COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Agriculture/Weights and Measures

DATE:

November 23, 2009

BOARD MEETING DATE:

December 15, 2009

SPECIAL NOTICE/HEARING:

None

VOTE REQUIRED:

Majority

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Gail M. Raabe, Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer

SUBJECT:

Resolution Authorizing Execution of the Memorandum of Understanding Allowing Participation of the Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer, the Department of Parks and the Department of Public Works in the San Mateo County Weed Management Area

RECOMMENDATION:

Adopt a Resolution:

1.

Authorizing the President of the Board to execute the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) allowing participation of the Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer, the Department of Parks and the Department of Public Works in the San Mateo County Weed Management Area for the Term December 15, 2009 through June 30, 2014; and

2.

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.

BACKGROUND:

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 No. 64965).

DISCUSSION:

A Weed Management Area (WMA) is a local organization that brings together interested landowners and managers, special districts, and the public in a county or other geographical area to address their common weed problems. WMA activities typically include mapping and inventory of 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, natural plant and animal communities. To be eligible for State funding, a WMA must be established and a MOU between participating agencies/organizations must be implemented. This MOU defines the terms and conditions under which the SMCWMA will continue to operate. The Board has previously authorized the Agricultural Commissioner to seek grant funding and to execute WMA documents and MOU amendments as needed for greater efficiency in administering WMA state funded weed projects.

The current state agreement (08-0476) for SMCWMA weed project grant funding was approved by the County Manager and is administered by the Agricultural Commissioner. It provides $16,758.00 during the 2009 calendar year to reimburse WMA participants whose weed project proposals have received prior approval from CDFA. Current projects include Stulstaf Park woodland habitat protection through noxious weed removal, habitat restoration and protection of the endangered fountain thistle, native tufted hairgrass and the Montara Mountain blue bush lupine, and control of the invasive jabatagrass. County Counsel has reviewed and approved the Resolution and the MOU as to form. The MOU has also been reviewed by the Director of Parks and the Director of Public Works.

Approval of this MOU contributes to the Shared Vision 2025 outcome of an Environmentally Conscious Community by supporting Weed Management Area activities that protect agriculture and the environment from harmful exotic invasive weeds introduced into California. It is anticipated that 100% of the grant funding will be utilized by the recipients.

Performance Measure(s):

Measure

FY 2008-09
Actual

FY 2009-10
Projected

Percent of grant funds utilized.

89%

100%

FISCAL IMPACT:

Approval of the MOU authorizing participation 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.