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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMemo - Mail Packet - 06/25/2024 - Memorandum from Megan DeMasters re 2024 Municipal Innovation Fund Update (2)Environmental Services Department 222 Laporte Avenue PO Box 580 Fort Collins, CO 80522 970-221-6600 1 MEMORANDUM Date: 6/14/2024 To: Mayor and City Councilmembers Through: Tyler Marr, Deputy City Manager Amy King, Environmental Services Director From: Megan DeMasters, Manager, Environmental Services Subject: 2024 Municipal Innovation Fund Update Update on 2024 Municipal Innovation Fund Projects This memo provides an update to the City Council on projects funded in 2024 through the Municipal Innovation Fund (MIF), an internal competitive grants program designed to advance the city organization’s sustainability and promote a culture of innovation. MIF is one way that the organization is creatively leading by example to help achieve Our Climate Future goals. Background: Since its inception in 2011, over 120 projects have been funded through MIF that have contributed to the City organization’s sustainability goals including: reducing the organization's greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing staff well-being and sense of belonging, decreasing energy and water consumption. MIF funds were paused in 2019 due to budget cuts and were reinstated in the 2023-24 budget by funding BFO offer 32.1. This offer was an ongoing enhancement with $100,000 in funding available in both 2023 and 2024. Total funding requested through MIF applications for 2024 amounted to $388,590, highlighting a significant interest and need among City staff for funding to continue to advance sustainability across the organization. 2024 Funded Projects City staff across the organization may apply for MIF funding to implement innovative, results- driven sustainability projects that align with the City’s Municipal Sustainability and Adaptation Plan (MSAP), Our Climate Future (OCF), and City values. Project proposals undergo a review and evaluation process by an interdepartmental committee using a triple bottom line approach. DocuSign Envelope ID: F2A71935-E3C1-4FC1-9933-E3F4F067B6DA Environmental Services Department 222 Laporte Avenue PO Box 580 Fort Collins, CO 80522 970-221-6600 2 In 2024, 8 projects were awarded funding through the MIF: • 2 lighting upgrade projects, supporting increased energy efficiency. • 2 projects supporting the transition towards equipment electrification. • 1 project focuses on restoring habitat that is crucial for pollinator species and in doing so supports water efficiency by reducing water use and implementing water-wise landscaping practices. • 1 project supports the City’s zero waste goals through composting. • 2 projects selected support employee well-being, resilience and belonging highlight how the City can lead by example by utilizing technology and resources to support staff in day-to-day work o An example is the mobile nursing unit that will support nursing parents in the field in having a safe, clean and comfortable place to nurse or pump. See Appendix A for detailed project descriptions and how they align with MSAP goals, OCF Big Moves, and City Values. Next Steps Project representatives have until the end of 2024 to complete their projects. Later this year, Council Members will be invited to learn more about this year’s MIF projects in-person. For future years, funding for MIF is being requested through the budget process as part of Investing 2050 Tax Revenue to Accelerate Our Climate Future (ENV 42.8). This is an enhancement offer combining funding for Our Climate Future core staff and programs for shared leadership, including continued support for the Municipal Innovation Fund, helping staff lead by example as we reach for our goals. cc: Kelly DiMartino, City Manager Jacob Castillo, Chief Sustainability Officer DocuSign Envelope ID: F2A71935-E3C1-4FC1-9933-E3F4F067B6DA Environmental Services Department 222 Laporte Avenue PO Box 580 Fort Collins, CO 80522 970-221-6600 3 Appendix A: 2024 MIF Projects Project Name  Department  Description   Alignment with MSAP, OCF Big Moves, and City Values   Pollinator-focused Restoration in Twin Silo Park ($12,000) Parks The Twin Silo Park pollinator restoration project will revitalize areas of the park impacted by heavy foot traffic, vandalism, and