COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Health Department

DATE:

November 1, 2006

BOARD MEETING DATE:

December 5, 2006

SPECIAL NOTICE/HEARING:

None

VOTE REQUIRED:

Majority

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Charlene A. Silva, Director, Health Department

Gail Raabe, Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer

SUBJECT:

Agreement (#06-0488) with the California Department of Food and Agriculture for the Pierce’s Disease/Glassy-winged Sharpshooter Control Program for the term of July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007 in an amount not to exceed $328,999

RECOMMENDATION:

Adopt a resolution:

1.

Authorizing the execution of an Agreement with the California Department of Food and Agriculture for the Pierce’s Disease/Glassy-winged Sharpshooter Control Program for the term of July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007 in an amount not to exceed $328,999; and

2.

Designating the Agricultural Commissioner as the local public entity authorized to receive these local assistance funds; and

3.

Authorizing the Agricultural Commissioner to execute future contract amendments should additional funding be allocated for expanded work activities during Fiscal Year 2006-07.

VISION ALIGNMENT:

Commitment: Preserve and Provide People Access to Our Natural Environment.

Goal 14: Important natural resources are preserved and enhanced through environmental stewardship.

The agreement contributes to this commitment and goal by reimbursing the County for work activities that protect the agricultural industry and the environment from harmful exotic pests that may be introduced into northern California.

Performance Measure:

Measure

FY 2005-06
Actual

FY 2006-07
Target

Nursery stock shipments confirmed to be free of glassy-winged sharpshooter

3,384

3,600

BACKGROUND:

The glassy-winged sharpshooter is an insect vector for Pierce’s disease, which infects and kills grapevines, resulting in significant economic impact on the state’s wine grape industry. The sharpshooter spreads the disease as it feeds on ornamental plants and agricultural crops. The goal of the Statewide Control Program is to prevent the spread of the sharpshooter from southern California while research is conducted for effective treatments and controls. The Board approved the first Pierce’s Disease/Glassy-winged Sharpshooter Control Program contract in FY 1999-00, and the annual agreement and the resolution designating the Agricultural Commissioner as the “local public entity” has been renewed each year.

DISCUSSION:

Under the FY 2006-07 contract, the County will receive $328,999 to conduct daily inspections of incoming nursery stock shipments from infested areas of California as well as detection surveys at County nurseries and urban landscapes. The contract also reimburses the County for three extra-help Pest Detection Specialists who deploy and service glassy-winged sharpshooter insect traps from April through October. This agreement incorporates the FY 2006-07 Pierce’s Disease Control Program Work Plan, which has been approved by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA).

Food and Agricultural Code Section 6046 requires the designation of a “local public entity” in each county to receive the Pierce’s Disease Control/Glassy-winged Sharpshooter local assistance funds. CDFA has requested that each county provide a Board resolution specifically designating the County Agricultural Commissioner as the “local public entity” for receipt of these contract funds and has recommended that the Agricultural Commissioner obtain authorization to enter into additional amended agreements during the remainder of FY 2006-07, in order to expedite funding to the County should emergency program work activities be required. Wording to that effect has been included in the resolution. This agreement and resolution have been reviewed and approved by County Counsel.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The term of this agreement is July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007. The revenue authorized by this contractual agreement was included in the Division’s FY 2006-07 Adopted Budget. The contract amount of $328,999 will reimburse the County for expenses related to the Pierce’s Disease/Glassy-winged Sharpshooter Program during FY 2006-07, and there is no Net County Cost associated with this contract.