Title
Adopt a Resolution to:
a. Consider the Monterey County Fish and Game Advisory Commission’s recommendation to the Board of Supervisors for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-24 Fish and Game Propagation Grant Funds award;
b. Designate the grant applicants approved by the Board to receive a funding award in the amount recommended by Staff; and
c. Approve and authorize the Director of Public Works, Facilities and Parks or designee to execute required grant agreements with the applicants approved by the Board to receive a FY 2023-24 Fish and Game Propagation Grant Fund Program award and to disburse the funding awards as delineated in Exhibit 1.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
a. Consider the Monterey County Fish and Game Advisory Commission’s recommendation to the Board of Supervisors for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-24 Fish and Game Propagation Grant Funds award;
b. Designate the grant applicants approved by the Board to receive a funding award in the amount recommended by Staff; and
c. Approve and authorize the Director of Public Works, Facilities and Parks or designee to execute required grant agreements with the applicants approved by the Board to receive a FY 2023-24 Fish and Game Propagation Grant Fund Program award and to disburse the funding awards as delineated in Exhibit 1.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
California Fish and Game Code Section 13100 (Code) establishes that fish and wildlife propagation funds be expended for the protection, conservation, propagation, and preservation of fish and wildlife resources, under the direction of the Board of Supervisors, pursuant to the Fish and Game Code. Funds are received through various State of California Fish and Wildlife fines issued by Game Wardens as well as court fees and case settlements. The Code defines the purposes for which a county may award fish and wildlife propagation grant funds (PGF) (Attachment A). PGF funds are intended to provide financial resources to qualified agencies, organizations, groups, and individuals working to protect, preserve, enhance, and promote fish and wildlife resources. County distribution of propagation funds is subject to State audit.
The Monterey County Fish and Game Advisory Commission (MCFGAC) was formed on April 28, 1981, by the Board of Supervisors (Board) by enacting Resolution #81-239, for the purpose to advise and make recommendations to the Board on the expenditure of funds that benefit fish and wildlife resources in the County of Monterey (County). Board Resolution 81-239 (Attachment B) requires that all expenditures using these grant funds be approved by the Board. The annual budgeted amount for the Monterey County Propagation Grant Fund is $40,000. Following Board approval, applicants awarded grant funding will enter into a grant agreement with the County and provide a final report detailing how the funds were spent.
The Department of Public Works, Facilities and Parks (PWFP) issued a solicitation for FY 2023-24 PGF applications, with applications due on November 17, 2023. The solicitation was advertised in general-circulation newspapers throughout the County. Ten applications were received in response to the solicitation, with grant requests totaling $55,617, and are summarized in the attachment to December 12, 2023, MCFGAC staff report (Attachment C).
On December 12, 2023, MCFGAC considered the FY 2023-24 PGF applications and compiled a funding recommendation for the Board. MCFGAC adjusted some applicant requests to fund allowable activities only or to apportion the award amount to the estimated funding available. FY2023-24 Grant project descriptions are attached (Attachment D). MCFGAC’s funding recommendation totaled $39,581, leaving a balance of $419 (assuming the recommended funding level of $40,000 is approved). Staff recommends the $419 balance remain in the MCFGAC account to be used for future fiscal year grant awards.
MCFGAC requested staff prepare the report for Board approval and specifically authorized staff to make funding award adjustments should funds not be awarded. Staff prepared a draft Resolution and Exhibit 1 for the Board’s consideration (Attachment E) with staff’s recommendation to award $39,581 in funding to the nine applicants for a FY 2023-24 PGF award. One application did not meet the grant or Code qualifications.
PWFP requests the Board of Supervisors: 1) approve MCFGAC’s recommendation for awards; 2) adopt a resolution designating the grant applicants approved by the Board receive a funding award in the amount recommended by staff; and 3) approve and authorize the PWFP Director or designee to execute the grant agreements approved by the Board for FY 2023-24 PGF awards and to disburse the funding awards set forth in Exhibit 1 to the Resolution.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Office of County Counsel reviewed and approved the process for consistency with Board Resolution 81-239 and the Code. MCFGAC received presentations from the parties seeking propagation grant funds and requested staff to take the necessary actions to bring this item forward for Board consideration for approval.
FINANCING:
The FY 2023-24 Adopted Budget for Fish and Game Fund 006, Appropriation Unit PFP059, includes $40,000 allocated for propagation grants. The Commission recommends a total grant award of $39,581 for nine projects. If the recommended awards are approved by the Board, the projected FY 2023-24 ending fund balance will be $70,110.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
The recommendation supports the Board of Supervisors Economic Development and Infrastructure Strategic Initiatives. By funding qualified projects and programs designed to protect and improve ecological resources, the daily lives of Monterey County residents are enriched, and visitors are drawn to the area for recreation and sport activities, which in turn, stimulates the local economy.
X Economic Development
Administration
Health & Human Services
Infrastructure
Public Safety
Prepared by: Dona Luna, Management Analyst (831) 755-5455
Reviewed by: Bryan Flores, Chief of Parks
Approved by: Randell Ishii, MS, PE, TE, PTOE, Director of Public Works, Facilities and Parks
Attachments:
Attachment A - California Fish and Game Code Section 13103
Attachment B - Board Resolution #81-239
Attachment C - 12/11/23 MCFGAC Staff Report
Attachment D - Proposed FY2023-24 Grant Award Project Descriptions
Attachment E - Draft Resolution/Exhibit 1 Staff Recommendation for FY 20232-24 PGF Award
(Attachments are on file with the Clerk of the Board)