To: Board of Directors, Sonoma County Water Agency
Department or Agency Name(s): Sonoma County Water Agency
Staff Name and Phone Number: Trisha Meisler / 547-1926
Vote Requirement: 4/5th
Supervisorial District(s): Countywide
Title:
Title
Update and Implement an Energy Education Program with Sonoma Clean Power Authority
End
Recommended Action:
Recommended action
A) 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, 2023, in the amount of $600,000 (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.
B) Adopt a Resolution Authorizing Adjustment to the Board Adopted Budget for Fiscal Year 2021-2022 for the Sustainability and Renewable Energy Fund in the amount of $25,000 for the Energy Education Program with Sonoma Clean Power Authority.
(4/5th Vote Required)
end
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 the Energy Education Program.
Discussion:
HISTORY OF ITEM/BACKGROUND
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 remain high priorities for the Board and Sonoma Water. 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.
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:
1. Market energy education programs in print, on social media, and on Sonoma Water’s website.
2. Implement Musical Assembly for online and in-person settings with energy and climate change content.
3. Implement elementary and secondary school education programs
4. Develop internship and career exposure programs for students interested in the field of water and energy
5. Develop a new program to create opportunities for students to carry out solutions-based projects that address a water or energy related environmental challenge in their community.
6. Continue to incorporate water/energy nexus into 5th grade classroom and field trip program.
7. Conduct energy education and climate change teacher workshop for summer 2022.
8. Develop new website with water and energy education focus.
9. Develop end-of-year 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 $600,000. Sonoma Water is recovering its actual costs of providing services to Authority with no mark-up. The agreement terminates on June 30, 2023.
Funding for costs under the agreement after July 1, 2022, is subject to approval by Authority’s Board of Directors of a budget including such funding. Authority may 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:
08/13/2019: Approved agreement between Sonoma Water and Sonoma Clean Power Authority to develop and implement an energy education program. Cost $550,000; term end June 30, 2021.
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
|
Expenditures |
FY 21-22 Adopted |
FY22-23 Projected |
FY 23-24 Projected |
|
Budgeted Expenses |
275,000 |
$300,000 |
|
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Additional Appropriation Requested |
25,000 |
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Total Expenditures |
$300,000 |
$300,000 |
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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 |
$300,000 |
$300,000 |
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Use of Fund Balance |
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Contingencies |
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Total Sources |
$300,000 |
$300,000 |
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Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
Budgeted amount of $275,000 is available from FY 2021/2022 appropriations for the Sustainability and Renewable Energy Fund. Additional appropriations in the amount of $25,000 are required to process this expense. A budgetary resolution has been submitted with this item.
FY 2022/2023 appropriations in the amount of $300,000 will be made in the Sustainability and Renewable Energy Fund. Offsetting revenue in the amount of $600,000 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:
Resolution
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
None