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Item M11M C ounty of f Monroe ELj » °o � BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS /� r i � �� Mayor George Neugent, District 2 The Florida. Ke Se y I Mayor Pro Tern David Rice, District 4 Danny L. Kolhage, District I Heather Carruthers, District 3 Sylvia J. Murphy, District 5 County Commission Meeting October 18, 2017 Agenda Item Number: M.11 Agenda Item Summary #3376 BULK ITEM: Yes DEPARTMENT: Sustainability TIME APPROXIMATE: STAFF CONTACT: Rhonda Haag (305) 453 -8774 N/A AGENDA ITEM WORDING: Approval of a $339,000 Grant Application with the SE Sustainable Community Fund (SSCF) titled "Sustainable and Resilient Low - Moderate Income Housing ", seeking $300,000 of grant funds and offering $39,000 in budgeted Sustainability funds as a cash match, towards a project providing home weatherization and solar array installations for low income residents to reduce energy use and limit energy costs and to implement project 2 -29 of the GreenKeys Plan "Conduct a Feasibility Study for Alternative Energy Use "; retroactively ratifying the grant application submitted September 5, 2017; and authorization for the County Administrator to sign all necessary documents in connection with this grant. ITEM BACKGROUND: The Southeast Sustainable Communities Fund (SSCF) is a new funding opportunity for local communities in the southeastern United States, whose purpose is to accelerate the adoption of sustainable best practices in Southeast communities by funding projects that implement local sustainability solutions. Monroe County is home to a high percentage of population over 65 — many on fixed retirement incomes. One of the larger costs to these residents is utility costs, specifically the electrical power required to keep buildings cool in the very warm months. In the Florida Keys, spring, summer and fall have very high temperatures combined with tropical humidity to make conditions uncomfortable and potentially unsafe for the public, and particularly senior citizens. High energy costs may keep these citizens from utilizing their air conditioning during these periods, increasing risk of heat exhaustion or stroke. The County has the potential to take advantage of its sunny conditions through the use of Photovoltaic (PV) solar. Much of the housing stock in the County was built prior to recent cost reductions in solar energy systems. Very few of the residents of the County have these systems in place, but could benefit from solar at their homes. If awarded, the focus of this grant project would be to expand the use of energy saving and solar energy sources for elderly and low - income populations in Monroe County. The proposed project is focused on providing home weatherization and solar array installations for low- income homeowners and residents of public housing as a means of reducing energy use in the county and limiting energy costs for these residents. Such work would be directed by Ms. Sheryl Graham, Sr. Director of Social Services. The $300,000 in grant funds requested under the grant application would cover two years of work, and would include: • Volunteer training • Completion of weatherization for eligible homeowners • Completion of weatherization for eligible multi - family public housing residents • Monroe County Social Services staff to conduct the project work • Consultant WSP Parsons Brinckerhoff coordination of work Work would also include implementing project 2 -29 of the GreenKeys Sustainability Plan Conduct a Feasibility Study for Alternative Energy at the County, to be directed by Ms. Rhonda Haag, Sustainability Director. The $39,000 cash match offered by the County under the Grant application would cover this task, and is budgeted. WSP Parsons Brinckerhoff would conduct the Feasibility Study. The IFAS extension office has offered to partner on project work by providing identify and reduce barriers to participation and education in energy efficiency, develop education materials, provide support for energy- related policies and classes for residents on conserving energy. The IFAS work would be directed by Ms. Alicia Betancourt, IFAS Extension Director. PREVIOUS RELEVANT BOCC ACTION: None CONTRACT /AGREEMENT CHANGES: Grant Application STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approval DOCUMENTATION: SSDN Sustainability Grant Application September 5 2017 FINANCIAL IMPACT: Effective Date: TBD if awarded the Grant Expiration Date: TBD Total Dollar Value of Grant: $339,000 Total Cost to County: $39,000 Current Year Portion: TBD Budgeted: Yes Source of Funds: Sustainability Funds CPI: N/A Indirect Costs: Estimated Ongoing Costs Not Included in above dollar amounts: TBD Revenue Producing: Yes If yes, amount:$300,000 requested. Grant: Yes — Grant Application County Match: Yes Insurance Required: N/A Additional Details: REVIEWED BY: Rhonda Haag Completed 10/02/2017 1:11 PM Pedro Mercado Completed 10/04/2017 9:52 AM Budget and Finance Completed 10/04/2017 10:15 AM Maria Slavik Completed 10/04/2017 10:18 AM Kathy Peters Completed 10/04/2017 10:20 AM Board of County Commissioners Pending 10/18/2017 9:00 AM M.11.a Packet Pg. 2170 County of Monroe "I'he Florida KeN S September 5, 2017 Ms. Maggie Ullman SSCF Program Manager