This is the weekly report for the week ending April 19th, 2013.
The next City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 23rd beginning with a Closed Session at 5:00 PM, followed by the regular agenda (primarily consisting of study sessions and carryover items) beginning at 6:30 PM.
- MCE Clean Energy Program Update
What is the MCE Clean Energy Program?
MCE is a public agency and not-for-profit electricity provider that gives customers the choice of having 50% to 100% of their electricity supplied from clean, renewable sources such as solar, wind, bioenergy, and hydroelectric at competitive rates.
Community Choice Aggregation programs such as MCE allow cities and counties to offer their citizens and businesses another option for where to purchase electricity besides the current utility (PG&E). MCE's goal is to provide a greater support for renewable energy at competitive rates to Richmond residents and businesses. By choosing MCE, Richmond's electric customers help support the development of new in-state and local renewable energy generation.
MCE Community Meeting – Monday, April 22nd
The MCE Clean Energy program and the City of Richmond are co-hosting a community meeting that will provide a presentation, discussion and Q&A about Richmond's new electricity options. The meeting will be hosted by the City of Richmond and the public power agency MCE. The meeting will take place on Monday, April 22nd from 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM at Lavonya DeJean Middle School, 3400 Macdonald Avenue. Please see the linked flyer for meeting details.
MCE Program Enrollment and Opt Out Notices
MCE sends five notices as part of its effort to help electric customers make an informed decision. The notices will inform customers of the electricity service choices they have with instructions on how to opt out or how to obtain more information about the program.
MCE began mailing the first opt out notice to electricity customers the week of April 1st. Electric customers continued to receive the first opt out notice through the week of April 15th.
A second and third notice will be mailed in the latter part of April and in May. Richmond electric customers will be enrolled with MCE service in July 2013, on their regularly scheduled meter read date unless they choose to opt out. In July, all electric customers in Richmond will be enrolled in MCE's Light Green 50% renewable energy option unless they choose to opt out. Richmond customers have 3 electricity options:
- MCE ‘Light Green’ 50% renewable energy (automatic enrollment and competitive rates with PG&E)
- MCE ‘Deep Green’ 100% renewable energy (a penny more per kilowatt hour)
- PG&E electric supply that is 20% renewable energy
After the July enrollment, a fourth and fifth notice will be mailed to remind customers of their account enrollment with MCE. For no charge, Richmond customers will have the option to opt out of the program beginning in April. Customers who choose to opt out after 60 days of service with MCE will be charged a one-time $5 (residential) or $25 (commercial) administrative fee.
A rate comparison calculator is available on the MCE website - www.mceCleanEnergy.com. Based on current rates for PG&E as well as MCE proposed rates (scheduled to become effective in April 2013), MCE will cost Richmond residential customers about $0.59 more per month on average, and commercial customers will see an overall cost savings. This rate comparison reflects proposed rates of April 1st and is a “snap shot in time” comparison. It is important to note that these rates are likely to change as PG&E typically changes rates three times per year. MCE changes their rates once per year in April and the proposed changes are reflected in the rate comparison.
Electric customers who 1) choose to opt out, 2) opt up to ‘Deep Green’ 100% renewable energy, or 3) would like more information, should call 1 (888) 632-3674 or visit www.mceCleanEnergy.com. The opt out instructions, phone number and additional information are also included in the opt out notice customers will receive in the mail.
- RichmondBUILD Awarded Energy Efficiency Training Funds
On April 4th, the Marin Energy Authority (MEA), the governing board for the MCE Clean Energy program, approved an award of $45,000 to RichmondBUILD to provide energy efficiency training to a cohort of 20 trainees during the summer of 2013. The partnership aims to train Richmond residents for jobs that will be created by the MCE energy efficiency programs that provide multifamily and commercial business technical assistance and energy efficiency incentives to complete energy upgrades.
The MEA Board also approved a $56,664 dollar contract with the non-profit Rising Sun Energy Center to train and supervise Richmond youth enrolled in the Richmond Youth Work’s Summer Youth Employment Program. The program will provide free of charge “Green House Calls” to Richmond residents that live in multifamily dwellings. The “Green House Calls” will provide free water and energy efficiency measures including energy efficient light bulbs, faucet aerators and efficient shower heads. The program is set to begin in June 2013 and be offered through fall this year.
The City Manager’s Office will soon provide more information about how interested residents, businesses and multifamily property managers can enroll in the energy efficiency programs.
- 1st Annual Upcycle! Richmond Interactive Market-Festival
The Richmond Art Center at 2540 Barrett Avenue, in partnership with the City of Richmond and numerous East Bay organizations, will host the 1st Annual Upcycle! Festival in Richmond on Saturday, April 20th from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM. This free, interactive market-festival and Earth Day celebration will showcase hands-on art, science and alternative energy projects for the whole family.
At the Upcycle! Event, participants can:
- Unleash their creativity by making marionette puppets or screenprinting a t-shirt with teachers from the Richmond Art Center;
- Paint records and album covers with artists from the National Institute of Art & Disabilities;
- Explore the world of science and bubble-ology (large bubbles) with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory;
- Design a tiny sweeper robot that cleans up environmental spills with California 4-H;
- Watch objects come to life with the solar-powered 3D printer from Bridge Art Space; and
- Learn organic gardening techniques and enjoy slushies with Urban Tilth’s bike-powered slushy maker.
