HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/06/2009, C5 - APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT FOR SERVICES WITH THE ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER OF SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY (ECOSLO) council "'° `70/6 0
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C I T Y OF S AN L U IS O B I S P O
FROM: Shelly Stanwyck, Assistant City Manager
Prepared By: Neil Havlik,Natural Resources Manager"
SUBJECT: APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT FOR SERVICES WITH THE
ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
COUNTY (ECOSLO)
RECOMMENDATION
Approve and authorize the Mayor to execute a two-year services agreement with the Environmental
Center of San Luis Obispo County (ECOSLO), in the amount of$15,000 in each year, for a total of
$30,000, retroactive to July 1, 2009.
DISCUSSION
The City of San Luis Obispo has had a mutually beneficial service agreement with ECOSLO for
many years. ECOSLO has provided a wide variety of information services to citizens,
disseminating information on subjects ranging from General Plan updates. to community events
such as Creek Day, to general information about curbside recycling or the recycling of old tires.
For example, in the 2005-2007 budget period ECOSLO published six issues of the SLO Stewards
Newsletter, coordinated about twenty to twenty-five docent-led hikes, and stewardship events,
prepared and provided support to other City programs, including the property acquisition program.
Since 1997 the Agreement between the City and ECOSLO has been structured into two parts:
"public information services" and "retainer services." Public information services include
disseminating information of general interest to citizens such as certain "how-to" documents (such
as monitoring irrigation water use), and a variety of other City publications. Retainer services
include publication of the SLO Stewards Newsletter, continued ECOSLO coordination of
stewardship events such as plantings, exotic plant control, watering, trail construction, and other
environmental projects, and occasional community educational events. Both services are calculated
on a per-hour basis, with the prior authorization of the Natural Resources Manager, which places an
element of accountability into the agreement.
Staff feels that the previous contracts and performance overall have been mutually beneficial, and
therefore recommends continuation of the contract format. Staff is recommending that the hourly
rate remain $55.00 per hour, to which it was increased in 2007. This action reduces the City's
funding to ECOSLO to its 2005-2007 level of$30,000. due to the City's current difficult financial
condition. Additionally, the Agreement stipulates that the City must approve of ECOSLO's office
location (which must be within City limits); this is important since the property at Marsh and
Nipomo is for sale, and it is possible that ECOSLO will be required to move in the near future.
Approval of Agreement with ECOSLO p.2
Service delivery to San Luis Obispo residents is not expected to change because of the reduced
funding; that service will continue to focus on the SLO Stewards Newsletter, and the SLO Stewards
and Natural San Luis docents programs. Activities occurring under the Agreement will continue to
be reported to the Council in a report submitted by ECOSLO on a biannual basis.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funding in the amount of$30.000 for the proposed Agreement is included in the Natural Resources
Program budget for 2009-2011, and represents the total potential financial obligation to ECOSLO
by the City under this Agreement.
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Agreement for Professional Services
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AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
THIS AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES is made and entered into in the
City of San Luis Obispo on this 6th day of October, 2009, by and between the CITY OF SAN LUIS
OBISPO, a municipal corporation, hereinafter referred to as City, and ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER
OF SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY, hereinafter referred to as Contractor.
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the City is committed to preserving a healthy and sustainable environment for its
citizens of today as well as the future; and
WHEREAS, the City desires to educate its citizens on the importance of preserving a healthy
and sustainable environment for current as well as future generations; and
WHEREAS, the Contractor was established in 1971 for the primary purpose of educating the
community on environmental issues; and
WHEREAS, the Contractor is organized and equipped to carry out educational programs
efficiently and economically to complement City efforts in this area.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of their mutual covenants, the parties hereto agree as
follows:
1. TERM. Term of this agreement shall be TWO YEARS, from July 1, 2009, to June 30,
2011.
2. CITY'S OBLIGATIONS. City agrees to cooperate with Contractor and to perform
work described hereto and incorporated by this reference.
