Approve Director of CD to enter into agreement with WA State Conservation Commission, funding to the County for the VSP BEFORE THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
LEWIS COUNTY, WASHINGTON
IN THE MATTER OF: RESOLUTION NO. 21-232
APPROVE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT
WITH WASHINGTON STATE CONSERVATION
COMMISSION FOR THE PURPOSE OF FUNDING TO
THE COUNTY FOR THE VOLUNTARY
STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM (VSP)
WHEREAS, Lewis County opted into the Voluntary Stewardship Program (VSP) on
October 31, 2011; and
WHEREAS, VSP provides a unique, grassroots opportunity to establish regulatory
certainty for the agricultural operators in Lewis County critical areas; and
WHEREAS, Lewis County has the opportunity to enter into a fourth grant contract
with the Washington State Conservation Commission for the purpose of providing
adequate funding to meet the implementation needs of the counties who opted
into VSP; and
WHEREAS, it appears to be in the best public interest to approve the Director
signing the contract with an amount not to exceed $235,000 for the entire
2021-2023 biennium; and
WHEREAS, Lewis County and the Lewis Conservation District intend to
cooperate, by means of an interlocal agreement to provide assistance in
developing VSP work plans, program implementation, and subsequent reporting.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of County Commissioners
approved and directs the Director of Community Development to accept the grant
offer and to sign the same on behalf of Lewis County.
DONE IN OPEN SESSION this 22nd day of June, 2021.
Page 1 of 2 Res. 21-232
APPROVED AS TO FORM: BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Jonathan Meyer, Prosecuting Attorney LEWIS COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Eric Eisenberg Gary Stamper
By: Eric Eisenberg, Gary Stamper, Chair
Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney
ATTEST: s`°PRr�F" y Lindsey R. Pollock, DVM
c N - .
Rieva Lester, Clerk of the Board, Lf trdsey R. Pollock, DVM, Vice Chair
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Tamara Martin •'�:s�'�'`-°N �;:9' Sean D. Swope
By: Tamara Martin Sean D. Swope, Commissioner
Page 2 of 2 Res. 21-232
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STATE OF WASHINGTON
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
PO Box 47721 • Olympia, Washington 98504-7721 • (360) 407-6200 • FAX(360)407-6215
May 26, 2021
Lee Napier, Director
Community Development
Lewis County
2025 NE Kresky Avenue
Chehalis, WA 98532
Re: Continued Implementation of the Voluntary Stewardship Program
Dear Mr. Napier,
During the recent legislative session, the state legislature continued funding for the Voluntary
Stewardship Program (VSP) into the next biennium (2021-23).
As a county who opted-in to the VSP, I'm writing to formally notify you funding will be available
for the next fiscal year beginning July 1, 2021 for implementation of the VSP.
The Commission deems this level of funding adequate funding to meet the implementation
needs of the counties who have opted into VSP. This funding is the only funding available from
the Commission for VSP implementation.
Attached for your review is a contract for the VSP funding for the 2021-23 biennium. Once the
county has signed the agreement and returned to the Commission, the Executive Director of the
Commission will sign the contract. A fully executed contract will be returned to the county.
The effective date of this contract will be July 1,2021. However, delays without reasonable
explanation on the part of the county in signing this contract past August 31, 2021 may
result in the Commission denying any reimbursement during that time. If you find you
cannot comply with signing this contract by August 31, 2021, you must contact Karla
Heinitz at 360-407-6212 or by email at kheinitzescc.wa.gov immediately.
WSCC Letter to VSP Counties Re Contract
Page 2 of 84
Also, I wanted to highlight some important provisions that continue from last biennia's contract
into this new 2021-23 biennium contract. Those include, but are not limited to:
1. Funding available for reimbursement under this contract will not exceed $235,000 for the
entire 2021-2023 biennium.
2. If the county assigns a VSP lead entity, the Commission will require a copy of any
subcontract between the county and a VSP lead entity.
3. If the County updates its work plan while this contract is in effect, the County is required
to provide to the Commission the most recent version of the county's VSP work plan,
which includes all attachments and/or appendices. This can be accomplished by sending
to Alicia McClendon, VSP Administrative Assistant, an electronic link which the
Commission can use to download the plan. The link should be sent to
amcclendon@scc.wa.gov.
4. The Commission will require the county to create an implementation budget to ensure all
requirements related to VSP implementation are accounted for during this contract
period, and to ensure the two-year status and five-year review and evaluation reporting
requirements will be met. The county must provide the budget to the Commission
no later than 120 days from the date of signature of the contract by the County.
5. The Commission requires any VSP funds used by the county for cost-share projects abide
by the Commission's Grant and Contract Procedures Manual.
6. Lewis_County's two year status report is due to the Commission no later than August 30,
2021.
7. The failure of the county to provide any of the following are explicit grounds for
termination of the contract:
a. To complete the scope of work in a reasonable time frame;
b. To provide timely quarterly status reports;
c. To submit monthly invoices for reimbursement to the Commission's VSP Contract
Manager; and
d. To identify and keep current the responsible individual as identified in Appendix D —
Responsible Individuals.
WSCC Letter to VSP Counties Re Contract
Page 3 of 84
Thank you for your continued engagement in and support of VSP. I look forward to working
with you and your staff on program implementation. If you have any questions, please feel free
to contact me.
