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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20142387.tiff RESOLUTION RE: APPROVE APPLICATION FOR ENERGY AND MINERAL IMPACT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM GRANT FOR 2014 WELD COUNTY SMART ENERGY PROGRAM - ALT FUELS PROGRAM GRANT AND AUTHORIZE ELECTRONIC SUBMITTAL WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, Colorado, pursuant to Colorado statute and the Weld County Home Rule Charter, is vested with the authority of administering the affairs of Weld County, Colorado, and WHEREAS,the Board has been presented with an Application for the Energy and Mineral Impact Assistance Program Grant for the 2014 Weld County Smart Energy Program —Alt Fuels Program Grant from the County of Weld, State of Colorado, by and through the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, on behalf of the Department of Finance and Administration, to the Colorado Department of Local Affairs, commencing upon full execution, with further terms and conditions being as stated in said application, and WHEREAS, after review, the Board deems it advisable to approve said application, a copy of which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, Colorado, that the Application for the Energy and Mineral Impact Assistance Program Grant for the 2014 Weld County Smart Energy Program — Alt Fuels Program Grant from the County of Weld, State of Colorado, by and through the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, on behalf of the Department of Finance and Administration, to the Colorado Department of Local Affairs be, and hereby is, approved. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the Board that the electronic submittal of this application be, and hereby is, authorized. The above and foregoing Resolution was, on motion duly made and seconded, adopted by the following vote on the 30th day of July, A.D., 2014. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WELD COUNTY, COLORADO ATTEST:d XL' tit: n Inr, pr(6„v,c fir glas/ ademachbbbr Chair Weld County Clerk to the Boar ' f ‘612 Jika p ,u t' ` ara Kirkmeyer Pro-Tem BY Deputy CI to the Board iJ t °S Sean USED Sean P. Conway APPROVED AS TO FORM: < Mike Fre(�� A k• Count A orney -' . Date of signature: 2/.3D 6 is .'Garcia CC : Pie(�,4O 2014-2387 7/3D//y F10059 Rev. 3/5/14 (For Use by State) State of Colorado - Department of Local Affairs ENERGY AND MINERAL IMPACT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM APPLICATION Tier I or Tier II Applications Must Be Submitted Electronically - Directions on Last Page -You are Highly Encouraged to Work with your Regional Field Manager with Completing your Application- A. GENERAL AND SUMMARY INFORMATION 1 . Name/Title of Proposed Project: 2014 Weld County Smart Energy Program — Alt Fuels Program Grant 2. Applicant: Weld County (In the case of a multi-jurisdictional application, name of the "lead" municipality. county. special district or other political subdivision). In the case of a multi-:urisdictional application, provide the names of other directly participating political subdivisions: 3. Chief Elected Official (In the case of a multi-jurisdictional application , chief elected official of the "lead" political subdivision): Name: Douglas Rademacher Title: Chair Mailing Address: 1150 O Street Phone: City/Zip: Greeley, CO 80550 Phone: 970-356-4000 E-Mail Address: drademacher@weldgov.com 4. Designated Contact Person (will receive all mailings) for the Application: Name: Barbara Connolly Title: Controller Mailing Address: 1150 O Street Phone: City/Zip: Greeley, CO 80550 Phone: 970-356-4000 E-Mail Address: bconnolly@weldgov.com 5. Amount of Energy/Mineral Impact Funds requested : (Tier I; Up to $200,000 or Tier II; Greater than $200,000 to $2,000, 000) Tier 2 - $225,000 6. Brief Description of the Project Scope of Work: (Give a brief introduction to the project in 100 words or less, including the various tasks involved in the project) Weld County's Smart Energy Plan promotes the use of natural gas as the alternative transportation fuel. With new CNG stations being constructed, more CNG vehicles are needed to support the stations supply. By local governments converting their fleets, it promotes the effort to reduce our dependency on foreign oil and utilize a natural resource found within the county. Weld County is the third largest county in the state and is in the unique situation of being located both in and out of the 8-hour ozone non-attainment boundary. Northern Weld County is located within the attainment boundary. This grant request is to assist with the cost for the purchase of six natural gas vehicles. Six of the vehicles would be bi-fuel sedans, such as Impala's for the Sheriffs Office. The final vehicle would be a 12 liter tandem truck for Public Works to assist with operations, including snow removal for roads impacted by oil and gas. In addition to Weld County's fleets, the Smart Energy Program has afforded Weld County the opportunity to partner with other local governments to incorporate natural gas vehicles (NGVs) as part of their fleet replacement program. These agencies include: City of Evans, City of Fort Lupton , City of Evans Fire Department, LaSalle Fire Protection District, Town of LaSalle, Town of Pierce, Town of Kersey, Platteville-Gilcrest Fire Protection District, Ault-Pierce Fire Protection District, Mountain View Fire District, Town of Keenesburg , Town of Hudson . Town of Platteville, Town of Gilcrest, and RE-1 Weld County School District. 