Southeast Sustainable Directors Network Delivered via email to rnaggie &southeastsdn.orp Dear. Ms. Ullman BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS %'111% o! 6corgk NCuLcrlt_ Di tr i l 2 �lanrr 1'n� Irm 1 };ni�f IZiir- Iii >Irlr1 t j flr;lSht� � �irlulllcr,- I)i�lricl `e I):ill;l� 1 f;� [ >iari.! I The Southeast Sustainable Community Fund presents a unique opportunity for governments to address concerns and woi to implement equitable and sustainable energy initiatives. The costs of energy can be a significant burden for residents with low incomes and assessing opportunities to address those costs will expand the reach of sustainable energy efforts and provide benefits for all. Monroe County, Florida is a unique place, and one where actions toward sustainability and emissions reductions are important given our residents awareness of the effects of rising temperatures on the conditions that are literally at our doorsteps. The government and citizens of Monroe County are committed to making a difference and leading change and have legislated that commitment through the development and adoption of the county sustainability plan — Green Keys! Through this grant Monroe County will be advancing the actions outlined in that plan and expanding the influence of that plan. The actions outlined in the attached work plan identify the steps our team is prepared to undertake to implement thl programs outlined, identify and address any noted barriers, and create a guide for other communities looking to implemer similar programs. We believe this work plan aligns directly with the vision of this grant opportunity while also advancing the sustainability efforts in our county. Funding for this program will come from the grant funds and committed county funds and volunteer time. Our cost proposal outlines specifically how this program will be delivered — but in this application, you will note that we are requesting $300,000 in grant funds and are committing $39,000 in programmed county funds. We anticipate being able to make great strides with the support of this program — and will also be involving community volunteers to help in the installation and information dissemination outlined in the following pages. Should you have any questions on the contents of this grant application you can reach me at any time at the phone number or email noted below. You can also reach out to Rhonda Haag the Monroe County sustainability Director by email at - haag rhonda @monroecounty- fl.gov, or by phone at 305 -453 -8774. Sincerely , r� "�oman Gastesl rya LL U U U) County Administrator Monroe County, Florida UNIVERSITY of F (� IF-AS Extenslop, OF /IFAS /Monroe County Extension 1100 Simonton Street, Suite 2 -260 Key West, FL 33040 Phone: (305) 292 -4501 Fax: (305) 292 -4415 E - mail: e site - Ms. Rhonda Haag, Monroe County Sustainability and Projects Director August 25, 2017 Re: University of Florida, Monroe County Extension Participation Dear Ms. Haag: Please accept this letter as confirmation that University of Florida, Monroe County Extension is excited about partnering with Monroe County, and its other potential grant applicants, for the Southeast Sustainable Communities Fund "Sustainable and Resilient Low- Moderate Income Housing" Grant. University of Florida Extension brings experience in program development, delivery, and evaluation to the project. Our mission is to bring the current research and best practices from the University of Florida to Monroe County for the benefit of our residents. Our office is working across the community to lead energy and sustainability outreach and education. We offer access to state specialists in energy, climate change and education including Florida Institute for Sustainable Energy, Florida Solar Energy Center, and the University Of Florida Office Of Sustainability. In addition we have over 30 years combined experience as local community educators. We have delivered programs on energy and water conservation, recycling, and native landscaping, solar PV installation, and other efficiency topics. The OF /IFAS Extension Service conducts an annual an inventory of greenhouse gas emissions for Monroe County to help community identify its energy usage and carbon emissions levels. This data guided the development and implementation of an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy to reduce energy usage, and reduce community emissions. The OF /IFAS Extension Service will provide leadership and technical assistance on the development and implementation of sustainability and energy efforts. Extension will work with the program staff to identify and reduce barriers to participation and education in energy efficiency. Extension will coordinate the development of specialized educational material including Monroe County specific data, alternative language and range of reading levels. Extension will provide external support for the coordination of energy - related policies and programs across jurisdictional levels of local governance and community level programs in order maximize the impact of this program on long -term local priorities. Additionally, Extension will provide classes and consultations for residents on conserving energy at work and at home. We will also be supporting Monroe County by providing research on sustainability issues of interest. We are very excited to be a part of this Florida Keys wide effort on energy efficiency and sustainability. Any additional question you might have, please do not hesitate to call me at 305 - 453 -8747. Sincerely, Alicia Betancourt OF -IFAS, Monroe County Extension Director / 1 IT Extension is an Equal t-mploNznent Opportunity A irtnativc Action Lmployer authorized to provide research. educational infomia services onl} to individuals and institutions that function with non- discrimination with respect to race, coior. religion. gender, disabili Packet 9. 