HomeMy WebLinkAbout3/16/2011 - STAFF REPORTS - 5D City of Palm Springs
g * Office of Sustainability
wry 3200 E.TahgUiU C;ariyan Way • Palin Springs,California 92262
• [c]:(760)323-8214 • Pax:(760)322 8360 • Web:www.l.)alinst)ringsca.gov
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS LAWN BUY BACK PROGRAM DISCUSSION
SUSTAINABILTY COMMISSION ACTION TO ADOPT A LAWN BUY BACK PROGRAM:
The City of Palm Springs Sustainability Commission adopted a resolution on March 15, 2011 to
recommend that the City Council of the City of Palm Springs create and adopt a multi-year Turf Buy-Back
program to commence in fiscal year 2011-2012. The resolution called for the formula for the
reimbursement to applicants to be $1 for each square foot up to 3500 square feet for a maximum of
$3500 per homeowner's association for the removal of turf in common areas. The recommendation was
for a total program fund of $140,000 for fiscal year 2011-2012. Included in the resolution was a 50%
matching expenditure requirement. Lastly the resolution states that only the first 40 homeowner
associations with applications that meet the requirements of the program as established by the City of
Palm Springs will be eligible for funding at the maximum $3500 level.
ALTERNATE LAWN BUY BACK PROGRAM GRANT DESCRIPTION:
An alternative proposal for a Lawn Buy Back Grant for single family residents and multi family including
homeowners associations is described below.
The program would provide up to a $500 grant to finance all or a portion of a single family property
owners landscape improvements. The formula for the reimbursement to applicants will be at $1 for each
square foot up to 500 square feet for a maximum of $500 per single family property for the removal of
turf. The program also provides up to a $2,500.00 grant to finance all or a portion of a multi family or
homeowner association's landscape improvements. The formula for the reimbursement to applicants will
be at $1 for each square foot up to 2500 square feet for a maximum of $2500 per homeowner's
association for the removal of turf in common areas.
A 50% cash match is required of all grant applicants regardless of the requested grant amount. For
example, a $2,500.00 grant request would require the applicant to provide a minimum $1,250.00 cash
match for a total project cost of$3,750.00. The total cost of the program to the City is $140,000.00, which
will be taken from the Sustainability Fund and allocated to Account # 138-1270-58021. The program is
intended to continue until funds allocated are expended.
Eligible uses of funds include landscaping plants and materials that are used to replace existing grass
and turf areas with native plants, desert friendly plants, and rock or other permeable landscape material.
Grant funds may not be used for improvements that are not replacing existing turf or grass landscape.
Grant funds may not be used for smart irrigation devices as those devices are available at no cost
through an alternate program for single family and may be offered to homeowner's associations through
another funding source in the near future. The applicant must attend an educational workshop on water
conservation measures prior to receiving grant funds.
5.D. LAWN BUYBACK PROGRAM DISCUSSION:
RECOMMENDATION: Direct staff as appropriate.
Item No. 5 . D .