Subject:
Title
Agreement with Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office for law enforcement services by Environmental Lands Unit Deputies.
label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval of 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, 2018 through September 30, 2019, 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 and have greatly diminished the trespassing, illegal dumping and poaching activity on County park and preserve properties, and work very effectively with Parks and Conservation Resources (PCR) staff to address safety and security issues within the park system.
Fiscal Impact:
Funding to support this contract in the amount of $292,264.00 (an increase of 4.62% over FY18) is not part of the PCR budget but is included in the annual funding provided to the PCSO. Utilities funds $72,720.00 of this contract for securing their department’s portion of the Brooker Creek Preserve. This contract is consistent with the FY19 Tentative Budget for PCR, PCSO, and Utilities.
Staff Member Responsible:
Paul Cozzie, Director, Parks and Conservation Resources
Partners:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Pinellas County Utilities
Attachments:
Contract for Law Enforcement Services Environmental Lands Unit