Upcycle! Richmond is a great time to learn more about biking. Participants will have the opportunity to customize their bike using paint and recycled materials with the help of the original Scraper Bike Crew and "Baybe Champ" Tyrone Stevenson, Oakland's scraper bike king. Participants can also learn about biking in Richmond and valet park their bicycle with Rich City Rides or watch a presentation about a bicycle trip from Patagonia to Alaska and back with Indira Urritia and Marc Hors.
Upcycle! Richmond is sponsored by Kaiser Permanente, Bay City Mechanical, Inc., EBMUD, and RecycleMore West Contra Costa Integrated Waste Management Authority.
- Richmond Recovery Rebate (R3) Program Completion
As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), commonly referred to as “the stimulus,” the City of Richmond Environmental Initiatives Division was awarded $955,100 by the Department of Energy (DOE) to create new jobs, spur economic activity and invest in long-term growth. The City was notified by the Department of Energy this week that all expenses of the grant-funded program were approved and the City has been fully reimbursed by the DOE.
One of the highlights of the City’s stimulus-funded programs was the City’s residential energy rebate program called the Richmond Recovery Rebate (R3) program. The R3 program made rebates available to Richmond homeowners for home assessments, energy efficiency upgrades and solar panel installations. The R3 program was tremendously successful in meeting the ARRA investment and job-growth goals and serves as an innovative case study for Richmond to seek additional grant funding for community development programs that provides social, environmental and economic returns. Within one year, the R3 program provided nearly $380,000 in rebates to over 200 Richmond homes, spurred over $2,000,000 in total economic activity and created approximately 24 new, local jobs. The R3 program displays how Richmond policies are strengthening the local economy, improving quality of life and facilitating a pathway to greenhouse gas reduction. To find about more about the program, view the Environmental Initiatives’ final report and visit www.richmondenvironment.org.
- Comprehensive Annual Financial Report Issued
This past Monday, the City of Richmond issued its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2012. The CAFR received an unqualified opinion from the City’s external auditors, Maze & Associates. The CAFR presents the financial position and results of the City’s operations, as well as cash flows of its proprietary funds for the fiscal year then ended.
This year’s CAFR was particularly complex because of the many accounting changes and new laws regarding the dissolution of Redevelopment Agencies in the State of California. In conjunction with the issuance of the CAFR, the City’s application for the Excellence in Financial Reporting Award was submitted to the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). This certificate of achievement, which the City has received in each of the past four years, is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting.
The CAFR is available on the City’s website at the following link:
http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/index.aspx?nid=1000.
- Richmond ESC & Global Youth Service Day
Get your SERVE on! Join millions of youth around the world who are addressing the most important issues in their communities on Global Youth Service Day. Richmond ESC – Excellence Serving our Community – is the lead agency for the City of Richmond’s inaugural participation in Global Youth Service Day. Richmond youth will be volunteering the whole month of April. Check out the projects listed below and get involved today!! Call 237-SERV (7378) for more information.
WCCUSD Walk-a-thon and Earth Day*
Saturday, April 20, 2013 from 9:00 AM- 2:00 PM
Shimada Friendship Park in Richmond, CA
Styrofoam Prevention
Saturday, April 20, 2013 at 11:00 AM- 2:00PM
Shimada Friendship Park in Richmond, CA
Plastic Conservation: Water Bottles
Saturday, April 20, 2013 from 11:00 AM- 2:00PM
Shimada Friendship Park in Richmond, CA
Richmond Tales Fest 2013*
Saturday, April 20, 2013 from 11:00 AM- 3:30 PM
Civic Center Plaza in Richmond, CA
Take a Stand! Stop Bullying!
Friday, April 26, 2013 from 8:30 AM- 3:30 PM (tentative)
Lavonya Dejean Middle School in Richmond, CA
Rape/Sexual Assault Awareness Workshop*
(11th & 12th grade female students only)
Saturday, April 27, 2013 from 10:00 AM- 2:00 PM
Richmond High School in Richmond, CA
Global Youth Service Day in Honor of Cesar Chavez*
Saturday, April 27, 2013 from 10:00 AM- 2:00 PM
Richmond Greenway- in Richmond, CA
Butterfly & Caterpillar Garden Project
Saturday, April 27, 2013 from 10:00 AM- 2:30 PM
Richmond Greenway- Edible Forest Garden in Richmond, CA
Healthy Kids Day*
Saturday, April 27, 2013 from 11:00 AM- 2:00 PM
Coronado Community YMCA in Richmond, CA
Peace Celebration Festival*
Saturday, April 27, 2013 from 10:00 AM- 2:00 PM
Contra Costa College, Amphitheatre in San Pablo, CA
San Pablo Youth Commission Childhood Obesity Prevention Project
Saturday, May 4, 2013 from 10:00 AM- 5:00 PM
St. Paul Church Parking Lot in San Pablo, CA
Drop-out Prevention-Keeping Students in School!