2172 Project Summary: a. Project Title: Sustainable Energy Solutions in Monroe County b. Summary Statement: The Sustainable Energy Solutions project is focused on providing home weatherization and solar array installations for low - income homeowners and residents of public housing as a means of both reducing energy use in the county and limiting energy costs for these residents. The project will expand upon the following existing programs in Monroe County: • Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) • State Housing Initiative Program (SHIP) • Low - Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Elderly home Energy Assistance Program (EHEAP) • Welfare Utilities, and Welfare Leveraging Funds This work will be done by completing research and coordination with national and regional programs leading similar projects and determining their applicability in the county and the potential for advocating for program changes to better accommodate the needs of residents living in low income housing. One key topic to be addressed through this program is the application of solar energy benefits in multi- family housing and the transfer of cost benefits directly to the residents of these facilities. Another key concern to be addressed will be restrictions on installations in mobile homes where the condition of the home may disqualify them for improvements but where the benefit may be highest. Monroe County will also partner with their Social Services Department and local electrical utilities (Florida Keys Electric Cooperative and Keys Energy Services) to coordinate on solar installations and the implementation of a community solar program for these residents. The project will both reduce energy use and advance the use of solar in Monroe County, while simultaneously supporting the County's developed and approved GreenKeys? Sustainability Action Plan. Low - income community members will be directly involved in project planning and implementation through community outreach workshops and volunteer opportunities. Finally, any barriers to implementation will be identified, addressed and documented, so the program can be an example on implementation potential for other southeastern communities. Outcomes of the Sustainable Energy Solutions project are expected to include: • programmatic changes that will increase Monroe County energy efficiency, • efforts to support and engage low - income County community members, • identification of methods to achieve savings in renter/ multi - family units, • contributions to achieving the County climate mitigation goals, and • documentation of a "how to" for developing streamlined implementation in other communities. c. Total Two -Year Funding Request: $300.000 d. Lead Applicant: Monroe County, Florida; Rhonda Haag, Sustainability Director, Irra, rliondpt c1 .11101 il�c��, 305 -453 -8774 e. Partners): Monroe County Social Services, Sheryl Graham, Sr. Director, uraham- her\ I'a m onroc county - i l��u�, 305- 292 -4510; University of Florida /IFAS /Monroe County Extension, Alicia Betancourt, County Extension Director, Bc_uincourt_alicia it me nroccc n ti_il,��� �, 305- 453 -8747 Other partners include - AIDS Help.. AARP, Habitat for Humanity, Keys Energy Services, FL Keys Electric Cooperative, Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority, Florida Keys Council for People with Disabilities, Older Americans Advisory Board, Unites States Environmental Protection Agency, Non - English Speaking Community Southeast Sustainable Communities Fund Application 1 i Make the Case: a. Need: Low income residents in Monroe County may be spending more than they should each month due to inefficient homes /apartments, especially during the hotter months when the extreme heat and humidity requires them to run their air conditioning more. The EIA has estimated that electrical energy costs in Florida specific to cooling are responsible for approximately 27% of all electrical costs for residents in the state — four times the national average, with average costs per residences being the second highest in the nation'. And, costs for electricity in Monroe county are as much as 20% higher than average rates in Florida This means that electrical costs for cooling systems in the county may represent some of the highest costs of anywhere in the country, representing a significant cost to low income residents responsible for utility costs in their residences. Residents choosing to not run the air conditioning to save money could present a significant risk to their health and safety of residents, particularly in a tropical area like Monroe County where high