Title
RESOLUTION NO. R17-16
A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GLENDALE, MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA, AUTHORIZING ACCEPTANCE OF AND DIRECTING THE ENTERING INTO OF THE ARIZONA STATE FORESTRY DIVISION, ARIZONA COMMUNITY CHALLENGE GRANT AGREEMENT NO. CCG 16-101, FOR THE GLENDALE DESERT FOOD FOREST IN THE CITY OF GLENDALE.
Staff Contact: Craig Johnson, P.E., Director, Water Services
end
Purpose and Recommended Action
Recommendation
This is a request for City Council to waive reading beyond the title and adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to accept the Community Challenge Grant from the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, in the amount of $10,000 to fund the Glendale Desert Food Forest; and enter into grant agreement number CCG 16-101..body
Background
In the Phoenix metropolitan area, outdoor water usage typically makes up more than half of a resident’s total water usage. Much of this water is used to support lawns and ornamental plants that require more resources and maintenance than desert-adapted plants. The City of Glendale has seen an increase in the number of residents interested in learning how to transform their lawns into more water-efficient desert gardens. Since growing desert edibles is gaining popularity, there is a growing need for educational resources and demonstration sites that are relevant to our unique climate.
The Glendale Desert Food Forest grant will help support this need by showcasing desert-edible trees, shrubs, perennials, and succulents that homeowners can successfully grow, harvest, and enjoy in their own landscapes. The City of Glendale is also recognized as a Tree City USA community that is actively involved in promoting the stewardship of our urban forest. There are multiple benefits of a Food Forest, such as providing a local food source, serving as habitat for local wildlife, and improving air and storm water quality.
Acceptance of this grant will provide funding to develop a Food Forest demonstration site along with educational resources for homeowners looking for water-efficient desert-edible gardening tips. It will enable the city to fulfill a best management practice, as listed by the Arizona Department of Water Resources’ Modified Non Per-Capita Conservation Program, by enhancing conservation education and training. This grant will also allow the city to partner with community experts to leverage resources and offer garden presentations and tours.
Analysis
The grant by the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management assists agencies in promoting and enhancing the quality of Arizona’s urban and community forests. The grant is valid for one year once the agreement is signed by both parties.
Community Benefit/Public Involvement
Acceptance of this grant will provide a demonstration and resource for visitors who want to create a desert food forest that benefits people, native wildlife, and the environment. The Water Services Department will partner with the Community Services Department and offer programming about the Sonoran Desert at the Glendale libraries.
Budget and Financial Impacts
The grant award totals $10,000. A matching 50% in-kind cost amount of $13,558.50 is required by the City. This amount will be paid by the Water Services Department - Conservation and Sustainable Living Division and will include time contributed by staff, volunteers, and grant partners. The in-kind will also include the landscape design and partial construction costs for the Food Forest and educational outreach.
|
Cost |
Fund-Department-Account |
|
$13,558.50 |
2400-17410-518200, Water Conservation |
Capital Expense? No
Budgeted? Yes
Requesting Budget or Appropriation Transfer? No
If yes, where will the transfer be taken from?