COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Department of Public Works

 

DATE:

June 4, 2004

BOARD MEETING DATE:

June 29, 2004
 

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Neil R. Cullen, Director of Public Works

SUBJECT:

Road Fund Budget Set-Aside for the Reclamation of the Pescadero Quarry
 

Recommendation

Adopt a resolution authorizing the Director of Public Works to set aside $25,000 in Road Fund Contingencies as a financial assurance for the reclamation of the Pescadero Quarry.

 

Previous Board Action

1.

Approved the reclamation plan for the Pescadero Quarry in 1993.

   

2.

Adopted similar resolutions authorizing a budget set-aside for the past seven fiscal years as financial assurance for the reclamation of Pescadero Quarry.

 

Key Facts

1.

The State Surface Mining and Reclamation Act requires financial assurances to guarantee that operators of mines and quarries are able to finance State approved reclamation plans so that the public will not bear the cost of reclaiming these properties, irrespective of the fact that a quarry may be owned by the public.

   

2.

A specific set aside of contingency funds in the Road Fund budget meets the State guidelines of a financial assurance while still maintaining your Board’s authority over these County Funds.

 

Discussion

The Pescadero Quarry, located off of Bean Hollow Road, is owned by the County Road Fund and the closure of the quarry and the reclamation of the property has been financed by the Road Fund. We are continuing with the reclamation of the property, which includes eradication and control of pampas grass on the property, reseeding of the quarried area with natural vegetation, and maintaining the silt retention pond.

 

The State requires that we provide an assurance that meets their regulations which includes allowing the lead agency, Environmental Services, or the Department of Conservation, the authority to use these funds if it is determined that the operator, Public Works, is incapable of completing the reclamation.

 

Vision Alignment

We believe our recommendation is consistent with the Shared Commitment to be a “responsive, effective and collaborative government” as the set aside allows us to comply with the States requirements while your Board maintains control over these County funds.

 

Fiscal Impact

We are recommending that $25,000 in the Road Fund Contingency be specifically set aside to provide the financial assurance required by the State. The funds will remain in the Road Fund and accrue interest while serving as the required assurance by the State. There is no impact to the Road Fund unless a demand is made and your Board determines that the funds should be spent. There is no impact to the General Fund.

 

A form of resolution has been approved by County Counsel.