Mayor and Councilmembers:

 

This is the weekly report for the week ending January 19^th, 2007.

 

1.         Meeting Notes

 

The next regular City Council meeting is on Tuesday, January 23^rd, convening at 8:30 AM for a Closed Session, reconvening for the swearing-in of Harpreet Sandhu at 6:30 PM, and followed by the regular business meeting of the City Council at 7:00 PM.  There will be a brief recess between the swearing-in and the beginning of the City Council business meeting to allow the public to “meet and greet” the new Councilmember.

 

2.         City Manager Schedule

 

As a reminder, I will be out of the office Monday through Wednesday, January 22-24, attending meetings in Washington.  At these meetings, I will be sharing information regarding current and potential projects and programs in Richmond that may have federal interest for funding with various staff from Congressman Miller’s office, and HUD.  During my absence, the ever-capable Leslie Knight will be Acting City Manager.

 

3.         Update on Richmond Library Solar Installation

 

The Public Works Department has received the annual update regarding the photovoltaic system located on the main library.  The information shows that, over the past year, the library system has preformed at 104% of the predicted energy output. The data also indicate that the library system generated a total of 109,937 kWh of electricity in 2006.  As a frame of reference, the value of this energy (based on a 13 cent per kWh value) is equivalent to $14,291.81 for 2006.

 

Summary data for the system’s performance since it became operational shows that it has generated a total of 341,938 kWh of electricity.  Again, using the 13 cent per kWh energy cost figure, the dollar value of this energy is $44,451.94.  This represents a total performance of the system at 105% of the predicted system output.  The manufacturer anticipates a 25 year life span for the library solar panels, so many more years of energy production might be anticipated.

 

In sum, it seems that the system is functioning as designed and is consistently producing the amount of renewable energy that was predicted.  The cumulative environmental impacts of the system’s operation to date can be quantified as any one of following:

 

·         Avoiding the release of 108 tons of carbon dioxide into atmosphere;

·         Saving 30 acres of forest;

·         Not driving 270,584 miles.

 

4.         National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (Stormwater, Non-Point Source) Financial Status

 

As you may know, the City levies a fee of $32 per residential equivalent unit (REU) to fund programs that help eliminate non-point source pollutants from entering waterways as a result of stormwater runoff.  The Finance Department is currently analyzing the City’s Stormwater Fund fee structure which has not been adjusted since this annual rate of $32 per REU was established in 1992.  The Stormwater Fund finances the City’s street sweeping program, participation in the Contra County Clean Water Program, and activities related to two mandatory National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits.  The NPDES Permitting Program monitors discharge into the Bay.  Increased revenue options include a possible rate increase pursuant to Proposition 218 (requires simple majority voter approval), funding of street-sweeping through a surcharge on rubbish bills, as well as a bond financing program for capital improvements of the Stormwater Collection System.  We will keep you informed as this analysis moves forward.

 

 Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or comments about these or any other items of interest to you.

Have a great week!