Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Koren J. Widdel, Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer
Subject: Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Allowing Participation of the Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer, the Department of Parks, and the Department of Public Works in the San Mateo County Weed Management Area for the Term July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2030
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution:
A) Authorizing the execution of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) allowing participation of the Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer, the Department of Parks, and the Department of Public Works in the San Mateo County Weed Management Area for the term July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2025; and
B) Authorizing the Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer to execute any documents necessary to implement the Memorandum of Understanding, to seek grant funding for local weed control projects and to enter into any amendments to the Memorandum of Understanding that do not involve the expenditure or commitment of County funds.
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BACKGROUND:
Food and Agricultural Code (FAC) sections 7270-7274 provide the authority for the establishment of Weed Management Areas (WMA) and outline provisions for dissemination of State funds to local organizations by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). The Board authorized participation of the Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer Division, the Department of Parks, and the Department of Public Works in the San Mateo County Weed Management Area (SMCWMA) by approval of the first Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on December 18, 2001 (Resolution No. 64965) and was renewed on December 15, 2009 (Resolution No. 070554) and on January 26, 2016 (Resolution No. 074299).
DISCUSSION:
A Weed Management Area (WMA) is a local organization that brings together interested landowners and managers, special districts, and the public in a county or other geographical area to address their common weed problems and collaborate on solutions. WMA activities typically include mapping and inventory of weed infestations, establishment of local demonstration projects, and coordination of control projects using integrated weed management strategies. By controlling the spread of noxious weeds, these strategies protect and enhance the value of parkland, open space, agricultural lands, natural plant and animal communities. To be eligible for potential State funding, a WMA must be established and a MOU between participating agencies/organizations must be implemented. This MOU defines the terms and conditions under which the SMCWMA will continue to operate. The Board has previously authorized the Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer to seek grant funding and to execute WMA documents and MOU amendments as needed for potential future WMA state weed project funding.
The MOU and Resolution have been reviewed and approved by County Counsel as to form. The MOU has also been reviewed by the Director of Parks and the Director of Public Works.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
|
Measure |
FY 2019-20 Actual |
FY 2020-21 Projected |
|
Number of Weed Management Area Meetings Held |
6 |
6 |
FISCAL IMPACT:
Approval of the MOU authorizing participation in the San Mateo County Weed Management Area will allow the County to continue to collaborate on local weed control projects and to seek grant funding should funds become available. There is no Net County Cost or obligation to expend County general fund monies associated with this MOU.