Title
a. Approve and authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to execute Amendment No. 1 to Agreement (A-15985) with BSK Associates and the County of Monterey for Environmental Laboratory testing and analysis and extend the term for an additional three years, for a new term of September 1, 2022 through August 31, 2028; and increasing the funds by $600,000 for a total aggregated amount not to exceed $1,200,000; and
b. Approve and authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to sign up to three (3) future amendments where the combined amendments do not exceed 10% ($120,000) of the original amount and do not significantly change the scope, total not to exceed a maximum of $1,320,000.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the County of Monterey Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve and authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to execute Amendment
No. 1 to Agreement (A-15985) with BSK Associates and the County of Monterey for Environmental Laboratory testing and analysis and extend the term for an additional three years, for a new term of September 1, 2022 through August 31, 2028; and increasing the funds by $600,000 for a total aggregated amount not to exceed $1,200,000; and
b. Approve and authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to sign up to three (3) future amendments where the combined amendments do not exceed 10% ($120,000) of the original amount and do not significantly change the scope, total not to exceed a maximum of $1,320,000.
SUMMARY/ DISCUSSION:
The County of Monterey Health Department’s Consolidated Environmental Laboratory (CEL) serves as the area’s Regional Laboratory and provides the necessary water testing for the City of Salinas, the City of Gonzales, and over 100 community water systems. Due to the volume of testing required, the CEL coordinates testing with other cost-effective laboratories, including BSK Analytical Laboratories (BSK), and ships the samples for the client as a value-added service.
State and Federal regulations require monitoring of drinking water supplies and wastewater discharge for toxic chemicals and disease-causing microbes. There has been an increasing utilization of the CEL to perform these tests to assure the health and safety of the public.
CEL performs microbiological, general mineral and inorganic analysis in-house. Reports of ground water contamination have increased concern over the safety of the local water supply. The California Department of Public Health and the Environmental Protection Agency have mandated that drinking water systems be monitored for specific toxins.
This work supports the Monterey County Health Department 2025-2028 Strategic Plan Goals:
1. Build community power and partners’ capacity to increase equity and improve health; and 2. Provide exceptional person-centered care through accessible, community-focused health services. It also supports the following three of the ten essential public health services, specifically: 2. Investigate, diagnose, and address health problems and hazards affecting the population; and
3. Communicate effectively to inform and educate people about health, factors that influence it, and how to improve it; and 10. Build and maintain a strong organizational infrastructure for public health.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Office of the County Counsel and Auditor-Controller have reviewed and approved this Agreement as to legal form and fiscal provisions, respectively.
FINANCING:
This amendment is funded by 65% Public Health Lab fee revenue and 35% Health Realignment. There are sufficient appropriations in the Health Department’s (001-4000-8124-HEA003) FY 2024-25 Adopted Budget and FY 2025-26 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: Patricia Velarde, Management Analyst II, 796-1377
Approved by: Elsa Mendoza Jimenez, Director of Health Services, 755-4526
Attachment:
Board Report
Amendment No. 1
Agreement
Board Order