Sincerely,
t
Ron D. Shultz
Policy Director
Enclosure: VSP 2021-23 Biennium Contract between the Commission and the County
2021-23 Biennium Contract No. K2214
BETWEEN
The Washington State Conservation Commission
AND
Lewis County
FOR
Voluntary Stewardship Program Implementation
THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered into by and between the Washington State
Conservation Commission, hereinafter referred to as "COMMISSION" and Lewis County,
hereinafter referred to as "COUNTY".
IT IS THE PURPOSE OF THIS AGREEMENT to provide funding to the COUNTY for the
implementation of the work plan as required for the Voluntary Stewardship Program (VSP),
consistent with RCW 36.70A.700-760 and related statutes.
THEREFORE, IT IS MUTUALLY AGREED THAT the COMMISSION will provide funding consistent
with the terms of this contract, the policies of the COMMISSION, and the laws of the State of
Washington; and the COUNTY will implement the terms of this contract with the funding
provided consistent with the policies of the COMMISSION and the laws of the State of
Washington.
1.0 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE
Subject to its other provisions,the period of performance of this agreement shall be from July
1, 2021 through June 30, 2023, unless either extended by agreement of the parties or
terminated sooner, as provided herein.
2.0 SCOPE OF WORK
It is the intent of the parties that the COUNTY will perform its duties consistent with the
timelines set forth in RCW 36.70A.720-735, subject to available funding, and subject to state
contracting requirements. The COUNTY shall furnish the necessary personnel, equipment,
material and/or service(s),or contract with third parties to accomplish the same,and otherwise
do all things necessary for or incidental to the performance of the work set forth herein.
VSP 2021-23 Biennium Contract Between the WSCC and County-Page 1 of 19
The COUNTY shall report in writing within 30 days any problems, delays or adverse conditions
that will materially affect their ability to meet project objectives or time schedules-stated herein.
This disclosure shall be accompanied by a statement of the action taken or proposed and any
assistance needed to resolve the situation.
The COUNTY shall complete the work listed in APPENDIX B—SCOPE OF WORK, herein.
3.0 FUNDING AVAILABILITY AND COSTS
The parties expect legislative appropriation for this work shall not exceed $235,000. Payment
for satisfactory performance of the work accomplished under this agreement shall not exceed
this amount. The COMMISSION'S ability to make payments is contingent on availability of
funding. In the event funding from the state is withdrawn, reduced, limited or otherwise
determined by the COMMISSION to be inadequate in any way after the effective date and prior
to completion or expiration date of this agreement, the COMMISSION, at its sole discretion,
may elect to terminate the agreement, in whole or part,for convenience or to renegotiate the
agreement subject to new funding limitations and conditions. The COMMISSION may also
elect to suspend performance of the agreement until the COMMISSION determines the
funding insufficiency is resolved. Should the COMMISSION determine funding needs to be
reduced, the COMMISSION will provide 30-days notice of an intent to reduce the amount of
funding available under this agreement.
3.1 Eligible Costs
The COMMISSION will pay the following costs, but only upon full COUNTY compliance with
APPENDIX C—BILLING PROCEDURE:
• Salaries and benefits, 20% indirect of salaries and benefits is allowed on COUNTY
personnel or any subcontractor personnel designated by the COUNTY to qualify for
indirect costs.
• Travel, including mileage and per diem for program staff, consistent with state law.
Travel and expenses paid directly to work group member participants is not allowed.
• Meeting rooms and light refreshments for working meetings. If light refreshments will
be provided for meetings a Meeting Expense Authorization form needs to be approved
prior to the purchase of the refreshments and approved by an authorized signatory.
Light refreshments are defined as: an edible item that may be served between meals,
for example, doughnuts, sweet rolls, and pieces of fruit or cheese. A list of meeting
attendees and an agenda are also required to be eligible for reimbursement.
• Facilitation, reports, studies, research and document preparation, which may be
accomplished through either staff efforts or qualified contractors. Contractor services
shall conform to ordinary billing rates and overhead multipliers for the type and
location of the services within the COUNTY.
• Copy and printing costs.
VSP 2021-23 Biennium Contract Between the WSCC and County-Page 2 of 19
• Equipment. The COUNTY agrees and understands that pre-approval by the
COMMISSION is required for equipment purchases over$1,000. All equipment should
be directly related to the activities of the watershed group and the implementation of
the VSP. Equipment may include, but is not limited to, computers,data base software,
and GIS software. The COUNTY agrees to use the COMMISSION's VSP Equipment
Request form (https://www.formstack.com/forms/?4320646-BuPBLSyaEi) for
equipment purchases over$1,000.
