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Staff outlines grants, LED retrofit and pilot EV truck purchase for Farmers Branch fleet
Summary
City staff told the sustainability committee they received a state LED retrofit grant, $76,000 in Department of Energy funding to pilot an EV F‑150 Lightning for solid waste and an EV sedan for the health inspector, and are pursuing a SoulSmart designation to reduce solar permitting barriers.
City staff delivered several operational updates to the Farmers Branch Sustainability Committee on June 12.
Staff said the city was accepted into a Texas Accelerator program and is finalizing a state grant to replace about 28 parking‑lot fixtures with LEDs; the retrofit is reported as about 80% grant funded. Staff also said the Department of Energy approved approximately $76,000 in funding that will purchase an EV F‑150 Lightning to replace a gas pickup used in solid waste operations and an EV sedan for the inspector fleet, with charging to use existing infrastructure at City Hall.
The city is pursuing a SoulSmart designation intended to streamline local rules and permitting for rooftop and distributed solar by reviewing planning, zoning, inspections and permitting processes. Staff said outreach with planning and building‑inspections departments is underway and that the city hopes to reach at least a silver designation.
Staff additionally reported that water‑related programs continue: 88 toilet rebates have been processed and the first month of irrigation checkup applications was completed (five applications). The next sustainability committee meeting is scheduled for July 10.
No formal committee vote was required on these staff updates; members asked follow‑up questions about program timing, outreach and potential commercial rebate models for irrigation audits.
