Agenda Item Wording:
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Acceptance of Ag Burn Alternatives Grant Program Funds - Accept and authorize the appropriation of funds awarded from the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District under the Ag Burn Alternatives Grant Program in the amount of $37,800 to the Wastewater Fund to chip and spread the material generated by the City's walnut orchard demolition and removal project.
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Deadline for Action: 2/18/2025
Submitting Department: Public Works
Contact Name and Phone Number: Rehana Cale, Senior Project Manager, Rehana.Cale@visalia.city 559-713-4176
Nick Bartsch, Public Works Director, Nick.Bartsch@visalia.city 559-713-4428
Department Recommendation:
Staff recommends that the City Council accept and authorize the appropriation of $37,800 to the Wastewater Fund from the Ag Burn Alternatives Program Grant from the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District to the Walnut Orchard Demolition and Removal project CP0761 (Request for Bids 24-25-18), which was awarded to JFS Enterprises on November 18, 2024.
Background Discussion:
Based on the health and condition of the walnut orchards surrounding the Water Reclamation Facility (WRF), historical and projected crop production, and associated uncertainties related to groundwater sustainability regulations, the City Council directed City staff to stop farming the 130 acres of Walnuts in December 2023. This direction also included the removal of the walnut orchard and the exploration of long-term lease options that would be compatible with the Wastewater Treatment Plant operations.
The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) promotes and provides incentives to commercial agricultural operations within the District's boundaries to utilize an alternative practice for the disposition of agricultural material from orchard/vineyard removals as an alternative to open burning through their Ag Burn Alternatives Grant Program. The program provides for the reimbursement o...
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