Explanation
The Finance and Management Department, Fleet Management Division, is eligible to participate in an incentive opportunity in partnership with the Propane Education & Research Council ("PERC"). The funding opportunity is titled "Propane Mower Incentive Program". One of the primary purposes of PERC is to research, develop, and demonstrate the effectiveness of new propane equipment. As part of this effort, PERC is partnering with a limited number of end-users to participate in the Propane Mower Incentive Program. This Program is a research and demonstration program with a monetary incentive for participation. It will assist in acquiring a variety of performance data documenting the effectiveness of propane-powered equipment.
The Power Mower Incentive Program is not a grant program but an incentive/reimbursement program based on guidelines established by PERC. Pursuant to this agreement, Fleet Management will purchase a total of fourteen (14) zero-turn mowers; twelve (12) on behalf of the Department of Recreation & Parks and two (2) on behalf of the Department of Public Service, Division of Planning and Operations.
Under the Power Mower Incentive Program, the Fleet Management Division will supply PERC with proof of payment, submit completed hard copies of the required contract and W-9 form, and complete a pre-season survey. Once these items have been completed, PERC will issue a $1,000 incentive check for each eligible mower purchased.
This project supports the efforts and recommendations of the Mayor's "Green Team", which created a subcommittee focused on reducing emissions from City-owned vehicles. Projects included in this incentive program are a result of plans formulated by this Committee, Fleet Management, PERC, and partnering Departments (Recreation & Parks & Transportation).
Fiscal Impact: This is budget neutral for Fleet. The Department of Recreation and Parks will be responsible for the purchase of twelve (12) mowers and thus will receive a $12,000 incentive check from PREC. Planning and Operations will be responsible for the purchase of two (2) mowers and thus will receive a $2,000 incentive check from PERC.
Emergency action is requested so that the incentive program application deadline can be met.
Title
To authorize the Director of Finance and Management to enter into partnership with Propane Education & Research Council ("PERC") for the purpose of applying for the Propane Mower Incentive Program to reimburse the City of Columbus for the purchase of fourteen (14) propane-fueled zero-turn mowers; and to declare an emergency.
Body
WHEREAS, the Fleet Management Division, is eligible to apply for an incentive program offered through the Propane Education & Research Council titled " Propane Mower Incentive Program "; and
WHEREAS, funding through the Propane Mower Incentive Program would reimburse the City of Columbus for certain propane-fueled zero-turn mowers acquired for the Department of Recreation & Parks and the Department of Transportation; and
WHEREAS, the purchase of these mowers would reduce the consumption of petroleum and reduce vehicle emissions; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Finance and Management Department in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Finance and Management Director to enter into agreement with Propane Education & Research Council so that the funding can be secured for the immediate preservation of the public health, peace, property, safety and welfare; Now, therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Finance and Management Director be and hereby is authorized to enter into contract with Propane Education & Research Council, for the purpose of applying for the Propane Mower Incentive Program to fund reimbursement proceeds for propane-fueled zero-turn mowers thereby reducing reliance on petroleum and resulting in reduced green-house gas emissions from City vehicles.
SECTION 2. That this ordinance authorizes a partnership and is not a commitment to expend City funds.
SECTION 3. That for the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance is hereby declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and approval by the Mayor or ten days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.