Title
a. Approve and authorize the Director of Health or the Assistant Director of Health to sign an Agreement with the City of Gonzales (Contractor) to provide up to 200 internet hot spot devices from the Contractor’s “Community Wireless Internet Program”, to be used by Community Health Workers to connect residents to testing and vaccination appointments or needed social resources in the amount of $27,000, for the term retroactive to January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021; and
b. Approve and authorize the Director of Health or the Assistant Director of Health to approve up to three (3) future amendments up to ten percent (10%) ($2,700) of the original Agreement 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 the Assistant Director of Health to sign an Agreement with the City of Gonzales (Contractor) to provide up to 200 internet hot spot devices from the Contractor’s “Community Wireless Internet Program”, to be used by Community Health Workers to connect residents to testing and vaccination appointments or needed social resources in the amount of $27,000, for the term retroactive to January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021; and
b. Approve and authorize the Director of Health or the Assistant Director of Health to approve up to three (3) future amendments up to ten percent (10%) ($2,700) of the original Agreement amount, which does not significantly alter the scope of services.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The City of Gonzales is using a Community Wireless Internet Pilot Program to provide low-cost wireless broadband internet service, through simple home installation of a “hotspot” device. In partnership with the City of Gonzales, the Monterey County Health Department would participate by reimbursing the City of Gonzales $15 per hotspot per month, up to 200 hotspots. This would be available to individuals in need during quarantine and shelter in place or do to COVID-related impacts that do not have adequate internet access nor the income to pay for internet access. They would also be available to Community Health Workers in the VIDA Project by helping to connect residents to testing and vaccination appointments or needed social resources.
The Health Department has been working with the City of Gonzales to finalize the Agreement. Unfortunately, there were delays experienced by both the City of Gonzales and the Health Department due to staff shortages, a retirement and other COVID-19 related staffing shortages. The Health Department seeks approval to sign Agreement retroactive to January 1, 2021.
This work supports the Monterey County Health Department 2018-2022 Strategic Plan Initiatives: 1. Empower the community to improve health through programs, policies and activities; and 3. Ensure access to culturally and linguistically appropriate, customer-friendly, quality health services. It also supports the following of the ten essential public health services, specifically: 3. Inform, educate, and empower people about health issues; and 4. Mobilize community partnerships and action to identify and solve health problems; and 7. Link people to needed personal health services and assure the provision of health care when otherwise unavailable; and 10. Research for new insights and innovative solutions to health problems.
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 are sufficient appropriations in the Health Department’s Administration Bureau Fiscal Year (FY) 2020-21 and FY 2021-22 Adopted 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