Title
a. Approve and authorize the Director of Health or Assistant Director of Health to sign an Agreement with the Romie Lane Pet Hospital in the amount of $50,000, for the period retroactive to June 1, 2020 through June 30, 2023, to provide on-site emergency veterinary services to sick or injured domestic animals from the unincorporated areas of Monterey County, as requested by Monterey County Animal Services or when animal is brought in by a good Samaritan; and
b. Approve and authorize the Director of Health or Assistant Director of Health to approve up to three (3) future amendments up to ten percent (10%) ($5,000) of the original contract amount, which does not significantly alter the scope of services.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve and authorize the Director of Health or Assistant Director of Health to sign an Agreement with the Romie Lane Pet Hospital in the amount of $50,000, for the period retroactive to June 1, 2020 through June 30, 2023, to provide on-site emergency veterinary services to sick or injured domestic animals from the unincorporated areas of Monterey County, as requested by Monterey County Animal Services or when animal is brought in by a good Samaritan; and
b. Approve and authorize the Director of Health or Assistant Director of Health to approve up to three (3) future amendments up to ten percent (10%) ($5,000) of the original contract amount, which does not significantly alter the scope of services.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Monterey County Animal Services (MCAS) has depended on the local private Veterinary offices within the community to assist with sick or injured animals brought in by our Animal Control Officers or by good Samaritans for many years. Monterey County has maintained contracts with several of the Veterinary offices that have been willing to accept these patients as they are brought in on an emergency basis. While Animal Services does currently have veterinary staff employed, the resources are limited when it comes to providing emergency care. Many times, animals in need of emergency care may have been hit by a car, suffered extensive wounds and/or are appearing very ill and require x-rays, supportive care and various treatments that the Animal Services clinic is not equipped to support, at this time. Romie Lane Pet Hospital (RLPH) is one of the main full-service veterinary clinics that sick or injured animals are brought to, due to their easily accessible location in Salinas. Animal Services has partnered with RLPH for more than twenty years, not having RLPH as a contract provider will hinder Animal Services’ ability to provide emergency care to sick or injured animals, as well as those good Samaritans that assist animals in their communities.
During the past year, the owner of the Romie Lane Pet Hospital (RLPH) began the process of selling their business and the new owner has agreed to continue to offer these much-needed services to MCAS, as well as the community. Health Department staff has been working with RLPH staff for several months to finalize the Agreement. Unfortunately, there were unforeseen delays experienced in finalizing the Agreement, largely due to the change in ownership at RLPH. During the transition of ownership and the creation of a new Agreement with the County, both entities were working through extensive challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. During this time, despite the pandemic and change in ownership, RLPH has accepted injured animals from our Animal Control Officers as well as others in the community that have taken the time to bring in injured animals found in the unincorporated areas of the County. The Health Department seeks approval to sign Agreement retroactive to June 1, 2020.
While this work is not directly in support of a Health Department strategic initiative, it is in support of one of the ten essential public health services, specifically: 4. Mobilize community partnerships and action to identify and solve health problems.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The office of County Counsel and the Auditor-Controller have reviewed and approved as to form and fiscal provisions, respectively.
FINANCING:
The funding for this Agreement is included in the Health Departments Animal Services (HEA001-8442) FY 2019-20 and FY 2020-21 Adopted Budgets and will be included in the FY 2021-22 and FY 2022-23 Requested Budgets.
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: Frances Stevens, Management Analyst II, 755-4532
Approved by:
_____________________________Date:__________
Elsa Mendoza Jimenez, Director of Health, 755-4526
Attachment:
Agreement