Title
a. Approve and authorize the County Purchasing Agent or designee to execute a Standard Services Agreement with the Pajaro Regional Flood Management Agency to coordinate and support security services, trash and debris removal, removal of abandoned vehicles and unauthorized structures, and related encampment cleanup activities along the Pajaro River and levee in unincorporated Monterey County from September 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, in an amount not to exceed $300,000 funded by Measure AA; and
b. Approve and authorize the County Purchasing Agent or designee to execute up to (3) amendments to the Agreement where amendments do not exceed 10% ($30,000) and do not significantly alter the scope of services as determined by the Director of the Homelessness Strategies and Initiatives Division and subject to approval by County Counsel.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve and authorize the County Purchasing Agent or designee to execute a Standard Services Agreement with the Pajaro Regional Flood Management Agency to coordinate and support security services, trash and debris removal, removal of abandoned vehicles and unauthorized structures, and related encampment cleanup activities along the Pajaro River and levee in unincorporated Monterey County from September 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, in an amount not to exceed $300,000, funded by Measure AA; and
b. Approve and authorize the County Purchasing Agent or designee to execute up to (3) amendments to the Agreement where amendments do not exceed 10% ($30,000) and do not significantly alter the scope of services as determined by the Director of the Homelessness Strategies and Initiatives Division and subject to approval by County Counsel.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The County Administrative Office’s Homelessness Strategies and Initiatives Division (CAO-HSI) requests approval of a Standard Services Agreement with the Pajaro Regional Flood Management Agency (PRFMA) in an amount not to exceed $300,000 for the period September 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. The Agreement will support coordination and implementation of security services, trash and debris removal, and the removal of abandoned vehicles, unauthorized structures, and other hazardous or unhealthy conditions along and within the Pajaro River and levee in the unincorporated area of Monterey County.
PRFMA is a joint powers authority of the County of Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz County Flood Control and Water Conservation Zone No. 7, the County of Monterey, the Monterey County Water Resources Agency, and the City of Watsonville. Formed in 2021, PRFMA plans, finances, and implements projects and programs intended to reduce flood risk from the lower Pajaro River and its tributaries in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties.
Under the Agreement, PRFMA will coordinate and support cleanup activities involving abandoned vehicles, unauthorized structures, trash, debris, and other unhealthy or hazardous conditions impacting the river, levee, and surrounding community. The Scope of Services identifies conditions that may warrant action, including vector hazards; biological hazards; encampments that impede rights-of-way, traffic lanes, bicycle lanes, or Americans with Disabilities Act access; impediments to critical services; pervasive criminal activity; damage to essential infrastructure; excessive waste or debris; proximity to objective dangers; excessive fire hazards; unsafe fires or electrical wiring; obstructions to fire apparatus access or fire hydrants; unsafe storage of combustible materials; present dangers to life and safety; and environmental hazards near waterways.
The Agreement also requires PRFMA to coordinate and support security services, including procurement and contract negotiations with a certified security company, scheduling, and monitoring. PRFMA will make reasonable efforts to provide written notification to individuals illegally camping in unauthorized structures at least 72 hours before action related to removal and disposal of their dwelling and items on or near the encampment area.
PRFMA will partner with CAO-HSI to coordinate homeless street outreach interventions for individuals found living along the Pajaro River and its levee. PRFMA will also partner with CAO-HSI to make reasonable efforts toward providing storage for items of apparent value of $50 or more, or items of personal value such as wheelchairs, personal paperwork, medical equipment, and photographs. The County will lead in identifying storage locations and supplies. Property removed from encampment sites should be stored for no less than 90 days to provide owners sufficient time to retrieve their personal belongings, after which unclaimed belongings will be considered abandoned and disposed of accordingly.
The Agreement provides a framework for coordinating cleanup, security, outreach, and property-storage activities in a manner intended to advance public health and safety, protect the river and levee from pollution and environmental degradation, and promote the safety, wellness, and quality of life of the surrounding community.
The Board of Supervisors appropriated $300,000 in Measure AA funding for this purpose at its August 11, 2026 meeting. Because the funding has already been appropriated by the Board, this item does not require Budget Committee review or action.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT/COMMITTEE ACTIONS:
CAO-HSI will serve as the County contract monitor and will coordinate with PRFMA regarding outreach, encampment-related activities, and property storage. PRFMA will coordinate with cleanup contractors, County representatives, community-based organizations, and other partners as necessary to carry out the Scope of Services.
The Office of the County Counsel-Risk Management, and the Auditor-Controller’s office have reviewed and approved proposed Agreement as to form, risk, and fiscal provisions.
FINANCING:
This Agreement is fully funded through Measure AA funds appropriated by the Board of Supervisors on August 11, 2026. There is no additional funding request associated with this Board action beyond the amount already appropriated. The Scope of Services provides for monthly invoices for eligible reimbursable expenses, with supporting documentation, and establishes a maximum contract amount of $300,000.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
This initiative supports the County of Monterey’s Strategic Goals and Key Objectives by addressing hazardous and unhealthy conditions, supporting public safety and access, protecting essential flood-control infrastructure, and coordinating outreach and property-storage efforts for individuals experiencing homelessness along the Pajaro River and levee.
Mark a check to the related Board of Supervisors Adopted 2025-26 Strategic Plan Goals
_X_ Well-Being and Quality of Life
_X_ Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future
_X_ Safe and Resilient Communities
____ Diverse and Thriving Economy
____ Dynamic Organization and Employer of Choice
Link to the Strategic Plan:
<https://www.countyofmonterey.gov/home/showdocument?id=139569>
Prepared by: Dania Valdez, Management Analyst II, CAO-HSI Division, ext. 3049
Reviewed by: Roxanne Wilson, Homeless Services Director, CAO-HSI Division, ext. 5445
Approved by: Nick Chiulos, Chief Assistant County Administrative Officer, ext. 5145
Attachments: Agreement
Proposed Agreement is on file with Clerk of the Board as an attachment to this Board Report.