Title
Approval of a Resolution Authorizing an Intergovernmental Services Agreement with South Sound GREEN Between Thurston County, the Cities of Lacey and Tumwater and the Thurston Conservation District
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the resolution authorizing an Intergovernmental Services Agreement with South Sound GREEN to provide school-age stormwater education.
Issue:
Whether to renew the Intergovernmental Services Agreement with South Sound GREEN for an additional five years.
Staff Contact:
Susan McCleary, Senior Program Specialist, Public Works/Water Resources, 360.570.3794
Presenter:
None - Consent Calendar Item
Background and Analysis:
The City of Olympia seeks to renew the Intergovernmental Services Agreement with South Sound GREEN to provide storm and surface water education to school-aged children. The City of Olympia has contracted with South Sound GREEN since the mid 1990’s to provide these services. The Agreement is a renewal of an additional five years with minor changes from the last Agreement that includes:
• Section II - requires an annual work plan developed by Dec. 31 of each preceding year.
• Section X - allows partners to modify the Agreement annually pertaining to:
a. Annual work plan.
b. Budget increase ($5,000 cap, per jurisdictions over life of contract).
Regulatory Obligation
Under the Western Washington Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit, the City has a regulatory duty to provide education to the general public, including school-aged children, on the impacts of stormwater on local waterways and to provide opportunities to participate in stewardship activities.
Cost-Share Savings
Providing stormwater and watershed education through local partnerships offers a cost-effective method to deliver required educational outreach and a shared benefit on joint educational events. Partnership funds enable South Sound GREEN to secure a total of $184,823 in grants and an additional $207,354 via other funding contributions to meet program budget needs.
Program Effectiveness
South Sound GREEN has a proven record of developing and implementing a highly effective watershed education program using hands-on science that aligns with state learning standards. Over the past 28 years, South Sound GREEN has educated thousands of students about the effects of stormwater pollution. Students learn about what actions they can take to make a difference and build the knowledge, skills, and motivation to act as stewards of our watersheds.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The community has a high interest in science education and water quality.
Options:
1. Approve the resolution authorizing an Intergovernmental Services Agreement with South Sound GREEN to provide school-age stormwater education. This will allow Olympia to share the cost of providing school-age stormwater education across multiple jurisdictions.
2. Do not approve Intergovernmental Services Agreement. This would require the City to use utility funds in a manner that is less cost effective to meet the regulatory requirements of the Western Washington Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit.
Financial Impact:
Olympia’s annual base funding ($14,400) is paid by the Storm and Surface Water utility fund.
Attachments:
Resolution
Intergovernmental Services Agreement with South Sound Green (2021-2025)
South Sound GREEN Program Accomplishments 2016-2020
Link to South Sound GREEN website