The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has released a request for proposals (RFP) for a Solar America Cities - Technical Outreach grant. Through this RFP, DOE seeks one or more partner organizations to provide a maximum number of local governments with technical outreach and information that will enable them to accelerate solar energy deployment. The goal is to reach multiple levels of local government stakeholders through this effort, such as mayors and city council members, county officials, sustainability and environmental staff, and planners. It is expected that $10.5 million will be made available, with one award anticipated.

OTHER INFORMATION

Arizona State University’s (ASU) Global Institute of Sustainability (GIOS) has agreed to take the lead in assembling a proposal team to apply for the grant on behalf of the City of Phoenix and other Sustainable Cities Network participants. As part of this process, ASU’s GIOS would like the City of Phoenix to participate on the proposal team and provide input on what solar education topics should be included in this grant. The grant specifically requests applicants to focus on many relevant areas including solar policies and regulations, financial incentives, workforce training, and utility and community engagement. City staff will work with ASU’s GIOS to provide data and other relevant information to assist in the development of the grant application. The submittal deadline for this grant opportunity is October 15, 2009.

The Transportation, Infrastructure and Sustainability Subcommittee recommended approval of this item at the October 8, 2009 meeting.

RECOMMENDATION

This report recommends City Council approval for the City of Phoenix to partner with ASU’s GIOS and the Sustainable Cities Network in applying for a $10.5 million Solar America Cities - Technical Outreach grant.

CITY COUNCIL REPORT
CONSENT AGENDA
TO:	Alton Washington Assistant City Manager	AGENDA DATE:		October 21, 2009
FROM:	Bob Khan Fire Chief	ITEM:	2
SUBJECT:	AUTHORIZATION TO APPLY FOR FIRE ACT GRANTS

This report requests Council authorization for the Fire Department to apply for up to three grants through the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Domestic Preparedness, Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grant Program. The application period opened September 21, 2009, and the deadline for submittals is October 23, 2009.

THE ISSUE

Fire Prevention and Safety Grants support projects that enhance the safety of the public and firefighters from fire-related hazards. The primary goal is to target high-risk populations, firefighter safety, and mitigate high incidences of death and injury.

Examples of the types of projects supported by FP&S include fire prevention and public safety education campaigns, juvenile fire-setter interventions, media campaigns, and arson prevention and awareness programs.

Each applicant may summit up to three projects within one application. With Council approval, we intend to apply for funding for a bar coding system that can be used to track the location and function of firefighters on an emergency scene and track fire fighting equipment and a second grant for two mobile education trailers (a mobile kitchen fire simulator that provides information and training on kitchen fires for teenagers and adults and a mobile fire safety house which provides information and training on exit plans from the home for children).

The third grant request will be for 1,200 new technology smoke alarms and identification shirts for volunteers that install these alarms. These alarms allow parents to record their voice with a message to wake up their children. If the device detects smoke, it sounds an alarm and plays the parent’s voice message. These alarms have proven to be very effective with young children that might not be as receptive to the normal sound of a smoke alarm.

The total amount of these three grants will not exceed $300,000. The FP&S grant normally requires a 20 percent local match. A component of the 2009 FP&S program may waive the normal match. If the match is required, funds are available in the Fire Department’s Urban Survival restricted fund. This fund is reserved for the purchase of fire prevention and public education materials.

RECOMMENDATION

The Fire Department is requesting authorization to apply for up to three Fire Act Grants.

CITY COUNCIL REPORT
CONSENT AGENDA
TO:	Rick Naimark Deputy City Manager Ruth Osuna Deputy City Manager	AGENDA DATE:		October 21, 2009
FROM:	John A. Trujillo Acting Public Works Director Tammy J. Perkins Executive Assistant to the City Manager	ITEM:	3
SUBJECT:	PHOENIX CITY HALL 11TH FLOOR BALCONY GREEN ROOF RETROFIT DEMONSTRATION PROJECT PARTNERSHIP

This report requests City Council approval to enter into a partnership with Arizona Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (AzASLA) and take the necessary steps to accept and receive financial and in-kind services/donations for AzASLA to design, construct, and maintain a green roof retrofit demonstration project on the 11^th floor balcony of Phoenix City Hall.

THE ISSUE

During a Green Phoenix briefing this summer, representatives from the AzASLA volunteered to explore the possibilities of creating a green roof retrofit demonstration project for the 11th floor balcony of Phoenix City Hall.

OTHER INFORMATION

The volunteer AzASLA team completed research about the project site, building constraints, weather (including temperature and wind) on the balcony, plant possibilities, and possible levels of corporate support for the design, construction, and maintenance of the project. AzASLA team members also met with City staff from Engineering and Architectural Services, Water Services, Parks and Recreation, and Public Works. The team is focused on a simple design that provides a pleasant outdoor space and exhibits green roof design techniques, materials, and products.

The AzASLA plan includes steps to:

• Develop a master plan based on feedback from the City

• Create public awareness of the project

• Generate corporate financial support for the design, construction, and maintenance of the project

• Develop an exit plan in the event operations and maintenance conditions change that

would bring the balcony back to its original condition

• Create construction drawings

· Participate in standard City design and construction review process

• Provide presentation boards, color brochures, and material samples for display during Greenbuild 2009 conference activities

• Continue to work with City staff to ensure that all safety, maintenance, and structural issues are addressed in the design and construction process

The Transportation, Infrastructure and Sustainability Subcommittee recommended full City Council approval of this partnership at their October 8, 2009 Subcommittee meeting.

RECOMMENDATION

Staff requests City Council approval to enter into a partnership with The Arizona Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (AzASLA) and to take the necessary steps to accept and receive financial and in-kind services/donations for AzASLA to design, construct, and maintain a green roof retrofit demonstration project on the 11^th floor balcony of Phoenix City Hall.

Official Web Site of the City of Phoenix

Phoenix - All America City - 2009

CITY COUNCIL REPORT
CONSENT AGENDA
TO:	Rick Naimark Deputy City Manager	AGENDA DATE:		October 21, 2009
FROM:	John A. Trujillo Acting Public Works Director	ITEM:	1
SUBJECT:	SOLAR AMERICA CITIES GRANT APPLICATION