To: Board of Supervisors, County of Sonoma; Board of Directors, Sonoma County Water Agency
Department or Agency Name(s): County Executive’s Office, Sonoma Water
Staff Name and Phone Number: David Guhin, Grant Davis (707)547-1911
Vote Requirement: 4/5th
Supervisorial District(s): All
Title:
Title
Conservation Works Grant Funding Agreement and Funding for Mark West Creek Preserve Trail Access and Signage.
End
Recommended Action:
Recommended action
A) Authorize the County Executive or designee to execute an Agreement for Grant Funding with Conservation Works, in a form approved by County Counsel, to support ongoing regional convening and capacity building related to the Russian River Confluence in a total amount not to exceed $100,000, between April 1, 2026, and June 1, 2027.
B) Make a finding that the proposed expenditures are necessary to meet the social needs of the population of the county pursuant to Government Code section 26227.
C) Adopt Concurrent Budget Resolution to transfer $50,000 from Sonoma Water and $50,000 from the Water Security Fund to the County Executive’s Office. (4/5th Vote Required)
D) Authorize Sonoma County Water Agency’s General Manager to receive Water Security funding for trail access and informational signs at Mark West Creek Preserve in the amount of $42,000.
E) Adopt a Concurrent Budget Resolution to transfer $42,000 from the Water Security fund to the Sonoma Water Facilities Fund for trail access and signage at Mark West Creek Preserve. (4/5th Vote Required)
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Executive Summary:
This item seeks the Board’s authorization to use $50,000 in Water Security funds and $50,000 in Sonoma Water funds to support the regional convening and capacity building efforts of Conservation Works as it continues to manage the Russian River Confluence, and to allow the County Executive or designee to execute a funding agreement totaling $100,000. In addition, Sonoma Water seeks to use the remaining $42,000 from the County Water Security fund to develop a public access trail and informational signs at the Mark West Creek Preserve.
Discussion:
Russian River Confluence
This item seeks the Board’s authorization to use $50,000 of Water Security Funds and $50,000 in Sonoma Water funds to support the Russian River Confluence, managed by Conservation Works. The Russian River Confluence is a collaborative network working together to support the long-term health, resilience, and stewardship of the Russian River watershed. Formed in 2016, the Confluence brings together partners and interest groups united by a shared commitment to the watershed, to address shared challenges such as water and ecosystem management, water quality, and the impacts of climate change.
The grant funding will be used to support the convening of regional partners and provide additional capacity to catalyze action in the watershed. Grant Funding Agreement Tasks include, but are not limited to:
- Preparing a summary report on stakeholder engagement results to identify common areas of concern and opportunities for improving collaborative efficacy.
- Developing agendas and facilitating quarterly meetings with member agencies.
- Working with Sonoma Water and the County to coordinate and expand upon the Respect Russian River campaign
- Designing and coordinating a watershed-wide convening of Russian River Confluence participants to catalyze action in the watershed
This funding is also expected to be used by Conservation Works to match and/or leverage additional non-County funding.
This funding will provide public benefits that serve important community needs as allowed under Government Code section 26227. The Water Security Fund was established as an outcome of FY 2022-23 budget hearings for water security purposes, and the Board allocated $5 million of one-time discretionary funding to the new fund. The $5 million has been fully allocated to various Sonoma Water and Emergency Management water security projects since FY 2022-23; however, accrued interest earnings of $92,000 remain available in the fund. The purpose of the water security funds aligns with this grant recommendation due to the focus on stakeholder and community engagement focused on protecting the Russian River watershed.
Mark West Creek Preserve
This Item also seeks the Board’s authorization to utilize $42,000 in Water Security funds for trail access and informational signage along Mark West Creek. In May 2024, Sonoma Water acquired the property of the former Wikiup golf course, 5001 Carriage Lane, Santa Rosa. The 30-acre parcel will be utilized as a wildlife preserve and educational hub for the community and will include a hiking trail to support the ongoing maintenance of existing sanitation pipelines on the property while allowing public access to explore and learn about the importance of the Mark West Creek to the Russian River watershed. Sonoma Water is coordinating the implementation of both the conservation and recreational easements of the property with the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District.
Strategic Plan:
N/A
Racial Equity:
Was this item identified as an opportunity to apply the Racial Equity Toolkit?
No
Prior Board Actions:
N/A
Fiscal Summary
|
Expenditures |
FY25-26 Adopted |
FY26-27 Projected |
FY27-28 Projected |
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Budgeted Expenses |
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Additional Appropriation Requested |
$142,000 |
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Total Expenditures |
$142,000 |
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Funding Sources |
$142,000 |
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General Fund/WA GF |
$50,000 |
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State/Federal |
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Fees/Other |
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Use of Fund Balance |
$92,000 |
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General Fund Contingencies |
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Total Sources |
$142,000 |
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Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
The $100,000 grant agreement with Conservation works will be funded by a $50,000 contribution from the Sonoma Water General Fund and $50,000 use of fund balance from the Water Security Fund. In addition, $42,000 will be provided by the County’s Water Security Fund for trail access and signage work at the Mark West Creek Preserve. The Water Security Fund has sufficient fund balance to cover the $92,000 contribution.
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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):
N/A
Attachments:
Attachment A: Agreement for Grant Funding with Conservation Works
Attachment B: Budget Resolution - Conservation Works Grant Funding
Attachment C: Budget Resolution - Mark West Creek Preserve
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
N/A