Laserfiche WebLink
<br /> <br /> STAFF REPORT <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />TO: Mayor Fischer and Members of the City Council <br /> <br />FROM: Sam Magureanu, Finance Director <br /> Laura Linehan, Community Relations Manager <br /> <br />DATE: June 24, 2024 <br /> <br />RE: Metropolitan Council Clean Water Fund Grant Agreement Resolution <br /> <br />ACTION TO BE CONSIDERED: <br />Motion to approve a resolution authorizing execution of the agreement between the City of Little <br />Canada and the Metropolitan Council for the Metropolitan Council Clean Water Fund Grant <br />Program for July 1, 2024, through June 20, 2026. <br /> <br />BACKGROUND: <br />The Met Council created the Water Efficiency grant program in 2015 to help growing <br />communities reduce water consumption and future infrastructure costs. Through this program, <br />the Metropolitan Council has been awarded funds from the Minnesota Clean Water, Land, and <br />Legacy Amendment to provide grants to communities to support the purchase and installation of <br />products that reduce water use. <br /> <br />Cities and townships served by a municipal water supply system can receive grants between <br />$5,000 and $50,000 to reduce costs for residents, commercial properties, and government <br />facilities that purchase and install replacement water-efficient products. Eligible purchases <br />include toilets, washing machines, dishwashers, irrigation systems, and more. <br /> <br />As part of the requirements, municipalities are responsible for the design and operation of their <br />rebate or grant program and its details. Met Council grant funds will cover 80% of program <br />costs, with a required 20% local government match. Residents must pay a portion of the cost of <br />any device or water use audit they purchase. Municipalities are also responsible for quarterly <br />reporting. <br /> <br />On March 25, 2024, the City of Little Canada submitted a grant application to the Metropolitan <br />Council. On May 24, 2024, the city was notified of an award of $15,000 as part of the grant. As <br />part of the grant, the city is responsible for the 20% match for a total of $3,750. Therefore, the <br />total funds available for applicants for the 2024-2026 grant period is $18,750. <br /> <br />Grants are awarded to municipalities for providing rebates or grants to property owners who <br />purchase products labeled WaterSense or ENERGY STAR®. <br /> <br />Additional requirements include: <br />• Applicants must be served by a municipal water supply system