TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute a grant agreement, and any necessary documents including any amendments, with the Port of Long Beach (POLB) through the Community Grants Program, to accept and expend grant funding in an amount not to exceed $121,084, to be used to install solar panels at the Expo Center at 4321 Atlantic Avenue (Project), and execute any documents necessary for the administration of the Project;
Increase appropriations in the Capital Projects Fund Group in the Public Works Department by $121,084, offset by POLB grant reimbursement revenues; and
Increase appropriations in the Capital Projects Fund Group in the Public Works Department by $121,084 for a technical appropriation to allow for the transfer of POLB funds from the Capital Projects Grants Fund. (District 5)
DISCUSSION
City Council approval is requested to execute a grant agreement and increase appropriations in the Capital Projects Fund Group for the Expo Center Solar Power Generation Project (Project) per MOU HD-9440 (MOU) between the Public Works Department and the Port of Long Beach (POLB).
In September 2021, POLB began soliciting applications for solar power generation or solar water heater projects at facilities serving children, the elderly, and people with chronic illnesses as part of the Community Grants Program (Grant), which was established to alleviate the air quality, noise, traffic, and water quality impacts associated with Port-related operations. The grant funds projects outside the Harbor District, in the neighborhoods and corridors where these impacts are most acutely felt. The Public Works Department applied for a solar power generation project at the Expo Center located at 4321 Atlantic Avenue and was awarded grant funds by POLB in the amount of $121,084.
The MOU, executed on September 23, 2022, includes reimbursement of costs for purchasing and installation of solar equipment including permits, project management, and administrative overhead expenses not to exceed five percent of the total project cost.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Vanessa S. Ibarra on December 28, 2022, Purchasing Agent Michelle Wilson on December 22, 2022, and by Budget Management Officer Nader Kaamoush on December 30, 2022.
SUSTAINABILITY
Solar power is a renewable energy source that lessens the reliance on fossil fuels. The utilization of solar power generation systems provides multiple benefits, including lowering greenhouse gas emissions, limiting resource depletion, and providing power reliability, which aligns with the City’s Climate Action Plan (LB CAP) goals. Power reliability is essential for facilities serving sensitive populations most affected by air pollution, such as the Expo Center, where a Senior Program is held three times per week, providing activities and services for older adults, including educational, nutritional, recreational, and leisure programs.
Environmental benefits are quantifiable in this project by calculating the amount of lowered gas emissions generated by solar power generation from electric conversion. Community buildings often have more considerable electricity pull than a standard home, burning more fossil fuels. Solar is a reliable, renewable option to lower the facility's carbon footprint. The above-listed benefits directly tie into community benefits by improving the livelihood of its residents. Specifically, this project provides respiratory health benefits for an elderly population at higher risk for sensitivities to air pollution. Solar power generation can also lower electricity bills, directly benefiting the service center’s ability to provide more support to its community users.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action execute a grant agreement and increase appropriations is requested on January 17, 2023, to ensure the funding is in place to complete the project expeditiously. Pursuant to the MOU, the City is required to complete the Project no later than September 30, 2024.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total project cost is estimated at $201,084, inclusive of design, construction, construction management, labor compliance, project oversight, and inspections. The project is currently supported by $80,000 of AB 32 funds, which is currently appropriated in Capital Projects Fund Group in the Public Works Department. An appropriation increase of $242,168 is requested in the Capital Projects Fund Group in the Public Works Department. Of this amount, the appropriation increase of $121,084 will be offset with reimbursement grant revenue from POLB. The remaining $121,084 is a technical appropriation to transfer Harbor Department funds from the Capital Projects Fund Group.
The Public Works Department Public Services Bureau will be responsible for ongoing maintenance as part of their general operations. Operations and maintenance costs will be absorbed into the Public Service Bureau’s operating budget allocated for this purpose. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. The number of additional local jobs created by this project will not be known until the contractors have completed their hiring and construction has commenced.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
[Enter Body Here]
Respectfully Submitted,
ERIC LOPEZ
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER