HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - June 16, 2004 E-11AGENDA ITEM F*#11
CITY OF LODI
COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
TM
AGENDA TITLE: Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to allocate Public Benefits
Program funds to extend for one year the Lodi Solar Schoolhouse Program;
and authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with The Rahus
Institute to assist in administering elements of this program ($55,000)
MEETING DATE: June 16, 2004
PREPARED BY: Electric Utility Director
RECOMMENDED ACTION: That the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the City
Manager to allocate $55,000 in Public Benefit Program funds to
extend for one year the Lodi Solar Schoolhouse Program, and
authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with The Rahus
Institute to assist in administering elements of this program.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION: For the past two years, the City of Lodi Electric Utility (via funding
from the Lodi Public Benefits Program) has maintained a solar
education outreach program. For the 2004-2005 fiscal year, Electric Utility staff is proposing to extend
the very successful Lodi Solar Schoolhouse Program. In conjunction with The Rahus Institute (a 501 c3
non-profit organization based in Martinez, California), the City of Lodi Electric Utility will provide a variety
of solar energy projects for school -aged children throughout the Lodi community. Some of the 2004-
2005 projects will include:
➢ Teacher Workshops- training for science and non -science teachers regarding solar power, solar
technology and solar experiments;
A 2"d Annual Solar Schoolhouse Olympics- a day long event, whereby students in grades 5 through
12 create various solar projects that demonstrate solar technology, and compete for prizes;
Renewable Energy Lecture Series- numerous workshops and presentations regarding new and
emerging renewable energy resources will be provided to school teachers at both private and public
schools within Lodi's city limits (or within Lodi Unified School District jurisdiction);
➢ Material Development- new and additional solar -related materials will be generated for distribution
to students, as well as educators.
The intent of the Lodi Solar Schoolhouse is to showcase renewable energy resources to students and
teachers. As we rapidly deplete our reserves of natural resources (such oil, coal and natural gas) around
the world, our dependence on energy supplies will most likely shift to new and emerging technologies,
including: solar, wind, hydrogen fuel cells, and others. Electric Utility staff is targeting elementary, middle
and high school students in hopes of introducing our young people to these important technologies,
before the earth's precious natural resources are fully consumed.
APPROVED:
H. Dix • n Flynn, City
Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to
allocate Public Benefits Program funds to extend for
one year the Lodi Solar Schoolhouse Program, and
authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract
with The Rahus Institute to assist in administering
elements this program ($55,000) (EUD).
June 16, 2004
Page 2 of 2
The Rahus Institute has been partnering with the City of Lodi Electric Utility on solar -related projects for
the past two years. By way of this Council agenda item, Electric Utility staff is recommending the
extension of this project, and the contract with The Rahus Institute for the upcoming fiscal year.
Note: Due to the business relationship established between the City of Lodi and The Rahus Institute,
Electric Utility respectfully requests that the Lodi City Council dispense with going out to bid pursuant to
Lodi Municipal Code 3.20.070.
The solar projects provided by the City of Lodi Electric Utility over the past two years have been a great
success, with over fifty teachers having participated in various training programs. In addition, hundreds
of students in grades 5 through 12 have been afforded the opportunity to learn more about solar power,
and participate in classroom projects pertaining to solar. Electric Utility staff respectfully recommends
approval of the Lodi Solar Schoolhouse Program as a qualifying component of the City of Lodi Public
Benefits Program.