3.2 Cost-Share Programs
The COUNTY may choose to offer a cost-share program to achieve the goals and objectives of
the county work plan and RCW Chapter 36.70A. If the COUNTY so chooses to offer a cost-
share program to VSP participants using funds provided under this contract, the COUNTY
hereby agrees that COMMISSION cost-share policies and procedures will be abided by,
regardless of who is administering the cost-share program (the COUNTY or some other entity
on behalf of the COUNTY). Further, the COUNTY must be in compliance with APPENDIX C —
BILLING PROCEDURE and must also:
• Consult with COMMISSION STAFF identified in APPENDIX C — BILLING PROCEDURE,
prior to using VSP funds for a cost-share program,
• Provide written documentation that the county work group has approved the cost
share program,
• Receive training regarding COMMISSION cost-share policies and procedures, from
COMMISSION STAFF identified in APPENDIX C — BILLING PROCEDURE, prior to using
VSP funds for a cost-share program, unless COUNTY staff or the entity or entities
administering such a cost-share program have already received such training from the
COMMISSION, and
• VSP cost-share projects that are funded using any amount of COMMISSION VSP funds
shall be documented in the Conservation Practice Database System(CPDS) under RCW
36.70A.720 (2) (b) (i) and (c) (i).
• Any cost-share project using any amount of COMMISSION VSP funds shall only use
the cost-share contract provided in CPDS.
3.3 Disallowed Costs
The COUNTY is responsible for any audit exceptions or disallowed costs incurred by its own
organization or that of its Subcontractors(such as consultants), and Assignees. If the COUNTY
expends more than the amount of the COMMISSION funding in this agreement in anticipation
of receiving additional funds from the COMMISSION, it does so at its own risk. The
COMMISSION is not legally obligated to reimburse the COUNTY for costs incurred in excess
of this agreement.
VSP 2021-23 Biennium Contract Between the WSCC and County-Page 3 of 19
3.4 Insufficient Funds
The obligation of the COMMISSION to make payments is contingent on the availability of state
and federal funds through legislative appropriation and state allotment. When this contract
crosses over state fiscal years the obligation of the COMMISSION is contingent upon the
appropriation of funds during the next fiscal year. The failure of the legislature or federal
agencies to appropriate or allot such funds to the program shall be good cause to terminate
this contract and for the Executive Director of the COMMISSION to determine that the
watershed has not received adequate funding to implement the program consistent with RCW
36.70A.735 (d).
3.5 Method of Compensation
Payment shall be made on a reimbursable basis for costs or obligations. Eligible costs incurred
by the COUNTY will be considered to have been paid by the COUNTY under this contract at
the time the COUNTY seeks reimbursement from the COMMISSION. No payments in advance
of or in anticipation of goods or services to be provided under this agreement shall be made
by the COMMISSION. The COUNTY must fully comply with APPENDIX C- BILLING PROCEDURE
to be eligible for reimbursement.
4.0 ASSIGNMENT
The COUNTY may not assign this contract. The COUNTY may however, delegate the work to
be completed under this agreement to an Agent. Any such Agent shall comply with the
requirements of this agreement. Within any such delegation the COUNTY shall remain liable
for any claim arising thereunder, and the COUNTY shall remain responsible for compliance
with this agreement and RCW 36.70A.700-735, and with all applicable Federal, State and local
laws, orders, regulations and permits. COUNTY retains the right to subcontract any portion or
portions of the work as it deems necessary to complete the work. If COUNTY chooses to
delegate tasks to a lead entity for VSP, a copy of the subcontract must be sent to the
Commission's VSP Contract Manager identified in APPENDIX C—BILLING PROCEDURE as soon
as the subcontract has been signed by both parties.
5.0 CONTRACT MANAGEMENT
Each party shall assign a specific individual to be responsible for and shall be the contact person
for all communications and billings regarding the performance of this Agreement. Those
individuals will be set out in APPENDIX D — RESPONSIBLE INDIVIDUALS herein incorporated
by reference.If for any reason the individuals identified in Appendix D change,the parties agree
to immediately identify and notify each other of another in writing of the new responsible
individual for this agreement.
VSP 2021-23 Biennium Contract Between the WSCC and County-Page 4 of 19
6.0 TERMINATION
The COUNTY may terminate this agreement upon 30-days' prior written notification to the
COMMISSION. If this agreement is terminated by the COUNTY, the COUNTY shall be
reimbursed only for performance rendered or costs incurred in accordance with the terms of
this agreement prior to the effective date of termination. If this agreement is terminated by
the COMMISSION, the COUNTY shall be reimbursed only for performance rendered or costs
incurred in accordance with the terms of this agreement prior to the effective date of
termination. If the COUNTY terminates this agreement prior to the work plan's approval, or
prior to when the work plan's goals and benchmarks are met,the COUNTY may be subject to
the requirements of RCW 36.70A.735 and related statutory sections.
The COMMISSION may terminate this agreement upon 30-days' prior written notification to
the COUNTY for cause,or for any reason or combination of reasons listed below,each of which
constitute a breach of this contract in accordance with Section 7.0 BREACH:
6.1 Failure to complete the requirements of Section 2.0 SCOPE OF WORK and/or APPENDIX B
- SCOPE OF WORK in a reasonable time frame, or for the reasons listed in 3.0 FUNDING
AVAILABILITY above.
6.2 The failure to provide timely quarterly status reports are grounds for the termination of this
agreement, at the sole determination of the COMMISSION.
6.3 The failure to abide by the conditions set out in Section 3.2 above, related to the
administration of a cost-share program are grounds for the termination of this agreement,
at the sole determination of the COMMISSION.
6.4 The failure of the COUNTY to fully comply with the provisions in APPENDIX C — BILLING
PROCEDURE shall be grounds for termination of this agreement.