A. Compensation. City shall pay Contractor up to $15,000 each year in 2009-2010 and
2010-2011 (for a total not to exceed $30,000), for furnishing certain services, referred to hereinafter as
"Retainer Services" and "Public Information Services", described more fully below. Payment for said
Retainer Services and Public Information Services shall be made quarterly as billed by Contractor and
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agreed by City. Billing shall be made based upon actual time and materials required to carry out City-
requested or approved activities at the rate of$55.00 per hour. City is not obligated to expend the full
amount stated above for Retainer Services; this is a good-faith estimate of time and cost for events and
activities anticipated to occur during the term of this agreement.
Contractor shall provide billing statements in a timely manner, to permit payment to be processed
through normal City payment procedures.
B. Project Manager. The Natural Resources Manager shall be the Project Manager
representing the City for all purposes under this agreement. She/he shall supervise the progress and
execution of this agreement.
3. CONTRACTOR'S OBLIGATIONS
A. Project Manager. The ECOSLO Executive Director is hereby designated as the Project
Manager for Contractor. Should circumstances or conditions subsequent to the execution of this
agreement require a substitute Project Manager for any reason, the Project Manager designee
shall- be subject to the prior written acceptance and approval by City's Natural Resources
Manager.
B. Reporting Requirements.
1. Contractor shall provide certain services to City in the general categories
of public information services and retainer services,described in detail below.
2. The Contractor will provide the City Council with semi-annual progress
reports due on the following dates: January 15, 2009; July 15, 2009; January 15, 2010;
and June 30, 2010.
The reports will provide the City with an overview of the progress the Contractor has
made toward fulfilling the terms of the contract. It will include specific information on
such progress whenever possible, specifically in the area of dissemination of public
information (e.g., number of brochures distributed, number of public notices sent,
number of walk-in customers assisted).
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C. Limitation on Use of Funds. The Contractor agrees that no City funds
provided as part of this contract will be used for political advocacy activities.
D. Contractor's Responsibilities Re:Public Information Services.
1. The Contractor shall maintain an office in the City of San Luis Obispo at
a location acceptable to the City Council. The Contractor will maintain staffing
adequate to deliver the services to be provided under this agreement. The office will be
staffed and open to the public daily at regular office hours, five days per week(Monday
through Friday),excepting legal holidays.
During its hours of operation, the Contractor will disseminate information on
environmental topics of interest to the community; answer walk-in and telephone
inquiries on environmental topics, mail information to requesting parties as appropriate,
and provide a lending library of books, video tapes and slides, etc., on environmental
topics to the public. The Contractor shall be permitted to charge reasonable fees for the
material it distributes (except for material furnished to the Contractor by the City).
2. The Contractor will display and disseminate City program information
materials and supplies at the Environmental Center Office and at community events in
which Contractor is a participant. This material shall include (but is not limited to) City
natural resources and open space program educational information, water conservation
information and supplies, solid waste and recycling information and supplies, etc. The
City will supply the Contractor with information materials and supplies on an ongoing
basis free of charge. The Contractor will designate a specific appropriate place for
display of City information,easily visible and accessible to the public.
3. At the City's request, the Contractor will assist with disseminating
information on specific topics, convening appropriate environmental groups to review
and provide input on proposals or projects affecting the environment, and mutually
agreed upon tasks that will promote greater community awareness of environmental
topics.
4. The Contractor will create and keep updated a standard list of
environmental organizations (Environmental Organizations Directory) that will be
contacted relative to major projects or policy issues of interest or concern to the
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community. In addition, City staff will be able to use this list as a set of "standard
notifications" for important development review projects. The Contractor will update
the directory on at least an annual basis and will notify designated departments of any
important changes. The Contractor can make the Directory available to the public and
continue to have access to it for the Contractor's in-house projects. This program shall
be considered a public information service for purposes of billing.
E. Contractor's Responsibilities Re: Retainer Services.
1. The Contractor shall have and retain the capability to respond to the
reasonable requests of the City relative to tasks including, but not limited to, those
outlined below:
• Preparing and distributing the SLO Stewards newsletter;
• Coordinating community service workers for stewardship events;
• Conducting ECOSLO- or City-originated community education outreach at local
events;
• Continuing recruitment and training of docent volunteers; and
• Organizing and conducting docent-led educational outings on City-owned open
space lands.
