To: Board of Supervisors
From: Agricultural Commissioner
Agenda Section: Consent
SUBJECT:
title
Approval of the State Standard Agreement No. 19-0235, Exotic Pest Detection Trapping Contract in the amount of $19,185.00
end
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Approve the State Standard Agreement No. 19-0235, known as the Exotic Pest Detection Trapping Program Contract, with the California Department of Food and Agriculture;
2. Authorize the Chair to sign the original agreement, one copy of the cover page, and the contractor certification, then return all signed copies to the Agricultural Commissioner’s office for further processing; and
3. Grant a waiver from the provisions of the Nuclear Free Ordinance.
Body
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA)
DISCUSSION:
The Agricultural Commissioner’s Office receives annual subventions from CDFA to offset the local costs associated with enforcing certain state-mandated programs. One of these programs, the Exotic Pest Detection Trapping Program is conducted annually by the Agriculture Department and is intended to identify introductions of specific insect pests that are known to cause serious damage to agriculture or the environment. Humboldt County’s detection program is the local component of an annual state-wide effort by counties under that target multiple species of destructive insect pests. Under the direction of CDFA, the State Standard Agreement No. 19-0235 provides funding for Humboldt County’s trapping survey and will focus on the “A-rated” pests, Gypsy Moth and Japanese Beetle. The Gypsy Moth Lymantria dispar is native to Europe and first arrived in the United States in Massachusetts in 1869. The Gypsy Moth is a significant pest because the caterpillars have voracious appetites for more than 300 species of trees and shrubs, posing a danger to Humboldt County’s forests. The caterpillars defoliate trees, leaving trees vulnerable to diseases and other pests which can eventually kill the tree. Established in the eastern United States, early detection of local introductions is essential for preventing their spread. The Japanese beetle is a highly destructive plant pest that can be very difficult and expensive to control. Feeding on grass roots, Japanese beetle grubs damage lawns, golf courses, and pastures. Japanese beetle adults attack the foliage, flowers, or fruits of more than 300 different ornamental and agricultural plants. Japanese beetles were first found in the United States in 1916 near Riverton, New Jersey. Since then Japanese beetles have spread throughout most states east of the Mississippi River. Each of these pests has the potential to cause significant damage to Humboldt County’s environment and could, if established, cause quarantine restrictions to be placed on Humboldt County timber and agricultural products. Agriculture Commissioner’s staff will place and inspect traps located throughout Humboldt County from July 1, 2019, to June 30, 2020.
The waiver from the provisions of the Nuclear Free Ordinance is requested because the State of California will not modify its “standard agreements” to accommodate local ordinances.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no net cost to Humboldt County for the Exotic Pest Detection Trapping Program. All costs for personnel, mileage, and supplies will be reimbursed by the contract. State Standard Agreement No. 19-0235 provides a total of $19,185.00 in fiscal year (FY) 2019-20 for Agriculture Department activities related to the Exotic Pest Detection Trapping Program. No supplemental budget accompanies this request as revenue and expenditures were accounted for during the FY 2019-20 budget cycle in anticipation of this agreement within in Fund 1100, budget unit 261. All costs are billed to CDFA on a monthly basis and payment is made in arrears to Humboldt County.
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK:
This action supports your Board’s Strategic Framework by enforcing laws and regulations to protect residents.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
CDFA
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
Board discretion
ATTACHMENTS:
State Standard Agreement No. 19-0235 Exotic Pest Detection
Contractor Certification (CCC-307).
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Board Order No.: C-1
Meeting of: 12/4/2018
File No.: 18-1501