poor growing conditions. The restoration will provide important habitat for various pollinator species, as well as converting turf-covered areas into resilient and drought-tolerant areas featuring native flora. MSAP goals – We Are Resilient, Our Public Lands Thrive, We Are Water Smart Big Move 3 – Climate Resilient Community Big Move 11 – Healthy Natural Spaces City values - Sustainability Mobile Nursing Unit ($30,000) Natural Areas This pilot project will procure a mobile nursing unit tailored for women employed in field-based positions throughout the city. The unit will not only serve field workers but can also be used at various events organized by the city. The hope is to reduce barriers for women working in field- based positions. City values – Safety & Wellbeing, Belonging, Sustainability Tow-behind Compost Spreader ($7,940) Parks In 2023, Collindale Golf Course undertook an initiative to divert approximately 200 cubic yards of vegetative waste from Parks and Cemetery for composting purposes. Utilizing MIF funds, Parks will purchase a compost spreader, facilitating the distribution of the finished compost across the golf course. The compost will enrich the soil with essential nutrients. Moreover, this sustainable practice will result in cost savings for the city by eliminating the need to outsource organic material composting to a third party.  MSAP goals – We Are Zero Waste, We Are Resilient, Our Public Lands Thrive, We Are Water Smart, We Are Carbon Neutral Big Move 3 – Climate Resilient Community Big Move 10 – Zero Waste Economy Big Move 11 – Healthy Natural Spaces City values - Sustainability Spring Canyon Park Shop LED Upgrade ($7,500) Operation Services This project will replace outdated fluorescents in the Spring Canyon Parks Shop. The project will save approximately 9,400 kWh per year as well as improve the lighting for city staff housed in the building. MSAP goals – We Are Carbon Neutral Big Move 6 – Efficient, Emissions Free Buildings City values – Sustainability, Safety & Wellbeing   DocuSign Envelope ID: F2A71935-E3C1-4FC1-9933-E3F4F067B6DA Environmental Services Department 222 Laporte Avenue PO Box 580 Fort Collins, CO 80522 970-221-6600 4 Lincoln Center Theatrical LED Lighting Upgrade ($19,560) Cultural Services – The Lincoln Center The Lincoln Center Magnolia Theater’s theatrical lighting will be upgraded to LEDs. The lighting upgrade will provide energy savings as well as significant improvements to the esthetics of the theater. This upgrade will also reduce staff time needed to add colored gels to the old lamps and to replace malfunctioning lamps. MSAP goals – We Are Carbon Neutral Big Move 6 – Efficient, Emissions Free Buildings City values – Sustainability, Safety & Wellbeing E-bike and Electric Golf Cart for the Park Rangers ($10,000) Parks The Parks department will purchase one e-bike and one electric golf cart to be used by the Park Rangers. The e-bike and the golf cart will be used to patrol almost 50 miles of hard-surface trails. They will also allow for reduced carbon emissions, savings on fuel costs, and an improved work environment. MSAP goals – We Are Carbon Neutral Big Move 4 – Convenient Transportation Choices City values – Sustainability, Safety & Wellbeing   Digitization of Plan Sets/Mylar Films ($10,000) Engineering  Currently, a large amount of building space is taken up by physical plan sets and mylar film. Staff time and fuel are used to manually locate, transport, and restock plan sets when requested by a customer. This project will convert these physical files to digital ones, creating a more efficient process for staff and making valuable storage space available for offices. Digital plans are also more resilient and can be recovered in the event of fire or flooding.   MSAP goals – We Are Carbon Neutral, We Are Resilient, We Are Zero Waste Big Move 3 – Climate Resilient Community Big Move 10 – Zero Waste Economy City values – Sustainability, Safety & Wellbeing, Service   Transition to Electric Landscape Equipment ($3,000) Light and Power This project will replace gas-powered landscape maintenance equipment with electric alternatives. Electric equipment helps reduce carbon emissions and does not contribute to ground-level ozone pollution. MSAP goals – We Are Carbon Neutral City values – Sustainability   DocuSign Envelope ID: F2A71935-E3C1-4FC1-9933-E3F4F067B6DA