2. Specific services to be performed under this category may he initiated in
writing by either party; however, no services or programs provided under this section
shall actually be undertaken without the prior written approval of the Natural Resources
Manager.
F. Laws and Regulations to be observed by Contractor.
1. Procure all permits and licenses, pay all charges and fees, and give all
notices which may be necessary and incidental to the due and lawful prosecution of the
services to be performed by Contractor under this agreement.
2. Keep itself fully informed of all existing and proposed federal, state and
local laws, ordinances, regulations, orders, and decrees which may affect those engaged
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or employed under this agreement,any materials used in Contractor's performance under
this agreement,or the conduct of the services under this agreement.
3. At all times observe and comply with, and cause all of its employees to
observe and comply with, all of said laws, ordinances, regulations, orders, and decrees
mentioned above.
4. Immediately report to the City's Project Manager in writing any
discrepancy or inconsistency it discovers in said laws, ordinances, regulations, orders,
and decrees mentioned above in relation to any plans, drawings, specifications, or
provisions of this agreement.
G. Copies of reports and information.
1. If City requests additional copies of reports or any other materials in
addition to what the Contractor is required to furnish in limited quantities as part of this
agreement, Contractor shall provide such additional copies as are requested, and City
shall compensate Contractor for the costs of duplication of such copies at Contractor's
direct expense.
H. Qualifications of Contractor.
1. Contractor represents that it is qualified to furnish the services described
under this agreement.
2. Notwithstanding any representations, oral or written, between parties,
including any and all agents or representatives thereof, Contractor at all times covered by
the terms of this agreement is acting as a free and independent contractor,not as any agent
of the City. Any and all supervision and direction by any City official, department or
body shall be only that necessary to provide broad general outlines, and Contractor will
use its own initiative and discretion in performing details of work herein.
3. All services provided by the Contractor listed within this agreement are
in addition and beyond those of any and all other contracts currently held between the
City and Contractor.
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I. Ownership of Materials. All original drawings, plan documents and other
materials prepared by or in possession of the Contractor as part of the work or services under these
specifications shall become the permanent property of the City, and shall be delivered to the City
upon demand.
4. TIME FOR COMPLETION OF THE WORK. All requirements of this agreement
will be fulfilled by the Contractor by July 15, 2011.
5. TEMPORARY SUSPENSION. The City Project Manager shall have the authority to
suspend this agreement wholly or in part, for such period as he deems necessary due to unfavorable
conditions or to the failure on the part of the Contractor to perform any provision of this agreement.
Contractor will be paid the compensation due and payable to the date of temporary suspension.
6. TERMINATION. The City retains the right to terminate this agreement for any reason
by notifying Contractor in writing sixty (60) days prior to termination and by paying the compensation
due and payable to the date of termination.
7. INSPECTION. Contractor shall furnish City with every reasonable opportunity for City
to ascertain that the services of Contractor are being performed in accordance with the requirements and
intentions of this agreement. All work done and all materials furnished, if any, shall be subject to the
City's Project Manager's inspection and approval. The inspection of such work shall not relieve
Contractor of any of its obligations to fulfill its agreement as prescribed.
8. INTEREST OF CONTRACTOR. Contractor covenants that it presently has no
interest, and shall not acquire any interest, direct or indirect,financial or otherwise, which would conflict
in any manner or degree with the performance of the services hereunder. Contractor further covenants
that, in the performance of this agreement, no subcontractor or person having such an interest shall be
employed. Contractor certifies that no one who has or will have any financial interest under this
agreement is an officer or employee of the City. It is hereby expressly agreed that, in the performance of
the services hereunder, Contractor shall at all times be deemed an independent contractor and not an
agent or employee of the City.
9. HOLD HARMLESS AND INDEMNIFICATION. The Contractor agrees to defend,
indemnify, protect and hold the City and its agents, officers and employees harmless from and against any
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and all claims asserted or liability established for damages or injuries to any person or property, including
injury to the Contractors employees,agents or officers which arise from or are connected with or are caused
or claimed to be caused by the acts or omissions of the Contractor, and its agents, officers or employees, in
performing the work or services herein, and all expenses of investigating and defending against same;
provided, however;that the Contractor's duty to indemnify and hold harmless shall not include any claims or
liability arising from the established sole negligence or willful misconduct of the City, its agents,officers or
employees.
