Title
a. Approve and authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to execute a non-standard Memorandum of Agreement with the Gonzales Unified School District (GUSD) to reduce the rates of pedestrian and cyclist collisions at and around designated schools within the GUSD for the term date upon execution through November 30, 2027 at no cost to the County of Monterey; and
b. Approve a non-standard Agreement as recommended by the Director of Health Services; and
c. Approve and authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to sign up to three (3) future amendments that do not significantly change the scope.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the County of Monterey Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve and authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to execute a non-standard Memorandum of Agreement with the Gonzales Unified School District (GUSD) to reduce the rates of pedestrian and cyclist collisions at and around designated schools within the GUSD for the term date upon execution through November 30, 2027 at no cost to the County of Monterey; and
b. Approve a non-standard Agreement as recommended by the Director of Health Services; and
c. Approve and authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to sign up to three (3) future amendments that do not significantly change the scope.
SUMMARY DISCUSSION:
Gonzales faces a serious problem with roadway crashes that result in pedestrian and bicyclist injuries and fatalities. This problem disproportionately affects young adults and school-aged children in Gonzales. County of Monterey Health Department received a grant from the State of California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) for outreach and education activities in Gonzales. Under the grant agreement County of Monterey Health Department will collaborate with the GUSD to provide education on walking and biking safely to students in the first through sixth grades and their families.
OTS funding will help promote safer walking and biking for overall health and will engage Gonzales community members through school and community workshops. Safety messaging to caregivers/parents and children will have a multigenerational impact. Additional partner agencies will include the City of Gonzales Police Department, school resource specialists, and non-profit agencies. Health Department staff will offer safety education, safety presentations, program representation at community events, educational campaigns, and helmet fittings.
This work supports the County of Monterey Health Department 2025-2028 Strategic Plan Goals: 1. Build community power and partners’ capacity to increase equity and improve health. It also supports three of the ten essential public health services, specifically: 3. Communicate effectively to inform and educate people about health, factors that influence it, and how to improve it; and 4. Strengthen, support, and mobilize communities and partnerships to improve health; and 7. Assure an effective system that enables equitable access to the individual services and care needed to be healthy.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Office of County Counsel and Auditor-Controller have reviewed and approved this Agreement as to legal form and fiscal provisions, respectively.
FINANCING:
There is no exchange of funds between parties associated with this Agreement. County costs are 100% grant funded by the Office of Traffic Safety (OTS). Health’s FY 2024-25 Adopted Budget (001-4000-8124-HEA003) includes appropriations for this Agreement.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
Check the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives:
☐ Economic Development:
• Through collaboration, strengthen economic development to ensure a diversified and healthy economy.
☐ Administration:
• Promote an organization that practices efficient and effective resource management and is recognized for responsiveness, strong customer orientation, accountability and transparency.
☒ Health & Human Services:
• Improve health and quality of life through County supported policies, programs, and services; promoting access to equitable opportunities for healthy choices and healthy environments in collaboration with communities.
☐ Infrastructure:
• Plan and develop a sustainable, physical infrastructure that improves the quality of life for County residents and supports economic development results.
☐ Public Safety:
• Create a safe environment for people to achieve their potential, leading businesses and communities to thrive and grow by reducing violent crimes as well as crimes in general.
Prepared by: Veronica Salinas, Management Analyst II, 755-4630
Approved by: Elsa Mendoza Jimenez, Director of Health Services, 755-4526
Attachment:
Board Report
MOA