Title
Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement with Alameda County Waste Management Authority Creating the Energy Council and Agreeing to Become a Member of the Energy Council
Body
WHEREAS, the City of San Leandro City Council adopted a Climate Action Plan (CAP) on December 21, 2009 to identify a prioritized plan of action for achieving a twenty-five (25) percent reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from 2005 levels by the year 2020; and
WHEREAS, enhancing the energy efficiency in buildings throughout the City of San Leandro is a critical component of the CAP, with the guiding principle of “Reduce then Produce”; and
WHEREAS, the Alameda County Waste Management Authority (herein referred to as StopWaste.Org) in the course of implementing the Countywide Integrated Waste Management Plan has made an ongoing, coordinated effort to reduce the emissions that cause climate change, improve air quality, reduce waste, cut energy use and save money through its Green Building program, the Green Packages project, and the Energy Upgrade California program; and
WHEREAS, StopWaste.Org has successfully secured several energy-related grants, including approximately $8 million in economic stimulus funding on behalf of its member agencies; and
WHEREAS, there is an opportunity to continue and expand the types of energy efficiency programs through funding from multiple sources, including regional/state/federal agencies, investor owned utilities and private foundations; and
WHEREAS, based on input from potential funders, a Joint Exercise of Powers agency that is expressly authorized to seek and expend energy-related funds -- separate from the existing Alameda County Waste Management Authority -- would provide a clear signal that our region prioritizes energy management and has established a dedicated governance structure for this purpose; and
WHEREAS, the attached Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement would create an independent Energy Council to seek funding; develop and implement sustainable energy initiatives that reduce energy demand, increase energy efficiency; and advance the use of clean, efficient, and renewable resources available in the region for the benefit of the member agencies and their constituents; and
WHEREAS, becoming a member of the Energy Council will benefit the City of San Leandro in providing greater competitiveness in obtaining funding, access to specialized energy related technical expertise and services, and assistance to strengthen local staff capacity; and
WHEREAS, no debt, liability, or obligation or obligation of the Energy Council shall constitute a debt, liability or obligation of the City of San Leandro pursuant to Government Code section 6508.1 and the terms of the agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of San Leandro does RESOLVE as follows:
That the attached Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement for the Energy Council is hereby approved and execution by the City Manager is hereby authorized; and
That membership in the Energy Council is hereby authorized.