10. WORKERS' COMPENSATION. Contractor certifies that it is aware of the provisions
of the Labor Code of the State of California, which require every employer to be insured against liability
for workers' compensation or to undertake self-insurance in accordance with the provisions of that code,
and it certifies that it will comply with such provisions before commencing the performance of the work
of this agreement.
11. INSURANCE. Contractor shall provide proof of insurance in accordance with
Insurance Requirements for Consultants as described in Exhibit "A" attached hereto and incorporated
herein by reference as though fully set forth.
12. AGREEMENT BINDING. The terms, covenants, and conditions of this agreement
shall apply to, and shall bind, the heirs, successors,executors, administrators, assigns,and subcontractors
of both parties.
13. WAIVERS. The waiver by either party of any breach or violation of any term,
covenant, or condition of this agreement or of any provision, ordinance, or law shall not be deemed to be
a waiver of any subsequent breach of violation of the same of any other term, covenant, condition,
ordinance, or law. The subsequent acceptance by either party of any fee or other money which may
become due hereunder shall not be
deemed to be a waiver of any preceding breach or violation by the other party of any term, covenant, or
condition of this agreement or of any applicable law or ordinance.
15. DISCRIMINATION. No discrimination shall be made in the employment of persons
under this agreement because of the race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sexual orientation, or
sex of such person.
If Contractor is found in violation of the nondiscrimination provisions of the State of California
Fair Employment.Practices Act or similar provisions of federal law or executive order in the performance
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of this agreement, it shall thereby be found in material breach of this agreement. Thereupon, City shall
have the power to cancel or suspend this agreement, in whole or in part, or to deduct from the amount
payable to Contractor the sum of the sum of two hundred fifty dollars ($250) for each calendar day
during which such person was discriminated against, as damages for said breach of contract, or both.
Only a finding of the State of California Fair Employment Practices Commission or the California Fair
Employment Practice Commission or the equivalent federal agency or officer shall constitute evidence of
a violation of contract under this paragraph.
16. AMENDMENTS. Any amendment, modification, or variation from the terms of this
agreement shall be in writing and shall be effective only upon the approval of the City Administrative
Officer of the City.
17. COMPLETE AGREEMENT. This document represents the entire and integrated
agreement between City and Contractor and superseded all prior negotiations, representatives, or
agreements either written or oral. This document may be amended only by written instrument, signed by
both City and Contractor. All provisions of this agreement are expressly made conditions. This
agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of California.
18. NOTICE. All notices hereunder shall be given in writing and mailed, postage prepaid,
by Certified Mail,addressed as follows:
Contractor: Environmental Center of San Luis Obispo
Post Office Box 1014
San Luis Obispo,CA 93406
Attention: Morgan Rafferty,Executive Director
City: City of San Luis Obispo
990 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3249
Attention: Dr. Neil Havlik, Natural Resources Manager
19. AUTHORITY TO EXECUTE AGREEMENT. Both City and Contractor do covenant
that each individuals executing the agreement on behalf of each party are persons duly authorized and
empowered to execute agreement for such party.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, City and Contractor execute this agreement on the day and year
first above written.
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CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISP09 ATTEST:
A Municipal Corporation
By:
David F. Romero,Mayor Elaina Cano,Acting City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Jonathan P.Lowell,City Attorney
ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER OF SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY
By:
Morgan Rafferty,
Executive Director
By:
Clint Slaughter,MD, Chair
Board of Trustees
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Exhibit A: INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Environmental Contractors &Consultants
Contractor shall procure and maintain for the duration of the contract insurance against claims for
injuries to persons or damages to property which may arise from or in connection with the performance of
the work hereunder by the Contractor, its agents, representatives, employees or subcontractors. General
Liability, Errors and Omissions and Pollution and/or Asbestos Pollution Liability coverage should be
maintained for a minimum of five(5)years after contract completion.
Minimum Scope of Insurance. Coverage shall be at least as broad as:
1. Insurance Services Office Commercial General Liability coverage (Occurrence Form CG
0001 or Claims Made Form CG 0002).
