To: Board of Supervisors
From: Public Works
Agenda Section: Consent
SUBJECT:
title
Agreement for Consultant Services with BBW & Associates Regarding McKay Community Forest Professional Forest Management and Technical Support Services
end
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Approve, and authorize the Public Works Director, or a designee thereof, to execute, the attached Agreement for Consultant Services with BBW & Associates, Inc. regarding professional forest management and technical support services for the McKay Community Forest; and
2. Authorize the Public Works Director, or a designee thereof, to execute any and all subsequent amendments to the attached consultant services agreement with BBW & Associates, Inc. that do not cumulatively exceed Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000) after review and approval by County Counsel and Risk Management.
Body
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
McKay Community Forest (1710)
DISCUSSION:
On August 18, 2020, the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors approved an Agreement for Consultant Services with BBW & Associates, Inc. (“BBW”) for specified forest management and technical support services for the McKay Community Forest, including the development of a Forest Stewardship Plan and Non-Industrial Timber Management Plan (“NTMP”). BBW was the highest-ranking firm based on the selection criteria set forth in a Request for Proposals. On October 21, 2021, Public Works and BBW executed a First Amendment which extended the term of the original Agreement through June 30, 2022.
On April 22, 2022, Public Works released the draft Forest Stewardship Plan for public review. Also in April 2022, BBW submitted a draft NTMP to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (“CAL FIRE”) and other review agencies. CAL FIRE replied with initial comments and requests for additional information which must be addressed in order for CAL FIRE to continue processing the NTMP. Approval of the NTMP is required to perform timber harvest activities in conformance with the Forest Practice Rules. The current scheduling goals are to finalize the Forest Stewardship Plan in August 2022, achieve an approved NTMP by January 2023, and conduct the first timber harvest in the summer or fall of 2023.
Additional staff time is required by BBW to complete the activities and work products specified in the original Agreement. In addition, expansion of the scope of services is needed to support a successful timber harvest. Because the original Agreement terminated on June 30, 2022, a new Agreement has been developed for the remaining work (Attachment 1).
Accordingly, Public Works recommends that the Board of Supervisors approve, and authorize the Public Works Director, or a designee thereof, to execute, the attached Agreement for Consultant Services with BBW & Associates regarding professional forest management and technical support services for the McKay Community Forest. It is also recommended that the Board the Public Works Director, or a designee thereof, to execute any and all subsequent amendments to the attached consultant services agreement with BBW that do not cumulatively exceed $50,000 after review and approval by County Counsel and Risk Management, in order to ensure the efficient delivery of services.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The attached consultant services agreement with BBW has a maximum amount payable of $49,000. Expenditure appropriations related to the attached agreement with BBW have been incorporated into the fiscal year 2022-23 budget at revenue line 1710716-9101 and expenditure line 1710716-2118. Funds for management, planning, operation, and maintenance of the McKay Community Forest are currently provided through a loan from the Humboldt County General Fund. Development of the NTMP will allow the implementation of commercial forest harvesting which will generate revenue to reimburse the Humboldt County General Fund.
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK:
This action supports your Board’s Strategic Framework by managing our resources to ensure sustainability of services and creating opportunities for improved safety and health.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Board could choose not to approve the attached consultant services agreement with BBW regarding the provision of professional forest management and technical services for the McKay Community Forest. However, this alternative is not recommended since it will not allow for the provision of professional consulting services necessary to complete the Forest Stewardship Plan and NTMP.
ATTACHMENTS:
1 New Consultant Services Agreement with BBW & Associates, Inc. Regarding the Provision of Professional Forest Management and Technical Support Services for the McKay Community Forest
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Board Order No.: C-28
Meeting of: August 18, 2020
File No.: 20-1014