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DISCUSSION The availability of contractors that specialize in design and installation of solar water pumping systems for cattle is limited. Staff sought to locate experienced vendors that were familiar with the local area, and had experience developing projects with similar environmental concerns. Since much of the equipment to be installed would be maintained by the lessee, considerations were made for a system that would be easy to maintain or similar to existing systems already maintained by the lessee. As City staff has limited experience with these type of solar systems, consideration was also made for vendor availability to repair or provide technical knowledge, if needed. Freitas Rangeland Improvements is located in Fremont, and has experience with the design and installation of solar water pumping systems throughout the State. The company has completed similar projects with nearby public agencies, such as San Francisco Water Department, East Bay Regional Park District, and has a history of providing prompt knowledgeable assistance. A single bid was solicited for this project, because other contractors could not be located which met the City's criteria, as set forth above. The contractor has provided a complete breakdown of all costs associated with the work, and staff is satisfied that the costs are fair and reasonable. This project requires conformance to a very strict construction schedule, as much of the site work can only be performed while the viola plant is dormant (the winter months of December-mid February). The contractor is confident that its work schedule can meet the requirements of our environmental permits, and the project completed in time for spring germination. II. GRAZING LEASE BACKGROUND In order to provide additional wildlife habitat area for the California tiger salamander, California red-legged frog, and Callippe Silverspot Butterfly, as well as water quality mitigation required by the Federal and State environmental resource agencies for construction of Callippe Preserve Golf Course and related housing, the City acquired a 107 acre conservation easement from the Koopman family. The Koopman's own an approximately 840 acre cattle ranch in the area, adjacent to the golf course. One of the terms for purchase of the conservation easement provided that when the City acquired the adjacent 60 acre South End Conservation Area (from a different party), along-term lease would be executed with rancher Tim Koopman to allow cattle grazing in that area. The purchase agreement specifically provided that the lease rate would be "based on fees charged by the City and County of San Francisco Public Utilities Commission watershed rates based on animal unit months," and subject to any restrictions imposed by the Grazing Management Plan approved by the California Department of Fish and Game, and United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Page 3 of 4