2. Insurance Services Office Form Number CA 0001 (Ed. 1/87) covering Automobile
Liability Code 1 (any auto),or Code 8,9 if no owned autos.
3. Workers' compensation insurance as required by the State of California and Employer's
Liability Insurance.
Minimum Limits of Insurance. Contractor shall maintain limits no less than:
1. General Liability: $1,000,000 per occurrence for bodily injury, personal injury and
property damage. If Commercial General Liability Insurance or other form with a general aggregate limit is
used, either the general aggregate limit shall apply separately to this project/location or the general
aggregate limit shall be twice the required occurrence limit.
2. Automobile Liability: $1,000,000 per accident for bodily injury and property damage.
3. Employer's Liability: $1,000,000 each accident, $1,000,000 policy limit bodily injury by
disease,$1,000,000 each employee bodily injury by disease.
Deductibles and Self-Insured Retentions. Any deductibles or self-insured retentions must be
declared to and approved by the Entity.
Other Insurance Provisions. The following insurance provisions shall also apply:
1. The insurance policies are to contain,or be endorsed to contain,the following provisions:
a. The City, its officers, officials, employees, agents and volunteers are to be covered
as additional insureds as respects liability arising out of activities performed by or on behalf of the
Contractor; products and completed operations of the Contractor; or automobiles owned, leased,
hired or borrowed by the Contractor. The coverage shall contain no special limitations on the scope
of protection afforded to the Entity,its officers,officials,employees,agents or volunteers.
b. For any claims related to this project, the Contractors insurance coverage shall be
primary insurance as respects the City,its officers,officials,employees,agents and volunteers. Any
insurance or self-insurance maintained by the City, its officers; officials, employees, agents or
volunteers shall be excess of the Contractors insurance and shall not contribute with it.
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C. Any failure to comply with reporting or other provisions of the policies including
breaches of warranties shall not affect coverage provided to the City, its officers, officials,
employees,agents or volunteers.
d. The Contractor's insurance shall apply separately to each insured against whom
claim is made or suit is brought,except with respect to the limits of the insurers liability.
e. Each insurance policy required by this clause shall be endorsed to state that
coverage shall not be canceled by either party except after thirty (30) days'prior written notice has
been given to the City.
f. Coverage shall not extend to any indemnity coverage for the active negligence of
the additional insured in any case where an agreement to indemnify the additional insured would be
invalid under Subdivision(b)of Section 2782 of the Civil Code.
2. The automobile liability policy shall be endorsed to delete the pollution and/or the asbestos
exclusion and add the Motor Carrier Act endorsement(MCS-90).
3. If general liability, pollution and/or asbestos pollution liability and/or errors & omissions
coverage are written on a Claims Made Form:
a. The "Retro Date" must be shown and must be before the date of the contract or the
beginning of contract work.
b. Insurance must be maintained and evidence of insurance must be provided for at
least five(5)years after completion of the contract or work.
C. If the coverage is canceled or non-renewed, and not replaced with another claims
made policy form with a "Retro Date" prior to the contract effective date, the Contractor must
purchase "extended reporting" coverage for a minimum of five years after completion of the
contract or work.
d. A copy of the claims reporting requirements must be submitted to the City for
review.
4. The workers' compensation policy shall be endorsed with a waiver of subrogation in favor
of City.
Acceptability of Insurers. Insurance is to be placed with insurers with a current A.M.Best's rating
of no less than ANLL Since pollution and/or asbestos pollution coverage may not be available from an
"Admitted" insurer, the coverage may be written by a non-admitted insurance company. A non-admitted
company should have an A.M. Best's rating of A:X or higher. Pollution and/or asbestos coverage may also
be written by a captive insurance company or risk retention group or captive insurance company. The City
will check with its insurance advisor for further information before approval.
Verification of Coverage. Contractor shall furnish the City with certified copies of endorsements
effecting coverage required by this clause. The endorsements are to be signed by a person authorized by
that insurer to bind coverage on its behalf. The endorsements are to be on forms provided by the City,
unless the insurance company will not use the City's form All endorsements are to be received and
approved by the City before work commences. As an alternative to the City's forms,the Contractor's insurer
may provide complete, certified copies of all required insurance policies, including endorsements effecting
the coverage required by these specifications.
