TO: Members of the City Council
FROM: Mayor Angela Birney
DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR CONTACT(S):
|
Public Works |
Chris Stenger (Interim Director) |
425-403-5510 |
DEPARTMENT STAFF:
|
Public Works |
Aaron Moldver |
Utility Manager |
|
Public Works |
Tom Hardy |
Sr. Environmental Scientist |
TITLE:
title
Approval of an Interlocal Agreement for Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) 2026-27 with the Washington State Department of Ecology
OVERVIEW STATEMENT:
recommendation
The Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) maintains stream and habitat restoration sites throughout the City of Redmond and supports scientific monitoring of streams. Permits typically require maintenance for the first 5-10 years after project completion, and ongoing maintenance is necessary for long-term project success.
body
☒ Additional Background Information/Description of Proposal Attached
REQUESTED ACTION:
☐ Receive Information ☐ Provide Direction ☒ Approve
REQUEST RATIONALE:
• Relevant Plans/Policies:
Utilities Strategic Plan, Environmental Sustainability Action Plan
• Required:
Contract over $50,000
• Council Request:
N/A
• Other Key Facts:
The period of performance for the WCC Agreement is October 1, 2026, to September 30, 2027.
OUTCOMES:
Maintenance is a critical component of ensuring long‑term success for restoration and mitigation work associated with City capital improvement projects. The city currently maintains approximately 100 acres of restoration sites distributed throughout Redmond (Attachment A).
The value of this site maintenance extends well beyond basic permit compliance. Each maintenance cycle directly supports ecological function and project durability by completing clearly defined tasks such as invasive species control, installation of native plants, plant‑nursery care for replacement stock, scientific monitoring, trail maintenance and construction, and fence installation or repair. Crews also conduct litter removal and perform targeted replacement plantings to maintain vegetation coverage and improve habitat resilience. These activities strengthen previously completed restoration investments, improve site aesthetics, and support long‑term environmental performance.
This agreement also provides four additional weeks of crew time dedicated specifically to large‑scale noxious weed management and expanded native tree‑planting projects.
Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) members are typically college‑aged individuals developing practical skills in restoration and natural‑resource management. A standard crew includes five members and one individual placement member who work 40 hours per week for 42 weeks each year. Their core responsibilities consist of managing noxious weeds across City project areas, installing native plant replacements, performing habitat assessments, conducting scientific site monitoring, maintaining small stream corridors, constructing or repairing trails and fencing, and supporting de‑fishing operations at active project sites. Crews also assist with public volunteer events and provide plant nursery support for City‑grown stock used in restoration efforts.
COMMUNITY/STAKEHOLDER OUTREACH AND INVOLVEMENT:
• Timeline (previous or planned):
N/A
• Outreach Methods and Results:
N/A
• Feedback Summary:
N/A
BUDGET IMPACT:
Total Cost:
$344,236
Approved in current biennial budget: ☒ Yes ☐ No ☐ N/A
Budget Offer Number:
00214
Budget Priority:
Healthy and Sustainable
Other budget impacts or additional costs: ☐ Yes ☒ No ☐ N/A
If yes, explain:
N/A
Funding source(s):
Stormwater Operations $344,236
Budget/Funding Constraints:
N/A
☐ Additional budget details attached
COUNCIL REVIEW:
Previous Contact(s)
|
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
9/1/2026 |
Committee of the Whole - Planning and Public Works |
Receive Information |
Proposed Upcoming Contact(s)
|
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
N/A |
None proposed at this time |
N/A |
Time Constraints:
Agreement is for work between October 1, 2026 - September 30, 2027
ANTICIPATED RESULT IF NOT APPROVED:
The City would not meet its maintenance obligations for previously permitted CIP projects. In addition, this lack of maintenance would compound, and future maintenance would be more expensive.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A: WCC 2026-27 Restoration and Maintenance Map
Attachment B: WCC 2026-27 Agreement