FUNDING: 164608 Public Benefits Program (Category: Renewable Energy Resources Technologies)
Funding Approval: eldfAw
J' rueger, Finance Director
/JZl
199
Alan N. Vallow
Electric Utility Director
PREPARED BY: Rob Lechner, Manager of Customer Service & Programs
ARV/RUke
W. R. Lechner
`Solar Schoolhouse Lodi'
Presented to:
City of Lodi Electric Utilities Department
Lodi, CA
Prepared by:
Tor Allen
The Rahus Institute
1535 Center Avenue - Martinez, CA 94553
t:925-370-7262 f: 925-889-2322
tor(cDrah us.orq
May 14, 2004
Solar Schoolhouse Lodi
Education Energized by the Sun
Background
Founded in 1998, The Rahus Institute is a 5016 non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of
renewable energy and resource efficiency. Our efforts thus far have primarily been to promote the use of
personal renewable power, ie. photovoltaics & small wind energy located at residential or commercial
building sites. Activities have included: program support, workshops, presentations, exhibit design,
website development, consultations, etc. The Rahus Institute does not sell renewable energy equipment
nor receive commissions for the sales of any particular renewable energy equipment.
Solar Schoolhouse
The Solar Schoolhouse (SSh) is a statewide program under development by The Rahus Institute. The
City of Lodi has been a key participant in the development of the program. Lodi is the first city to
attempt a district -wide rollout of the program, following smaller pilot efforts in other communities. The
overarching Goal of Solar Schoolhouse -Lodi is to increase Energy Literacy in schools and the
community.
First year (2002-03) accomplishments for Solar Schoolhouse Lodi include:
oo Conduct full-day teacher workshop for k-8 private schools in Lodi
oo Conduct 2 full-day workshops for Lead Science (k-6) Teachers of Lodi Unified School District
oo Conduct full-day solar car/fountain/pond project -based workshop for teachers
oo Develop set of standards-based lessons for k-6 grade levels
oo Provide Solar Technology Kits and Solar Cell Classroom Kits to LUSD and private schools
oo Develop and provide Renewable Energy Resource Library for LUSD and private schools
oo Assisted with special projects: Solar Cars at St. Anne's and Ecovillage at SDA.
oo Develop and provide solar toolkit to Africa -bound Lodi teacher. Teacher will send updates on
lyear teaching experience.
Second year (2003-04) accomplishments for Solar Schoolhouse Lodi include:
oo One teacher attending the weeklong Summer Institute for Educators
oo Expand outreach to middle and high schools
oo Conduct 2 full day workshops — 1) Model Solar Home Building; and 2) Solar Fountain
Design/Build.
oo First Solar Schoolhouse Olympics May 15th
oo Olympics stimulates numerous after school solar energy clubs to work on projects.
0o Co-sponsorship of development and creation of `Your Solar Home' Video. Completion late May
2004.
oo `Your Solar Home' video distribution to all participating schools — late May 2004.
oo Continued support for teachers developing classroom lessons based on Solar Cell & Solar
Technology Kits.
0o Develop solar project tip sheets for cars, model homes, fountains, ovens, sculptures.
oo Develop connection between Photosynthesis and Photovoltaics as classroom connection. Fact
sheet developed.
Solar Schoolhouse -Lodi 04-05 Page 2 of 10 The Rahus Institute May2004
Project Status
Solar Schoolhouse Summer Institute — One Educator from Lodi attended the 4 day summer institute
in Santa Barbara, during the summer of 2003. This educator benefited from an in depth session on
building solar energy -based projects (model solar homes, solar fountains, solar cars, etc.). We also visited
one of the highest ranked Green Buildings in the USA— The Bren Center at UC Santa Barbara— learning
about a variety of energy savings measures incorporated as well as some new uses for recycled materials.
The Lodi educator is participating in the Solar Olympics in nearly all events.
More on the Summer Institute Experience is posted online at
http://www.solarschoolhouse.org/solareclil)s/2003.10/20031014-7.html
Teacher Workshops: The original proposal submitted last
year was based on the idea of providing expanding training to
include middle and high school science teachers. In an effort
to attract new and non -science teachers to explore solar
energy education and projects for their classrooms, we are
piloting a competition called Solar Schoolhouse
Olympics (SSO). SSO has a variety of events, including
Art categories. Guidelines have been developed which
describe the events (model solar home, solar cooker, model
solar cars, solar hot water heater, sculpture, solar fountain,
art, public service announcement (PSA), solar cartoons). The
Event is scheduled for May 15th. Thus far, the Olympics
have stimulated a lot of activity and interest in building
projects and attracting non -science teachers. Event kits were
developed and distributed free to teachers wishing to
participate on a first-come/first-serve basis (example: solar
module plus gears/wheels for the model solar car event). A
webpage was set up to provide documents and tips for
teachers of the Lodi program.
