ITEM:

CONSENT CALENDAR

 

3.

AUTHORIZE EXPENDITURE FOR CERTIFIED LANDSCAPE IRRIGATION AUDITOR TRAINING SCHOLARSHIPS FOR MPWMD APPLICANTS AND STAFF

 

Meeting Date:

August 19, 2013

Budgeted: 

Yes

 

From:

David J. Stoldt,

Program/

Conservation

 

General Manager

Line Item No.:    

4-2-1-B

 

Prepared By:

Stephanie Pintar

Cost Estimate:

$3,000 (Reimbursable)

 

General Counsel Approval:  N/A

Committee Recommendation:  The Administrative Committee reviewed this item on August 12, 2013 and recommended approval.

CEQA Compliance:  N/A

 

SUMMARY: MPWMD has partnered with Ewing Irrigation to bring Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor (CLIA) training to the Monterey Peninsula on September 24-25, 2013, at a cost of $179 per person. Staff is requesting Board authorization to provide scholarships in the amount of $100 for landscaping professionals who conduct business within the MPWMD. Staff is also requesting authorization to pay up to $179 each for staff members to attend and approximately $200 to provide coffee and refreshments.  Funding for this training is included in the Fiscal Year 2013-2014 budget and is fully reimbursable by California American Water, and the total anticipated cost is not to exceed $3,000 (reimbursable by California American Water). 

 

The Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor training involves the analysis of existing and reasonable landscape irrigation water use. This 1.5-day class trains auditors to collect site data, make maintenance and hardware recommendations, and prepare irrigation schedules.  The CLIA examination takes place following the class.  Training of this type is important in our area to respond to District and California American Water requirements for landscape audits and water budgets (District Rule 172).  It is also important because portions of the State Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance require certified auditors to review landscapes installed pursuant to that regulation. CLIA are certified by the Irrigation Association, which is a non-profit entity that provides technical information related to irrigation services and offers professional training and certification to irrigation technicians in the public and private sectors.

 

The courses fee includes a one and one-half day CLIA training with an optional CLIA exam at the completion of the training. As part of the partnership, five staff people from MPWMD/Cal-Am will receive this training at no cost if at least ten paying people register for the class.

 

The class is scheduled for September 24th and 25th, 2013, in Monterey at the Hilltop School.   

 

RECOMMENDATION:  Staff recommends the Administrative Committee support this item with a recommendation to authorize the General Manager to approve the sponsorship of CLIA training for MPWMD participants, pay for staff to attend the training as well as provide refreshments with an expenditure of funds in an amount not to exceed $3,000.

 

IMPACT TO STAFF/RESOURCES:  Funding is available in the Fiscal Year 2013-2014 budget through reimbursement by California American Water in the conservation budget.

 

EXHIBITS

None

 

           

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