6.5 The failure of the COUNTY to submit monthly invoices for reimbursement to the
COMMISSION's VSP Contract Manager, in accordance with APPENDIX C — BILLING
PROCEDURE, shall be grounds for termination of this agreement.
6.6 The failure of the COUNTY to identify and keep current the responsible individual as
identified in APPENDIX D— RESPONSIBLE INDIVIDUALS, shall be grounds for termination
of this agreement.
The COUNTY or the COMMISSION may terminate this agreement upon 60-days' prior written
notification for convenience, without any showing of cause.
7.0 BREACH
The COUNTY shall not be relieved of any liability to the COMMISSION for damages
sustained by the COMMISSION and/or the State of Washington because of any breach of
VSP 2021-23 Biennium Contract Between the WSCC and County-Page 5 of 19
contract by the COUNTY. The COMMISSION may withhold payments for the purpose of
setoff until such time as the exact amount of damages due the COMMISSION from the
COUNTY is determined. In the event the COUNTY fails to commence work on the project
funded herein within the timelines established under RCW Chapter 36.70A., the COUNTY
shall be subject to the requirements of RCW 36.70A.735.
8.0 ENTIRE AGREEMENT AND CHANGES, MODIFICATIONS AND AMENDMENTS
This agreement and the attached APPENDICES (APPENDIX A-D) contain the entire
integrated agreement of the parties may be changed, modified or amended by written
agreement executed by both parties.
9.0 EFFECTIVE DATE
The effective date of this agreement shall be July 1, 2021. This date shall be the "receipt of
funds"date for purposes of RCW 36.70A.703 (9) and RCW 36.70A.725 (5) and (6).
10.0 ORDER OF PRECEDENCE
Each of the exhibits listed below is by this reference hereby incorporated into this contract. In
the event of a conflict in such terms, or between the terms and any applicable statute or rule,
the inconsistency shall be resolved by giving precedence in the following order:
• Applicable Federal and state of Washington statutes and regulations.
• Mutually agreed written amendments to this Contract.
• Appendix B—Scope of Work
• This Contract.
• Appendix A—General Terms and Conditions
• Appendix C—Billing Procedure
• Appendix D—Responsible Individuals
• Any other provision, term or material incorporated by reference or otherwise
incorporated.
VSP 2021-23 Biennium Contract Between the WSCC and County-Page 6 of 19
2021-23 Biennium Voluntary Stewardship Program
COMMISSION and COUNTY Agreement
APPENDIX A-GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
I. DEFINITIONS
Terms used throughout this contract are defined below:
"Agreement" shall mean the contract agreement to which these terms and conditions are
affixed.
"Agent"shall mean any entity to which the COUNTY has assigned responsibilities as allowed
in the agreement.
"Best management practice (BMP)" is a technique designed to protect the air, water, soil,
animals, plants, and humans. BMPs must meet NRCS standards, or alternative practice
designs approved by a licensed professional engineer. NRCS Practice Standards and
Specifications are contained in the USDA NRCS Field Office Technical Guide (FOTG). SCC
also maintains a list of approved practices eligible for cost share for special programs.
"COMMISSION" shall mean the Washington State Conservation Commission, any division,
section, office, including the Office of Farmland Preservation, unit or other entity of the
COMMISSION, or any of the officers or other officials lawfully representing the
COMMISSION.
"Cost-share" is funding used to reimburse landowners for a percentage of the costs
associated with the implementation of Best Management Practice(s) BMP(s). Examples of
costs include, but are not limited to labor, materials, and permits.
"COUNTY" shall mean the County receiving the funds as identified in the agreement that
this Appendix is a part of, and is performing activities under this contract, and shall include
all employees of the COUNTY.
"Current fiscal year" shall mean July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2023.
"Five year report" shall mean written report, provided not later than five years after the
receipt of funding for a participating watershed and every five years thereafter, to the
Executive Director of the COMMISSION and to the COUNTY on whether the COUNTY has
met the COUNTY work plan's protection and enhancement goals and benchmarks, as
described in RCW 36.70A.720 (2) (b) (i) and (c) (i).
"Implement" and "implementation" shall mean to execute any requirements of RCW
36.70A.700-760 and associated statutes.
"Project Officer" shall mean the specific employee of the COMMISSION that is assigned as
the primary contact for purposes of the fulfillment of this agreement.
VSP 2021-23 Biennium Contract Between the WSCC and County-Page 8 of 19
"Two year report"shall mean the written report of the status of plans and accomplishments
that shall be provided to the COUNTY and to the COMMISSION within sixty days after the
end of each biennium, as described in RCW 36.70A.720 (1) (j).
"Voluntary Stewardship Program" and "VSP" shall mean the program established in, and
governed by, RCW 36.70A.700-760 and associated statutes.
"Watershed group" means an entity designated by a county under the provisions of RCW
36.70A.715.
"Work group participants" means those volunteer members of the county VSP work group
designated by the COUNTY who are working to implement the work plan and fulfill ancillary
VSP statutory requirements.
"Work plan" means a watershed work plan developed under the provisions of RCW
36.70A.720.
