Title
St. Johns River Water Management District Water Conservation Project for Indoor Retrofits (B)
Staff recommends GRU's participation in a water conservation pilot study funded by a St. Johns River Water Management District through a cost share grant for Optimization and Reliability of Selected Indoor Water Conservation Retrofits.
Explanation
On April 13, 2010 the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) approved a cost share grant to GRU for an Indoor Water Conservation Retrofits Project. The grant was for a pilot study that examines the optimization and reliability of indoor water conservation change-outs and retrofits of multi-family residential ultra-high-efficiency toilets and pre-rinse spray valves for commercial kitchens. Due to a budget shortfall at SJRWMD, funding was lost and the grant was placed on hold. In April of this year, SJRWMD awarded an amended grant in the amount of $151,527 allowing the project to proceed. The amended pilot study will include four-hundred (400) ultra-high-efficiency toilets and five-hundred (500) low-flow spray valves with a projected budget of $303,054 which includes materials, matching funds and in-kind services.
As a condition of the grant, GRU and project participants must provide matching funds or in-kind labor services that match the grant award amount. For in-kind services, GRU will install spray valves, and residential project participants will be responsible for the cost of toilet installation services.
Recommendation
City Commission: 1) authorize the General Manager, or his designee, to accept a cost share grant in the amount of $151,527 from the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) for GRU's participation in a water conservation pilot study; and 2) authorize the General Manager, or his designee to negotiate and execute procurement contracts necessary to perform the scope of the Optimization and Reliability Water Conservation Retrofits pilot study, including in-kind services and matching funds not to exceed $303,054.
Fiscal Note
Upon satisfactory completion of the pilot project, SJRWMD shall pay GRU fifty (50%) of the total cost of the project, not to exceed $151,527. Project participants shall pay a projected $52,600 in toilet installation costs, the balance will be paid by GRU and the funds are included in GRU's approved budget.
Recommendation
Prepared by David M. Richardson, AGM Water/Wastewater Systems
Submitted by Robert E. Hunzinger, General Manager