COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

DEPARTMENT OF PARKS

DATE:

March 21, 2007

BOARD MEETING DATE:

April 10, 2007

SPECIAL NOTICE/HEARING:

None

VOTE REQUIRED:

Four-Fifths

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

David G. Holland, Director, Department of Parks

SUBJECT:

Appropriation Transfer Request for Unanticipated Revenue of $74,000 for the Purchase of Two Brush Chippers

RECOMMENDATION:

Adopt a Resolution authorizing an Appropriation Transfer Request in the amount of $74,000 from Inter-Fund Transfer Revenue to Fixed Assets Equipment for the purchase of two brush chippers.

VISION ALIGNMENT:

Commitment: Preserve and provide people access to our natural environment.

Goal: 14

This appropriation transfer request contributes to this goal by providing for the appropriation to purchase two brush chippers, which Parks staff will use to reduce green waste. This will lessen the impact on landfills and better preserve the environment.

BACKGROUND:

The Department of Parks developed Vegetation Management Guidelines through which process the Department of Public Works conducted an analysis of the amount of green waste produced by the parks system. Public Works and Park staff determined that the addition of two more brush chippers would significantly reduce the amount of green waste being produced. Public Works budgeted (2006/07) $74,000 in their Solid Waste Fund for the purchase of two brush chippers, and have now transferred those funds to Parks to make the purchase of this equipment.

DISCUSSION:

The Department of Parks did not have this appropriation of $74,000 budgeted for 2006/07, so the Board is requested to authorize an Appropriation Transfer Request in the amount of $74,000 from Inter-Fund Transfer Revenue to Fixed Assets Equipment. These funds will be used by Parks to purchase two brush chippers, which are estimated to cost $37,000 each for a total of $74,000. Felled trees and other vegetation such as brush will be run through the equipment and the chips will be spread as mulch or ground cover. The purchase of two additional brush chippers will mean a significant reduction in the amount of green waste being disposed by Parks.

FISCAL IMPACT:

Funds for the purchase of the two brush chippers were budgeted in the Department of Public Works Solid Waste Fund for FY 2006/07. The use of these brush chippers will reduce the amount and cost of green waste disposal by Parks. There is no impact on the General Fund. Service and maintenance of the equipment will be absorbed in the Parks Department’s Operating and Maintenance Budget.