temperatures and humidity are the none for much of the year. An assessment of this concern needs to be completed. b. Solution: The proposed project is focused on reducing the costs to low- income individuals through home retrofits and solar energy solutions that will support the County's sustainability goals. While projects such as these nonnally focus solely on homeowners, the goal of this project is to reach renters as well, including residents of public housing and those in multi - family settings and also including those living in residents where restrictions may impact the ability to install these items. The proposed project is briefly summarized by year below: Yew- 1 In the first year, local contractors or non - profits will weatherize the homes of low- income homeowners and public housing residents, where low - income levels are defined as making less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Level income. IaW 1 Income 1 evel to Quolify for Program (700 %6 of FPI ) Household Size Income 1 $24,120 2 $32,480 3 $40,840 4 $49,200 5 $57,560 6 $65,920 7 $74,280 8 $82,640 Weatherization will include installation of: LED or CFL lighting, insulating wall plates, water saving shower heads, and window and door weather - stripping. Weatherization will increase the comfort of the home by addressing drafts and poor insulation, and will reduce utility costs for the resident. This element of the program will contribute to Monroe County climate mitigation goals by reducing GHGs by up to approximately I ton per home annually.' This effort will also include a comparison review by the County of existing programs, and a best practices review of national programs (WAP and SHIP, etc.) to identify opportunities for improvement or recommended policies, focusing on how they relate to multi- family or rental dwellings. For residents of public housing, it is expected that these retrofits can only be provided through coordination with housing management, which may pose challenges to implementation. All project barriers and identified solutions will be documented for reference by similar start up programs. ' https : / / www.eia.gov /state /seds /data,php ?incfile =/ state /seds /sep_ fuel / html /fuel_te.html &sid =US &sid =FL z https : / /www.electricitylocal.com /states /florida /key -west/ 3 http:// rebuildingtogethersacramento .org/home- energy - conservation - program/ Southeast Sustainable Communities Fund Application 2 1 Year ? In the second year of funding, the program will move to identify opportunities for solar energy options for low- income homeowners and public housing renters. Subsidized solar arrays will be available for homeowners and will be installed by local contractors and nonprofits. For public housing residents, the County will explore community solar through offsite renewable energy generation and /or on -site improvements, which will stem via partnerships with the local utilities. This would be a new and cutting edge program for Monroe County, allowing renters more alternative energy options and associated cost savings. The program would be based off successful community solar programs that have been implemented to date, such as those completed with utility partners in Colorado. Other national efforts will also be reviewed, documenting any programmatic, policy or finding options that can be explored for the County. c. Result: The project will reduce costs to low- income individuals through home retrofits and solar credits, while supporting Monroe County's significant sustainability goals and creating a model that can be used for other jurisdictions throughout the southeast. d. Regional Replicability: The project will also identify barriers to implementation, research existing programs to build best practices, and build community partnerships, to demonstrate a pilot that can be repeated by other communities in Florida and the greater southeast. The outcomes of this effort could include a model for implementation in other locations nationwide. e. Definition of Success: In the first year of the program, the project success will be defined by the ability to weatherize the homes of low - income applicants, regardless of if they are homeowners or public housing residents. In the second year of the program, project success will be dependent upon the provision of affordable solar arrays for selected homeowner applicants while also laying the groundwork for a community solar program with the local utilities. L Measurement: The results of this project will be defined /measured by: • number of homes weatherized, including those maintained for low - income residents • number of multi- family public housing residences weatherized, • number of solar arrays subsidized and installed for low income residents, and • number of renters who have registered to participate in the community solar program as outlined. Protect Design: a. Plans to accomplish each year of the project: Year 1 - Home Weatherization and Volunteer Engagement Stage: 1. Kick -off meeting between Sustainability Office, Social Services, local utility, contractors and non- profits, volunteers, and any other stakeholders. ?.Target neighborhoods of low-income communities in Monroe County who may benefit from the program. Identify 1 -3 public housing facilities that may benefit from the program and engage with housing management. a. Neighborhoods being considered includes: Bahama Village, which consists of low- income, African - American residents and Haitian- American residents; Stadium Mobile Home Park, Roy's Trailer Park and surrounding area, which consists largely of immigrant residents. b. Public housing being considered includes: AIDS Help Housing which consists of multi -unit homes dedicated to housing individuals who are both income disadvantaged and suffering from HIV and /or AIDS; Eastwind Apartments which houses largely elderly and very low income families. 