Title
a. Authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to accept a $225,384 grant award from The Regents of the University of California Davis Campus School of Veterinary Medicine on behalf of its Koret Shelter Medicine Program (KSMP) in connection with the More Pets and People Together; and
b. Authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to execute the services agreement to receive the grant award effective retroactive to March 1, 2024 through February 28, 2025 and provide deliverables consisting of historical data from 2018 to 2022, and annual data through 2026 to UC Davis KSMP in support of the California for All Animals (CA4AA) program.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the County of Monterey Board of Supervisors:
a. Authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to accept a $225,384 grant award from The Regents of the University of California Davis Campus School of Veterinary Medicine on behalf of its Koret Shelter Medicine Program (KSMP) in connection with the More Pets and People Together; and
b. Authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to execute the services agreement to receive the grant award effective retroactive to March 1, 2024 through February 28, 2025 and provide deliverables consisting of historical data from 2018 to 2022, and annual data through 2026 to UC Davis KSMP in support of the California for All Animals (CA4AA) program.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Hitchcock Road Animal Services applied for a “More Pets and People Together” grant to the California for All Animals Program through the UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program and was awarded $225,384. This specific grant program is funded by a one-time California State General Fund to enable animal shelters to take the necessary steps to dismantle barriers and create processes that lead to preventing intake and keeping pets in their homes; decreasing length of stay of animals in the shelter; reducing euthanasia of healthy and treatable animals; and increasing live outcomes through foster, adoption, and return to home/community.
The original grant request was for a 6-month period, for a total of $141,842. It was later revised to cover a one-year period for a total of $225,384. The first payment, for $139,912 will be disbursed upon execution of the Agreement. The second payment, for $85,472, will be disbursed after July 1, 2024.
The grant award will fund two areas:
Reducing Adoption Barriers: Animal Services is currently open Tuesday - Saturday from 1-4pm for adoption. Animal Services is proposing through June 2024, to open 11 additional hours per month (late hours on two Wednesdays, early hours on two (Saturdays, and one Sunday pop up adoption event). During these open hours, adoption fees would be significantly reduced with the hope of increasing cat adoption by 156 and dog adoptions by 208. The grant request total of $131,984 includes the additional adoption fees, event promotion, and staff overtime costs.
Increasing Community Outreach: Animal Services has a growing volunteer base that is interested in supporting the department at community outreach events. Such events seek to educate the community about services as well as provide an opportunity to educate pet owners about responsible pet ownership and provide resources. The department has requested items that will allow volunteers and staff to attend such events in a professional and organized manner. The grant request is $93,400 and includes transportation (cargo van), custom event table set up, flyer production and print, volunteer gear, community giveaways, and social media and messaging support services.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Office of the County Counsel and the Auditor-Controller have reviewed and approved this Agreement as to legal form and fiscal provisions, respectively.
FINANCING:
There is no impact to the General Fund resulting from the acceptance of this award. This Agreement is funded by the California for All Animal Program and UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program grant and designated for Animal Service’s general operating expenses. There are sufficient appropriations in the Animal Services Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-24 Adopted Budget. For FY 2024-25, the anticipated revenue and expenditures will be included in Department’s Requested 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: Cynthia Burnham, Animal Services Administrator, 769-8796
Approved by:
______________________________ Date:_____________
Elsa Mendoza Jimenez, Director of Health Services, 755-4526
Attachments:
Board Report
Shelter Services Agreement