Title
a. Approve and authorize the Director of the Department of Social Services to execute an agreement with Community Homeless Solutions for $347,112 to operate the Salinas Year-Round Warming Shelter, retroactively to July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021; and
b. Authorize the Director or the Director of the Department of Social Services to sign up to three (3) additional amendments to this agreement where the total amendments do not exceed 10% ($34,711) of the current contract amount, and do not significantly change the scope of work.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve and authorize the Director of the Department of Social Services to execute an agreement with Community Homeless Solutions for $347,112 to operate the Salinas Year-Round Warming Shelter, retroactively to July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021; and
b. Authorize the Director or the Director of the Department of Social Services to sign up to three (3) additional amendments to this agreement where the total amendments do not exceed 10% ($34,711) of the current contract amount, and do not significantly change the scope of work.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Homelessness is a serious and ongoing problem in the County of Monterey and requires support by the Board of Supervisors in partnership with the City of Salinas for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety. The number of homeless individuals and families has persisted countywide. Persons experiencing homelessness are at high risk for physical and mental health issues, and other chronic illnesses.
The County of Monterey and the City of Salinas agree to share costs of operating the Salinas Year-Round Warming Shelter located at 111 W. Alisal, Salinas from July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021.
The total cost of this agreement is $347,112. The City of Salinas will enter into separate agreements with Community Homeless Solutions to fund their portion of the shelter operations directly including additional operations for trailer units housed outside the shelter facility to support increased social distancing. The City of Salinas has agreed to contribute regional State and Federal Emergency Solutions Grant funds as well as matching the County’s General Fund contributions for an overall total for the shelter/trailer operation of $1,366,200. Of the total operational costs, $915,125 supports standard operations for the warming shelter, $245,935 supports expanded 24-hour operations to support COVID-19, and $207,140 for the fully city funded trailer operation.
The Salinas Homeless Warming Shelter originally opened on December 1, 2017. If approved by your Board, the Department of Social Services will enter into this agreement with Community Homeless Solutions to operate the Warming Shelter from July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021. The shelter now operates 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, in response to COVID-19 pandemic and the Shelter in Place order providing shelter and safety for families and individuals experiencing homelessness, nightly dinner, and supportive services.
The project was previously determined to be categorically exempt from CEQA pursuant to Section 15301 of CEQA Guidelines for an existing facility involving negligible or no expansion.
This agreement was delayed in being brought for Board consideration prior to the effective date due to County delays in administrative processing.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Auditor-Controller and Purchasing have reviewed and approved this agreement. County Counsel has approved the agreement as to form. The City of Salinas continues to support this project through the MOU with the County and their operational agreement with Community Homeless Solutions. The Resource Management Agency provided research information regarding applicable CEQA guidelines.
FINANCING:
The City of Salinas has agreed to contribute regional State and Federal Emergency Solutions Grant funds as well as matching the County’s General Fund contributions for an overall total for the shelter/trailer operation of $1,366,200. Of the total operational costs, $915,125 supports standard operations for the warming shelter, $245,935 supports expanded 24-hour operations to support COVID-19, and $207,140 for the fully city funded trailer operation. The County has a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Salinas stating both parties will share in the general fund costs of the shelter 50/50 after applying available state and federal regional funds.
This Agreement is for the County’s portion of the shelter costs for a of $347,112. This agreement will be funded by $215,822 of the Homeless Emergency Aid Program (HEAP) funds and the remaining balance of $131,290 is funded by County General Fund contributions. Sufficient appropriations are included in SOC004 of the FY 2020-21 Adopted Budget. Not included in this agreement are funds directly paid by the County to maintain and support the utilities, upkeep, and repairs of the building.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
This agreement correlates to the Public Safety, Health & Human Services, and Administration Strategic Initiatives adopted by the Board of Supervisors by providing access to a warming shelter to reduce risk for physical and mental health issues, and other chronic illness to those individuals experiencing homelessness. This action also allows the County to work collaboratively with the City of Salinas to fund the operations of the shelter.
Mark a check to the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives
__Economic Development
X Administration
X Health & Human Services
__Infrastructure
__Public Safety
Prepared by: Glorietta Rowland, MAII x3584
Approved by: Lori Medina, Director x4430
Attachments: Community Homeless Solutions Agreement
Proposed agreement is on file with the Clerk of the Board as an attachment to this Board Report.