3. Begin volunteer engagement in targeted communities and develop a volunteer registry. 4. Set public outreach meeting dates, finalize meeting locations in targeted neighborhoods, and develop outreach materials (in English, Spanish and Creole if needed). Southeast Sustainable Communities Fund Application 3 1 5.Carry out public meetings, distribute outreach materials and applications for home weatherization. Volunteers already identified can be involved in public outreach, and additional volunteers can be identified during outreach. 6.Collect homeowner applications from targeted neighborhoods. Collect public housing resident applications and coordinate with building managers to ensure weatherization will be feasible for applicants. 7. Identify eligible, low- income recipients where low - income is defined as in Table I Error'. Reference source not found.. 8. Engage with local contractors, non - profits, and volunteers to conduct up to 3 volunteer trainings for those who will help with weatherization upgrades. These trainings will be held in targeted neighborhoods. 9.Carry out upgrades on selected facilities with local assistance from contractors.. non - profits, and volunteers. 10. Develop educational materials through coordination with residents, focused on. the benefits of home weatherization, behavioral changes that can save energy, greenhouse gas emissions reductions, and the local effects of climate change. Year 2 — Solar Installation and Community Solar Program Development Stage: ].Kick -off meeting between Sustainability Office, Social Services, local utility, contractors and non- profits, and any other stakeholders. 2.Target the same neighborhoods and public housing facilities as identified in Year 1. 3. Set public outreach meeting dates, finalize meeting locations in targeted neighborhoods, and develop outreach materials (in English, Spanish and Creole if needed). 4.Carry out public meetings, distribute outreach materials and applications for solar installations. 5.Collect homeowner applications from targeted neighborhoods. 6.Carry out subsidized solar installations on identified facilities with assistance From contractors and non- profits. The number of installations completed and the size of subsidies will be dependent upon the number of eligible applicants. 7. Develop educational materials through coordination with residents, focused on: the benefits of solar, behavioral changes that can save energy, greenhouse gas emissions reductions, and the local effects of climate change. 8.Coordinate with targeted public housing facilities to survey residents and identify parties interested in community solar. 9.Coordinate between the local utility and public housing facilities to plan a community solar program in Monroe County, modeled from successful programs in the U.S. b. Funding Requests: Year 1: $150,000, Year 2: $150,000 c. Match and Source: Monroe County through its Sustainability Action Plan Project 2 -29 task "Conduct feasibility study for alternative energy at County ". Funded for $39,000 match for this effort. d. Implementation Responsibility: Rhonda Haag. the Sustainability Program Manager for Monroe County. Lead Applicant. Sheryl Graham, Sr. Director of Social Services for Monroe County, will run the program. e. Fiscal Responsibility: Monroe County f. Project Budget: See below for an overall project budget, with the project breakdown included in the budget attachment Southeast Sustainable Communities Fund Application 4 Major Responsible Timeline Budget Success Metrics Milestones Pa Volunteer Monroe County staff, May $15,000 Success will be measured by the training with partnering 2018 number of community volunteers contractors /nonprofits. engaged. Success of this milestone will feed into the project's goal of engaging with low- income communities who will he affected by the project. Completion of Monroe County staff, Oct -18 $55,000 Measured by the number of homes weatherization with partnering weatherized. These measures of for eligible contractors nonprofits. success are important to the project homeowner goals of increasing energy efficiency. applicants, supporting and engaging with low - through income communities, and volunteer contributing to County climate engagement. mitigation. Completion of Monroe County staff, Oct -18 $70,000 Measured by the number of public weatherization with partnering housing units weatherized and the for eligible contractors /nonprofits. number of community volunteers multi- family engaged with outreach and public housing installations. A key measure will be residents streamlining implementation for