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Subcontractors. Contractor shall include all subcontractors as insured under its policies or shall
furnish separate certificates and endorsements for each subcontractor. All coverage for subcontractors shall
be subject to all of the requirements stated herein
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DATE: October 5, 2009RECL_G G
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TO: City Council OCT 0 G 2009
FROM: Neil Havlik, Natural Resources Manager SLO CITY CLERK
SUBJECT: Corrected Language for ECOSLO Contract
In updating the ECOSLO contract, staff inadvertently added one year instead of two years to the
reporting requirement. Therefore the corrected language for the reporting requirement in the first
paragraph of Section B.2 of the contract shall read:
"The Contractor will provide the City Council with semi-annual progress reports due on the
following dates: January 15, 2010, July 15, 2010, January 15, 2011, and June 30, 2011."
The balance of the Section remains unchanged.
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DATE: October 5, 2009
TO: City Council
FROM: Neil Havlik, Natural Resources Manager
SUBJECT: ECOSLO Contract Reports
Please find attached the last four ECOSLO semi-annual reports as requested by Mayor Dave
Romero.
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BOARD OF TRUSTEES
1204 Nipomo Street l Sandra Sarrouf,Chair
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Jan Marx, Vice Chair
Phone: (805)544-1777 Allyson Nakasone,Secretary
Fax: (805)544-1871 Scott Secrest,Treasurer
www.ecoslo.org Robert Bronte
ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER Deborah Hillyard
OF SAN Luis OBISPO COUNTY Bob Lavelle
Protecting and enhancing the Central Coast since 1971 Clint Slaughter,M.D.
Calvin Wilvert
January 17, 2008
San Luis Obispo City Council
Dr. Neil Havlik, Natural Resources Manager
990 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
RE: ECOSLO Semi-Annual Report(July-December 2007)
Dear Honorable City Council Members and Dr. Neil Havlik,
Thank you for this opportunity to report on the environmental programs and services
performed under the Environmental Center of San Luis Obispo (ECOSLO)'s contract with the
City of San Luis Obispo. In the last six months, ECOSLO has performed many services and
completed projects to enhance the natural resources of the City.
In the last six months, in addition to helping to publicize the trail work through SLO
Stewards, press releases and email news bulletins, we organized Community Service Workers
to help plant trees and to pick up garbage and recycling along the new section of the Bob
Jones Trail. These workers removed invasive weeds from approximately 2 acres and picked
up approximately 15 pounds of garbage. On November 10, we organized a fall tree planting
and coordinated 18 volunteers who planted 200 trees and shrubs on City lands under the
direction of Dr. Neil Havlik. These volunteers also removed about 20 pounds of trash from
the area. On November 24, we organized a clean up of San Luis Creek at Prado Road where
volunteers picked up another 15 pounds of garbage.
Our office staff addresses a variety of telephone and walk in inquiries on a wide range of
issues. We answer questions regarding hiking trails, parks, recycling, composting, beach
cleanups, and energy and water conservation. We address questions from residents concerning
open space preservation, alternatives to pesticide use, creek maintenance and tree care. We
give residents worms from our worm bin for use in their home compost bins. We also help to
publicize other City events, such as tree plantings organized by the City's arborists.
We continue to provide referrals to a variety of other environmental organizations including
the Land Conservancy, California Native Plant Society, Morro Coast Audubon, Coastwalk,
Surfrider and the Integrated Waste Management Authority as well as your City staff. We
provide meeting space for local environmental groups who do not have a central office
location of their own. We work with the San Luis Obispo County Partners for Water Quality
to provide community education regarding the prevention of stormwater pollution. ECOSLO
displays City program information and makes available resources on environmental issues of
concern to City residents.
We look forward to continuing to provide these services to City residents and visitors.
