Title
Resolution to Accept Planning Action Grant and Appropriate Funds from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment ($50,000.00) (8 Votes Required)
Memorandum
The attached resolution authorizes a grant agreement with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE) to accept a $50,000.00 Climate Action Planning Grant for the City of Ann Arbor to (1) consolidate the City's climate planning efforts into a single action plan; (2) demonstrate a neighborhood-based approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions; and (3) develop strategies for moving the City's municipal operations to climate neutrality (zero net greenhouse gas emissions) by 2050.
On May 1, 2006, City Council passed resolution R-172-5-06, setting three strong renewable energy targets for the City: 30% renewable energy for municipal operations by 2010; 20% renewable energy for the Ann Arbor community by 2015; and, a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 2000 levels for the Ann Arbor community by 2015. The grant from DNRE will advance efforts toward all three of these goals.
This grant will fund primarily temporary staff time to perform grant tasks, as well as some staff time for project partner Energy Works Michigan. The grant also funds rebates on Current Cost® whole-house energy meters for up to 25 participating households.
Matching funds are available in the form of in-kind staff time from Systems Planning and Energy Office staff, as well as in-kind time from project partner Energy Works Michigan and a discount from the supplier of the whole-house energy meters.
A subgrantee agreement with Energy Works Michigan will be established to clarify roles, including responsibility for matching funds. Grant funds will be available for the life of the project regardless of fiscal year, and the Energy Office will provide grant management services.
Staff
Prepared By: Andrew Brix, Energy Programs Manager
Reviewed By: Sue F. McCormick, Public Services Administrator
Approved By: Roger W. Fraser, City Administrator
Body
Whereas, The City of Ann Arbor set ambitious renewable energy and climate protection goals at the May 1, 2006 City Council meeting in Resolution R-172-5-06;
Whereas, The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment has awarded the City of Ann Arbor a $50,000.00 Climate Action Planning Grant to advance climate planning and reduce greenhouse gas emissions;
Whereas, This grant advances the attainment of Ann Arbor's renewable energy and climate protection goals by funding the development of strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and piloting a neighborhood-based greenhouse gas reduction program;
Whereas, Funds for the City's $17,748.00 match is available via in-kind staff time from the Energy Programs Manager and Environmental Coordinator; in addition to in-kind staff time from Energy Works Michigan;
Whereas, A subgrantee agreement will be established with project partner Energy Works Michigan; and
Whereas, The Energy Office will provide grant management services for this grant;
RESOLVED, That the City accept the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment grant of $50,000.00 effective September 1, 2010;
RESOLVED, That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized and directed to sign the grant agreements after approval as to substance by the City Administrator and approval as to form by the City Attorney;
RESOLVED, That the grant funds be appropriated to the FY11 Energy Office Grant Fund (Fund 00MG) for the life of the project, regardless of fiscal year; and
RESOLVED, The City Administrator be authorized and directed to take the necessary administrative action to implement this resolution.