Title
Approve and Authorize the Director of Health or Assistant Director of Health to execute
Amendment No. 3 to the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA: A-13774), between the County of Monterey and the City of Salinas, for the Animal Control Services Administration Pilot Project for consolidation of shared Veterinary and Animal Care Services, which extends the term of the MOA six (6) months for an extended term of November 7, 2017 through December 31, 2021 and increases the MOA total by $469,287 for a revised total amount not to exceed $1,441,187 for the term of the MOA.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
Approve and Authorize the Director of Health or Assistant Director of Health to execute
Amendment No. 3 to the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA: A-13774), between the County of Monterey and the City of Salinas, for the Animal Control Services Administration Pilot Project for consolidation of shared Veterinary and Animal Care Services, which extends the term of the MOA six (6) months for an extended term of November 7, 2017 through December 31, 2021 and increases the MOA total by $469,287 for a revised total amount not to exceed $1,441,187 for the term of the MOA.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
In November of 2017, the City of Salinas City Council and the County Board of Supervisors approved a Memorandum of Agreement (“MOA”) for a shared Animal Services Administrator (Administrator) position to review options for consolidated animal services between the City and County. In May 2018, this position was filled.
The Animal Services Administrator recommended that the City and County proceed as outlined in the 2015 Management Partners report with an incremental approach to consolidation of services, as a precursor to establishing a new combined animal services entity under a new governance structure such as a JPA. Following that incremental approach, the related actions took place:
• In April 2019, Amendment No. 1 was approved by the City and the County to share an Animal Services Supervisor (15% County/85% City) and Education/Volunteer Coordinator (50% County/50% City) and consolidate Animal Services Advisory Board, once terms and timelines were presented to City and County Administrators. In July of 2019 and October 2019, the County hired an Animal Services Supervisor and Education/Volunteer Coordinator respectively. Terms and timelines to consolidate Advisory Boards was presented to City and County Administrators, however, final consolidation was delayed from early 2020.
• In February 2020, Amendment No. 2 was approved by the City and the County to share the costs for a Veterinarian (50% County/50% City) and Registered Veterinary Technician (50% County/50% City) and for the County to hire an Animal Care Technician (100% City) and in March 2020, the County increased the current Veterinarian and Registered Veterinary Technician to full time. In April of 2020, the County hired an Animal Care Technician per Amendment No. 2.
• In April of 2020, in response to the COVID-19 federal, state and local state of emergency, the County and the City entered into an emergency Memorandum of Understanding (“COVID-19 MOU”) authorizing both Parties to work in the County facility, during the COVID-19 health pandemic before a Joint Powers Agreement (“JPA”) was in place.
• An addendum to the COVID-19 MOU extended the term of the MOA and all other current agreements in place between the County and the City relating to shared services, resources and staffing to June 30, 2021.
The Health Department seeks approval for executing Amendment No. 3 to the MOA for a term of six months to continue to work with existing shared staffing and begin to consolidate additional vendor-related costs and services while a JPA is finalized during this same period. Both the City and County agree to continue to work diligently on the formation of a JPA and this amendment will allow for continued shared services during that work. City and County Animal Services successfully worked under one facility and provided essential services to the animals and residents of Salinas and Monterey County during the COVID-19 health pandemic, which provided the chance to work through issues while working jointly in one facility; this further supports the foundation for creating a JPA.
After approval of this Amendment No. 3 to the MOA, the Administrator and Health Department staff will meet with City staff to further discuss a consolidated governance structure to take effect by January 2022.
This work supports the Monterey County Health Department 2018-2022 Strategic Plan Initiative: 4. Engage MCHD workforce and improve operational functions to meet current and developing population health needs. It also supports the following of the ten essential public health services, specifically: 4. Mobilize Community partnerships and action to identify and solve health problems; 5. Develop policies and plans that support individual and community health efforts; 6. Enforce laws and regulations that protect health and ensure safety.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The City of Salinas City Manager’s office has reviewed and approved Amendment No. 3 to MOA A-13774, as to form and will be presented to the Salinas City Council for consideration on or around June 22nd, 2021. County Counsel and the Auditor-Controller have reviewed and approved as to form and fiscal provisions, respectively.
FINANCING:
There is no impact to the County General Fund. Amendment No. 3 adds a total of $469,287 for shared staffing and vendor services. The total estimated portion funded by the City for shared services is $292,571 and $176,714 by the County. The Amendment No. 3 amounts are included in the Health Department’s Animal Services (HEA001-8442) FY 2021-22 Recommended Budget.
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: Cindy Burnham, Animal Services Administrator, 769-8796
Approved by:
______________________________Date:___________
Elsa Mendoza Jimenez, Director of Health, 755-4526
Attachments:
Amendment No 3
Addendum to COVID-19 MOU
COVID-19 MOU
Amendment No. 2
Amendment No. 1
Memorandum of Agreement