Title
Approval of Resolution Authorizing an Interagency Agreement between the Washington Department of Ecology and the City for Washington Conservation Corp (WCC) Services
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the resolution authorizing the agreement for Washington Conservation Corp (WCC) services and authorize the City Manager to sign the agreement with Department of Ecology
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve a resolution authorizing the City to enter into an interagency agreement that allows the City to sponsor a WCC, six-person work crew to support the Storm and Surface Water Utility’s aquatic habitat and vegetation stewardship project for another year.
Staff Contact:
Jesse Barham, Associate Planner, Public Works/Water Resources 360-753-8164
Joe Roush, Planning & Implementation Supervisor, Public Works/Water Resources 360.753.8563
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item.
Background and Analysis:
In 2015-2017, the City has sponsored a Washington Conservation Corp (WCC) crew to support the City’s habitat and stewardship strategy. By implementing the habitat strategy, we are protecting and restoring important habitat throughout the City. This proposed agreement allows us to sponsor a WCC crew through fall 2018. Habitat restoration work performed by the WCC has occurred at numerous locations, including Allison Springs, Black Lake Meadows Stormwater Facility, Grass Lake Refuge, Priest Point Park, Mission Creek Nature Park, and other City managed properties. The upcoming update to the Storm and Surface Water Plan will further refine the Utility’s approach to habitat protection and stewardship.
Washington Department of Ecology screens, interviews and hires the work crew. The City receives the fully equipped crew including a supervisor for 41.5 weeks at a cost of $166,000.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The habitat and stewardship strategy supports community and neighborhood environmental protection. Neighborhoods have expressed strong interest in the program. Staff is currently working with neighborhoods to implement restoration work and refine priorities, e.g. North East Neighborhood Association at Mission Creek Nature Park.
Options:
1. Authorize the City Mayor to sign the agreement. This will result in a contractual commitment of $166,000 with Ecology.
2. Decline to participate in the WCC program and investigate other opportunities to implement the work of the habitat and stewardship strategy.
Financial Impact:
The agreement will dedicate WCC staff to the City for 41.5 weeks at a cost of $166,000. The City has allocated funds through the Storm and Surface Water Utility’s capital program (434-9017, Aquatic Habitat Improvements). The City’s Utility Advisory Committee continues to support the overall work effort. The scheduling and funding of other capital projects will not be affected by the proposed agreement.
Attachments:
Resolution and Interagency Agreement