7. Local priority if more than one application from the same local government (1 of 2. 2 of 2, etc.) 1 of 1 Page 1 of 8 Rev 3/5/14 B. DEMOGRAPHIC AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION. 1. Population a. What was the 2010 population of the applicant jurisdiction? 254,230 b. What is the current population? 276,076 (Current/most recent conservation trust fund/lottery distribution estimate is acceptable.)What is the source of the estimate? c. What is the population projection for the applicant in 5 years? 319,286 What is the source of the projection? DOLA 2. Financial Information (Current Year): In the column below labeled"Applicant"provide the financial information for the municipality, county,school district or special district directly benefiting from the application. In the columns below labeled"Entity",provide the financial information for any public entities on whose behalf the application is being submitted(if applicable). Complete items "a through j"for ALL project types: Applicant Entity Entity a. Assessed Valuation (AV) Year 2013 $7,014,069,937 b. Mill Levy 16.804 c. Property Tax Revenue (mill levy x AV) $117,873,505 d. Sales Tax (Rate/Estimated Annual Revenue) 0%/$0 % /$ %/$ e. Total General Fund Budget Revenue $107,005,862 f. Total Applicant Budget Expenditures (Sum of General Fund and all Special Funds) $255,832,866 g. General Fund Balance as of January 1 of this current calendar year. $12,516,585 h. General Fund Balance (Unrestricted) as of January 1 of this current calendar year. $12,516,585 i. Total Multi-year Debt Obligations(all funds*) $0 j. Total Lease-Purchase and Certificates of $o Participation obligations* For projects to be managed through a Special Fund other than the General Fund (e.g. County Road and Bridge Fund) or managed through an Enterprise Fund (e.g.water, sewer,county airport), complete items "k through o": Identify the relevant Special Fund or Enterprise Fund: k. Special or Enterprise Fund Budget Amount $55,581,423 I. Special or Enterprise Fund Multi-Year Debt $0 Obligations* m.Special or Enterprise Fund Balance as of $28,000,000 January 1 of this calendar year n. Special or Enterprise Fund Balance (Unrestricted) as of January 1 of this calendar $0 year o. Special or Enterprise Fund Lease-Purchase 1.639 and Certificate of Participation Obligations* p. Special Fund Mill Levy (if applicable) $0 For Water and Sewer Project Only complete items "q through s": q. Tap Fee r. Average Monthly User Charge (Divide sum of annual residential revenues by 12 and then divide by the number of residential taps served.) s. Number of Taps Served by Applicant •Include the sum of the year-end principal amounts remaining for all multi-year debt obligations, lease purchase agreements or certificate of participation notes Page 2 of 8 0 ° } >" E w v / }a c - �\ I77 Ill_-C O 73 O -co - 6 so O 02 44ac v _ - 2 \( E - —I {) ) \ -O 0 ° ® w = . | j ) ) \ \ 2 a92 t t » - - / ft a / ; 2 Lii§ $! - - 3 i' ( % � 8 ` a M C2 C = 03 - ■ | & - 2 » 2 O §7 e ; lk ) / \) ) ` ) j } O) ? C ao % - { O B } i k § k k na \ 2 � / . el lc on so CO MAlw el ) co ci x co | / u 11 - j E i ] _ \ §(0 a N v _ _ ] co E / § fin_ \ G ■ } / _i ) k r 2 co \} E in et L. CZ 0. . _ 2 ; � C « d am \ / C G k V C ) Rev. 3/5/14 D. PROJECT INFORMATION. The statutory purpose of the Energy and Mineral Impact Assistance program is to provide financial assistance to "political subdivisions socially or economically impacted by the development, processing or energy conversion of minerals and mineral fuels." 1. Demonstration of Need: a. Why is the project needed at this time? This project is needed to further the goals of the Weld Smart Energy Plan,which encourages fleets to replace gasoline and diesel vehicles with natural gas vehicles as part of an annual fleet replacement program. b. How does the implementation of this project address the need? This grant assists Weld County with converting six more fleet vehicles to natural gas. c. Does this project, as identified in this application, completely address the stated need? If not, please describe additional work or phases and the estimated time frame. Do you anticipate requesting Energy and Mineral Impact Assistance funds for future phases? This project addresses the current request. Weld County has more than 650 fleet vehicles. A good goal would be for a 10%fleet conversion. Weld County has approximately 45 Natural Gas Vehicles (NGVs). d. What other implementation options have been considered? To assist with fleet replacement,Weld County goes after transportation grants in the Upper Front Range TPR, North Front Range MPO, and DRCOG. e. What are the consequences if the project is not awarded funds? If funding is not awarded, it will take Weld County longer to convert our fleet and meet our alternative fuel fleet percentage goal. 2. Measurable Outcomes: a. Describe measurable outcomes you expect to see when implementation of this project is complete. How will the project enhance the livability* of your region, county, city, town or community(e.g. constructing a new water plant will eliminate an unsafe drinking water system and provide safe and reliable drinking water; the construction of a new community center will provide expanded community services, or projects achieving goals regarding energy conservation, community heritage, economic development/diversification, traffic congestion, etc.)