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COUNTY OF SAN MATEO
Inter-Departmental Correspondence
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Health Department
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DATE:
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November 5, 2007
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BOARD MEETING DATE:
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December 4, 2007
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SPECIAL NOTICE/HEARING:
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None
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VOTE REQUIRED:
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Majority
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TO:
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Honorable Board of Supervisors
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FROM:
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Charlene A. Silva, Director, Health Department
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Gail M. Raabe, Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer
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SUBJECT:
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Renewal of Resolution Authorizing Execution of the Memorandum of Understanding Authorizing County Participation in the San Mateo County Weed Management Area and Authorizing the Agricultural Commissioner to Execute Certain Documents.
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RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a Resolution:
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1.
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Authorizing execution of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) authorizing participation of the Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer Division, the Department of Parks and the Department of Public Works in the San Mateo County Weed Management Area from December 4, 2007 to June 30, 2008; and
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2.
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Authorizing the Agricultural Commissioner to execute any documents necessary to implement the MOU, to seek grant funding for local weed control projects and to enter into any amendments to the MOU that do not involve the expenditure or commitment of County funds.
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VISION ALIGNMENT:
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Commitment: Preserve and provide people access to our natural environment.
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Goal 14: Important natural resources are preserved and enhanced through environmental stewardship.
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The MOU contributes to this commitment and goal by supporting Weed Management Area activities that protect agriculture and the environment from harmful exotic invasive weeds introduced into California.
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Performance Measure:
Measure
FY 2006-07
Actual
FY 2007-08
Projected
Percentage of grant projects on schedule for completion that meet funding criteria
None*
100%
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*State grant funding was not available for FY 2006-07.
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BACKGROUND:
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Food and Agricultural Code (FAC) sections 7270-7274 provide the authority for the establishment of Weed Management Areas (WMA) and outline provisions for dissemination of state funds to local organizations by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). To date, all counties in the state are represented by a local WMA. The Board authorized participation of the Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer Division, the Department of Parks and the Department of Public Works in the San Mateo County Weed Management Area (SMCWMA) by approval of the first MOU on December 18, 2001 (Resolution 64965).
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DISCUSSION:
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A Weed Management Area (WMA) is a local organization that brings together interested landowners, land managers, special districts, and the public in a county or other geographical area for the purpose of coordinating action and expertise to address their common weed problems. WMA activities typically include mapping and inventorying weed infestations, establishment of local demonstration projects, and coordination of control projects using integrated weed management strategies. By controlling the spread of noxious weeds, these strategies protect and enhance the value of parkland, open space, agricultural lands and natural plant and animal communities. To be eligible for state funding, a MOU between participating agencies/organizations must be implemented. Renewal of this MOU will ensure the continuance of the SMCWMA and define its terms and conditions. The MOU contains a provision allowing additional parties to become part of the SMCWMA. The Board has previously authorized the Agricultural Commissioner to seek grant funding and to execute WMA documents and MOU amendments as needed.
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The current state agreement (No. 06-0743) for SMCWMA weed project grant funding was approved by the County Manager in August 2007. It provides $99,531 during 2007-2009 to reimburse WMA participants whose weed project proposals have received prior approval from CDFA as outlined in the state agreement. The MOU has been reviewed by County Counsel, the Director of Parks and the Director of Public Works.
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FISCAL IMPACT:
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The term of the MOU is December 4, 2007 through June 30, 2008. Approval of the MOU renewing the authorization to participate in the San Mateo County Weed Management Area will allow the County to continue to secure state grant funding for local weed control projects. There is no Net County Cost or obligation to expend County general fund monies associated with this MOU.
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