COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Department of Public Works

DATE:

November 30, 2007

BOARD MEETING DATE:

December 18, 2007

SPECIAL NOTICE/HEARING:

None

VOTE REQUIRED:

Majority

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

James C. Porter, Director of Public Works

SUBJECT:

Bay Area Flood Protection Agencies Association Charter

RECOMMENDATION:

1.

Acting as the Governing Board of the San Mateo County Flood Control District (District), adopt a resolution authorizing the President of the Board to sign the Bay Area Flood Protection Agencies Association (BAFPAA) Charter, thereby approving the District’s participation in the BAFPAA for the purpose of collaboratively working with other Bay Area flood protection agencies to identify, prioritize, and implement integrated regional flood protection projects/plans and to partner in applying for future grant funding through the Bay Area Integrated Regional Water Management Plan (IRWMP) process.

2.

Designate the Director of Public Works or his duly authorized representative to be the designated representative to BAFPAA on behalf of the District and authorize the Director of Public Works to approve voluntary contributions, not to exceed $25,000 per fiscal year, for future BAFPAA projects.

VISION ALIGNMENT:

Commitment: Responsive, effective and collaborative government.

Goal Number 22: County and local governments effectively communicate, collaborate and develop strategic approaches to issues affecting the entire County.

Participation in the BAFPAA provides a forum for the District’s collaboration with other regional flood protection agencies and active participation in the Bay Area IRWMP process.

BACKGROUND:

PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION:

None.

HISTORY:

During recent years, local agencies within the nine-county Bay Area region have worked to develop a Bay Area IRWMP. The goals of the Bay Area IRWMP include the following: 1) facilitate regional cooperation in areas of water supply reliability, water recycling, desalination, water conservation, water quality improvements, stormwater capture and management, flood management, recreation and access, wetlands enhancement and creation, and environmental habitat protection and improvement; 2) foster coordination, collaboration and communication amongst participating agencies to achieve greater efficiencies, enhance public services and build public support for vital plans and projects; and 3) improve regional competitiveness for state and federal grant funding.

The IRWMP is comprised of four functional areas: Water Supply/Water Quality, Wastewater/Reclaimed Water, Watershed/Restoration, and Flood Protection/Stormwater. During the Bay Area IRWMP development process, existing specific purpose associations worked to coordinate their input for the functional areas, with the notable exception of the Flood Protection/Stormwater service area. An association currently does not exist to represent the interests of regional flood control agencies as a group. It was determined that it would be beneficial to form an association of flood control agencies, BAFPAA, in order to provide for more effective participation as a group for future IRWMP work.

DISCUSSION:

The mission of BAFPAA is to provide a forum that focuses on Bay Area flood protection issues and promotes the sharing of ideas, technologies, experiences, legislative approaches and funding strategies while working closely with other parties on common watershed, water, and natural resource objectives. The “Charter Article Regarding Formation of the Bay Area Flood Protection Agencies Association” and the “Bay Area Flood Protection Agencies Association – Rules of Governance” have been included as Attachment A. Both documents provide additional details regarding the goals and institutional governance (including representation and membership) for BAFPAA. Both documents have been reviewed by County Counsel.

FISCAL IMPACT:

There are no dues required to join and participate in BAFPAA. However, future BAFPAA special projects may necessitate voluntary contributions by the signatory agencies. Voluntary contributions may be made by the District on an as-needed basis as approved and authorized by the Director. There is no impact to the General Fund.

Attachment A -

“Charter Article Regarding Formation of the Bay Area Flood Protection Agencies Association” and the “Bay Area Flood Protection Agencies Association – Rules of Governance”