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DISCUSSION <br />The residential phase of the Solar Cities Program includes the following key <br />components: <br />Staff trainin4 <br />• One of the first questions raised relevant to starting a solar program is whether City <br />staff has been trained to inspect such projects. All Pleasanton building inspection <br />personnel have completed PV installation courses and will attend refresher courses <br />as needed. <br />Permitting and inspection process <br />• PV contractors will be encouraged to submit standard plans, thus streamlining the <br />review process. By eliminating subsequent reviews, the over-the-counter process <br />will be quicker to process and will enable the City to expedite the permitting and <br />inspection processes. <br />Marketing, outreach and educational programs <br />• Marketing is a specialized and very critical aspect of the program which will require <br />the assistance of a graphics/marketing consultant. To begin the process, "brand <br />identity' material -such as logo, slogan, graphics, etc. -will be created for the joint <br />use of the two cities. Pleasanton's Community Relations Manager/Public <br />Information Officer (CRM/PIO) will assist in the development of the co-branded <br />material. This require approximately $2500 from each city to pay for the artwork, <br />printing of program brochures and other outreach efforts. This amount should be <br />sufficient to cover the cost for the first year of the program. Funding for subsequent <br />years will be requested during the normal budgeting process. <br />Outreach efforts to introduce the program needs to be both extensive and <br />comprehensive and targeted towards the residential population. Utility bill stuffers, <br />cable television spots, specialized website, community newsletter articles, to name a <br />few, will need to be developed. Again, Pleasanton's CRM/PIO will lend her <br />expertise to achieve maximum exposure in reaching the community. In addition to <br />preparing press releases and writing newsletter articles, the CRM/PIO will <br />coordinate with cable television staff to create informative spots for airing on TV30. <br />Information technology employees from both cities will work to create a website <br />containing related resource material, including links to other relevant websites. The <br />consumers will be able to self educate by availing themselves of information through <br />the various websites. <br />Educational workshops will be hosted to allow residents an opportunity to <br />understand the benefits of installing PV systems as well as the steps involved in the <br />process from beginning to end. Energy experts will be invited to speak, along with <br />potential PV contractors. The goal is to arm consumers with knowledge, resources <br />and assessment tools to make sound decisions related to solar energy installation <br />that is right for their homes and their situation. A "Starter Kit" will be provided to the <br />Page 3 of 6 <br />