REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
December 12, 2019
FROM: JIM SCHAAD, Assistant City Manager
City Manager’s Office
SCOTT L. MOZIER, PE, Director
Public Works Department
BY: ANN D. KLOOSE, Sustainability Manager
Public Works Department
SUBJECT
Title
Actions pertaining to grant applications to the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District and the California Electric Vehicle Implementation Project (Citywide):
1. Authorize the Public Works Director, or designee, to execute the application, agreement, amendments and all related documents applicable to the grants for San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) and the California Electric Vehicle Implementation Project (CALEVIP)
2. ***RESOLUTION - Authorizing the submittal of a grant application to the SJVAPCD and the CALEVIP and acceptance of grant funds. (Subject to Mayor’s veto)
Body
RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends that City Council adopt a resolution to approve the filing of grant applications for up to $435,000 to the SJVAPCD “Charge Up!” program and up to $348,000 to the CALEVIP “Fresno County Incentive Project” (FCIP) for the purchase and installation of up to 87 Electric Vehicle (EV) Chargers to implement the Fresno EV Charging Pilot Program (Phase 1); and authorize the Public Works Director, or designee, to conduct all negotiations, execute and submit all documents including, but not limited to applications, agreements, amendments, and payment requests, which may be necessary for the completion of the aforementioned grants.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Sustainability Division of the Public Works Department, in coordination with the City Manager’s Office, proposes to submit an application to the SJVAPCD and CALEVIP requesting up to $783,000 in total Grant program funds for the purchase and installation of up to (87) new Level 2 electric vehicle chargers. The intent of the Fresno EV Charging Pilot Program (Phase 1) is to increase adoption of EVs and help reduce vehicle emissions to improve air quality in the Central Valley. The City is pursuing this Program with the goal of having no out-of-pocket expense during the equipment acquisition and installation phase of the project.
BACKGROUND
According to the California Air Resources Board (CARB), vehicle emissions are the number one contributor of greenhouse gases. The purpose of the SJVAPCD “Charge Up!” Program is to fund the purchase and installation of new electric vehicle chargers to promote clean air alternative-fuel technologies and the use of low or zero-emission vehicles. The CALEVIP “Fresno County Incentive Project” (FCIP) is funded by the California Energy Commission (CEC) and works to address regional needs for EV charging infrastructure while supporting state and local goals to improve air quality. The Fresno EV Charging Pilot Program (Phase 1) is intended to expand public accessibility of EV chargers throughout the City of Fresno, to encourage long term adoption of EVs, and to improve air quality in the Central Valley. The plan is to submit applications to both programs in an effort to maximize the program benefits and not incur out-of-pocket costs to the City.
There have been in excess of 12 city-owned locations identified citywide for consideration. Currently, these locations are going through a complete analysis to determine the most feasible placement that will fit within the parameters of the Pilot Program. These locations will be finalized depending upon readily available electric infrastructure to allow for immediate installation and grant deadlines. This approach is being taken to reduce costs and keep installation affordable within the available grant funds. The Council will receive a Pilot Program update report and recommendation, once the installation site assessments are complete.
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 not impact the General Fund because the grant(s), if awarded, will cover all costs of the Pilot Program. There is no match requirement to qualify for the grants.
Attachment:
Resolution