2019.09.16 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 2 3. 2019 GRANT APPLICATION: Staff is proposing to submit an application to the Metropolitan Council Water Efficiency Grant Program. The proposed grant amount from the City is $48,750, with the understanding that Hugo is responsible to provide a local match of $16,250. This money has been set aside in the water utility fund. If the grant is awarded, the City could use the money to offer a grant program to residents. 4. PROPOSED GRANT PROGRAM: Staff has come up with a proposed water efficient program for the grant. The awarded funds could be used to purchase 350 smart irrigation controllers and allow residents to purchase controllers at a discounted rate. By replacing a standard clock timer with an Environment Protection Agency (EPA) WaterSense labeled irrigation controller, an average household can save up to 8,800 gallons of water annually. If 350 Hugo households replace their irrigation controllers with an EPA WaterSense labeled controller, three million gallons of water can be saved a year. A typical smart irrigation controller has a retail price of $230, however, the City could receive a 20-40% discount when buying in bulk. Residents would be able to purchase the controller for $30 at City Hall. Through the program, the City could make back up to $10,500 of the $16,250 invested. The City would market the program through flyers sent out in the water utility bills, the spring newsletter, an article in the Citizen newspaper, and additional marketing online. Devices: The Rachio 3 Smart Irrigation Controller is EPA WaterSense certified and uses local weather and landscape conditions to tailor watering schedules to actual conditions on site, instead of irrigating using a controller with a clock and preset timer. The City is proposing to purchase 300 8-zone and 50 16-zone Rachio 3 Smart Irrigation Controllers for a total of 350 controllers, which will be available for residents to purchase. Eligibility Criteria to Purchase a Rachio 3 Smart Irrigation Controller: • Must be a resident of the City of Hugo. • Must have a currently functional irrigation system. • The existing controller must have been installed prior to 2019. • Must have in -home Wi-Fi strength at your existing controller by making sure that your smartphone picks up at least two bars. • Must have a smartphone, which is necessary to program and to operate the controller. Guidelines: • Installation and programming of the new controller is the responsibility of the property owner.