THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND GROWTH MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING AND COMMUNITY RESILIENCE DIVISION RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE ABOVE MOTION.
Approval of this item supports the Board’s Value of “Encouraging investments in renewable energy, sustainable practices and environmental protection” and Goal 1: Seek funding for, implement policies and pursue projects promoting, the use of alternative energy, and sustainable practices; Goal 3: Increase water quality protection efforts and lead creative approaches to water storage and aquifer recharge, as well as diversification of water supplies, regionally; and, Goal 4: Educate the public about the fragile South Florida ecosystems, impacts of severe weather, sea level rise, and climate change, with special emphasis on the coral reef ecosystem.
Approval of this item amends the partnership agreement between Broward County and the School Board of Broward County under which the County is provided reimbursement for technical services, staff training, and educational programming within the Broward School District in support of the Schools District’s educational and sustainability goals. The original agreement approved by the Board on 12/11/17 (item No. 28) included an initial term of 12 months and four individual one-year renewals. The current amendment reduces the first renewal to six months and provides for three additional one-year renewals. It revises the original end date of the Agreement from December 11, 2022 to June 30, 2022. These adjustments will serve to align the current Agreement term and annual renewal terms to match the SBBC fiscal year calendar and will help ensure the appropriation and availability of School District funds necessary to implement the Agreement.
The original partnership agreement was first established in 2007 and renewed in 2012 and 2017. Services in the agreement include the continued implementation of the P3 Eco-Challenge; development of new programs, tools, and teacher trainings; the coordination of a Youth Climate Summit; NatureScape presentations in the schools; training for school personnel; certification of NatureScape properties; Water Matters Day collaboration; irrigation system evaluations; water audits within schools; and administration of the agreement.
The Environmental Planning and Community Resilience Division is responsible for developing and implementing county-wide water resource management, water conservation, water quality protection programs and environmental education and outreach with emphasis on urban and natural systems interactions, including Everglades, urban water resources, and our coastal environment. Under this agreement staff provides education to students, teachers, and school personnel about the relationship between the Everglades, urban water resources, and our coastal environment and training in best management practices that protect water quality and improve water resource management. Services include landscape enhancements, the establishment of learning gardens, hands-on and outdoor learning experiences, and irrigation system evaluations and improvements on school properties.
This item provides for two and one-half grant positions to meet the terms of the interagency agreement with SBBC. This initiative directly supports the objective to promote greater environmental stewardship and sustainability, through the education of our future citizens in conservation and natural resource protection.
This amendment has been provided legal review and approval as to form by the Office of County Attorney.
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