Title
a. Approve and authorize the Military and Veterans Affairs Officer or their designee to execute a zero-cost month-to-month License, effective the date of Board of Supervisors’ approval, with U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Readjustment Counseling Service, Santa Cruz County Vet Center (0639) (Lessee), for a portion of the 13,300 square feet of space leased by the Military and Veterans Affairs Office at 2620 1st Ave, Marina, California to provide readjustment counseling services; and
b. Authorize the Military and Veterans Affairs Officer or their designee to sign up to three future amendments to this Agreement where the total amendments do not significantly change the scope of work.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve and authorize the Military and Veterans Affairs Officer or their designee to execute a zero-cost month-to-month License, effective the date of Board of Supervisors’ approval, with U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Readjustment Counseling Service, Santa Cruz County Vet Center (0639) (Lessee), for a portion of the 13,300 square feet of space leased by the Military and Veterans Affairs Office at 2620 1st Ave, Marina, California to provide readjustment counseling services; and
b. Authorize the Military and Veterans Affairs Officer or their designee to sign up to three future amendments to this Agreement where the total amendments do not significantly change the scope of work.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The Santa Cruz Vet Center (0639) is a Veterans Affairs community based counseling center that provides readjustment counseling services to eligible Veterans, service members, and their families. The Santa Cruz Vet Center is one of many Veterans Affairs community based counseling center locations. The Santa Cruz Vet Center currently provides services in Monterey County in various temporary locations. This license would allow the use of one office for individual readjustment counseling sessions and the use of a larger meeting space for monthly recurring group therapy sessions both with a licensed professional.
Approval of this license would establish a consistent Vet Center location in Monterey County for Veterans, service members and their families to seek counseling services and group therapy, thus making mental health services more accessible to Veterans, service members and their families within Monterey County. Lastly, approval of this license would also allow County of Monterey staff to provide direct referral for those in crisis to the Vet Center staff on site for immediate intake and registration.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Readjustment Counseling Service, Santa Cruz County Vet Center 0639; The Military and Veterans Affairs Advisory Commission; and The Veterans Issues Advisory Committee agree with this recommendation. Risk Management has reviewed and approved the Agreement. County Counsel has approved the Agreement as to form.
FINANCING:
The month-to-month license provides space to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs at no cost to establish space for local readjustment counseling services. There is no financial impact to the County General Fund.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
This agreement correlates to the Health & Human Services Strategic Initiative adopted by the Board of Supervisors by improving 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.
Check the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives:
Economic Development
Administration
X Health & Human Services
Infrastructure
__Public Safety
Prepared by: Adam Errahebi, Management Analyst I, 647-7829
Approved by: Jean-Jacques Murphy, Interim Director Military and Veterans Affairs Office, x7634
Attachments: Lease Agreement
Proposed agreement is on file with Clerk of the Board as an attachment to this Board Report.