Title
Approval of Interagency Agreement between the Washington Department of Ecology and the City of Olympia for Washington Conservation Corp (WCC) Services
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the Interagency Agreement between the Washington Department of Ecology and the City of Olympia for Washington Conservation Corp (WCC) Services and authorize the Mayor to sign the agreement.
Report
Issue:
Whether to enter into an interagency agreement that allows the City to sponsor a six-person WCC work crew to support the Storm and Surface Water Utility’s aquatic habitat and stewardship program.
Staff Contact:
Jesse Barham, Associate Planner, 360.753.8164
Joe Roush, Planning & Implementation Supervisor, 360.753.8563
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item.
Background and Analysis:
In 2015 and 2016, the City sponsored a WCC crew to support the City’s habitat and stewardship strategy. Through the habitat strategy and the work of the WCC, the City protects and restores important habitat throughout the City.
This proposed agreement allows us to sponsor a WCC crew through 2017. Habitat restoration work performed by the WCC has occurred at numerous locations, including Allison Springs, Grass Lake Refuge, Priest Point Park, Mission Creek Nature Park, and other City properties. The work of the WCC crew involves removing invasive plant species, such as English ivy and blackberry, and planting native trees and shrubs around streams and wetlands.
Washington Department of Ecology screens, interviews and hires the work crew. The City receives the fully equipped crew, including a supervisor, for 30 weeks at a cost of $105,000.
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. Approve the interagency agreement and authorize the Mayor to sign. This will result in a contractual commitment of $105,000 with Ecology.
2. Do not sign the interagency agreement. The City would not use the WCC program. Staff would investigate other opportunities to implement the habitat and stewardship strategy.
Financial Impact:
The agreement will dedicate WCC staff to the City for 30 weeks at a cost of $105,000. Funds are allocated through the Storm and Surface Water Utility’s capital program. The City’s Utility Advisory Committee initiated and continues to support the overall work effort. The scheduling and funding of other capital projects will not be affected by the proposed agreement.
Attachments:
Interlocal Agreement with Washington Department of Ecology