Title
Community Development Agency, Long Range Planning Division, recommending the Board adopt Resolution 168-2014 to approve and authorize the Auditor-Controller to issue a matching one-time contribution of $5,000 to support the Tahoe Resource Conservation District's efforts to survey the public's interest in financially supporting long term implementation of storm water programs in Lake Tahoe. (Est. Time: 5 Min.)
FUNDING: General Fund.
Body
BUDGET SUMMARY: |
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Total Estimated Cost
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$5,000 |
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Budget - Current FY
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$5,000 |
Budget - Future FY
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|
|
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New Funding
. |
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Savings
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Other
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Total Funding Available
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$5,000 |
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Change To Net County Cost
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$0 |
Fiscal Impact/Change to Net County Cost
There is no fiscal impact or change to the Net County Cost associated with this item. This funding is included in the Long Range Planning Division budget for FY 2014/15.
Background
The mission of the Tahoe Resource Conservation District (RCD) is to promote the conservation, stewardship and education of Lake Tahoe's natural resources by providing leadership and innovative environmental services. The Tahoe RCD was formed in 1975 by amendment California AB 850 under Division 9, and was established to be a non-regulatory public service agency with authorization by the State to implement local conservation measures. The Tahoe RCD is subject to state transparency and accountability laws. The Brown Act and Division 9 of the California Public Resources Code require public meetings, open records, annual audits and financial reporting to the State Controller's Office. These regulations establish RCDs as trusted stewards of public and private funds.
Services provided by the Tahoe RCD address the full suite of natural resources, including soil and water conservation projects, wildlife habitat enhancement and restoration, control of exotic species, watershed restoration, and conservation planning and education. The Tahoe RCD service area covers over 35,000 acres in El Dorado and Placer Counties, including all private, state and federal land within the California side of the Lake Tahoe Basin.
Discussion
On April 8, 2014, the City of South Lake Tahoe, El Dorado County, and Placer County (co-permittees) received a letter from the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board (LRWQCB), which indicated the fiscal analysis recently submitted as part of each co-permittees' Storm Water Management Plan (SWMP) required further information. The LRWQCB was concerned the storm water program funding estimated for long-term implementation, operations and maintenance exceeded the available resources identified in each co-permittees' fiscal analysis. Therefore, the LRWQCB required each co-permittee to redevelop their fiscal analysis to include a long term funding strategy to address future storm water program implementation needs.
Following receipt of the letter, the LRWQCB, Tahoe RCD and co-permittees held a meeting to strategize possible long term funding options. The group decided it was important to determine if the community located within each of the co-permittees' jurisdictional boundaries would agree to the establishment of a tax or other funding mechanism(s) for long-term implementation of storm water programs in Lake Tahoe. In order to collect feedback and evaluate local community support, the group determined that a collaborative survey conducted by a qualified consultant would be an appropriate first step to gauge public interest. A collaborative effort, and joint financial contribution, by the Tahoe RCD and co-permittees actively participating with the LRWQCB in the outreach and feedback efforts will ensure all parties are vested in the process. The proposed survey work will ultimately help to determine community support for long-term funding strategies of Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) monitoring and storm water infrastructure maintenance that may help sustain TMDL implementation.
Reason for Recommendation
The LRWQCB sent correspondence to the co-permittees requesting detailed information on a long term funding strategy for our respective Storm Water Management Programs. This correspondence prompted the co-permittees to engage the Tahoe RCD to begin this initiative. The Tahoe RCD provides a valuable public service by developing partnerships and implementing projects and programs that improve Lake Tahoe and its surrounding environment.
Recommendation
Staff recommends the Board approve a one-time matching contribution in the amount of $5,000 to support the Tahoe RCD's efforts to survey the public's interest in financially supporting long-term implementation of storm water programs in Lake Tahoe.
Clerk of the Board Follow Up Actions:
Clerk of the Board will forward the necessary information to the Community Development Agency to submit the claim for payment to the Auditor-Controller's Office.
Contact
David Defanti, Assistant Director
Community Development Agency
Concurrences
County Counsel and Risk Management