II. DISPUTES
Except as otherwise provided in this contract, any dispute arising under this contract shall
be decided in the following manner:
By the Commission's Project Officer or other designated official who shall provide a written
statement of decision to the COUNTY. The decision of the Project Officer or other
designated official shall be final and conclusive unless, within thirty days from the date the
COMMISSION receives such statement, the COUNTY mails or otherwise furnishes to the
Executive Director of the COMMISSION a written appeal.
An appeal of the Project Officer's decision shall be addressed by the COMMISSION's
Executive Director. The COUNTY shall have the opportunity to meet with the Executive
Director to be heard either in person or by phone and to provide documents in support of
their appeal. The decision of the COMMISSION's Executive Director for the resolution of
such appeals shall be final and conclusive and constitutes a final agency action for the
purposes of the Washington Administrative Procedures Act, RCW 34.05.
Pending final decision of dispute hereunder, the COUNTY shall proceed diligently with the
performance of this contract and in accordance with the decision rendered.
III. GOVERNANCE
This agreement is entered into pursuant to and under the authority granted by the laws of the
state of Washington and any applicable federal laws.The provisions of this agreement shall be
construed to conform to those laws. The COUNTY and any Agent shall comply fully with all
applicable federal, state and local laws, orders, regulations and permits. Any action brought to
enforce the terms of this agreement shall be in the Superior Court for Thurston County. Except
as otherwise provided in this agreement, in the event of litigation or other action brought to
enforce contract terms, each party agrees to bear its own attorney fees and costs.
VSP 2021-23 Biennium Contract Between the WSCC and County- Page 9 of 19
IV. CONTRACTING FOR SERVICES
Contracts for personal services, purchased services/goods, and public works shall be
awarded through a competitive process, if required by State law. The COUNTY shall retain
copies of all bids received and contracts awarded, for inspection and use by the
COMMISSION. Retention of copies shall be consistent with time periods established herein.
V. INDEMNIFICATION
The COMMISSION shall in no way be held responsible for payment of salaries,consultant fees,
and other costs related to the project described herein, except as provided in the scope of
work through the reimbursement procedures described in this agreement.
To the fullest extent permitted by law,the COUNTY shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless
the State of Washington, agencies of the State and all officials, agents and employees of the
State, from and against all claims arising out of or resulting from the performance of the
contract.The COUNTY'S obligation to indemnify,defend,and hold harmless includes any claim
by the COUNTY'S agents, employees, representatives, or any subcontractor or a
subcontractor's employees.
The COUNTY expressly agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the State of
Washington and the COMMISSION for any claim arising out of or incident to the COUNTY's or
any subcontractor's performance or failure to perform the contract.The COUNTY's obligation
to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the State of Washington and the COMMISSION shall
not be eliminated or reduced by any actual or alleged concurrent negligence of the State or
its agents, agencies, employees and officials.
The COUNTY waives its immunity under Title 51 RCW (Industrial Insurance) to the extent it is
required to indemnify, defend and hold harmless State and its agencies, officials, agents or
employees.
The COMMISSION shall be responsible for any liability arising from its own actions. However,
any liability by the COMMISSION shall not mitigate the COUNTY's duty to indemnify the
COMMISSION for all claims arising out of its performance of the contract.
VI. RECOVERY OF PAYMENTS
In the event the COUNTY fails, through the failure to exercise reasonable diligence unrelated
to the State's failure to fully fund the stewardship process, to perform obligations required of
it by this contract,the COUNTY may be required to repay to the COMMISSION any funds that
were spent by the county without exercising reasonable diligence or a portion of funds
disbursed to the COUNTY for those parts of the project that are rendered worthless by such
failure to exercise reasonable diligence.
In the event that the COUNTY fails to expend funds under this contract in accordance with
state laws and/or the provisions of this contract, the COMMISSION reserves the right to
VSP 2021-23 Biennium Contract Between the WSCC and County-Page 10 of 19
recapture state funds in an amount equivalent to the extent of the noncompliance in addition
to any other remedies available at law or in equity.
Such rights of recapture shall exist for a period of two years following contract termination.
Repayment by the COUNTY of funds under this recapture provision shall occur within 30 days
of demand. In the event that the COMMISSION elects to institute legal proceedings to enforce
the recapture provision,the prevailing party in any litigation for"recapture"shall be entitled to
reasonable attorney fees.
VII. INELIGIBILITY
The COUNTY certifies that neither it nor its principals are presently debarred, declared
ineligible,or voluntarily excluded from participation in transactions by any federal department
or state agency.
VIII. INDEPENDENT RELATIONSHIP
The COUNTY or COUNTY's Agent(s) performing under this contract are not employees or
agents of the COMMISSION. The COUNTY shall not hold themselves out as nor claim to be
an officer or employee of the COMMISSION or of the State of Washington by reason hereof,
nor will the COUNTY make any claim of right, privilege or benefit which would accrue to such
employee under law. Conduct and control of the work outlined in the scope of work shall be
solely with the COUNTY.
IX KICKBACKS
The COUNTY and its employees and authorized representatives are prohibited from inducing
by any means any person employed or otherwise involved in this project to give up any part
of the compensation to which he/she is otherwise entitled or, receive any fee, commission or
gift in return for award of a subcontract hereunder.
X. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Copyrights and Patents. Should the COUNTY or COUNTY's Agent(s)create any copyrightable
materials or invent any patentable property in the course of the scope of work governed by
this agreement, the COUNTY may copyright or patent the same but shall grant the
COMMISSION a royalty-free, nonexclusive and irrevocable license to reproduce, publish,
recover or otherwise use the material(s) or property and to authorize others to use the same
for federal,state or local government purposes. Where federal funding is involved,the federal
government may have a proprietary interest in patent rights to any inventions developed by
the COUNTY as provided in 35 U.S.C. §§ 200-212.
Publications. When the COUNTY, COUNTY's Agent(s), or persons employed by the COUNTY
use or publish information of the COMMISSION;present papers,lectures,or seminars involving
information supplied by the COMMISSION; use logos, reports, maps or other data, in printed
reports, signs, brochures, pamphlets, etc., appropriate credit shall be given to the
COMMISSION.
VSP 2021-23 Biennium Contract Between the WSCC and County-Page 11 of 19
XI. PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
The COMMISSION'S Property and Records Management Policy,contained in the Commission's
Grants and Contracts Manual,hereby incorporated by reference,and any updates thereto,shall
control the use and disposition of all real and personal property purchases wholly or in part
with funds furnished by the COMMISSION in the absence of state, federal statute(s),
regulations(s), or policy(s) to the contrary or upon specific instructions with respect thereto in
the scope of work.
XII. RECORDS MAINTENANCE
The parties to this agreement shall each maintain books, records, documents and other
information which sufficiently and properly reflect all direct and indirect costs expended by
either party in the performance of the services described herein.These records shall be kept in
accordance with the provisions contained on the Secretary of State archives, for records
retention, hereby incorporated by reference, and any updates thereto. These records shall be
subject to inspection, review or audit by personnel of both parties, other personnel duly
authorized by either party,the Office of the State Auditor,federal officials so authorized by law,
and as provided by the state Public Records Act, RCW 42.56. All books, records, documents,
and other material relevant to this agreement will be retained for six years after expiration and
the Office of the State Auditor,federal auditors,and any persons duly authorized by the parties
shall have full access and the right to examine any of these materials during this period.
XIII. SEVERABILITY
If any provision of this agreement or any provision of any document incorporated by reference
shall be held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect the other provisions of this agreement,
which can be given effect without the invalid provision if such remainder conforms to the
requirements of applicable law and the fundamental purpose of this agreement, and to this
end the provisions of this agreement are declared to be severable.
XIV. WAIVER
A failure by either party to exercise its rights under this agreement shall not preclude that party
from subsequent exercise of such rights and shall not constitute a waiver of any other rights
under this agreement unless stated to be such in a writing signed by an authorized
representative of the party and attached to the original agreement.
XV. ACCESSIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
COUNTY will remain current with Federal and Washington State accessibility standards and
comply with OCIO Policy 188—Accessibi/itylocated at https://ocio.wa.gov/policy/accessibility.
VSP 2021-23 Biennium Contract Between the WSCC and County-Page 12 of 19
2021-23 Biennium Voluntary Stewardship Program
COMMISSION and COUNTY Agreement
APPENDIX B—SCOPE OF WORK
The scope of the work to be performed by the COUNTY, or its contractors, under this
agreement is the following:
1) Organize, convene, and maintain a watershed group. This includes providing
necessary staff support and facilitation for the watershed group. Assist the
watershed group in the implementation of the approved VSP work plan, including
A. Working closely with the watershed group and technical service providers to ensure
full compliance with the requirements and intent of VSP.
B. Ensure that every effort is made to maintain effective communication between the
watershed group, the technical service providers, the COUNTY, local stakeholders,
and participating state and federal agencies and personnel.
C. The COUNTY will organize members of a VSP watershed group with
representatives from a variety of stakeholder groups including but not limited to
tribes, environmental groups, and agriculture. Organization of a vetted core
watershed group comprised of a broad representation of key watershed
stakeholders and,at a minimum, representatives of agricultural and environmental
groups and tribes that agree to participate. The COUNTY will encourage existing
lead entities, watershed planning units, or other integrating organizations to serve
as the watershed group.
D. The COUNTY will develop and/or maintain watershed group meeting bylaws, rules,
and/or policies.
E. The COUNTY will provide facilitation for watershed group meetings or other
actions of the watershed group.
2) Implement the VSP work plan, including implementing the requirements of the VSP
and RCW Chapter 36.70A.700-760. Implementation includes:
A. Identifying critical areas and agricultural activities within those critical areas.
B. Identifying a public outreach plan to contact landowners.
VSP 2021-23 Biennium Contract Between the WSCC and County- Page 13 of 19
C. Identifying and designating entity(ies) to provide landowner assistance (voluntary
stewardship plans).
D. Identifying measurable programmatic and implementation goals and benchmarks.
E. Reviewing and incorporating applicable water quality, watershed management,
farmland protection, and required species recovery data and plans.
F. Seeking input from tribes, agencies and stakeholders.
G. Developing goals for participation by agricultural operators conducting
commercial and noncommercial agricultural activities in the watershed necessary
to meet the protection and enhancement benchmarks of the work plan.
H. Ensuring outreach and technical assistance is provided to producers and operators
in the various watersheds of the county.
