Title
Carbon Footprint Assessment Tool- Referral Item #070035 (NB)
This item involves a request for $10,000 from City Commission Contingency to purchase a carbon footprint assessment tool.
Explanation
On May 14, 2007 the City Commission referred the Gainesville Energy Advisory Committee's recommendation to purchase a carbon footprint assessment tool to the Regional Utilities Committee. This tool, being developed by Mr. Mark Van Soestbergen, would be web-based and allow customers to determine their personal carbon footprint using pre-populated energy consumption data provided by GRU.
At its July 10 and September 11 meetings the Regional Utilities Committee received information from Mr. Van Soestbergen and staff on how the tool was being developed and how it would work. As a result, it is the recommendation of the RUC that the City Commission authorize the use of Contingency Funds for this purchase. In addition it is recommended that staff work with Mr. Van Soestbergen to apply for an APPA DEED grant requesting funding for this project. If that grant is awarded, which is expected in the March/April 2008 timeframe, the contingency funds would be reimbursed.
Recommendation
The City Commission: 1) approve and authorize funds in the amount not to exceed $10,000 to be allocated from City Commission Contingency Funds for the purchase of a carbon footprint assessment tool; and 2) remove this item from the referral list.
Fiscal Note
The fiscal impact would be that the City Commission authorize expenditure of $10,000 from its contingency fund for this purchase.
Drafter
Prepared by Karen Johnson, General Manager
Submitted by the Regional Utilities Committee