http://www.solarschoolhouse.org/newssh/sso/lodi/sso-
lodi.htinl
An initial Solar Schoolhouse Olympics orientation was held
in November 2003 to introduce the new competition. Two
workshops were offered. One on Model Solar Homes
(December) and a second on Solar Fountains (February).
Teachers gained a better sense of project building and solar
energy basics, to prepare them for working with their
students.
Material Development: As with all Solar
Schoolhouse projects, new materials evolve during the course
of the year. In partnership with a few other co-sponsors, we
are near completion on an instructional video titled "Your
Solar Home — The Art and Science of Healing, Cooling,
and Powering your Home with the Sun". The video is
intended to act as an introductory to the classroom, providing
terminology and the basic scientific principles. We anticipate
distributing the Video to schools in the Lodi area later this
Spring (2004).
200F
Solar ulk"Ihmm OIMPICS
Solar Schoolhouse -Lodi 04-05 Page 3 of 10 The Rahus Institute May2004
In addition to the video, we have developed what we call the Flip Cell Kit, a solar charging device that
includes a Lithium Ion rechargeable battery, a super bright white LED light, and a small motor & wheel
for direct power demonstration of how solar cells work. A mini foldable solar module (hence the name
flip cell), originally intended for the solar cell phone charging market, is included with the kit. Teachers
attending the workshops assemble a kit, which they can then use for demonstration in their classrooms.
In the process, they learn about polarity, volts, amps, standalone solar systems, and state-of-the-art battery
and lighting technology. Additional curriculum lessons are being developed at provided to teachers: this
includes project ideas for building simple measurement tools for assessing sun angle and solar intensity,
then correlating data to explaining seasonal changes (`Reasons for the Seasons')
Solar Schoolhouse -Lodi 04-05 Page 4 of 10 The Rahus Institute May2004
Project Description
Building upon the progress made these past 2 years (2002-04), several new tasks are proposed for Year 3
of the program, designed to support the accelerated adoption of curriculum, expand the outreach to
broader audience, and enhance the experience. Proposed tasks are described below.
Task 1: 3 Grid -tie Solar Electric systems with
Realtime monitoring—
A small (<I000watt) solar electric systems will be installed at the 3
winning Solar Schoolhouse Olympics schools. One Elementary,
Middle and High School. Rahus is currently working to pre -certify a
single pole mount design through the California Division of State
Architect, the construction authority for k-12 schools in California.
Rahus will work with the Lodi Unified facilities management to
install the pole -mount systems.
A reaMime monitoring system will record performance data and
make the system accessible to students, teachers, and the community
via the internet. Rahus, in collaboration with Fat Spaniel
Technologies, has developed a set of interactive webpages to present
the data. A low cost hardware solution makes this an affordable
approach, such that there will be several systems which can be
compared/studied in the local area. The web solution will maximize the educational value of these
systems. In addition to their own school performance, students can compare with schools across the
country.
Solar Schoolhouse -Lodi 04-05 Page 5 of 10 The Rahus Institute May2004
Task 2. Renewable Energy Lecture Series
Based on the feedback from teachers we're working with in Lodi, they want to learn more. The
Renewable Energy Lecture series is proposed as a means to bring a variety of subjects to the community
of Lodi. Lectures will be held at Hutchins Street Square, once a month starting in September.
Potential topics include: Wind Energy, Hydrogen Fuel Cells, Solar Electric for Commercial Applications,
History of Solar Energy Use, Biodiesel — alternatives to gasoline, etc.
Each lecture will have handouts, and a set of web resources for participants to explore the topic further.
The lectures would be open to both community members and local students. Several teachers have
indicated that they would give students extra credit for attending the lectures.
The Lecture series is an opportunity to create a dialogue with community members and provide a forum
to learn and discuss energy topics and issues.
Task 3. Curriculum Working Group
In an effort to make stronger connections to the state standards and adapt solar energy and other energy
topics into the k 12 curriculum, we propose establishing a curriculum working group. The group would
consist of teachers from elementary, middle and high schools in Lodi. The goal would be to map out
connections, make lessons that build upon each other, and meet the state subject teaching standards.
Teachers participating in the working group would then pilot the lessons at their own school/class, and
also participate in teaching a workshop to the rest of the district. While this task may seem to duplicate
other efforts, this effort is designed to also strengthen the connection among teachers in the district and
develop a logical stepped teaching approach (vs. teaching the same thing at all grade levels).
Task 4. Enhance materials and provide additional support
Work with Lodi Unified School District and Lodi private schools to identify additional material needs to
support the training initiated during school year 2004-05. Explore new approaches to reach greater
numbers of teachers in the K-12 grade levels. Build upon the relationships that we've established to help
make it an integral part of school curriculum.
4a. Science Camp/Lodi Lake - After 40 years of attending Science Camp, LUSD will no longer be
sending 5th & e grade students to Science Camp for a week, due to current budget issues. To fill the gap,
we will work with the district to identify potential field trip locations that include renewable energy
features. For example, the Nature Center at Lodi Lake Park presents an opportunity to introduce
renewable energy into an existing experience. Students regularly visit the park to study watershed issues.
Adding the renewable energy components will enhance the visit. Rahus has met with LUSD and Park
staff to discuss options and opportunities for collaboration. A solar fountain is proposed for the Lodi
Lake center.
4b. Field Trips — Develop field trip options for schools in the area. Potential Renewable Energy sites
include: Wind turbines of Solano County, geothermal plant at the Geysers, Solar Electric facility, hydro
power plant, fuel cell collaborative in Sacramento, etc. One teacher is even considering taking his
students to Washington DC to witness the Solar Decathlon in Fall 2005, where 20 zero energy homes
designed and built by university architectural/engineering students will gather to compete in various
events. [www.solardecathlon.org]. Rahus will research and document contacts for several field trip
options that schools can choose to arrange themselves.
4c. Lodi USD Intradistrict Media Center (IMC) - The IMC is a centralized `library' of lab kits, books,
and videos that teachers throughout LodiUSD can check out and use in their classrooms, for several
weeks at a time. We have met with Diane Siemers of the IMC, and will work with her to better advertise
to teachers what is available from the IMC. Diane also provides recommendations to teachers looking for
suggestions.
Solar Schoolhouse -Lodi 04-05 Page 6 of 10 The Rahus Institute May2004
4d. Lead Science Teachers— Continue to meet periodically with Lead Science Teachers at Lodi Unified
School District (LUSD). Jay Bell is the lead contact for this group.
4e. Project Highlights — Identify and capture stories of teacher success with the curriculum & materials
in the classroom. New and effective strategies for integrating the material can then be shared with other
educators. We will write up 1-2 page success stories to distribute via website and via district mail.
Task 5. Science Fairs/EarthDay —
Explore integrating an `energy' category at local Science Olympiads, Science Fairs, or Earth Day events.
This task will replace the Solar Schoolhouse Olympics as we try an alternative approach, working to
integrate into existing programs. Develop a booklet of Science Fair project ideas for solar energy and
energy efficiency topics.
Task 6. Solar Schoolhouse Summer Institute 2004 Sly Park (Pollock Pines) -
Scholarships for up to 4 educators from Lodi Schools. Teachers attending this summer seminar will learn
about the science and history of heating, cooling and powering our homes with the Sun. Participants will
build solar cookers, model passive solar homes, solar electric cars/fountains, and conduct energy audits.
We will visit several local low-energy, solar buildings to see these designs in practice. In addition to
learning the science of proper building design (e.g. thermodynamics, electricity, seasonal changes) and
how to fit these exercises into your curriculum, participants will walk away with practical knowledge that
they can apply in their own lives. Integrating solar energy education into your curriculum can provide an
element of excitement and hope for the future. Educators attending the summer session will continue to
develop as mentors for other teachers at their school/district.
http://www.solarschoolhouse.org/ssh/ssh sie2004.htm1
Task 7. Teacher training workshops
Our strategy for information dissemination continues to focus on a "train -the -trainers" approach. By
conducting workshops for teachers we hope to provide them with a level of comfort with the subject, such
that they take ownership and integrate these subjects into their classroom. In this manner, renewable
energy becomes a default lesson (or lessons) at the school, and is not dependent on funding cycles. While
we have made progress in reaching more educators this current year via workshops, we propose
conducting 2 full-day workshops during FY04-05, to continue the momentum.
Task 8. Video Tutorials for Curriculum and lab kits
Teacher feedback from year one indicated a need for video tutorials for curriculum and lab kits. Video
tutorials posted online (and available on CD, VHS or DVD) are designed to help teachers gain confidence
in conducting lessons/labs with their class. We will develop video tutorials supporting K-12 solar energy
lessons.
Solar Schoolhouse -Lodi 04-05 Page 7 of 10 The Rahus Institute May2004
Project Team
Primary Team members are:
Tor Allen, The Rahus Institute, Project Management, Creative, writing, Workshop Presentations, ...
Tor is responsible for managing the project. His background in developing educational information
through Rahus and PG&E's Daylighting Initiative provide experiences in creative development and
contract management. The past 10 years studying and teaching solar energy and renewable energy topics
provide a good background. He has an appreciation for what works through a year working for a solar
contractor. At the Pacific Energy Center, Tor has organized and taught a variety of solar courses on
Building Integrated PV, solar design software, solar basics and green power. Tor has provided design &
content for the SunPower posters, interactive displays, in addition to providing content for the
www.califomiasolarcenter.or website and publishing the biweekly Solar e -Clips online newsletter. Tor
has a M.S. and B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
Hal Aronson, Ph.D, Presenter/Educational Development
Hal develops curriculum on renewable and energy conservation and conducts training seminars for the
Solar Schoolhouse program. In this capacity, Hal meets with teachers to ensure energy lessons are
integral to school curriculum, and develops appropriate technology resource kits. Hal has been an adjunct
professor at San Francisco State University since 1998, where he teaches courses in environmental
sociology and social theory. Hal's work as a carpenter in the early 80's led to the design and construction
of a passive solar off -grid home for his parents in the Santa Cruz area, providing a hands-on, real world
experience that can be brought into the classroom.
Hal holds a Ph.D. in environmental socnlogy, an M.A. in sociology, a single subject teaching certificate,
and a B.A. in politics from the University of California, Santa Cruz.
John Perlin, author/writer/lecturer
John is the author of several books including; From Space to Earth - The Story of Solar Electricity, A
Golden Thread: 2500 Years of Solar Architecture and Technology, and A Forest Journey: The Role of
Wood in the Development of Civilization, in addition to authoring many other articles. John assists in
curriculum development, lab design, and in workshop training.
Clay Atchinson, video development, workshop instructor, curriculum developer
Clay has a strong knowledge of all aspects of solar design. Clay is the producer of Rahus' new `Your
Solar Home' video, providing animation, directing, writing, scripting, filming, and editing roles. Clay
also teaches several solar energy classes at local community colleges.
Solar Schoolhouse -Lodi 04-05 Page 8 of 10 The Rahus Institute May2004
Rahus —Solar Schoolhouse Contract
This contract between The City of Lodi (hereinafter "Lodi") and The Rahus Institute (hereinafter
"Rahus") sets forth the terms and conditions under which Rahus will provide the services described
herein. Lodi and Rahus agree as follows:
SCOPE OF SERVICES
Rahus agrees to perform a solar energy education program for Lodi in strict conformity with the terms
and conditions of this contract. Rahus will provide the following services to Lodi under this agreement:
oo Enhance materials and provide additional support
oo Science Camp — explore and enhance Lodi Lake for renewable energy education.
oo Attend Lead Science Teacher meetings
oo Draft and publish Project Highlights
oo Enhance LUSD Media Center as distribution center of RE materials/kits.
oo Explore connections to Local Science Fair/EarthDay events.
oo Work with LUSD to install 3 Solar Electric systems with rea�time monitoring
oo Sponsor Educators to attend Solar Schoolhouse Summer Institute 2004
oo Conduct 2 full day teacher training workshops
oo Establish Community Renewable Energy Lecture Series. 4 lectures
oo Video Tutorials for Curriculum and lab kits
oo Facilitate Teachers energy curriculum working group
TERM OF AGREEMENT
The term of this agreement shall be from July 1, 2004 until June 30, 2005.
ADVERTISING, MARKETING, AND PUBLIC RELATIONS
Lodi and Rahus will share in the responsibility of any marketing and public relations associated with this
proje ct.
INSURANCE
Rahus agrees to maintain a $1,000,000 general liability policy, vehicle liability policy, and workers
compensation policy at all times for actions performed under this agreement. Lodi will be named co-
insured/additionally insured on all policies.
CONTRACT PRICE AND TERMS
The overall budget for this project is not to exceed $55,000 through June 30, 2005. Rahus will be
compensated for services rendered within 30 days of completion and final billing. Billing will be on a
time and materials basis.
Hourly rates are as such:
Name
Position
Hourly Rate
Tor Allen
President
Renewable Energy Specialist
$85
Hal Aronson
Associate, Renewable Energy Educator (Curriculum
development and Workshops)
$70
John Perlin
Associate, author and RE Educator
$75
Zach Nobel
Associate, Web Programming & Data Acquisition
Systems
$70
Liz Rush
Associate, Graphics & Web Design
$75
Dena Allen
Education Specialist (Curriculum development, teacher
workshops)
$65
Clay Atchinson
Associate, Instructor, Graphic Design, Video Specialist
$65
Solar Schoolhouse -Lodi 04-05 Page 9 of 10 The Rahus Institute May2004
Budget
Item
Budget
3 Grid tied Solar Electric Systems
15000
Science Fairs - Develop Project Idea booklet
5000
Solar Schoolhouse Summer Institutesponsorships
4 000.00
2 Teacher professional development workshops
8,000.00
Renewable Energy Lecture series: 4 events
8,000.00
Teacher Support: classroom visits, on line, by phone
5,000.00
Curricular and Technology material development
5,000.00
Install Solar Water Fountain + at Lodi Lake Center
1,000.00
Teacher Stipends -solar schoolhouse curriculum k-12
integration/adoption
4,000.00
Total
55000
COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS, PERMITS, AND LICENSES
Rahus shall maintain all applicable permits, licenses, and fees necessary to perform this contract. Rahus
will also be responsible to ensure that any and all sub -contractors hired in connection with this contract
maintain all applicable permits, licenses, fees, and insurances necessary to perform under the terms and
conditions of this contract.
INDEMNITY CLAUSE
Rahus shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the City of Lodi, the City of Lodi Electric Utility, it's
City Council, directors, officers, agents, and employees against all claims, loss, damage, expense, and
liability arising out of or in any way connected with the performance of this contract and excepting only
such loss, damage, or liability as may be caused by the intentional acts or sole negligence or the City of
Lodi, and the City of Lodi Electric Utility.
