Title
a. Authorize the County Counsel to execute an Agreement for Specialized Attorney Services (“Agreement”) with the Law Offices of Kelly Wachs, P.C., for independent consulting and legal services with respect to employment-based immigration law matters for the Monterey County Health Department, for a term May 1, 2022, through June 30, 2024, and for a total agreement amount not to exceed $45,000; and
b. Accept the recommendation of the Director of Health to approve the non-standard automobile insurance provisions in the Agreement; and
c. Authorize the County Counsel to execute up to three (3) future amendments to this Agreement where the total amendments do not exceed 10% ($4,500) of the agreement amount and do not significantly change the scope of work.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Authorize the County Counsel to execute an Agreement for Specialized Attorney Services (“Agreement”) with the Law Offices of Kelly Wachs, P.C., for independent consulting and legal services with respect to employment-based immigration law matters for the Monterey County Health Department, for a term May 1, 2022, through June 30, 2024, and for a total agreement amount not to exceed $45,000; and
b. Accept the recommendation of the Director of Health to approve the non-standard automobile insurance provisions in the Agreement; and
c. Authorize the County Counsel to execute up to three (3) future amendments to this Agreement where the total amendments do not exceed 10% ($4,500) of the agreement amount and do not significantly change the scope of work.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The Law Office of Kelly S. Wachs, P.C, assists the County of Monterey in navigating the complex immigration process related to employment. Located in Aptos, California, the law firm provides County departments with services related to obtaining temporary work visas or visas for permanent residence in the United States for their employees. The Health Department seeks the law firm’s assistance with H-1B visas, employment-based visas for permanent residence., and I-140 adjustments of status.
This work supports one of the Health Department’s 2018-2022 Strategic Plan Goal: 4. Engage MCHD workforce to improve operational functions to meet current and developing population health needs. It also supports two of the ten essential public health services, specifically: 5. Develop policies and plans that support individual and community health efforts; and 6. Enforce laws and regulations that protect health and ensure safety.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The office of the County Counsel has reviewed and approved this Agreement as to legal form. Auditor-Controller has reviewed and approved as to fiscal provisions.
FINANCING:
Sufficient funds are available in the FY 2021-2022 Adopted Budget and FY 2022-2023 Proposed Budget for Clinic Services Bureau, Health Department (4000-HEA007). There is no financial impact to the General Fund resulting from approval of this Agreement.
The County of Monterey has contracts with Law Office of Kelly S. Wachs, P.C, on behalf of several departments such as Information Technology, Natividad Medical Center and now Health, with a total aggregate liability of $175,000 across all Departments. Accordingly, Board approval for this agreement is required.
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: Prisca Segovia, Management Analyst II, 755-4939
Approved by:
______________________________Date: _________
Elsa Mendoza Jimenez, Director of Health, 755-4526
Attachment:
Agreement