Wednesday, May 15, 2013 from 06:30 PM (tentative)
Lavonya DeJean Middle School in Richmond, CA
GYSD Youth Recognition Ceremony* RSVP Only
Thursday, May 16, 2013 from 5:00 PM- 8:00 PM
Richmond Auditorium Lobby in Richmond, CA
*Signature event with expected attendance of 100+
Earth Day 2013 is Monday, April 22nd. This weekend and in the weeks following, many communities and organizations will be celebrating Earth Day by sponsoring local events. If you are free and looking for something fun to do around Richmond and snearby communities, please consider attending one or more of the events listed below:
West County Earth Day
When: Saturday, April 20th, 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Where: Shimada Friendship Park on South Marina Parkway in Richmond
Earth Day Celebration at the John Muir National Historic Site
When: Saturday, April 20th, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Where: John Muir National Historic Site, 4202 Alhambra Avenue at Highway 4 in Martinez, California
http://www.johnmuirassociation.org/php/bday-earthday/bday-earthday.php
Earth Day Event- Mt. Diablo Recycling Center
When: Saturday, April 20th
Two identical free sessions available: Session one from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM and session two from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM.
Where: Mt. Diablo Recycling Center at 1300 Loveridge Road
http://business.concordchamber.com/events/details/funtastic-family-earth-day-celebration-2518
Diablo Valley College (DVC) Earth Day Celebration
When: Monday, April 22nd, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Where: DVC Student Union
Earth Day Celebration and Ribbon Cutting - Republic Services
When: Wednesday, April 24th, 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Where: 441 N. Buchanan Circle Pacheco, CA 94553 - (925) 603-1383
Green Footprint Festival
When: Thursday, June 13th, 2013, 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Where: Small World Park, 2551 Harbor Street, Pittsburg, CA 94565
- West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD) Town Hall Meetings to Discuss School District Action Plan
WCCUSD will be holding a series of community meetings to gather information for a new strategic plan for the district. The meeting schedule is as follows:
10:00 AM April 27th, El Cerrito High School multipurpose room, 540 Ashbury Ave.
6:30 PM May 9th, Pinole Middle School multipurpose room, 1575 Mann Drive
10:00 AM May 11th, Kennedy High School library, 4300 Cutting Blvd., Richmond
Gardening
On Friday, April 12th, three volunteers from Home Depot assisted seniors with replanting the garden boxes at the Annex Senior Center. The volunteers also taught the seniors how to plant in rows, how to keep pests away and installed cages for tomato vines. Afterwards the Annex center staff served lunch to all participants for their hard work.
Parchester Community Center
On Saturday April 13th, the Parchester Neighborhood Council presented their Neighborhood College Scholarship to Parchester resident Aminah Mitchel-Starks. Aminah did volunteer work at the Parchester Community Center helping children with homework. Aminah was awarded a $500 scholarship for the upcoming school year. Congratulations Aminah!
Adult Men’s Tennis
The Richmonders 3.0 Men's USTA Tennis Team has made the playoffs!
The first play-off match against perennial powerhouse, Oakland/Laney, will be on Saturday, April 20th, at 10:00 AM at Nicholl Park.
Come on out and cheer our guys on!
Facilities Maintenance: Carpenters poured concrete slurry for the electrical conduits on the Richmond Parkway and have begun restroom repairs at Shields Reid Community Center.
Painters completed targeted offices on the third floor of 440 Civic Center Plaza for the move of the National Parks Services offices and the lobby of the Richmond Auditorium.
Stationary Engineers repaired and replaced the emergency eye wash station in the Corporation Yard, installed cord reels at Fire Station #68, and repaired the air conditioning units at the May Valley Police Substation and Fire Station #63.
Delivery of Boilers to 440 Civic Center Plaza
Electricians continue to work on the Richmond Parkway lighting project.
Richmond Parkway Lighting Project
Parks and Landscaping Division: This week crews continued with vegetation management in the Very High Severity Zones (VHSZ), performed landscape cleanup at Point Molate Beach Park, Kern Play Lot and Humphrey Play Lot, pruned brush at the Fire Training Center, performed weed abatement on Giant Road off ramps, installed mulch along Robert Miller Drive, and performed irrigation repairs at North Richmond Ball field.
Tree crews completed work on 26th Street, 27th Street, Park Place and at LaMoine Park.
Streets Division: This week the paving crew dug out 40th Street and worked on filling potholes from the outstanding pothole list.
Street sweeping services were performed in commercial and residential areas for the third Monday through Friday in North Richmond, Iron Triangle, North/South Belding Woods, Atchison Village, Santa Fe, Coronado, Marina Bay, and Point Richmond neighborhood council areas.
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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!
You can sign up to receive the City Manager’s weekly report and other information from the City of Richmond by visiting:
www.ci.richmond.ca.us/list.aspx
Bill Lindsay
City Manager
City of Richmond
450 Civic Center Plaza
Richmond, California 94804
(510) 620-6512
Bill_lindsay@ci.richmond.ca.us
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