Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Jim Eggemeyer, Office of Sustainability
Subject: Agreement with the San Mateo County Resource Conservation District
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing the Office of Sustainability to enter into an agreement for $385,243 with the San Mateo County Resource Conservation District for a term of July 1, 2017 to August 30, 2022 to implement services related to water quality improvement and natural resource protection.
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BACKGROUND:
San Mateo County is home to abundant and diverse marine life, several natural creeks, and rural communities that depend on natural resources and clean water for agriculture, domestic uses, and recreation. Currently there are water quality impairments on the coastside, including in San Vicente Creek. The San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board (Water Board) requires that the County take action to improve water quality in local creeks. The County is planning to take a multi-faceted approach including water quality monitoring and inspections. One of the key components of the County’s plan will be a strong outreach program focusing on stormwater pollution awareness and behavior change. This work will require collaboration among multiple stakeholders, including community groups, residents, businesses, property owners, schools, and the Water Board.
DISCUSSION:
The County has been working on multiple projects with the San Mateo County Resource Conservation District (RCD). The County desires to waive the RFP process and work with RCD, as they are well-positioned to assist the County in coastside water quality improvement, monitoring, outreach, and resource protection. The RCD is a special district focused on connecting communities with technical and educational assistance to conserve and manage natural resources. The RCD understands that resource management involves a wide variety of stakeholders and often serves as a critical liaison between these groups, aiming for win-win solutions in their service to the community. The RCD is also subject to transparency and accountability laws that require public meetings, open records, annual audits, and financial reporting which makes them a trusted County partner. The County and the RCD have formed a strong partnership through prior projects involving water conservation, water quality improvements, floodplain restoration, and agricultural water projects.
Under this Agreement, the RCD will provide a range of services to the County including water quality monitoring, assistance to landowners, public engagement, and program oversight and administration. The time frames for each of the scopes of work depends on the task. A three-year waiver is also desirable because a five-year water quality monitoring plan is strongly recommended by the Water Board. Other tasks are shorter term, including conducting a pet waste outreach program which is scheduled for completion within two years.
The resolution contains the County’s standard provisions allowing amendment(s) of the County’s fiscal obligations up to a maximum of $25,000 (in aggregate) without Board approval.
County Counsel has reviewed and approved the agreement and resolution as to form.
Approval of the resolution contributes to the Shared Vision 2025 outcome of an Environmentally Conscious Community through the improvement of water quality and protection of natural resources. Approval of this resolution also contributes to the 2025 Shared Vision outcome of Collaborative Community by facilitating financial assistance to other agencies when assistance is needed.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Appropriation for the services related to the Agreement have been included in the Office of Sustainability’s FY 2017-19 Recommended Budget and will be included in the future fiscal years as needed.
ATTACHMENT:
A. Agreement with the San Mateo County Resource Conservation District