HomeMy WebLinkAbout09.a. Water Efficiency Rebate ProgramI:\City Clerk\Agenda Items\Approved Items\9.a. Water Efficiency Rebate Program.docx
City Council Regular Meeting: July 2, 2018
E X E C U T I V E S U M M A R Y
AGENDA ITEM: Water Efficiency Rebate Program AGENDA SECTION:
New Business
PREPARED BY: Brian Erickson, PE, Director of Public
Works / City Engineer
AGENDA NO.: 9.a
ATTACHMENTS: None APPROVED BY: LJM
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Motion to approve a water efficiency rebate program for
smart irrigation controllers through December 31, 2019 or until $8,000 in rebates have
been issued.
ISSUE
Staff is requesting City Council approval to provide water efficiency rebates for smart irrigation
controllers. These controllers will allow property owners more control over their irrigation systems
in order to reduce the overall water demand on the system.
BACKGROUND
In the recent past, the City of Rosemount received a water efficiency grant from the Metropolitan
Council. This grant was provided for improvements such as low flow toilets and smart irrigation
controllers that property owners could make. The end results of those improvements are a lower
demand on the overall water system, reduced impact to the aquifer and a lower utility bill for the
residents.
At their June 18, 2018 meeting, the Utility Commission passed a motion requesting that this rebate
once again be offered to residents, but focus only on smart irrigation controllers. Staff agrees that
this rebate program could potentially reduce the demand on the current system in the months of
highest usage. Additionally, by providing this rebate through the end of 2019, potentially more
property owners can take advantage of the program through next summer. The rebate program
would operate the same as previously whereby residents can request up half of the cost or $150
maximum. Staff recommends providing up to $8,000 in grants through 2019, funded by the Water
Utility Fund.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff is requesting City Council approval to provide a water rebate program for smart irrigation
controllers through December 31, 2019 (which will result in a minor loss of revenue in the Water
Utility Fund) or until $8,000 in rebates has been issued.