City to launch adopt-a-drain program; transfer-station solar array online and more solar projects planned

Cassie Cordova, a city director, told the board the city will roll out an adopt-a-drain program through AdoptADrain.org with neighborhood and communications support. The platform will let volunteers select drains, commit to periodic cleanups, and log maintenance; staff said the program will also supply tools and feed data into the city’s MS4 stormwater reporting.

Cordova said the city’s transfer-station solar array is now online, marking the third of four city solar projects; the remaining gas-complex project was near construction completion and Duke Energy interconnection was expected to take about six weeks. Cordova said the city continues to plan additional solar projects and that, if federal directed-spending awards and timing allow, the city may be able to capture a 30% credit for projects that begin construction before the indicated deadlines.

Communications staff outlined an outreach calendar. A “Beat the Heat” summer campaign will promote heat-safety measures and local actions to reduce urban heat. A fall campaign will promote pollinator-friendly plantings after the mayor signed the Mayor’s Monarch Pledge. Cordova said she would ask the board to serve as a focus group for a condensed summary of the vulnerability assessment and to help distribute outreach materials.

Ending

Staff said the adopt-a-drain program should be live by the end of the year if grant funding is secured; staff will return with program details and timelines, and board members offered to serve as early testers and community connectors.