TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Council to accept the donation of photovoltaic solar panels located at the Long Beach Airport; and authorize City Manager to execute any and all documents necessary for the conveyance from EcoMedia, LLC, to the City of Long Beach at no cost. (District 5)
DISCUSSION
The City of Long Beach has had a long-standing relationship with EcoMedia, LLC (EcoMedia), which operates the EcoZone program, providing the City with funding for environmental pollution prevention and education programs through corporate sponsorship signs that comply with the City's advertising and sponsorship policy.
As part of the City's partnership with EcoMedia, one of the largest freestanding solar projects in the greater Los Angeles region was unveiled at the Long Beach Airport (Airport). The 186-watt system (System) consists of six photovoltaic bi-facial panels mounted on dual-axis trackers that pivot 15 degrees every hour. Designed, constructed and functioning to generate 15,000-kilowatt hours of power per year, the System annually reduces the Airport's carbon footprint by 20,000 pounds of carbon dioxide emission and educates more than three million travelers on the benefits of alternative energies. The System has a 25-year life span and was fully funded by non-taxpayer dollars through the EcoZone Public-Private partnership.
EcoMedia wishes to donate the System to the Airport and, therefore, the City Council must take formal action to accept the donation. The System, located in the southern baggage claim parking lot adjacent to the Airport terminal, has an approximate value of $150,000.
This letter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Amy R. Burton and Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on January 23, 2009.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on February 10, 2009, in order to complete the conveyance of the photovoltaic solar panels to the City.
FISCAL IMPACT
Annual maintenance costs of approximately $8,000 shall be...
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