Title
Adopt a Resolution to:
a. Use General Fund Contingency to provide funding for a drainage study, in response to the next steps for Board Referral No. 2024.04 seeking to 1) analyze and address floodplain issues in the Little Bear Creek area; and 2) to address expedited permit processes for cleaning and long-term maintenance of Little Bear Creek; and
b. Authorize and direct the Auditor-Controller to amend the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-25 adopted budget to increase appropriations by $200,000 for Special Districts Administration General Fund 001, Appropriation Unit PFP003, financed by a decrease in appropriations of $200,000 in Contingencies, General Fund 001, Appropriation Unit CAO020 (4/5ths vote required).
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended the Board of Supervisors adopt a Resolution to:
a. Use General Fund Contingency to provide funding for a drainage study, in response to the next steps for Board Referral No. 2024.04 seeking to 1) analyze and address floodplain issues in the Little Bear Creek area; and 2) to address expedited permit processes for cleaning and long-term maintenance of Little Bear Creek; and
b. Authorize and direct the Auditor-Controller to amend the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-25 adopted budget to increase appropriations by $200,000 for Special Districts Administration General Fund 001, Appropriation Unit PFP003, financed by a decrease in appropriations of $200,000 in Contingencies, General Fund 001, Appropriation Unit CAO020 (4/5ths vote required).
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
On March 12, 2024, the Board added Supervisor Church’s Referral No. 2024.04 to the County Board of Supervisors’ referral matrix. The referral sought to 1) analyze and address floodplain issues in the Little Bear Creek area; and 2) To address expedited permit processes for cleaning and long-term maintenance of Little Bear Creek.
The community of Bolsa Knolls is located in the North County, immediately north of the City of Salinas. The community has grown along Little Bear Creek (Creek), which runs a length of approximately 12 miles. The Creek runs across multiple properties and is managed by various entities, including private residents and agricultural landowners. The referral requested research and analysis of the cause of floodplain issues in the Creek drainage, including a drainage study, analysis of the impact of upstream area agricultural practices, creek maintenance, potential funding mechanisms to conduct maintenance and a process to expedite permitting for Creek maintenance.
At the April 16, 2024 Board Meeting, staff presented the Preliminary Analysis Report for the Board Referral, outlining next steps for the process. The proposed drainage study is the next step. Staff acquired a proposal from one of the PWFP on-call environmental consultants, Denise Duffy & Associates (DD&A). Since this study was not budgeted in any department budget, and the costs were still in development at the time, staff is seeking funding for the drainage study. Staff also intends that this Board Report serve as an update to BR 2024.04.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
PWFP coordinated with the County Administrative Office Budget & Analysis Division. The Budget Committee supported the recommended actions at its September 3, 2024 meeting.
FINANCING:
Supporting this recommendation will provide $200,000 for the Little Bear Creek drainage study using General Fund Contingencies. As of the date this report was written, the balance in Contingencies is $8,221,497. Approving use of Contingencies would reduce its balance to $8,021,497.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
The recommended action supports the Board of Supervisors’ Strategic Initiatives for Infrastructure and Public Safety. These services will assist the water flow needs and will improve the quality of life for County residents.
__ Economic Development
__ Administration
__ Health & Human Services
X Infrastructure
X Public Safety
Prepared by: Randell Ishii, MS, PE, TE, PTOE, Director of Public Works, Facilities & Parks
Reviewed by: Jessica Cordiero-Martinez, Finance Manager III
Debbie Paolinelli, CPA, Assistant County Administrative Officer
Approved by: Randell Ishii, MS, PE, TE, PTOE, Director of Public Works, Facilities & Parks
Attachment :
Attachment A - DDA Proposal, dated July 22, 2024
Attachment B - Board Resolution