Report Prepared by: Jennifer Arellano, Recreation Supervisor, Parks and Recreation
Title
SUBJECT: Adoption of Resolution Approving Contract Number S1980008 with the State of California Department of Fish and Wildlife for the Shared Habitat Alliance for Recreational Enhancement (SHARE) Program in Order to Provide Hunting and Bird Watching Opportunities at the City’s Waste Water Treatment Plant and Accept $7,050 into Account 024-1216-360.01-01 to Administer the Program
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers adopting a Resolution and agreement with the Department of Fish and Wildlife to provide hunting and bird watching opportunities at the City’s Waste Water Treatment Plant property through the SHARE program.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council- Adopt a motion adopting Resolution 2019-28, a Resolution of the City of Merced, California, approving contract number S1980008 with the State of California Department of Fish and Wildlife for the Shared Habitat Alliance for Recreational Enhancement (SHARE) Program and authorizing the City Manager or the Assistant City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to other than recommended by staff (identify specific findings and/or conditions amended to be addressed in the motion); or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Refer to staff for reconsideration of specific items (specific items to be addressed in the motion); or,
5. Continue to a future meeting (date and time to be specified in the motion).
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2019-20 Proposed Budget
DISCUSSION
The California Shared Habitat Alliance for Recreational Enhancement (SHARE) Program assists with facilitating public access to private lands, by providing private landowners or their representatives, annual incentive payments in return for providing public use of their land for wildlife dependent recreational activities. The activities that will be offered at the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) through the SHARE program are bird watching and dove, waterfowl and pheasant hunting.
The City of Merced first entered in to the 3-year SHARE agreement in 2013. Prior to 2013, all hunting permits for the WWTP were sold by the City’s Parks and Recreation Department, which generated approximately $2,840. The SHARE program allows the City to continue selling permits on certain days, but also pays the City $7,050 per year for the permits issued through CA Fish and Wildlife. It has been a good program for the City as well as the community residents. This contract is for a 7-month term due to staffing changes at the Fish and Wildlife Department, and it should return to a 3-year term after the completion of this contract.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
This revenue is included in the FY2019-20 Proposed Budget.
ATTACHMENTS
1. SHARE Resolution
2. SHARE Agreement