? '(Livability means increasing the value and/or benefit in the areas that are commonly linked in community development such as jobs, housing,transportation, education,emergency mitigation, health and environment) Running vehicles on natural gas is a benefit to everyone. The vehicles have reduced air emissions, which all of us benefit from. In addition,the cheaper fuel prices save the county substantially in fuel costs. As well as, maintenance life cycles being extended because it is a cleaner fuel on the engine. b. How many people will benefit from the project? (i.e., region, county, city, town, community, subdivision, households or specific area or group; or any portion thereof) All of Weld County benefits from improved air quality. Weld County Government benefits from the cheaper fuel prices and extended vehicle life cycles. c. How will the outcome of the project be measured to determine whether the anticipated benefits to this population actually occur? The benefits will occur as soon as the vehicle is driven. The vehicles should easily last 200,000 miles or 15 years in Weld County's fleet. In addition,we measure success through the fuel savings we see by running on vehicles on natural gas. We anticipate approximately a 10% fuel cost savings. d. Does this project preserve and protect a historic building, facility or structure? If yes, please describe. N/A e. Will this project implement an energy efficiency/strategy that could result in less carbon footprint or conserve energy use or capitalize on renewable energy technology? If yes, please describe. Converting one heavy-duty truck from diesel to natural gas is the pollution reduction equivalent to removing 325 cars from the road. Natural Gas is the cleanest commercially available fuel for transportation today; it produces less overall emissions compared to gasoline or diesel vehicles; it reduces Green House Gas (GHG)emissions significantly when compared to diesel or gasoline fueled vehicles, and it is the Lowest Carbon Fuel. Natural gas is affordable,abundant, American,safe, and environmentally responsible for our air quality. 3. Relationship to Community Goals a. Is the project identified in the applicant's budget or a jurisdictionally approved plan (e.g. capital improvement plan, equipment replacement plan, comprehensive plan, utility plan, road maintenance and improvement plan or other local or regional strategic management or planning document)? What is its ranking? Yes,this project is part of Weld County's Fleet Replacement Program. Page 4 of 8 Rev. 3/5/14 4. Local Commitment and Ability to Pay/Local Effort a. Why can't this project be funded locally? Weld County cannot afford to replace every fleet vehicle. Therefore,the vehicles that qualify as part of the fleet replacement program are given priority. Weld County tries to convert 10 vehicles annually. b. Has this project been deferred because of lack of local funding? If so, how long? Yes, vehicles get deferred if there is not enough funding to help offset the cost of conversion to natural gas. c. Explain the origin of your local cash match. (Note: Whenever possible, local government cash match on a dollar for dollar match basis is encouraged.) The local match comes from Motor Pool. d. What other community entities, organizations, or stakeholders recognize the value of this project and are collaborating with you to achieve increased livability of the community? Please describe how your partners are contributing to achieve the improvement to the livability of the community through this project. If in-kind contributions are included in the project budget, detailed tracking will be required on project monitoring report. Weld County has experienced extremely positive results, especially through the organization of the Weld County Natural Gas Coalition. This collaborative effort has brought many agencies together to participate in fleet conversions,which have surpassed all of our expectations. Weld County is proud to be a leader in supporting the use of natural gas as an alternative transportation fuel. i. Please describe the level of commitment by each collaborator. (e.g. fee waivers, in-kind services, fundraising, direct monetary contribution, policy changes.) I Weld County will fund the cash match from the Motor Pool Fund. p ii. Please list the value of the resources that each collaborator