15A - Laserfiche WebLink

City Manager's Budget Message INTRODUCTION Pursue Environmental Awareness, Health, Land Use Preservation Issues A priority for the City is to identify and address environmental issues which affect the health and sustainability of our community. Because environmental issues and concerns have become increasingly important at both the state and community levels, our City Council has created a new Committee on Energy and Environment. This committee is comprised of several City residents in various professional capacities with extensive energy and environmental related backgrounds with a strong commitment to developing solutions, strategies and plans to help guide our efforts through the many opportunities available to us. One of the most recent developments was the creation of the Federal Stimulus Package recently announced by the Obama Administration offering considerable financial support to local and state governments. The City is currently developing an Energy and Efficiency Conservation Strategy (EECS) to qualify for these grant opportunities. This funding will be used to help the City complete a climate action plan which is a road map to comply with AB 32 Green House Gas reductions (GHG), and SB 375, the Senate bill to reduce GHG through coordinated regional and local planning for housing and transportation. This will also include review and consideration of AB 811 energy assessment financing districts which allows a simple mechanism for funding energy efficient projects throughout the City. Finally, the plan includes important partnerships with other agencies and companies such as Stop- Waste.org, ABAG and PG &E that will allow residents and businesses in Pleasanton to maximize energy efficiency, recycling and education opportunities to its highest potential. Some additional examples of the City's efforts in this area are: Circulation of an RFP for installation of a large solar photovoltaic project at the Operations Service Center. The Cities of Pleasanton and Livermore have recently partnered with Dublin to expand the Solar Cities program to the Tri- Valley and each city has sponsored solar energy workshops. To date, over 175 residents have attended these workshops to learn about various solar installations options and financing opportunities. The City has instituted a very successful residential Recycling Battery Program which is available at five various locations throughout the City. To date the City has collected over 5,000 lbs. of alkaline, lithium and rechargeable batteries. This year, the City will be pursuing ordinances that enhance and forward our objectives in the area of Water Recycling, Water Conservation, Energy Efficiency, and Landscape Irrigation. Operate an Effective and Cost Efficient Government The City continually seeks to improve the ways in which it delivers service to reduce costs, increase effectiveness and enhance efficiency. Some new initiatives included in the Operating Budget which further this goal include: