BOARD MEETING DATE: September 10, 2010
AGENDA NO. 6

PROPOSAL:

Appropriate Funds to 2010 Lawnmower Exchange Program for Events Scheduled in FY 2010-11

SYNOPSIS:

At its February 5, 2010 meeting, the Board recognized funds to conduct the AQMD’s “Mow Down Air Pollution 2010” Program. Twelve events have been scheduled from May 1 through August 7, 2010 with 9,380 mowers to be exchanged. This action is to approve the transfer of $50,000 from the Air Quality Investment Fund to the FY 2010-11 Science & Technology Advancement budget to carry out the lawnmower exchange events scheduled in FY 2010-11.

COMMITTEE:

Technology, July 23, 2010, Recommended for Approval

RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:

Transfer $50,000 from the Air Quality Investment Program Special Revenue Fund (27) to the FY 2010-11 Science & Technology Advancement budget to assist in implementing an enhanced “Mow Down Air Pollution 2010” Program.
 

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

Background

At its February 5, 2010 meeting, the Board recognized funds and executed contracts to conduct the 2010 Lawnmower Exchange Program. The Board directed staff to schedule additional exchange events throughout AQMD’s four-county region to facilitate participation by the public. This year’s program was the largest, with 9,380 electric mowers available for exchange, doubling the number of mowers previously offered by the AQMD. Twelve exchange events were scheduled, representing communities in all four-counties and ranging from the Coachella Valley to Northeastern Los Angeles.

Proposal

The increase in size and scope of the 2010 Lawnmower Exchange Program requires additional staff resources and services to implement this year’s enhanced program. Initially, eight events were scheduled, and subsequently four events were added in July and August 2010. Implementation of exchange events includes staff resources, both AQMD personnel and temporary staff, including: Pick Your Part Auto Wrecking, to dismantle and haul away gasoline powered mowers; Parking Concepts, Inc., to direct vehicles through the event and to provide security. In some instances, we have had to pay for the event location.

Staff is requesting the transfer of $50,000 from the Air Quality Investment Program Special Revenue Fund (27) to FY 2010-11 Science & Technology Advancement budget to cover costs associated with the implementation of the “Mow Down Air Pollution 2010” Program for events scheduled in FY 2010-11.

Benefits to AQMD

The Lawnmower Exchange Program reduces uncontrolled criteria pollutants to zero with the replacement of older gasoline lawnmowers in several communities within the AQMD and raises public awareness about the importance of healthy air. 

Resource Impact

Total cost for recommended action shall not exceed $50,000 from the Rule 2202 Special Revenue Fund.

Attachments (EXE, 85k)

1. Lawnmower Exchange Events (2003-2010)

2. 2010 Lawnmower Exchange