COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Environmental Services Agency

Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer Division

DATE:

July 14, 2003

BOARD MEETING DATE:

August 5, 2003

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Marcia Raines, Environmental Services Agency Director

Gail Raabe, Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer

SUBJECT:

Fiscal Year 2003-04 Contractual Agreement with the California Department of Food and Agriculture to Perform Pest Exclusion Inspection Services (#03-0247)

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 $625,124.

Background

AB 2283, the legislation which authorized funding for the implementation of a statewide High Risk Pest Exclusion Program, was signed into law 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 contracts for fiscal years 1999-2000, 2000-01, 2001-02 and 2002-03.

Between January 1999 and June 2003, 3,278 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 2003-04 contract, the Agricultural Commissioner will receive funding in the amount of $625,124 as reimbursement for the costs associated with 12,068 personnel hours to be expended on high-risk pest exclusion activities. The reimbursement hourly rate has been increased to $51.80 per hour, therefore, the workplan associated with this contract requires fewer staff hours to be expended in FY 2003-04 for the same amount of state revenue.

Biologists will continue to inspect all incoming shipments of plants and produce at SFO and , Federal Express. 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 2003-04 Recommended 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 2003-04 will be $625,124. CDFA will reimburse the County up to $625,124 for all direct and indirect costs associated with the 12,068 personnel hours outlined in this High Risk Pest Exclusion contractual agreement including salaries, benefits, services and supplies, administrative/clerical support and A-87 overhead.