Item 6

ITEM:		CONSENT CALENDAR

6.	Consider Awarding $125 Scholarships for Attendance AT American rainwater catchment systems association (arcsa) rainwater harvesting workshop to Residents/landscaping Professionals within the MPWMD Boundaries

Meeting Date:			July 20, 2015	Budgeted:	Yes

From:			David J. Stoldt	Program/	Workshops/Training
			General Manager	Line Item No.:	4-2-3 E

Prepared By:			Stephanie Locke	Cost Estimate:	$2,100

General Counsel Review: N/A
Committee Recommendation: The Public Outreach Committee reviewed this item on June 17 and recommended approval. The Administrative Committee reviewed this item on July 13, 2015 and recommended approval.
CEQA Compliance: N/A

SUMMARY: Staff is requesting authorization to offer $125 scholarships to local professionals and homeowners who attend the two-day American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association (ARCSA) Level 200 workshop on August 26-27th. ARCSA is a non-profit organization that was founded to promote rainwater catchment systems in the United States and offers rainwater harvesting and accreditation workshops. ARCSA trainers are scheduled to conduct class in the Monterey area on Wednesday, August 26 Thursday, August 27. The workshop will be held in California American Water’s (Cal-Am) training room in Pacific Grove. The District offered this same workshop and scholarship in 2010.

ARCSA requires a minimum of 15 participants in its Level 200 workshop, and registration is handled by ARCSA. The workshop costs $395 for ARCSA members and $495 for non-members. The registration cost is set by ARCSA, and has increased by $100 over 2010 pricing (when MPWMD last hosted an ARCSA workshop). The scholarship would be offered to offset the cost of the registration fees for professionals and residents of the MPWMD only.

Funds for scholarships are available in the Fiscal Year 2015-2016 budget. The expenditure for residents and professionals within the California American Water system is reimbursable by Cal-Am through the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC)-approved conservation budget. Scholarships for non-Cal-Am participants will be funded through the District’s Best Management Practices budget.

ARCSA’s 200 Level workshops are open to the public, as well as to any industry professional looking to expand their knowledge about rainwater harvesting. The workshop is a prerequisite for accreditation as an ARCSA Accredited Professional. Individuals must also pass an ARCSA Accreditation Exam in order to attain the ARCSA Accredited Professional designation. Topics covered will include rainwater catchment design and installation, in-home rainwater use, installation and safety, rules and regulations, guidelines and restrictions, and other pertinent industry topics.

RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the Administrative Committee support District- issued scholarships for attendance at the American Rainwater Harvesting and Accreditation 200 Level Workshop August 26-27 at a not-to-exceed cost of $2,100.

EXHIBIT

None

U:\staff\Boardpacket\2015\20150720\ConsentClndr\06\Item 6.docx

July 20, 2015

Budgeted:

General Counsel Review: N/A

Committee Recommendation: The Public Outreach Committee reviewed this item on June 17 and recommended approval. The Administrative Committee reviewed this item on July 13, 2015 and recommended approval.