COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Department of Public Works

DATE:

September 26, 2008

BOARD MEETING DATE:

October 7, 2008

SPECIAL NOTICE/HEARING:

None

VOTE REQUIRED:

Majority

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

James C. Porter, Director of Public Works

SUBJECT:

Memorandum of Understanding Regarding the Establishment of the Steering Committee for the James Fitzgerald Marine Reserve Critical Coastal Area Pilot Project

RECOMMENDATION:

Adopt a resolution authorizing the President of the Board of Supervisors to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the California Coastal Commission, the Montara Water and Sanitary District, Moss Beach Ranch, the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board, and the San Mateo County Resource Conservation District regarding the establishment of the Steering Committee for the James Fitzgerald Marine Reserve Critical Coastal Area Pilot Project and authorizing the Deputy County Manager for Community Services or her designee to be the primary contact for the Steering Committee.

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 Critical Coastal Areas Program provides a forum for the County’s collaboration with other regional agencies and coordination of efforts to improve quality of coastal waters.

BACKGROUND:

The Critical Coastal Areas Program (Program) is a statewide program that fosters collaboration among local stakeholders and government agencies to better coordinate resources and focus efforts on coastal watersheds in critical need of protection from polluted runoff. The Program is part of the Statewide Nonpoint Source Program, jointly administered by the State Water Resources Control Board and the California Coastal Commission. The James Fitzgerald Marine Reserve Critical Coastal Area Pilot Project (Project) is one of five pilot projects in the state that were initiated in 2005. The goals of the Project are to improve water quality, foster a watershed ethic in the Midcoast community and apply appropriate land use management measures to prevent nonpoint source pollution.

The Project boundary overlaps with the James Fitzgerald Marine Reserve and coastal waters defined by the State Water Resources Control Board as an Area of Special Biological Significance (ASBS). Achievement of the Project goals will help San Mateo County comply with upcoming Special Protections required by the State Water Resources Control Board if San Mateo County is granted an exception for storm water discharges into the James V. Fitzgerald ASBS, which are currently prohibited by the California Ocean Plan.

DISCUSSION:

Staff from the Department of Public Works, Parks, and Planning and Building has been active participants in the Program since 2005. San Mateo County has been asked to formally join the Steering Committee for the Project. The Steering Committee operates as a collaborative forum to achieve the common goal of preventing or reducing nonpoint source pollution in the James V. Fitzgerald Marine Reserve and contributing watersheds. The Steering Committee convenes approximately once every two months. The California Coastal Commission serves as the convener of meetings and the San Mateo County Resource Conservation District is the local host for the Project.

To participate in the Steering Committee, all agencies must sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that establishes the Steering Committee. The MOU states that participation in the Steering Committee is voluntary, that all signatory members will establish a primary contact and that the members will keep the Steering Committee informed of activities they are carrying out related to reduction of non-point sources pollution in the Project area.

The Board considered a draft of the MOU at its July 8, 2008 meeting, and noted that the MidCoast Community Council (MCC), which is an advisory committee to the Board, was included as a party to the MOU. Staff was directed to determine whether the MCC is authorized to be a party to the MOU. We have confirmed that while MCC can attend the Steering Committee meetings and offer input, it cannot be a party to the MOU. Therefore, the MOU has been modified to reflect this change. County Counsel has reviewed and approved the Resolution and MOU as to form.

FISCAL IMPACT:

Other than staff time associated with Steering Committee meetings and other related activities, there is no cost associated with signing the MOU. However there currently is no dedicated funding source for on-going participation of the Steering Committee and related activities. Public Works’ staff time charges are currently absorbed in Public Works’ overhead cost that is then distributed to the various special funds administered by the Department.