To: Board of Directors of the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District
Department or Agency Name(s): Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District
Staff Name and Phone Number: Jennifer Kuszmar, 565-7266
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Countywide
Title:
Title
Singing Stream Conservation Consulting Acquisition Strategy, Policy, and Transactions
End
Recommended Action:
Recommended action
Authorize the General Manager of the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District to execute three-year professional services agreements for land acquisition services with Singing Stream Conservation Consultants in the not to exceed amount of $150,000.
end
Executive Summary:
The Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District desires to enter into a professional services agreement in the amount of $150,000 over three years for land acquisition strategy, policy, and transaction services related to acquisition of District conservation easements, transfer of fee lands to recreational partners, and completion of Matching Grant Projects. Proposed tasks include negotiating with landowners; drafting acquisition, transfer, and grant agreements; conducting due diligence; coordinating appraisal work; and preparing grant applications for acquisition funding. Additional tasks include supporting District staff in developing strategies associated with proactive solicitation of conservation projects.
The need for consultant assistance with land acquisition projects is due to the variable nature of the Acquisition Program workload. Further, as we accelerate acquisition of the highest priority projects and initiate proactive conservation outreach, it is often difficult to predict or control the workload of the Acquisition Program as critical opportunities often present themselves at the most unexpected times. Multiple projects may require simultaneous time-sensitive work. Therefore, it will be helpful to have a professional services agreement to provide support when Acquisition Program staff do not have the capacity to react to these opportunities in a timely manner due to existing project workload and period vacancies.
Discussion:
The Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District (Ag + Open Space) is committed to protecting the highest priority working and natural lands through the acquisition and long-term stewardship of existing and future conservation easements and/or fee title properties.
The need for consultant assistance with land acquisition projects is due to the variable nature of the Acquisition Program workload. Further, as we accelerate acquisition of the highest priority projects and initiate proactive conservation outreach, it is often difficult to predict or control the workload of the Acquisition Program as critical opportunities often present themselves at the most unexpected times. Multiple projects may require simultaneous time-sensitive work. Therefore, it will be helpful to have a professional services agreement to provide support when Acquisition Program staff do not have the capacity to react to these opportunities in a timely manner due to existing project workload and period vacancies.
Staff at Singing Stream Conservation Consulting bring vast expertise in conservation easement transactions and land conservation strategy and policy. The principal is the former Vice President and Director of Land Protection for the Trust for Public Land (TPL), a national nonprofit organization. During her tenure at TPL the organization completed 1700 land and water protection projects in 44 states. These projects protected 1.5 million acres valued at over $4 billion and included partnerships with foundations, local, state, and federal agencies. For these reasons, Ag + Open Space has selected Singing Stream as a single source consultant for a three-year contract for services as needed.
Strategic Plan:
N/A
Prior Board Actions:
N/A
Fiscal Summary
|
Expenditures |
FY 23-24 Adopted |
FY 24-25 Projected |
FY 25-26 Projected |
|
Budgeted Expenses |
$50,000 |
$50,000 |
$50,000 |
|
Additional Appropriation Requested |
|
|
|
|
Total Expenditures |
$50,000 |
$50,000 |
$50,000 |
|
Funding Sources |
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|
|
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General Fund/WA GF |
|
|
|
|
State/Federal |
|
|
|
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Fees/Other |
$50,000 |
$50,000 |
$50,000 |
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Use of Fund Balance |
|
|
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Contingencies |
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|
|
|
Total Sources |
$50,000 |
$50,000 |
$50,000 |
Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
This amount is appropriated in the FY23-24 budget and will be incorporated in future years’ budgets.
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Staffing Impacts: |
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Position Title (Payroll Classification) |
Monthly Salary Range (A-I Step) |
Additions (Number) |
Deletions (Number) |
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Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
None
Attachments:
1. Agreement with Singing Stream Conservation Consultants
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
None