REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF THE COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO
AND RECORD OF ACTION
September 15, 2020
FROM
ROBERTA WILLHITE, Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer, Department of Agriculture/Weights & Measures
SUBJECT
Title v
Revenue Agreement with the California Department of Food and Agriculture for Inspection Services Related to the Detector Dog Team Program
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
Approve Revenue Agreement with the California Department of Food and Agriculture, Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services/Pest Exclusion Division (State Agreement No. 20-0474-006-SF) for the Department of Agriculture/Weights & Measures to continue to provide inspection services related to the Detector Dog Team Program on behalf of the State from July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021, for a total amount not to exceed $201,457.78.
(Presenter: Roberta Willhite, Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer, 909-387-2107)
Body
COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Operate in a Fiscally-Responsible and Business-Like Manner.
Pursue County Goals and Objectives by Working with Other Agencies.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
This item will not result in the use of additional Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost). The revenue agreement specifies a term from July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021, for a maximum reimbursement of $201,457.78. Adequate appropriation and revenue have been included in the Department of Agriculture/Weights & Measures (AWM) 2020-21 budget. Services per the revenue agreement will be provided by existing AWM staff.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
This revenue agreement with the California Department of Food and Agriculture, Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services/Pest Exclusion Division (CDFA, PHPPS/Pest Exclusion) will reimburse AWM for performing inspection services related to the Detector Dog Team Program for a maximum reimbursement of $201,457.78 from July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021.
This revenue agreement aligns with the County and Chief Executive Officer Goals and Objectives to Pursue County Goals and Objectives by Working with Other Agencies with respect to performing inspections for the Detector Dog Team Program on behalf of CDFA, PHPPS/Pest Exclusion and receiving reimbursement for the work performed.
AWM conducts pest surveillance inspections at parcel shipping centers using canines to detect the presence of any unwanted pests or plant material in unmarked parcels entering the State of California. After the canine alerts on a package, the package is opened and the contents inspected for pests or disease symptoms. If any of these symptoms are observed, the samples/specimens are submitted to the CDFA Plant Pest Diagnostic Laboratory for identification. Upon confirmation of a non-native harmful species or materials proscribed by quarantine regulation, the plants are returned to the shipper or destroyed. Canines continue to be utilized with great success to detect plant materials in unmarked parcels. These inspections deter the spread of plant pests, insects, diseases or other harmful organisms that may pose a threat to California’s environment, the agricultural industry and the economic well-being of the State.
On August 2, 2006 (Item No. 12), the Board approved the initial revenue agreement with CDFA, PHPPS/Pest Exclusion for these dog team inspection services to be provided at high risk import pathways in San Bernardino County, and a revenue agreement has since been renewed on an annual basis.
On July 29, 2020, AWM received the State revenue agreement in the amount of $201,457.78, for the period of July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021. This item is being presented to the Board at this time as this is the first date available for presentation following the required operational, fiscal and legal reviews. Approval at this time will have no impact on work performed for the Detector Dog Team Program since July 1, 2020 as it will be reimbursed under this agreement.
PROCUREMENT
N/A
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Katherine Hardy, Deputy County Counsel, 387-5455) on August 11, 2020; Finance (Elias Duenas, Administrative Analyst, 387-4052) on August 19, 2020; and County Finance and Administration (Robert Saldana, Deputy Executive Officer, 387-5423) on August 19, 2020.