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FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE |
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ITEM: |
ACTION ITEM |
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CONSIDER EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS FOR
CERTIFIED LANDSCAPE IRRIGATION AUDITOR CLASS |
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Meeting Date: |
August 14, 2023 |
Budgeted: |
Yes |
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From: |
David Stoldt, General Manager |
Program/ |
Conservation & Efficiency Workshops/ Training |
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Line Item No.: |
4-2-2-E |
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Prepared By: |
Stephanie Locke |
Cost Estimate: |
NTE $10,000 |
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General Counsel Review: N/A |
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Committee Recommendation: The Water Demand Committee reviewed this item on August 3, 2023 and recommended approval. The Finance and Administration Committee reviewed this item on August 14, 2023 and recommended ___________. |
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CEQA
Compliance: This action does not
constitute a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act
Guidelines section 15378. |
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SUMMARY: The Irrigation Association (IA) offers a technical certification for the process of auditing a landscape for irrigation efficiency called the Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor (CLIA). The IA offers a two-day class to prepare for the exam which covers field tests and calculating accurate watering schedules based on plant water use, soils, and local weather data.
Staff would like to offer a local class this fall to allow landscape contractors/gardeners in the area an opportunity to attend without traveling to a statewide conference. District Rule 142.1 and the State Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance requires a CLIA to audit all new landscapes greater than 2,500 square feet. Increasing the number of local CLIAs is critical to having trained professionals available for hire to manage and certify new landscapes. Staff is also required to have this certification.
To host the class there is a $500 deposit with IA and a location must be secured (expected to be a local community room with adjacent landscaping). The District will pay the advertising costs (estimated to be $7,000) for placement of quarter page ads in the Weekly and the Pinecone and printing/mailing costs for a postcard to gardeners/landscapers from the local business license records. The District also plans to utilize trade newsletters/email blasts to spread the word. The IA also advertises the class, handles registration, and provides the instructor and materials.
The standard cost of the class and exam for attendees is:
CLIA Two-Day Class: IA Member $350, Nonmember $450
Landscape Irrigation Auditor Exam Fee: IA Member $250, Nonmember $495
To help offset the cost of the training and encourage local participation, staff is requesting support to offer a tuition assistance incentive to participants who will be working on the Peninsula. The applicant would register for the class and/or certification and then apply to the District for the incentive by providing a copy of their local business license (for one or more of the seven Jurisdictions in the District) after successful completion of the class/exam. Staff recommends the incentive be $150 for each. Staff estimates ten people would apply for the rebate.
RECOMMENDATION: The Finance and Administration Committee should recommend that the Board approve the expenditure not-to-exceed $10,000. Funds for this expenditure are included in the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 budget.
EXHIBIT
None
U:\staff\Board_Committees\FAC prev
Admin\2023\20230814\04\Item-4.docx