Report Prepared by: Ken F. Elwin, PE, Director of Public Works
Title
SUBJECT: Approval of Memorandum of Understanding Between the County of Merced and the City of Merced for Vegetation Maintenance of Bear Creek Within Merced City Limits from Crocker Dam to Campus Parkway
REPORT IN BRIEF
The County of Merced (County), on behalf of the Merced Stream Group, is undertaking vegetation maintenance activities along Bear Creek. Portions of Bear Creek located between Crocker Dam and Campus Parkway are within the City of Merced and have historically been maintained by the City.
The proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) provides an opportunity for the City to participate in the County's vegetation maintenance project rather than undertaking a separate, stand-alone project. By coordinating the work with the County's larger project, the City can benefit from economies of scale, an expedited schedule, and potentially reduced project costs.
Under the proposed MOU, the County will perform the vegetation maintenance work, including environmental assessments and consulting services, for the portions of Bear Creek within the City limits. The City will reimburse the County for 50 percent of the actual project costs, not to exceed the estimated amount of $250,000, unless additional costs are approved in writing by the City.
Staff recommends approval of the MOU because coordinating the City's Bear Creek vegetation maintenance activities with the County's existing project provides an opportunity to achieve economies of scale, reduce duplication of effort, and expedite completion of vegetation maintenance within the City limits.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council – Adopt a motion:
A. Approving the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the County of Merced and the City of Merced for vegetation maintenance and associated environmental services of Bear Creek within the City limits from Crocker Dam to Campus Parkway; and
B. Authorizing the City Manager, or designee, to execute...
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