is bringing to the program. e. Has the applicant dedicated the financial resources in their current budget, reserve funds and/or unused debt capacity that are being used for the local matching funds? Explain if No Yes,the funds will be included in the 2015 budget. f. Have the applicant's tax rates, user charges or fees been reviewed recently to address funding for the proposed project? This program is funded as part of the County's fleet replacement program. User charges or fees are not applicable. g. If the tax rate, user charges or fees were modified, what was the modification and when did this change occur? N/A h. Has the applicant contacted representatives from local energy or mineral companies to discuss the project? If yes, when was the contact and what was discussed. Anadarko, Noble, and Encana all helped fund the natural gas fueling stations available to the public for which the Natural Gas Coalition partners use to fuel their vehicles. i. Has the applicant requested financial support from the industry? If yes, when was the contact, what amount did you request? What were the results? If no, why not? Yes, Weld County asked the industry for monetary support. However, for this program,the Coalition sees the benefit of each agency focusing on converting their fleets. As a result, Noble, Anadarko, and Encana have all committed to converting their entire fleet to run on natural gas. 5. Readiness to Go a. Assuming this project is funded as requested, how soon will the project begin? Select One (X)Within 3 months, (_)3-6 months, (_)6-9 months or(j9-12 months? What is the time frame for completion? Select One (_)Within 3 months, (_)3-6 months, (_)6-9 months, (_)9-12 months or(_) >12 months. b. Describe how you determined that the project can be completed within the proposed budget as outlined in this application? Are contingencies considered within the project budget? If you can get bids out for vehicles in the current calendar year you will not see any delays. If award of the grant straddles a new vehicle year, it may take EPA 6-9 months to certify a new engine family. It is imperative to award NGVs as quickly as possible. Budget contingencies are not necessary for vehicle bids, unless OEM's significantly raise their prices from one model year to the next. Page 5 of 8 Rev. 3/5/14 c. Has the necessary planning been completed? How? What additional design work or permitting must still be completed, if any? When? How did the applicant develop project cost estimates? Is the project supported by bids, professional estimates or other credible information? Please attach a copy of any supporting documents. Weld County has the vehicle specifications,so no additional planning is needed. These vehicles can go to bid as soon as an executed contract is in place with the State. 6. Energy & Mineral Relationship a. Describe how the applicant is, has been, or will be impacted by the development, production, or conversion of energy and mineral resources. Weld County is the most impacted oil and gas county in the State. Not to mention, O&G activity continues to increase and so does ancillary uses associated with it. It makes a lot of sense for Weld County to use the resource is it so closely associated with. • b. To further document the impact in the area, name the company or companies involved, the number of employees associated with the activities impacting the jurisdiction and other relevant, quantitative indicators of energy/mineral impact. Weld County has more than 20,000 oil and gas wells, multiple drill rigs, water disposal facilities, and thousands of ancillary equipment county-wide. 7. Management Capacity a. How will you separate and track expenditures, maintain funds and reserves for the capital expenditures and improvements as described in this project? Weld County's Accounting Department is recognized as a Tier 3 local government by the State and can manage all invoicing information through Banner Accounting System. b. Describe the funding plan in place to address the new operating and maintenance expenses generated from the project? 1 N/A this program is part of the County's annual fleet replacement program. c. Describe the technical and professional experience/expertise of the person(s) and/or professional firms responsible to manage this project. Weld County has proven expertise in roadway improvement projects. Elizabeth Relford, Transportation Planner/Engineering Supervisor with Weld County will be responsible for managing this project. d. Does the project duplicate service capacity already established? Is the service inadequate? Has consolidation of services with another provider been considered? This program does not duplicate an existing service capacity but creates one. Natural Gas leaders are partnering on this effort because the benefits of using Natural Gas as an alternative transportation fuel are significant. By using natural gas as a transportation fuel: 1. Air quality will be improved, 2. Dependency on foreign oil will be reduced, 3. The nation's economy and energy security will be strengthened, and 4. Direct and indirect jobs will be created. For more information, please visit www.weldsmarteneray.org E. HIGH PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATION (HPCP) PROGRAM COMPLIANCE. Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S. 24-30-1301 to 1307) require all new facilities, additions, and renovation projects funded with 25% or more of state funds to conform with the High Performance Certification Program (HPCP) policy adopted by the Office of the State Architect (OSA) if: P • The new facility, addition, or renovation project contains 5,000 or more building square feet; and • The project includes an HVAC system; and • In the case of a renovation project, the cost of the renovation exceeds 25% of the current value of the property; and • The project has NOT entered the design phase prior to January 1, 2008. Page 6 of 8 Rev. 3/5/14 The HPCP requires projects achieve the highest possible LEED certification with the goal being LEED Gold. Projects are strongly encouraged to meet the Office of the State Architect's (OSA) Sustainable Priorities in addition to the LEED prerequisites. Projects funded through DOLA are required to participate in the OSA's registration and tracking process. See DOLA's HPCP web page for more information or contact your DOLA regional manager. In instances where achievement of LEED Gold certification is not practicable, an applicant may request a modification of the HPCP policy or a waiver if certain conditions exist. Please answer the following questions: 1. What is the total building square footage of the new facility, addition, or renovation? 2. Does the project include an HVAC system? Yes No 3. Is the project a renovation? (If no, please skip to Question 6 below.) Yes No 4. What is the current property value*? $ 5. What is the total project cost for the renovation? $ 6. Will you need assistance locating resources, third party consultants, or technical assistance for LEED requirements, preparing cost estimates, or otherwise complying with the HPCP? Yes No Explain F. TABOR COMPLIANCE. 1. Does the applicant jurisdiction have the ability to receive and spend state grant funds under TABOR spending limitations? Explain: Yes 2. If the applicant jurisdiction receives a grant with State Severance funds, will the local government exceed the TABOR limit and force a citizen property tax rebate? No 3. Has the applicant jurisdiction been subject to any refund under TABOR or statutory tax limitations? Explain. NO 4. Has the applicant sought voter approval to keep revenues above fiscal spending limits? Explain. NO 5. Are there any limitations to the voter approved revenues? (e.g., Can revenues only be spent on law enforcement or roads?) All Weld County ad valorem tax levies for county purposes, when applied to the total valuation for assessment of the County, shall be reduced so as to prohibit the levying of a greater amount of tax revenue than was levied from ad valorem taxation in the preceding year plus five percent(5%) except to provide for the payment of bonds and interest thereon. 6. If the applicant jurisdiction is classified as an enterprise under TABOR, will acceptance of a state grant affect this status? Explain. NO G. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW. Indicate below whether any of the proposed project activities: 1. Will be undertaken in flood hazard areas. Yes No X List flood plain maps/studies reviewed in reaching this conclusion. Describe alternatives considered and mitigation proposed. 2. Will affect historical, archeological or cultural resources, or be undertaken in geological hazard area? Yes No X Describe alternatives considered and mitigation proposed. 3. Address any other related public health or safety concerns? Describe. Yes No X Page 7 of 8 Rev. 3/5/14 APPLICATION SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS AND OFFICIAL BOARD ACTION DATE ( REQUIRED ) Application and attachments must be submitted electronically in WORD . DOC 'Preferred ) or . PDF Format ( Unsecured ; to : ImpactGrants@state.co. us Please Cc your Regional Field Manager all documents as well to ensure receipt. In email subject line include: Applicant Local Government name and Tier for which you are applying -example- Subject: Springfield County EIAF Grant Request, Tier 1 NOTE: Please do not submit a scanned application (scanned attachments ok) . ( If you are unable to submit electronically please contact your DOLA regional manager) For any questions related to the electronic submittal please call Bret Hillberry @ 303. 866.4058 Attachments List (Check and submit the following documents, if applicable): ► Preliminary Engineering Reports ► Architectural Drawings ► Cost Estimates ► Detailed Budget ► Map showing location of the project ► Attorney's TABOR decision ***************************************************************************************************************************************** Official Board Action taken on July 30 , 2014 Date Submission of this form indicates official action by the applicant's governing board authorizing application for these funds. Page 8 of 8 Hello