COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Environmental Services Agency

Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer Division

DATE:

November 20, 2002

BOARD MEETING DATE:

December 17, 2002

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Marcia Raines, Environmental Services Agency Director
Gail Raabe, Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer

SUBJECT:

Fiscal Year 2002-03 Contractual Agreement with the California Department of Food and Agriculture to Perform Pest Exclusion Inspection Services (#02-0552)

Recommendation

Adopt the resolution authorizing the execution of an agreement with the California Department of Food and Agriculture for pest exclusion inspection services to prevent the introduction of economically important plant pests and diseases in an amount not to exceed $625,126.

Background

AB 2283, the legislation which authorized funding for the implementation of a statewide High Risk Pest Exclusion Program, was signed into law by Governor Wilson in September 1998. This legislation addressed the need for augmentation of county plant inspection activities to prevent the introduction of exotic insects and diseases through identified high-risk pest pathways. In January 1999, the Board approved a partial year contract to initiate the High Risk Pest Exclusion Program. The Board approved full year contracts for fiscal years 1999-2000 and 2000-01.

In September 2001, the Board approved a FY 2001-02 contract in the amount of $625,126.The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) had informed all County Agricultural Commissioners that funding for the High Risk Pest Exclusion Program would be disbursed in two phases. San Mateo County expected to receive an additional $231,110 in revenue through an amended contract from CDFA in January 2002. In December 2001, CDFA informed County Agricultural Commissioners that unclaimed gas tax revenue would not be available for the High Risk Pest Exclusion contracts.

This FY 2001-02 funding cut had a significant impact on high-risk pest exclusion work performed by the Division staff. The evening shift at SFO was eliminated and certain agricultural shipments were routed to the destination county for inspection. Some staff working in the High Risk Pest Exclusion Program were reassigned mid-year to other pest prevention work for which state reimbursement was available.

Between January 1999 and June 2002, 784 economically damaging pests were intercepted on incoming air cargo and parcel and truck shipments, including several nests of red imported fire ant and produce containing Oriental fruit fly and Caribbean fruit fly larvae.

Discussion

Under the FY 2002-03 contract, the Agricultural Commissioner will receive funding in the amount of $625,126 as reimbursement for the costs associated with 12,907 personnel hours to be expended on high-risk pest exclusion activities. This contract amount represents the same amount of revenue that the County received in FY 2001-02.

Biologists will continue to inspect all incoming shipments of plants and produce at SFO, Federal Express, and the U.S. Postal AirMail Facility seven days/week. Additionally, staff Biologists will inspect all truck shipments of potted plants arriving at wholesale and retail nurseries for the presence of foliage and soil pests, and specialty produce markets will be monitored on a periodic basis for prohibited fruits and vegetables.

The revenue authorized by this contractual agreement has already been included in the Division's FY 2002-03 Adopted Budget. County Counsel has reviewed this contract.

Vision Alignment

The High Risk Pest Exclusion Program state contract with the California Department of Food and Agriculture keeps the commitment of Preserve and Provide People Access to Our Natural Environment and goal number 14: Important natural resources are preserved and enhanced through environmental stewardship. It also keeps the commitment of Sow the Seeds of Our Future Prosperity and goal number 18: San Mateo County attracts and maintains leading edge industries. The contract contributes to these commitments and goals by reimbursing the County for pest exclusion work activities that protect the agricultural industry and the environment from harmful exotic pests that may be introduced into California.

Fiscal Impact

There is no Net County Cost associated with this contract. The funding available under this contractual agreement for FY 2002-03 will be $625,126. CDFA will reimburse the County up to $625,126 for all direct and indirect costs associated with the 12,907 personnel hours outlined in this High Risk Pest Exclusion contractual agreement including salaries, benefits, services and supplies, administrative/clerical support and A-87 overhead.