Title
Approval of a Resolution Authorizing an Interlocal Agreement with Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater and Thurston County for Environmental Education and Outreach
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the resolution authorizing the Interlocal Agreement and authorize the City Manager to sign the Interlocal Agreement with Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater and Thurston County for Environmental Education and Outreach.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve a resolution authorizing an Interlocal Agreement (ILA) to continue a Regional Environmental Education Partnership (REEP) known as Stream Team by community members.
Staff Contact:
Jeremy Graham, Associate Planner, Public Works Water Resources, 360.753.8097
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item
Background and Analysis:
The Interlocal Agreement (ILA) upholds the City’s pledge to provide quality education and outreach services to residents around Olympia and the Thurston County region.
In 1989, the Olympia City Council directed Storm and Surface Water Utility staff to create a program to engage volunteers and educate citizens. In 1990, staff launched Stream Team with the mission to protect and enhance water resources and associated habitats through citizen action and education. Thurston County and the Cities of Lacey and Tumwater have since joined Stream Team.
In 2007, the Department of Ecology issued the four jurisdictions municipal National Pollutant Discharge and Elimination System (NPDES) stormwater permits. These permits require jurisdictions to provide educational programs and encourage coordination within shared geographic areas.
Payment for the Regional Environmental Education Partnership is provided through dedicated funding within Olympia’s Storm and Surface Water Utility’s operating budget. The maximum annual allocated cost for Olympia is $23,321. Based on the populations within the service areas of the four jurisdictions, this amount represents a proportionate share of costs to provide educational services.
This Agreement will not increase the workload for Olympia staff and the cost of providing these services will remain the same.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Residents throughout the City and Thurston County have come to know and appreciate Stream Team and the programs offered. Together, we deliver consistent messages to the public in a cost-effective manner.
Options:
Option 1: Approve the resolution and authorize the City Manager to sign the Interlocal Agreement with Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater and Thurston County for Environmental Education and Outreach. This allows the City to continue its commitment in providing collaborative educational opportunities through this partnership with Thurston County and the Cities of Lacey and Tumwater.
Option 2: Modify the Agreement. Each jurisdiction is currently routing it through their approval authority. Modifications to the proposed Agreement would result in additional review and approval process by the other jurisdictions, delaying implementation of work efforts.
Option 3: Do not approve the request to sign the Agreement. Without an Agreement, continued coordination with the other jurisdictions will be less efficient and effective.
Financial Impact:
This is not an increase in the current/anticipated funding for these work efforts.
Attachments:
Resolution
Agreement