ITEM:		CONSENT CALENDAR
3.	CONSIDER APPROVAL OF FUNDING AND CONTINUATION OF THE “MULCH MADNESS” CONSERVATION PROMOTION
Meeting Date:			May 19, 2025	Budgeted:	Yes
From:			David J. Stoldt,	Program/	Conservation Program
			General Manager	Line Item No.: 4-2-2-O
Prepared By:			Stephanie Locke	Cost Estimate:	$12,000
General Counsel Approval: N/A
Committee Recommendation: The Finance and Administration Committee considered this item on May 12, 2025, and recommended approval.
CEQA Compliance: This action does not constitute a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378.

SUMMARY: The District, in partnership with California American Water (CAW), plans to continue the “Mulch Madness” event to promote water conservation in the landscape by providing mulch to District occupants. Mulch is a layer of organic material, usually bark/wood chips, leaves, and grasses, but can include items such as newspaper, straw and hay. It is applied in the landscape to the surface of the soil to conserve soil moisture, improve fertility, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weed growth. Mulch can reduce water use by 20-25 percent. As an organic product, it decomposes into soil over time and needs to be topped off annually. The total value of mulch given away last program year was $10,712.42 which was for nearly 450 properties.

As part of the joint MPWMD/CAW mulch conservation program, staff requests approval of funding not to exceed $12,000 for the program during 2025-2026. “Mulch Madness” will provide two cubic yards of free mulch to MPWMD/CAW customers, both commercial and residential properties. The mulch will be provided by Keith Day at ReGen Monterey, at a rate of $16/cubic yard (cu yd) for a total cost of $32 per customer, plus tax. The mulch supplier has changed from previous years and comes at a lower cost by $4/cu yd. Customers must pick up the mulch at ReGen Monterey or pay a delivery cost.

An alternate distribution option for mulch is a one-day event where large quantities of mulch are brought into a centrally located school where customers would be invited to pick up their two yards of mulch on that day. This option is less staff intensive and is being considered. Two cubic yards will fit in a truck bed or in the back of most cars. The type of mulch is recycled green waste from local tree trimming/removal vendors, primarily Monterey Pine and Monterey Cypress. Customers will be eligible to receive free mulch once every year as the nature of mulch is that it breaks down and needs to be topped off.

The giveaway will be promoted by email using CAW’s email database, through MPWMD/CAW social media pages, and with print ads in local papers. Customers will be required to confirm eligibility, which will be reviewed by staff. The budget for the program is $12,000.

RECOMMENDATION: The Finance and Administration Committee recommends the Board approves the expenditure of up to $12,000 to partner with CAW for the Mulch Madness conservation program.

IMPACT TO STAFF/RESOURCES: Funds for this expenditure were included in item 4-2-2-O in the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget.

EXHIBIT

None

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