8.G.
City Council Meeting - FINAL (AMENDED)
- Meeting Date:
- 06/18/2024
- Co-Submitter:
- Nicole Antonopoulos
- From:
- Denae Presler, Climate Analyst
TITLE:
Consideration and Approval of Memorandum of Agreement for Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Application: A Memorandum of Agreement by and between the City of Flagstaff, Coconino County, and the City of Sedona is required for grant submission to the Environmental Protection Agency Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Program.
STAFF RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Approve the Memorandum of Agreement between the City of Flagstaff, Coconino County, and the City of Sedona and authorize the City of Flagstaff City Manager to execute the Agreement and any other Agreements related to the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant.
Executive Summary:
The City of Flagstaff formed a coalition with Coconino County and the City of Sedona to develop a proposal for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) program to address liability biomass challenges in the region. The City of Flagstaff, Coconino County, and City of Sedona have shared interests and goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate risks from regional sources of organic waste, including overstocked forests, wastewater biosolids, and residential food and yard waste, which are collectively referred to as liability biomass. City staff submitted the $57.5 million project proposal, known as the Northern Arizona Biomass Innovation Hub (NABI Hub), to the EPA on March 29, 2024.
As part of the application process, EPA requires that a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the City of Flagstaff, Coconino County, and City of Sedona be submitted by July 1, 2024. Staff are seeking City Council approval of the MOA and to authorize City Manager to execute this Agreement and any other Agreements required of this grant. If awarded, acceptance of the grant would come to City Council for approval.
EPA anticipates releasing a notice of awards in July 2024, with an estimated project start date of October 1, 2024. The period of performance is up to five years from the project start date.
As part of the application process, EPA requires that a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the City of Flagstaff, Coconino County, and City of Sedona be submitted by July 1, 2024. Staff are seeking City Council approval of the MOA and to authorize City Manager to execute this Agreement and any other Agreements required of this grant. If awarded, acceptance of the grant would come to City Council for approval.
EPA anticipates releasing a notice of awards in July 2024, with an estimated project start date of October 1, 2024. The period of performance is up to five years from the project start date.
Financial Impact:
This MOA requires no financial impact and is non-binding to financial liability. The CPRG grant has no match requirement of the lead applicant, nor the coalition.
Policy Impact:
This MOA supports Council goals, the Regional Plan, and the Carbon Neutrality Plan.
Previous Council Decision or Community Discussion:
This project proposal was included in the 2024 State and Federal Legislative Priorities, discussed at the January 16, 2024 City Council Meeting.
Options and Alternatives to Recommended Action:
Failure to submit an MOA between the coalition members by July 1, 2024, may impact EPA’s ability to award the grant. If the Council desires modifications to the MOA, staff recommends making amendments to the MOA if the grant is awarded and when the Council considers accepting the grant.
Connection to PBB Priorities and Objectives:
N/A
Connection to Regional Plan:
N/A
Connection to Carbon Neutrality Plan:
N/A
Connection to 10-Year Housing Plan:
N/A