TO: Committee of the Whole - Planning and Public Works
FROM: Mayor Angela Birney
DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR CONTACT(S):
|
Public Works |
Dave Juarez |
425-556-2733 |
DEPARTMENT STAFF:
|
Public Works |
Gary Schimek |
Engineering Manager |
|
Public Works |
Tom Hardy |
Stream and Habitat Planner |
TITLE:
title
Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) 2020-21 Agreement
OVERVIEW STATEMENT:
recommendation
The Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) maintains stream and habitat restoration sites throughout the City of Redmond. Maintenance is typically required by permit approvals for the first 5-10 years after project completion, and then ongoing maintenance is necessary for long-term project success. The WCC crew is subsidized by AmeriCorps for 2020-21.
body
☒ Additional Background Information/Description of Proposal Attached
REQUESTED ACTION:
☐ Receive Information ☐ Provide Direction ☒ Approve
REQUEST RATIONALE:
• Relevant Plans/Policies:
Comprehensive Plan, Community Strategic Plan
• Required:
Contract over $50,000
• Council Request:
N/A
• Other Key Facts:
Washington Conservation Corps Agreement will begin October 5, 2020
OUTCOMES:
The Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) maintains stream and habitat restoration sites around the City. Maintenance is a crucial activity to the success of restoration and mitigation associated with capital improvement projects; approximately 100 acres are distributed around the city. See Attachment B for a map of currently maintained sites. Maintenance is typically required by permit approvals for the first five to ten years after project completion, and then ongoing maintenance is necessary for long term success.
The value of site maintenance goes beyond permit compliance by protecting and improving the public investment in these habitat enhancements, promoting healthy and attractive restoration areas. Maintenance of restoration sites involves control of invasive weeds, litter patrol, replacement planting, and other activities important to overall project success. This regular site maintenance enhances already completed projects, building on the initial investment, as well as improving the aesthetics of sites.
A one-year AmeriCorps-subsidized crew for Redmond will cost $193,520 (41-weeks throughout the 2020-21 season). WCC members are typically college-age students learning restoration techniques and gaining job skills. A crew consists of six staff that work a 40-hour work week, primarily managing invasive plants at city capital improvement projects. Installation of replacement plantings also occupies a significant portion of the crew’s time. In addition, the crew helps with volunteer events, new native planting, habitat assessment, small stream maintenance projects, site monitoring and de-fishing on stream projects and maintenance activities. The contract is shown in Attachment A.
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:
$193,520
Approved in current biennial budget: ☒ Yes ☐ No ☐ N/A
Budget Offer Number:
000072 and 000036
Budget Priority:
Clean & Green
Other budget impacts or additional costs: ☐ Yes ☒ No ☐ N/A
If yes, explain:
N/A
Funding source(s):
Stormwater Operations, CIP
Budget/Funding Constraints:
Agreement begins October 5, 2020
☐ Additional budget details attached
COUNCIL REVIEW:
Previous Contact(s)
|
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
N/A |
Item has not been presented to Council |
N/A |
Proposed Upcoming Contact(s)
|
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
9/8/2020 |
Committee of the Whole - Planning and Public Works |
Approve |
Time Constraints:
The Agreement is from October 5, 2020 to September 30, 2021
ANTICIPATED RESULT IF NOT APPROVED:
Maintenance would be deferred, and future maintenance would be more expensive and time consuming. City would not meet its maintenance obligations for CIP projects.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A: WCC Agreement
Attachment B: WCC Restoration Map