC Davis’ Center for Water Energy Efficiency Sponsorship
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Recommended Action:
Recommended action
A) Authorize Sonoma County Water Agency’s General Manager to execute a sponsorship agreement with The Regents of California, UC Davis campus through August 14, 2021, in the not-to-exceed amount of $10,000 and, consistent with other agreements, authorize Sonoma County Water Agency’s General Manager to amend or terminate this agreement with approval of County Counsel.
B) Adopt a resolution authorizing adjustments to the Board Recommended Budget for Fiscal Year 2020-2021 for the Sustainability and Renewable Energy Fund, in the amount of $10,000 for the UC Davis’ Center for Water Energy Efficiency Sponsorship.
(4/5th Vote Required)
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Executive Summary:
Sonoma County Water Agency (Sonoma Water) seeks to sponsor The Center for Water Energy Efficiency (CWEE) on the Davis campus of the University of California and in return will become an affiliate member of CWEE and receive access to CWEE’s extensive network of technical experts and field research, as well as assistance in strategic planning, policy development, outreach activities, and opportunities for collaboration on research projects.
Discussion:
HISTORY OF ITEM/BACKGROUND
The Center for Water Energy Efficiency (CWEE) identifies, develops, and tests innovative technologies and practices for aggressive improvements in water-energy efficiency; designs policies and outreach activities that facilitate market access and penetration of innovative water-energy conservation strategies and technologies; and serves as a collaborative hub for universities, industrial partners, and government agencies to advance water-energy research, education, technology development, and policy assessment.
Sonoma Water’s Energy Policy adopted by the Board of Directors in 2011, directs Sonoma Water to participate in energy projects and programs that promote self-sufficiency and make North Bay residents less dependent on outside energy sources subject to market fluctuations, natural disasters, and transmission system failures.
Since 2010, Sonoma Water staff have participated as speakers and panelists at CWEE’s forums, workshops, board meetings, and conferences. Becoming an affiliate member of CWEE, through this sponsorship agreement, would enhance Sonoma Water’s ability to fulfill its Energy Policy objectives by expanding Sonoma Water’s ability to collaborate, plan, and outreach with experts in the water-energy nexus arena.
SPONSORSHIP
Sonoma Water seeks to partner with CWEE via a sponsorship for access to CWEE’s research network, and assistance with strategic planning, policy development, outreach activities, and project collaboration (Sponsorship Agreement).
Under the terms of the Sponsorship Agreement, Sonoma Water will benefit in the following ways:
Access to CWEE’s Network: As an academic institution, CWEE’s researchers and faculty have unique access to insights and newly published research findings, as well as to in-depth knowledge of the technical field. Sonoma Water will have opportunities for engagement throughout the year of sponsorship.
Strategic Planning: Strategic planning activities strengthen CWEE's relationship with its partners and provide opportunities for mutual influence in direction and scope of future activities. Collaborative partners have access to CWEE's knowledge base for evaluation of current and prospective products, innovations, and concepts. Strategic planning can help bring a new project or strategy into focus. CWEE will work with Sonoma Water, as requested, to advise on strategic initiatives and to support energy-efficiency within their service territory.
Policy Development: CWEE is active in staying current with and analyzing new policies and regulations related to water efficiency, the water-energy nexus, energy efficiency, and climate change. CWEE engages with state agencies and stakeholders in identifying, understanding and analyzing policies that advance efficient technologies and water system practices. This support plays a critical role in the development and advancement of state policies that promote energy efficiency, water conservation, and address climate change. CWEE will work with Sonoma Water, as requested, on both policy evaluation and development.
Outreach Activities: CWEE's outreach team provides marketing and media tools, webinars, guides, case studies, media releases, and reports. Staff members also help partners share news of new developments through newsletters, forums, conferences, and workshops. CWEE's facilities and conference rooms are often utilized by partners and affiliates for seminars, educational programs and events. These activities and resources are available for use by Sonoma Water.
Collaborate on Projects: CWEE’s researchers respond to several calls for proposals every year to state, federal, and private entities to pursue innovative applied research. Sonoma Water will have opportunities to collaborate on various proposed research projects.
REQUEST FOR SONOMA WATER GENERAL MANAGER AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION AUTHORITY
Staff recommend that the Board authorize Sonoma Water’s General Manager to amend or terminate the agreement with approval of County Counsel.
Prior Board Actions:
3/15/2011: Approved the updated Energy Policy and authorized and directed the General Manager to implement the Energy Policy.
Fiscal Summary
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Expenditures |
FY 20-21 Adopted |
FY21-22 Projected |
FY 22-23 Projected |
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Budgeted Expenses |
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Additional Appropriation Requested |
$10,000 |
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Total Expenditures |
$10,000 |
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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 |
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Use of Fund Balance |
$10,000 |
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Contingencies |
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Total Sources |
$10,000 |
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Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
Additional appropriations of $10,000 are required to process this expense. With Board approval, unused appropriations budgeted in FY 2019/2020 and rolled over to FY 2020/2021 will be made in the Sustainability and Renewable Energy Fund, pursuant to the attached budgetary resolution.
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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:
Resolution
Sponsorship Agreement
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
None.