CCMIN061714 - Laserfiche WebLink

rather than billing data as the latter provided a picture of the previous two months rather than in real time. A comparison of water taken from Zone 7 and produced by the city's wells reveals that the community was actually able to achieve some water savings in the first part of the year and in fact had reduced total consumption 27% over 2013 by the end of last month. Month to date data indicates a year to date reduction of 20%. Of note are the city's own accomplishments, which revealed a 70% reduction in the last full billing cycle. This equates to a savings of 541,000 gallons per day for city services alone. The Recycled Water Project continues to provide significant water potable water savings and the use of DSRSD's recycled water for the golf course is saving approximately 72,000 gallons per day. He noted that the public is also welcome to purchase water for landscaping uses from DSRSD's recycled water center. While this is promising news, he cautioned that warmer months are still to come and there is still a long way to go. Councilmember Cook-Kallio asked and Mr. Smith confirmed that the recycled water center could be of particular benefit to those with backyard vegetable gardens. She inquired about the cost. Mr. Smith said the cost is minimal at only $10 for a 4,000 gallon truck and thought it might even be free to the public. He discussed the city's marketing and outreach efforts, which include television and radio ads through a joint effort with other local retailers as well as solo radio and print ads. The city has also moved forward with the marketing firm that prepared the original outreach to collect and analyze data that will be used to more effectively target Pleasanton's message. Other activities include information sessions at First Wednesdays, the farmers market and Alameda County Fair, city banners, OSC education events, the drought center hotline, the Controller Assistance Program and a dedicated website. He reported that the Controller Assistance Program was actually able help one local business an average savings of 70%. As part of the continued effort, staff is asking the Council to ratify a contract for additional education and outreach that could potentially extend through next year. Mr. Smith briefly reviewed proposed changes to the Municipal Code and Water Conservation, which clarify outdoor watering restrictions and prohibit outdoor water features which are non-recirculating. Staff is also asking the Council to extend the local drought emergency and ratify the execution of the outreach contract and several purchase orders already executed with other tri-valley water retailers. Councilmember Brown said she received a number of emails expressing concern over wildlife, particularly in streams, and asked whether recycled water could be diverted to address this. Mr. Smith explained that while state law, which used to prohibit the discharge of recycled water into streams, has recently changed it likely is not something that will be permitted in the near future. Councilmember Brown said she has also received concerns over the contract for up to $200,000 for which staff is requesting approval. Mr. Smith explained that staff has requested authority to expend up to the $200,000 limit, which includes the media and marketing efforts already described as well as any that might be done in the future. He stressed that there is no intent to spend the full amount now, but staff would like it available in the event that the drought and its education efforts continue into the next year. Councilmember Brown said that based on her observations the community seems have grasped the severity of the situation and what is needed of them. Being considerate of how tax dollars are spent, she asked if staff anticipates transitioning some of the marketing efforts in house. Mr. Smith assured her that they have been and will continue to be very careful with those funds. He agreed that community awareness has increased but said there is still a long way to go, noting that the city is carrying a significant portion of the load right now. He cautioned against interpreting the data City Council Minutes Page 4 of 14 June 17,2014