Title
a. Approve a Memorandum of Understanding for the period June 1, 2017, to May 31, 2022, between Ventana Wildlife Society and Monterey County, working through Monterey County Free Libraries, to provide nature field trips and library presentations to underserved youth;
b. Authorize, the Library Director or her Designee to sign the MOU on behalf of the County;
c. Authorize the Library Director or her Designee to execute a maximum of three (3) future amendments of the MOU, subject to County Counsel review, extending the term by one (1) year each, so long as the amendments do not significantly alter the scope of work.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve a Memorandum of Understanding for the period June 1, 2017, to May 31, 2022, between Ventana Wildlife Society and Monterey County, working through Monterey County Free Libraries, to provide nature field trips and library presentations to underserved youth;
b. Authorize, the Library Director or her Designee to sign the MOU on behalf of the County;
c. Authorize the Library Director or her Designee to execute a maximum of three (3) future amendments of the MOU, subject to County Counsel review, extending the term by one (1) year each, so long as the amendments do not significantly alter the scope of work.
SUMMARY:
The mission of Monterey County Free Libraries (MCFL) is to bring ideas, inspiration, information and enjoyment to our community. MCFL’s vision is that Monterey County is a community where everyone has the opportunity to achieve their potential and pursue happiness. In pursuing this mission and vision, MCFL seeks new avenues and partnerships to bring new programs to Monterey County residents.
Many youth in Monterey County do not have the opportunity to explore the County’s invaluable natural resources because of various reasons, including long distances, lack of transportation, socioeconomic challenges at home, etc. Currently MCFL partners with the Aquarium through their Shelf to Shore program to provide Aquarium passes to low income families. It is the goal of MCFL to partner with other organizations to provide additional similar opportunities for Monterey County residents.
The Ventana Wildlife Society (VWS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of native wildlife and their habitats and focuses on four key areas: 1) education and outreach, 2) conservation ecology, 3) habitat restoration, and 4) species recovery. Through education and outreach, VWS has provided meaningful outdoor experiences to youth since 1992; half of these participants are underserved youth who attend free of charge through the generous support of VWS members and local foundations.
The MOU between MCFL and VWS will enable VWS to provide approximately three (3) fieldtrips per month, entitled “Single Day Adventure,” to locations within an hour drive of Palo Corona Regional Park, on State Highway 1, at the "Gateway to Big Sur." The program will focus on youth ages 8-12 years that qualify for free or reduced cost school lunches pursuant to the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Program. The goal is to connect youth to nature, and to increase their awareness and enjoyment of nature, so that they are more likely to become stewards of the environment
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
County Counsel has approved the MOU as to form. Risk management has reviewed and approved MOU insurance and indemnity provisions.
FINANCING:
There will be no additional cost to MCFL through the implementation of this MOU. There is no additional cost to the County General Fund associated with this recommendation.
Prepared by:
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Jayanti Addleman
Library Director/County Librarian, (831)883-7573
Attachments:
Memorandum of Understanding between Ventana Wildlife Society and Monterey County