I. Creating measurable benchmarks that,within ten years after receipt of funding,are
designed to result in (i)the protection of critical areas functions and values and (ii)
the enhancement of critical areas functions and values through voluntary, incentive
based measures.
J. Incorporating into the work plan any existing development regulations relied upon
to achieve the goals and benchmarks for protection of critical areas.
K. Establishing baseline monitoring for (i) participation and implementation of
voluntary stewardship plans and projects, (ii) stewardship activities, and (iii) the
effects on critical areas and agriculture relevant to protection and enhancement
benchmarks.
L. Developing timelines for periodic evaluations, adaptive management, and provide
written reports of plan status and/or accomplishments to the COMMISSION.
M. Coordinating monitoring programs with other state agency activities.
N. Meeting any other requirement for the successful implementation of VSP in RCW
36.70A.720.
Deliverables:
1) Organize, convene and maintain a watershed group that meets regularly and as
necessary for implementation of the county VSP work plan.
VSP 2021-23 Biennium Contract Between the WSCC and County-Page 14 of 19
2) Implement the VSP work plan, including implementing the requirements of the VSP
and RCW Chapter 36.70A.700-760.
A. Two year status reports. No later than August 30, 2021, provide the written
biennial report to the COMMISSION. The biennial report must provide the status
of plans and accomplishments of the work plan to COMMISSION. The biennial
report should include a summary of how plan implementation is affecting each
of the following:
1) The protection and enhancement of critical areas within the area where
agricultural activities are conducted;
2) The maintenance and improvement of the long-term viability of agriculture;
3) Reducing the conversion of farmland to other uses;
4) The maximization of the use of voluntary incentive programs to encourage
good riparian and ecosystem stewardship as an alternative to historic
approaches used to protect critical areas;
5) The leveraging of existing resources by relying upon existing work and plans
in counties and local watersheds, as well as existing state and federal
programs to the maximum extent practicable to achieve program goals;
6) Ongoing efforts to encourage and foster a spirit of cooperation and
partnership among county, tribal, environmental, and agricultural interests
to better assure the program success;
7) Ongoing efforts to improve compliance with other laws designed to protect
water quality and fish habitat; and
8) A description of efforts showing how relying upon voluntary stewardship
practices as the primary method of protecting critical areas and does not
require the cessation of agricultural activities.
B. Five year review and evaluation report. If a Five year VSP report is due during
this contract period, than no later than the current deadline for submittal of the
report to the COMMISSION, and in conjunction with the county watershed
group, facilitate, develop, assist and submit the five year report to the director
of the COMMISSION. See RCW 36.70A.720(2) (b) (i) and (c) (i). When submitting
the five-year review and evaluation report to the COMMISSION, as per RCW
36.70A.720 and RCW 36.70A.730,the COUNTY agrees to use the COMMISSION'S
Guide and Template. The Guide is available for download on the COMMISSION's
VSP 2021-23 Biennium Contract Between the WSCC and County-Page 15 of 19
VSP web page: (https://www.scc.wa.gov/vsp/implementation).The Template will
be provided or made available by the COMMISSION to the COUNTY.
C. At five year intervals from the date of receipt of funding, each county watershed
group must submit a report to the director of the Commission and the COUNTY
on whether it has met the work plan's protection and enhancement goals and
benchmarks. The five year review and evaluation report should include a
summary of how plan implementation is satisfying the flowing plan elements
through VSP implementation:
1) Develop goals for participation by agricultural operators conducting
commercial and noncommercial agricultural activities in the watershed
necessary to meet the protection and enhancement benchmarks of the work
plan;
2) Ensure outreach and technical assistance is provided to agricultural
operators in the watershed;
3) Create measurable benchmarks that, within ten years after the receipt of
funding, are designed to result in (i) the protection of critical area functions
and values and (ii) the enhancement of critical area functions and values
through voluntary, incentive-based measures;
4) Work with the entity providing technical assistance to ensure that individual
stewardship plans contribute to the goals and benchmarks of the work plan;
5) Incorporate into the work plan any existing development regulations relied
upon to achieve the goals and benchmarks for protection;
6) Establish baseline monitoring for: (i) Participation activities and
implementation of the voluntary stewardship plans and projects; (ii)
stewardship activities; and (iii) the effects on critical areas and agriculture
relevant to the protection and enhancement benchmarks developed for the
watershed;
7) Conduct periodic evaluations, institute adaptive management, and provide a
written report of the status of plans and accomplishments to the county and
to the commission within sixty days after the end of each biennium;
8) Assist state agencies in their monitoring programs; and
9) Satisfy any other reporting requirements of the program.
VSP 2021-23 Biennium Contract Between the WSCC and County-Page 16 of 19
10)The COUNTY agrees that VSP cost-share projects funded using any amount
of COMMISSION VSP funds shall be reported in the Conservation Practices
Database System (CPDS).
D. Provide a timely quarterly status report to the VSP Program Manager in a form
and manner prescribed by the COMMISSION, and deemed reasonable by
COUNTY staff. Reports are to be submitted online to the COMMISSION.
Quarterly reports are here: https://www.formstack.com/forms/?2221155-
U3eHg4N8zh.
