Subject:
Title
Contract with the Sheriff’s Office for law enforcement services by the Environmental Lands Unit.
label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approve the contract with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) for law enforcement services by the Environmental Lands Unit.
Body
Strategic Plan:
Practice Superior Environmental Stewardship
3.2 Preserve and manage environmental lands, beaches, parks and historical assets
Summary:
The proposed contract provides law enforcement services at environmentally sensitive lands, preserves and waterways, including but not limited to Brooker Creek and Weedon Island Preserves, and the waters in and around Fort De Soto Park and Shell Key Island, which encompass over 15,940 acres. The contract period is October 1, 2016 through September 30, 2017, unless extended, terminated or modified by both parties.
Background Information:
Since fiscal year (FY) 2001, the first year of the Environmental Lands Unit contract with the County, PCSO deputies have provided excellent security at the preserves, have shown sincere interest and have helped build community support. They have greatly diminished the trespassing, illegal dumping and poaching activity, and work very effectively with Parks and Conservation Resources (PCR).
Fiscal Impact:
Funding to support this contract in the amount of $277,412.29 (an increase of 1.6% over FY 16) is not part of the PCR budget but is included in the annual funding provided to the PCSO. Utilities funds $68,200 of this contract for securing their department’s portion of the Brooker Creek Preserve.
Staff Member Responsible:
Paul Cozzie, Director, Parks and Conservation Resources
Partners:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Attachments:
Contract for Law Enforcement Services Environmental Lands Unit