AGREED AND ACCEPTED THIS
Tor E. Allen
President
The Rahus Institute
DAY OF 2004
Manager, City of Lodi
Attorney, City of Lodi
Solar Schoolhouse -Lodi 04-05 Page 10 of 10 The Rahus Institute May2004
RESOLUTION NO. 2004-121
A RESOLUTION OF THE LODI CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE
CITY MANAGER TO ALLOCATE PUBLIC BENEFITS PROGRAM
FUNDS TO EXTEND THE LODI SOLAR SCHOOLHOUSE PROGRAM
AND FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE
A CONTRACT WITH THE RAHUS INSTITUTE TO ASSIST IN
ADMINISTERING ELEMENTS OF THIS PROGRAM
WHEREAS, the state has mandated that beginning January 1, 1998, the City of Lodi is
obligated to fund various programs through a Public Benefits Charge (PBC) based on an
historical electric revenue requirement; and
WHEREAS, the requirement amounts to approximately $1 million per year that must be
dedicated to qualifying programs such as energy efficiency. A further stipulation is that these
efforts must be done on the customer's side of the meter in order to qualify; and
WHEREAS, the City of Lodi's Public Benefits Program is comprised of four segments or
customer groups: commercial/industrial, residential, community/non-profit, and municipal; and
WHEREAS, for the past two years, the City of Lodi Electric Utility has maintained a solar
education outreach program utilizing Public Benefits funds; and
WHEREAS, staff proposes to extend the Lodi Solar Schoolhouse Program in fiscal year
2004-05; and
WHEREAS, in conjunction with The Rahus Institute and the City of Lodi, Electric Utility
will provide a variety of solar energy projects for school -aged children throughout the
community. Some of the projects will include:
Teacher Workshops — training for science and non -science teachers regarding solar
power, solar technology, and solar experiments;
➢ 2"d Annual Solar Schoolhouse Olympics — a day -long event, whereby students in grades 5
through 12 create various solar projects that demonstrate solar technology and compete
for prizes;
Renewable Energy Lecture Series — numerous workshops and presentations regarding
new and emerging renewable energy resources will be provided to school teachers at both
private and public schools within Lodi's city limits (or within Lodi Unified School District
jurisdiction);
➢ Material Development — new and additional solar -related materials will be generated for
distribution to students, as well as educators.
WHEREAS, the intent of the Lodi Solar Schoolhouse is to showcase renewable energy
resources to students and teachers. As we rapidly deplete our reserves of natural resources
(such as oil, coal, and natural gas) around the world, our dependence on energy supplies will
most likely shift to new and emerging technologies, including: solar, wind, hydrogen fuel cells,
and others. Staff is targeting elementary, middle, and high school students in hopes of
introducing young people to these important technologies before the earth's precious natural
resources are fully consumed.
WHEREAS, The Rahus Institute has been partnering with the City of Lodi Electric Utility
on solar -related projects for the past two years, and staff recommends the extension of this
project and the contract with The Rahus Institute for the upcoming fiscal year; and
WHEREAS, Lodi Municipal Code §3.20.070 authorizes dispensing with bids for
purchases of supplies, services, or equipment when it is in the best interest of the City to do so;
and
WHEREAS, due to the business relationship established between the City of Lodi and
The Rahus Institute, Electric Utility respectfully requests that the Lodi City Council dispense with
going out to bid pursuant to Lodi Municipal Code §3.20.070; and
WHEREAS, Electric Utility staff respectfully recommends approval of the Lodi Solar
Schoolhouse Program as a qualifying component of the City of Lodi Public Benefits Program.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Lodi City Council hereby authorizes the
City Manager to allocate Public Benefits Program funds in the amount of $55,000.00 to fund the
Lodi Solar Schoolhouse Program; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLED that the City Manager is hereby authorized to execute a
contract with The Rahus Institute to assist in administering elements of this program.
Dated: June 16, 2004
I hereby certify that Resolution No. 2004-121 was passed and adopted by the Lodi City
Council in a regular meeting held June 16, 2004, by the following vote:
AYES:
COUNCIL MEMBERS -- Beckman, Hitchcock, Howard, and Land
NOES:
COUNCIL MEMBERS — None
ABSENT:
COUNCIL MEMBERS - Mayor Hansen
ABSTAIN:
COUNCIL MEMBERS — None
SUSAN J. BLACKSTON
City Clerk
2004-121
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