others. Identification Consultant staff, with Dec -18 $10,000 Success with be measured by the of challenges support from Monroe documentation of barriers to entry for and barriers to County staff. weatherization of public housing. entry for rental The proposed program will identify units. barriers to implementation to achieve the goal of streamlined project reproduction in other southeast communities. Homeowner Monroe County staff, Jul -19 $100,000 Success will be measured by the solar with partnering number of PV systems subsidized and installations for contractorslnonprofits. installed for low- income eligible homeowners. Increasing the use of applicants. solar energy in the community will support project goals of having a positive impact on low- income communities and achieving the County's sustainability goals. Community Consultant staff, with Dec -19 $89,000 Success will be measured by the solar program support from Monroe development of a viable framework development. County staff and the for an ongoing Monroe County local utility. community solar program. This milestone is supportive of all project goals and directly ties into Monroe Count y Sustainabilit LAction Plan Total Effort Cost $339,000 �a U_ U U) 0 �a 0) CL as 0 W CL CU C9 �a Z a U) U) �a E 0 CU Southeast Sustainable Communities Fund Application 5 Project Description: a. Community Sustainability: The County's GreenKeys! plan identifies a comprehensive set of strategies to be put in place to create overall community sustainability, across multiple sectors. As in most efforts relating to governance, those who are often most aware of the goals, objectives and strategies of such efforts are those with the resources to participate in activities and provide feedback to community leadership. An important overall goal of this effort will be to inform and educate county residents who are from lower income households who may not be as well informed of the options for increasing home efficiency and lowering energy costs for solar programs, which are likely considered out of reach for them. The county will need to involve the entire community to fully implement the vision outlined in the sustainability plan and the outreach and coordination expected to be completed during this effort is expected to significantly increase the information available to households with lower income, and therefore increase the participation of county residents in the overall county sustainability program. This effort to improve home weatherization and increase solar installation will have the effect of: i. reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Monroe County, ii. increasing opportunities for community involvement, iii. providing educational opportunities surrounding climate change mitigation, energy efficiency, weatherization installations, and solar energy, and iv. reducing utility costs for low - income Monroe County residents, while simultaneously making these communities more resilient to extreme heat or cold events. Equity and Inclusiveness: This project has been developed to increase equity and inclusiveness of the county sustainability programs. In particular — this program is focused on low - income homeowners and public housing residents who will receive efficiency upgrades and community solar energy benefits, partly to reduce the energy cost burden. The project will also be centered on increasing outreach to members of the population that are recent immigrants or who have limited understanding of English. Multi - language educational materials will be provided to a wide range of recipients to provide more information at more depth on the benefits of home energy efficiency improvements and options for participating in solar power programs - as well as how they can contribute to their personal role and the county goals in mitigating the long -term effects of energy -based carbon emissions on overall global climate conditions. The county minority communities, including its Hispanic and Latino citizens, will be provided materials in their native language to ensure that the message and information is effectively related. Contractors and volunteers, many from communities they live in, will be asked to get involved with installations, and this will allow the local community to contribute equally to the project benefits. The project will also provide training to volunteers so they can directly contribute to energy improvements installations as well as participating in outreach activities. c. Community Partnership: T - he program will be delivered by a broad range of project partners as identified in the Project Summary section above. d. Local Impact: The GreenKeys! plan updated Monroe County's greenhouse gas emissions inventory and set a new reduction goal of a 40% reduction in GHG emissions by 2030 (as compared to a 2012 baseline).' This project would help the County in reaching this goal and would directly tie into project 2 -29 as recommended by the GreenKeys! plan, which involves partnering with the local utility to identify creative ways to deploy solar in the County.' The development of a community solar program would be a unique and effective way to deploy solar to Monroe County residents. 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