HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-02-18; Maerkle Reservoir Solar Study Project Update (District 2); Gomez, PazTo the members of the:
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Feb. 18,2021
Council Memorandum
To: Honorable Mayor Hall and Members of the City Council
From: Paz Gomez, Deputy City Manager, Public Works
Via: Geoff Patnoe, Assistant City Manager @
Re: Maerkle Reservoir Solar Study Project Update (District 2)
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Carlsbad
Memo ID #2021043
This memorandum provides an update on the status of the Maerkle Reservoir Solar Study
Project, Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Project No. 4722 (Project).
Background
During the City Council Meeting on Feb. 11, 2021, a Council Member requested status of the
Project and asked whether energy battery storage was included in the scope of work.
The Maerkle Reservoir complex, which is over 100 acres in size and located in the northeastern
part of the city, is a potential site for constructing a solar photovoltaic energy generating
facility. In fiscal year (FY) 2015-16, the Project was included in the CIP with a budget
appropriation of $250,000 to conduct a feasibility study. If feasible, the Project could offset
ongoing energy costs, contribute to the city's use of renewable energy sources and promote
sustainability in keeping with the city's Climate Action Plan.
In May 2019, during a presentation of the preliminary FY 2019-20 CIP Budget, staff provided
City Council an update that the Project had not yet started due to lack of staff resources and
prioritization. Approximately $830 of the $250,000 had been expended for an application with
San Diego Gas & Electric to obtain energy data. No additional work has been completed to date.
As part of the FY 2020-21 CIP Budget development process presented to City Council in
May 2020 and adopted in June 2020, capital projects were re-evaluated against anticipated
revenue decreases as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors. As a result, the
remaining budgeted Project funds of $249,170 were disencumbered and reprogrammed to be
included in the FY 2022-23 CIP Budget during the FY 2022-23 CIP Budget development process.
Discussion
The Project's scope of work is to prepare a study to determine the feasibility of constructing a
solar photovoltaic energy generating facility at the Maerkle Reservoir complex, which is owned ·
by the Carlsbad Municipal Water District. It does not include energy battery storage.
Public Works Branch
Fleet and Facilities Department
405 Oak Avenue I Carlsbad, CA 92008 I 760-434-2980 t
Council Memo -Maerkle Reservoir Solar Study Project Update (District 2)
Feb. 18,2021
Page 2
Staff is in the process of developing the FY 2021-22 CIP Budget. Currently, it does not include
the Project as one of the proposed projects that will be presented to City Council as part of the
preliminary budget in May 2021. Staff will include the Project in the FY 2022-23 CIP Budget and
in the CIP Budget development process next year unless City Council directs otherwise.
Next Steps
Staff will include the Project as part of the FY 2022-23 CIP Budget unless City Council directs its
inclusion in FY 2021-22. If approved by City Council for inclusion in the FY 2021-22 CIP Budget,
staff will prepare a scope of work for a consultant to conduct the feasibility study in FY 2021-22.
cc: Scott Chadwick, City Manager
Celia Brewer, City Attorney
Laura Rocha, Deputy City Manager, Administrative Services
Robby Contreras, Assistant City Attorney
Ryan Green, Finance Director
Vicki Quiram, Utilities Director
John Maashoff, Public Works Manager
James Wood, Environmental Manager
Dave Padilla, Engineering Manager
Steven Stewart, Municipal Projects Manager