Title
a. Authorize the Agricultural Commissioner to execute, on behalf of the County of Monterey, a Standard Agreement and any Amendments thereto, with the State Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) in the amount of $75,000 to perform work under the Department of Pesticide Regulation fiscal year 2015-2016 to initiate a limited pilot project for improved communication and awareness of pesticide use near schools; and
b. Approve and authorize the Agricultural Commissioner, or his designee, to sign up to three (3) amendments to the agreement where the total amendment does not exceed fifteen percent (15%) of the agreement and does not significantly change the scope of work.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Authorize the Agricultural Commissioner to execute, on behalf of the County of Monterey, a Standard Agreement and any Amendments thereto, with the State Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) in the amount of $75,000 to perform work under the Department of Pesticide Regulation fiscal year 2015-2016 to initiate a limited pilot project for improved communication and awareness of pesticide use near schools; and
b. Approve and authorize the Agricultural Commissioner, or his designee, to sign up to three (3) amendments to the agreement where the total amendment does not exceed fifteen percent (15%) of the agreement and does not significantly change the scope of work.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The State of California routinely contracts with the Agricultural Commissioner to provide specific services. Estimated revenue from the Agreement is included in the department’s annual budget, as well as the appropriations associated with each activity.
The Agricultural Commissioner requests authorization to enter into the proposed State Standard Agreement (Attachment A) for the period beginning April 1, 2016, to June 30, 2016 (or upon final approval, whichever occurs later, and ending June 30, 2016). The purpose of the agreement is to initiate a limited pilot project for improved communication and awareness of pesticide use near schools.
Activities under this pilot project agreement involve 1) developing a website to provide an informational resource for school principals, administrators and others to help direct questions and concerns from parents and teachers who have been notified about a pending pesticide application and 2) develop and implement a community engagement process to improve information exchange.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The County Administrative Office supports this action. The State of California Department of Pesticide Regulation routinely contracts with the Agricultural Commissioner’s Office to provide specific services. This State Standard Agreement will provide funding for the Agricultural Commissioner’s Office to perform work during fiscal year 2015-2016 to initiate a limited pilot project for improved communication and awareness of pesticide use near schools.
FINANCING:
Revenues and appropriations for the Agreement are included in the fiscal year 2015-2016 Adopted Budget. There is no impact to the general fund.
Prepared by:
Sheila Salazar, Finance Manager, 759-7381
Approved by:
Eric Lauritzen, Agricultural Commissioner, 759-7325
Attachments:
Attachment A