REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
October 30, 2014
FROM: MANUEL A. MOLLINEDO, Director
Parks, After School, Recreation and Community Services Department
BY: IRMA YEPEZ-PEREZ, Grant Writer
KAREN NORRIS, Administrative Manager
Parks, After School, Recreation and Community Services Department
SUBJECT
Title
RESOLUTION - Authorizing the submittal of a grant application to the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District and acceptance of Public Benefit Grant funds and execution of necessary program documents
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1) Adopt a resolution to submit a grant application of up to $100,000 to the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) Public Benefit Grant program for the purchase of new alternative fuel vehicles;
2) Authorize the Director of Parks, After School, Recreation and Community Services (PARCS) Department, or designated representative, as agent of the City of Fresno to execute and submit all necessary documents to implement the grant, subject to prior approval as to form by the City Attorney's Office.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Parks, After School, Recreation and Community Services (PARCS) Department proposes to submit an application to the SJVAPCD requesting up to $100,000 in Public Benefit Grant program funds for the purchase of four (4) new electric vehicles, and two (2) Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) alternative fueled vehicles.
BACKGROUND
The SJVAPCD is comprised of eight counties: San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced, Madera, Fresno, Kings, Tulare, and Kern. The SJVAPCD is required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to implement strategies that will result in emission reductions. SJVAPCD is committed to improving the health and quality of life for all Valley residents through effective and cooperative air quality programs including the Public Benefits Grant to assist with the purchase of alternative fuel vehicles, infrastructure, and the development of advance transit and transportation systems.
PARCS proposes to submit a Public Benefit Grant application to purchase new alternative fueled vehicles; four (4) electric utility vehicles, and two (2) CNG trucks. The Public Benefit Grant will allow the City to purchase the alternative fuel vehicles with a grant of up to $20,000 per vehicle. The four (4) electric vehicles (John Deer Gators and GEM/Polaris) will expand the park maintenance fleet and will cost less than $20,000 each, thus there is no cost to the City. The two (2) CNG vehicles will replace two gasoline powered vehicles (1999 Chevrolet crew cab and a 2003 Ford crew cab) that are over 15 years old and are on the list to be replaced due to mechanical problems. The purchase price for the CNG vehicles is between $30,000 to $55,000 each depending on the options for cab chassis and body. The grant will only cover up to $20,000 per vehicle, thus the balance will need be paid with City funds. The purchase of the alternative fueled vehicles will help to improve air quality, which is consistent with PARCS mission of providing a healthier environment for Fresno residents.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
By the definition in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15378, the applying for grant funds does not qualify as a "project" as defined by CEQA.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference was not considered because this resolution does not include a bid or award of a construction or services contract.
FISCAL IMPACT
Any award to the City for this project will reduce or eliminate impact to the General Fund because the vehicles were already targeted for replacement. There is no match requirement to qualify for the grant, however only up to $20,000 per vehicle are allowed. The purchase price for the two (2) CNG vehicles is more than $20,000 per vehicle thus General Funds will be used to pay the difference.
Attachment: Resolution