Title
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve and authorize the Agricultural Commissioner (AC) to sign a (2) two-year Agreement with Resource Conservation District of Monterey County (RCD), not to exceed $280,000, to provide weed abatement and erosion control service and;
b. Authorize the Auditor-Controller to make payment in accordance with the terms of the Agreement.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve and authorize the Agricultural Commissioner (AC) to sign a (2) two-year Agreement with Resource Conservation District of Monterey County (RCD), not to exceed $280,000, to provide weed abatement and erosion control service and;
b. Authorize the Auditor-Controller to make payment in accordance with the terms of the Agreement.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The RCD has been providing technical assistance and outreach for the Agricultural Commissioner since 2009. We are requesting authorization to enter a two-year agreement, for a total cost of $280,000. The primary project for the RCD is the Salinas River Arundo Removal Project (21 miles of Arundo removal in riparian habitat) as a continuous weed management activity. Arundo is an invasive species in the Salinas River that consumes water and displaces native vegetation. Its removal helps to reduce flooding potential along the river’s floodplain, which is a serious concern for agriculture. RCD continues to coordinate with regulatory agencies and consultants to implement and expand the Arundo and invasive species removal program in the Salinas River Watershed.
Additionally, services such as educational programs and videos, technical assistance and outreach, participation in regional planning efforts as they relate to agriculture and expanded weed management activities will promote a greater understanding and protection of agriculture in the County. The RCD will continue to provide increased field assistance and reporting for the resolution of all erosion/runoff complaints received by the AC office. The RCD will also represent the agricultural community and provide input for collaborative agricultural water quality programs and project development in the region (e.g., Integrated Regional Water Management, Storm water Management, Ag Water Quality Alliance). Educational outreach regarding Integrated Pest Management and other sustainability and stewardship programs will also be undertaken.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Office of the County Counsel-Risk Management and the Auditor Controller’s Office have approved the proposed agreement as to form and insurance and indemnification provisions, and fiscal provisions, respectively.
FINANCING:
The funds are contained in the Agricultural Commissioner’s Recommended Budget for FY 2024-2025. Ongoing funding for future years is subject to availability as determined through the County’s annual Adopted Budget review and approval process.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
Activities carried out by the RCD under this agreement help maintain critical infrastructure, such as the Salinas River and County roads affected by excessive erosion. They also conserve agricultural resources and promote sustainable practices, which sustains the economic viability of agriculture.
_x_Economic Development
__Administration
__Health & Human Services
_x_Infrastructure
__Public Safety
Prepared by: Henry Esler, Finance Manager, x7381
Approved by: Juan Hidalgo, Agricultural Commissioner Sealer of Weights & Measures, x7302
Attachments:
Board Report
Standard Agreement
Exhibit A - Scope of Work
Exhibit B - Insurance