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Brentwood council approves $52,000 in reimbursements for Harvest Time and Wine Growers
Summary
The council adopted resolutions to reimburse Harvest Time in Brentwood ($25,000) and the Contra Costa County Wine Growers Association ($27,000) from the agricultural land fund to support marketing, video production and maps for agritourism; staff said funds are available and will return with process recommendations.
The Brentwood City Council voted to approve two reimbursement agreements aimed at supporting local agritourism and marketing.
Ricardo Navera, the city’s economic development manager, told the council staff recommended a $25,000 reimbursement to Harvest Time in Brentwood to produce 50 short videos, coloring pages and website updates tied to the group’s 50th anniversary; the funds will come from the agricultural land fund. Navera also described a $27,000 reimbursement to the Contra Costa County Wine Growers Association to support marketing, a consultant and printed maps.
Jessica Ennis, president of Harvest Time in Brentwood, said the videos and a commemorative magazine will highlight local farms, farm history and family engagement and help sustain agritourism that brings visitors to the city. Becky, identified as president of the Wine Growers Association, said the association recently received an AVA designation and intends to use the funding to promote tasting events and grow regional recognition.
Council members asked staff about follow‑up reporting, mapping costs and whether the request should have returned to the agricultural enterprise committee. Navera said the funds already exist in the agricultural land fund and that the committee was bypassed because of timing and agenda constraints; staff offered to return to the committee with a recommended process for future requests.
Council member motioned and the council adopted resolutions authorizing the city manager to execute the reimbursement agreements: $25,000 for Harvest Time and $27,000 for the Wine Growers Association. Council discussion also encouraged staff to return with process clarity and reporting expectations.
Implementation details: staff said Harvest Time had already begun producing videos, and the developer/partners will notify housing or economic development staff on timing for printed maps and deliverables. The council did not attach additional conditions beyond direction to staff to refine process and reporting at future committee meetings.