Sincerely,
v
Morgan Rafferty
Executive Director
(;,D BOARD OF TRUSTEES
PO Box 1014 Clint Slaughter,MD, Chair
San Luis Obispo, CA 93406 Deborah Hillyard, Vice Chair
Phone: (805)544-1777 Allyson Nakasone,Secretary
Fax: (805)544-1871 Ir Scott Secrest,Treasurer
www.ecosio.org Robert Bronte
ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER Clint Edwards
OF SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY Bob Lavelle
Protecting and enhancing the Central Coast since 1971 Sandra Sarrouf
July 10, 2008 Cal Wilvert
San Luis Obispo City Council
Dr. Neil Havlik, Natural Resources Manager
City of San Luis Obispo
990 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Re: ECOSLO Semi-Annual Report(January—June 2008)
Dear Honorable City Council Members and Dr. Neil Havlik,
Thank you for this opportunity to report on the environmental programs and services
performed under the Environmental Center of San Luis Obispo (ECOSLO)'s contract with the
City of San Luis Obispo. In the last six months, ECOSLO has performed many services and
completed projects to enhance the natural resources of the City.
We have recently received notification of the award of a significant three year grant from The
California Wellness Foundation to provide community education related to the reduction of
pesticide and household chemical use. We look forward to providing City residents
information about sustainable gardening practices, composting, and worm bins. With this new
grant we will be able to hire a new staff person to provide workshops and education for our
community. This grant funding will enhance the work we do with the City through our
contract to provide environmental education and resources for its residents and visitors.
Over the last six months, in addition to publishing the SLO Stewards, press releases, and
email bulletins, we have led docent led hikes on the City open spaces. These hikes continue to
be popular and attract a regular group of hikers. The local news outlets have been supportive
by printing our announcements of the hikes in their publications to help get the word out
about the hikes to the broader community.
We also maintain our downtown office as a resource center for the community. We answer
walk in inquiries and phone calls on a variety of subjects, from trails,recycling, energy
conservation, and pesticide use, among many others. We look forward to continuing to
provide these services to City residents and visitors.
Sincerely,
r'iu. 41(-A
Morgan Rafferty, Executive Director
J BOARD OF TRUSTEES
PO Box 1014 Clint Slaughter,MD, Chair
San Luis Obispo, CA 93406 Deborah Hillyard, Vice Chair
Phone: (805)544-1777 Allyson Nakasone,Secretary
Fax: (805)544-1871 Scott Secrest, Treasurer
www.ecoslo.org Robert Bronte
ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER Clint Edwards
OF SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY Bob Lavelle
Protecting and enhancing the Central Coast since 1971 Cal Wilvert
January 16, 2009
San Luis Obispo City Council
Dr. Neil Havlik, Natural Resources Manager
City of San Luis Obispo
990 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Re: ECOSLO Semi-Annual Report (July—December 2008)
Dear Honorable City Council Members and Dr. Neil Havlik,
Thank you for this opportunity to report on the environmental programs and services
performed under the Environmental Center of San Luis Obispo (ECOSLO)'s contract with the
City of San Luis Obispo. In the last six months, ECOSLO has performed many services and
completed projects to enhance the natural resources of the City.
In addition to producing SLO Stewards, providing environmental education and resources for
City residents and visitors, and leading hikes, we also work on special projects to benefit the
City. For example, we have partnered with the City, the Rotary Club, and others in the past
year to help raise funds to complete the Railroad Safety Trail. By becoming involved in this
important fundraising project, we were able to make it possible for individuals to make tax
deductible donations to support the project.
Also, in the last six months, with the support of the grant funding we received from the
Wellness Foundation, we have hired a full time staff person, Osvaldo Olmos, to provide
bilingual community education regarding sustainable gardening practices, composting,
pesticide use reduction, and other environmental health concerns. This program will be
further developed over the next three years to provide many benefits that will enhance our
services to the City under our contract.
We continue to provide a meeting place for many environmental organizations that are either
just getting started or simply do not have the funding for a meeting space of their own. We
also provide fiscal sponsorship when requested to help newly formed organizations develop
their infrastructures and build their support base.
