Title
a. Consider entering into a Cooperative Agreement with the University California, Santa Cruz and the Fort Ord Reuse Authority (FORA) to advance job creation through support of development of the UC Monterey Bay Education Science & Technology Center (UC MBEST); and
b. Approve and authorize the Director of the Economic Development Department to sign the Cooperative Agreement on behalf of Monterey County
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Consider entering into a Cooperative Agreement with the University California Santa Cruz and the Fort Ord Reuse Authority (FORA) to advance job creation through support of development of the UC Monterey Bay Education Science & Technology Center (UC MBEST); and
b. Approve and authorize the Director of the Economic Development Department to sign the Cooperative Agreement on behalf of Monterey County.
SUMMARY:
In 1994, the University of California obtained more than 1,100 acres from the historic Fort Ord. 605 acres will be managed as a habitat reserve by the UC Natural Reserve System. The balance of approximately 484 acres is planned for development and use as research and development center, which will be named the University of California Monterey Bay Education Science & Technology Center or UC MBEST for short. The UC MBEST project has been managed by the University of California, Santa Cruz (UC Santa Cruz), which has received approximately $5.3 million of federal Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant funding for infrastructure improvements for roads. The original goal of the funds was to create local economic stimulus, with expectations of creating jobs and generating local revenues, as well as achieving environmental solutions. The goals today remain the same with a new level of cooperation.
UC Santa Cruz Chancellor George, Blumenthal, has agreed to work with FORA and the County of Monterey to stimulate marketing and job opportunity activities at the UC MBEST site. To do so, UC Santa Cruz is proposing a Cooperative Agreement between the University of California, FORA and the County of Monterey to better coordinate economic development activities and to share lead generation, marketing and promotion of the UC MBEST location as a viable economic development site. To this end, a series of meetings were held in the fall of 2015, culminating with an Executive-level meeting at UC Santa Cruz on December 22, 2015. UC Santa Cruz Vice President for Research, Scott Brandt, presented a UC MBEST status update to the FORA Board of Directors, outlining an approach for collaboration between FORA, Monterey County and UC Santa Cruz to generate economic activity. The collaboration and cooperation envisioned is outlined in the attached Agreement.
DISCUSSION:
On May 13, 2016 the FORA Board of Directors considered and signed the three-party Cooperative Agreement between UC Santa Cruz, FORA, and Monterey County. UC Santa Cruz and the FORA Board of Directors have approved and signed the attached Cooperative Agreement. At its April 11, 2016 meeting, The Monterey County Economic Opportunity Committee (EOC) reviewed the Cooperative Agreement and recommended that it be forwarded to the Board for consideration and approval.
Board Strategic Initiative
This request falls under the Board’s Economic Development Strategic Initiative of “Enhancing the well-being and prosperity of Monterey County Residents” and as such furthers the goal of job creation and prosperity for residents of Monterey County.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
County Counsel has reviewed the Cooperative Agreement as to form and cannot approve due to the generality of its terms and the absence of standard indemnity and insurance provisions.
FINANCING:
There is no impact to the General Fund. The Department of Economic Development has received adequate funding for fiscal year 2016-2017 to assist in the implementation steps outlined in the UC MBEST Cooperative Agreement.
Prepared by: _____________________________________________________________
David L. Spaur, CEcD, EDFP, Economic Development Director, Ext. 5387
Approved by: _____________________________________________________________
Nick Chiulos, Assistant County Administrative Officer, Ext. 5145
Attachments:
Attachment A Cooperative Agreement to Cooperate to Foster UC MBEST Development
Exhibit A MBEST- Campus Map
Exhibit B Visioning Letter
(Attachments are on file with the Clerk of the Board)