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ADOPT A RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT A $160,000 REBATE FROM CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE COMPANY FOR THE EAST BAY MUNICIPAL UTILITIES DISTRICT GREENBELT TURF CONVERSION PROJECT
recommended action
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution to:
1. Authorize the City Manager to accept turf rebate funding of $160,000 from California Water Service Company for the East Bay Municipal Utilities District Greenbelt Turf Conversion Project, Project No. WP26047.
2. Appropriate the turf rebate funding in the amount of $160,000 to the East Bay Municipal Utilities District Greenbelt Turf Conversion Project, Project No. WP26047.
3. Authorize the City Manager to submit required documentation to California Water Service Company for reimbursement upon project completion.
It is also recommended that the City Manager be authorized to take any appropriate and necessary actions to carry out the purpose and intent of the resolution.
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Summary
In 2023, the State adopted Assembly Bill (AB) 1572, which will prohibit the use of potable water on non-functional turf at state and local government properties beginning January 1, 2028. City staff evaluated locations within the California Water Service Company (Cal Water) service area and confirmed that the East Bay Municipal Utilities District Greenbelt is an eligible and logistically feasible conversion site. The project will remove approximately 49,900 square feet of turf with drought-tolerant plantings and mulch, and update the irrigation system.
Cal Water does not require a rebate agreement. The only stipulation for receiving the rebate is that the project be completed by December 16, 2025, in accordance with the approved plans. Cal Water approved the project design in advance and issued a Notice to Proceed on November 6, 2025. Staff will need to submit pre- and post- construction documentation to receive reimbursement once project is completed. The project is being constructed by Al Fresco Landscaping Inc. (Al Fresco), the City’s landscape maintenance contractor, and will be completed by December 15, 2025.
It is recommended that Council adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to accept and appropriate $160,000 rebate funding from Cal Water for the East Bay Municipal Utilities District Greenbelt Turf Conversion project.
DISCUSSION
Background
In 2023, the State adopted Assembly Bill (AB) 1572, which will prohibit the use of potable water on non-functional turf at state and local government properties beginning January 1, 2028. Non-functional turf is defined as turf that is not used for recreational or community/assembly purposes. The East Bay Municipal Utilities District Greenbelt contains large, ornamental turf areas that meet the definition of non-functional turf under AB 1572. Converting these areas in advance of the compliance deadline allows the City to phase implementation gradually, avoid last-minute conversion requirements, reduce long-term irrigation demand, and align the site with water-efficient landscape standards.
Present Situation
City staff evaluated locations within the Cal Water service area and confirmed that the East Bay Municipal Utilities District Greenbelt is an eligible and logistically feasible conversion site. The project will replace approximately 49,900 square feet of turf with drought-tolerant plantings and mulch, and update the existing irrigation system to fit the new landscaping.
Cal Water has a rebate program for turf removal and replacement projects. The standard rebate rate is $3.00 per square foot of turf removed; however, Cal Water has confirmed that this project qualifies for a higher reimbursement amount based on the total project area and the anticipated reduction in potable irrigation water demand. This higher rebate amount is consistent with Cal Water’s program objective of prioritizing projects that result in high-efficiency conversion at a meaningful scale. Cal Water approved the final project plans and rebate amount.
Cal Water did not require a formal rebate agreement in advance of construction. The only stipulations for receiving the rebate are that the project must be completed by December 16, 2025, and the project must adhere to the approved design and planting plans. Staff will be required to submit pre- and post-construction documentation and Cal Water will reimburse the City following final inspection. Cal Water issued a Notice to Proceed on November 6, 2025, after which construction began.
The work is being completed by Al Fresco the City’s existing landscape maintenance contractor, by contract change order with temporary funding from the operating budget for Parks Maintenance. The amount of the change order is within the City Manager’s change order authority. The project will be completed by December 15, 2025.
As the construction was authorized administratively, the acceptance and appropriation of the rebate funds requires Council approval. Therefore, it is recommended that Council adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to accept and appropriate $160,000 rebate funding from Cal Water for the East Bay Municipal Utilities District Greenbelt Turf Conversion project.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
With the appropriation of $160,000 from the Cal Water turf rebate, there will be sufficient budget to complete the East Bay Municipal Utilities District Greenbelt Turf Conversion Project, Project No. WP26047.
There is no impact to the City’s General Fund or any other unrestricted fund as a result of taking the recommended actions.