Sincerely,
I+
Morgan Rafferty, Executive Director
PO Box 1014 BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Clint Slaughter,MD, Chair
San Luis Obispo, CA 93406 Deborah Hillyard, Vice Chair
Phone: (805)544-1777 Allyson Nakasone,Secretary
Fax: (805)544-1871 Scott Secrest,.Treasurer
www.ecoslo.org Clint Edwards
ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER Bob Lavelle
OF SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY
Protecting and enhancing the Central Coast since 1971
July 14, 2009
San Luis Obispo City Council
Dr. Neil Havlik,Natural Resources Manager
City of San Luis Obispo
990 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo,CA 93401
Re: ECOSLO Semi-Annual Report (January-June 2009)
Dear Honorable City Council Members and Dr. Neil Havlik,
Thank you for this opportunity to report on the environmental programs and services performed under
the Environmental Center of San Luis Obispo(ECOSLO)'s contract with the City of San Luis Obispo.
In the last six months,ECOSLO has performed many services and completed projects to enhance the
natural resources of the City.
In addition to producing the SLO Stewards publication that provides important information about
hikes, trail work and the City's Natural Resources programs, we continue to develop special programs.
We recently held a workshop in our office on building your own low cost worm bin. There was
standing room only. We will continue to hold similar workshops here in our office and throughout the
city to provide practical, hands-on information that is clearly desired by the community.
Our office staff addresses a variety of telephone and walk in inquiries on a wide range of issues. We
answer questions regarding hiking trails,parks, recycling, composting, beach cleanups, and energy
and water conservation. We address questions from residents concerning open space preservation,
alternatives to pesticide use,creek.maintenance and tree care. We give residents worms from our
worm bin for use in their home compost bins. We also help to publicize other City events, such as tree
plantings organized by the City's arborists. We provide City program information and make available
resources on environmental issues of concern to City residents on our website, in email bulletins,by
phone and in person.
We are currently very busy planning for the 25`h Annual Coastal Cleanup Day in cooperation with the
California Coastal Commission. In addition to being on of the largest one day volunteer events in the
world,this event provides an excellent opportunity to provide community wide education about the
dangers of marine debris and the importance of waste reduction.
We look forward to continuing to provide these important services to the City.
Sincerely,
1714,rAI
Morgan Rafferty
Executive Director
council memomnchum
October 2, 2009 RECEIVED
TO: City Council
OCT 0 ', 2009
VIA: Ken Hampian, City Manager SLO CITY CLERK
FROM: Jay Walter, Public Works Director
SUBJECT: Tree Removal Application Appeal- 1408 Johnson Avenue
The October 6, 2009 Council Meeting includes an item to appeal a Tree Committee
decision to allow the removal of a tree at 1408 Johnson Ave. The applicant, Evelyn
Talmage requested the removal due to a hardship. The removal approval was appealed
to the City Council and the item placed on the agenda for your consideration.
On October 1, 2009 the City Clerk received a letter from Ms. Talmage who now does
not anticipate being able to complete the removal as planned due to other expenses in
the near future, effectively negating the need for an appeal hearing.
Staff wishes to remove this item from the City Council hearing scheduled for October 6,
2009 since Ms Talmage no longer anticipates removing her palm tree at this time. If she
desires to remove it at some time in the future, she will need to reapply for a removal
permit.
Please see the attached letter from Ms. Talmage.
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To whom it may concern:
$L.Q CITY CLERK
Hy
This letter is in regards to opposing the appeal written by Mr. Nicholson, who claims that
there is no hardship involved with on-going maintenance of the date palm.The fact is that after
30 years of experience,maintenance is very.expensive due to the fact that we have to have an
aerial lit truck to remove the over grown fronds and dates that are a potential hazard th the
residents.Bemuse of this never ending maintenance I have to pay roughly$1500 every other
year.The average cost of removal is$1500 and does not include the grinding of the stump,this
would eliminate any biannually maintenance cost.
I understand that if you grant approval to remove my tree I have 90 days to complete this
task by October 29, 2009 which is when the permit expires. I have a $4000 dental bill that I have
to pay for this year which is due October 26, 2009.I can't afford to pay for the tree removal
since I have this dental bill.
Incidentally, Mr. Nicholson wasn't present at my hearing, so he is not understanding of my
dilemma. Even though Mr. Nicholson has great sympathy for the 80 year old tree, he doesn't
have any for an 80+ year old women on a limited income.
Thank you for your kind attention to this matter,
Evelyn Talmage
42 ",&E +
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