Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Colleen Chawla, Chief, San Mateo County Health
Tamarra Jones, Director, Public Health, Policy and Planning
Subject: Amendment to the Agreement with Regents of the University of California to Continue to Operate the University of California Cooperative Extension Program
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing an amendment to the agreement with Regents of the University of California to continue to operate the University of California Cooperative Extension Program, extending the term through June 30, 2027, and increasing the amount by $302,820 to an amount not to exceed $894,040.
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BACKGROUND:
The University of California Cooperative Extension Program (UCCE) serves as a bridge between agricultural research conducted in the University of California’s Division of Agricultural and Natural Resources (ANR) and the citizens of California. Across California, UCCE operates at the county or regional level, in collaboration with local partners, to apply UCCE knowledge of healthy food systems, environments, youth development, and communities. UCCE has been operating in San Mateo County since October 1, 2006. Today UCCE runs six programs: 1) the ANR program focusing on enhancing the agricultural productivity and competitiveness of San Mateo County farmers; 2) the Nutrition, Family, and Consumer Sciences program offering school-based programs on nutrition; 3) Master Gardeners delivering home horticulture and pest management programs; 4) Master Food Preservers providing research-based information about home food safety and preservation to the public; 5) Elkus Ranch providing experiential learning opportunities for Bay Area children; and 6) the Head, Heart, Health, Hand (4H) program providing citizenship and science literacy tools to young people.
In July 2014, this Board approved a three-year local partnership agreement (LA) between the County and UCCE. This LA transitioned from the existing in-kind support model (e.g., office space and County staff assigned to UCCE) to the County’s direct cash support for UCCE operations. This LA has allowed the County to have a role in the development of the UCCE priorities in San Mateo County, as well as ensure that UCCE programs do not overlap or duplicate similar County programs and services.
In August 2019, June 2021, and June 2023, this Board approved two-year agreements allowing UCCE to continue providing the same level of services to County residents as that of the previous LA, which includes the programs described above. County staff will continue to provide oversight through UCCE’s participation in biannual program meetings.
The current agreement with UCCE is for July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2025, in an amount not to exceed $591,220.
DISCUSSION:
Since July 2014, the County has supported UCCE by providing direct financial support to its operations via the LA, as described above. The proposed LA would continue the County’s direct support. The LA outlines a continued process under which the County maintains a role in the development of UCCE priorities in the County through the San Mateo County Leadership Advisory Process. Under the LA, the County and UCCE will realign local priorities and activities annually to avoid duplication of efforts between the UCCE Program and County programs.
Under the B-1 Administrative Memo, agreements with other public entities, including governments, universities, schools, or other organizations acting as governmental agencies, are exempt from the County’s Request for Proposals requirement.
The amendment and resolution have been reviewed and approved by the County Attorney as to form.
San Mateo Procurement has approved a waiver request to amend the agreement for an additional two years.
It is anticipated that 15,000 individuals will be reached through implementation of all UCCE programs combined, including the Master Gardener, Master Food Preserver, 4H Youth Development, SNAP-Ed, and Elkus Ranch Environmental Education Programs.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
|
Measure |
FY 2024-25 Estimated |
FY 2025-26 Projected |
|
|
Number of individuals reached through implementation of all UCCE programs combined |
15,000 individuals |
15,000 individuals |
|
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
The University of California Cooperative Extension programs are available to all residents of San Mateo County, while several programs will specifically benefit CalFresh eligible residents, children from low-income families, and youth located at the Youth Services Center. In 2024 the UCCE CFHL program served 4,151 residents, Elkus Ranch provided scholarships to 908 youth from low-income families, and the 4-H program served 51 youth at the Youth Services Center and 34 youth through the Water Wizards program. SMC Health staff works alongside UCCE staff to ensure an understanding of the needs of vulnerable residents to align programming with the identified needs. No negative impacts are anticipated from this agreement.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The term of the amended agreement is July 1, 2021, through June 30, 2027. This amendment increases the agreement amount by $302,820 to an amount not to exceed $894,040 for the six-year term. Amendment costs of $151,410 are included in the PHPP FY 2025-26 Adopted Budget. Similar arrangements will be made for future years. The agreement is 100% funded by Net County Cost. The levels of service in this agreement are essentially the same as the previous agreement.