E. Quarterly reports are due quarterly for this Agreement:
July 2021 —June 2022:
Period of July 1 —September 30, 2021 — Due October 10, 2021
Period of October 1 — December 31, 2021 —Due January 10, 2022
Period of January 1 — March 31, 2022— Due April 10, 2022
Period of April 1 —June 30, 2022—Due July 10, 2022
July 2022 - June 2023:
Period of July 1 —September 30, 2022— Due October 10, 2022
Period of October 1 —December 31, 2022— Due January 10, 2023
Period of January 1 — March 31, 2023— Due April 10, 2023
Period of April 1 —June 30, 2023 — Due July 10, 2023
F. Ensure that the COMMISSION has the most recent version of the COUNTY's VSP
work plan by providing to the COMMISSION's Project Officer, identified herein
in APPENDIX D — RESPONSIBLE INDIVIDUALS, the most current version of the
COUNTY's VSP work plan, which includes all attachments and / or appendices.
This can be accomplished by sending the COMMISSION an electronic link which
the COMMISSION can use to download the plan.
G. Provide to the COMMISSION's VSP Contract Manager, no later than 120 days
from the date this agreement is signed by the COUNTY, an implementation
budget designed to ensure all requirements related to VSP implementation are
accounted for during the performance of this agreement, and to ensure that the
two year and five year reporting requirements will be met.
VSP 2021-23 Biennium Contract Between the WSCC and County-Page 17 of 19
2021-23 Biennium Voluntary Stewardship Program
COMMISSION and COUNTY Agreement
APPENDIX C—BILLING PROCEDURE
The COUNTY shall submit monthly invoices in the form and manner identified by the
COMMISSION to the Commission's VSP Contract Manager:
Karla Heinitz
VSP Contract Manager
Washington State Conservation Commission
P.O. Box 47721
Olympia, WA 98504
Send invoices to: sccgrants@sccgrants.wa.gov
For billing questions, contact: kheinitz@scc.wa.gov; phone: 360-407-6212
Invoices will follow procedures outlined in the most current Grant and Contract Procedure
Manual. Invoices for payment shall be submitted monthly. An invoice shall be submitted
regardless of whether work has been performed on the project, this is considered a "No
Activity" Invoice. Quarterly billings are not allowed and will not be accepted. A time
summary for staff costs, including compensation or billing rates, shall be attached.
Individual time records will be kept available at the COUNTY for review, in accordance with
the Secretary of State's document retention schedule of the Secretary of State archives. A
copy of any contractor invoices, or other receipts will be attached to the billing.
Equipment purchases for equipment over$1,000 shall be made using the COMMISSION's VSP
Equipment Request form (https://www.formstack.com/forms/?4320646-BuPBLSyaEi).
Payment to the COUNTY for approved and completed work will be made by account transfer
by the COMMISSION monthly upon receipt of the invoice. Payment will be made to the
person identified at the COUNTY in APPENDIX D — RESPONSIBLE INDIVIDUALS unless the
COUNTY shall identify and provide contact information to the COMMISSION to the person
listed in APPENDIX C - BILLING PROCEDURE herein.
Final Request for Payment:
The COUNTY must submit final requests for compensation during the current fiscal year no
later than July 10 after the end of the current fiscal year. Failure to comply with this timeline
may result in denial of any such claim.
VSP 2021-23 Biennium Contract Between the WSCC and County-Page 18 of 19
2021-23 Biennium Voluntary Stewardship Program
COMMISSION and COUNTY Agreement
APPENDIX D—RESPONSIBLE INDIVIDUALS
The Project Officer for the COMMISSION is:
Ron Shultz
Policy Director
Washington State Conservation Commission
P.O. Box 47721
Olympia, Washington 98504
(360) 407-7507
rshultz@scc.wa.gov
The responsible individual for the COUNTY is:
NAME: Lee Napier
TITLE: Director
AGENCY: Lewis County
MAIL ADDRESS: 2025 NE Kresky Ave
CITY, STATE, ZIP: Chehalis, WA 98532
PHONE: 360.740.2606
EMAIL: lee.napier@lewiscountywa.gov
The COUNTY Billing Contact (if different than the responsible individual for the COUNTY
above):
NAME: Graham Gowing
TITLE: Office Manager
AGENCY: Lewis County
MAIL ADDRESS:2025 NE Kresky Ave
CITY, STATE, ZIP: Chehalis, WA 98532
PHONE: 360.740.1232
EMAIL: graham.gowing@lewiscountywa.gov
VSP 2021-23 Biennium Contract Between the WSCC and County-Page 19 of 19
BOCC AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
Resolution: BOCC Meeting Date: June 22, 2021
Suggested Wording for Agenda Item: Agenda Type: Deliberation
Approve Director of Community Development to enter into an agreement with Washington State
Conservation Commission for the purpose of funding to the County for the Voluntary Stewardship
Program (VSP)
Contact: Lee Napier Phone: 360.740.2606
Department: CD - Community Development
Description:
Approve Director of Community Development to enter into an agreement with Washington State
Conservation Commission for the purpose of funding to the County for the Voluntary Stewardship
Program (VSP)
Approvals: Publication Requirements:
Publications:
User Status n/a
PA's Office Pending
Additional Copies: Cover Letter To:
Lee Napier, Graham Gowing, Grace Jimenez