Subject:
Title
Interlocal Agreement with Tampa Bay Water (TBW) for services related to accomplishing TBW goals and objectives concerning water conservation and the reduction of pollutants to stormwater runoff, specifically the Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program for FY 2025.
label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval and execution by the County Administrator of the Interlocal Agreement with TBW for services administered by two full time positions within UF/IFAS Pinellas County Extension (Extension) for the Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program.
• TBW has been funding the Florida Friendly Landscaping™, (FFL) Program for two decades. FFL Program uses education and outreach to conserve and protect water resources.
• Projected Revenue of $188,107.00 is included in the FY25 Proposed Budget within the General Fund for the Parks and Conservation Resources Department, UF/IFAS Extension Program.
Body
Strategic Plan:
Practice Superior Environmental Stewardship
3.3 Protect and improve the quality of our water, air, and other natural resources
3.4 Reduce/reuse/recycle resources including energy, water, and solid waste
Deliver First Class Services to the Public and Our Customers
5.1 Maximize partner relationships and public outreach
Summary:
This interlocal agreement provides funding from TBW to UF/IFAS Pinellas County Extension (Extension) to run the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL) program. The FFL program focuses on protecting and conserving water resources through education and targeted outreach. The program supports TBW’s goals and objectives regarding water conservation and the reduction of pollutants to stormwater runoff.
Background/Explanation:
TBW has been providing funding for the FFL program for almost two decades. In FY2014, Tampa Bay Water increased funding levels to support a second full-time position that was historically funded by Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD).
The scope of work is focused on protecting water resources through environmentally- friendly landscaping practices. The landscape practices taught through the program are based on research and publications from the University of Florida/IFAS.
The funding supports two full-time employees within Parks and Conservation Resources (PCR)/Extension. The Program Manager’s responsibilities include broad education such as water quality, water conservation, and the importance of protecting natural resources through a variety of outlets. The target audience is community associations. The Public Education Program Coordinator position focuses on water conservation throughout the County by addressing homeowners through workshop presentations, site visits and irrigation evaluations.
Fiscal Impact:
The revenue and expenditure associated with this agreement ($188,107.00) are included in the FY25 Proposed Budget for Parks and Conservation Resources, within the General Fund.
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the County Administrator to sign this Interlocal Agreement is granted under Code Section 2-62 (a)(1).
Staff Member Responsible:
Paul Cozzie, Director, Parks and Conservation Resources
Jeffrey P. Gellermann, Director, Pinellas County Extension
Partners:
Tampa Bay Water
Attachments:
Interlocal Agreement