Title
a. Approve and authorize the Director of Health or Assistant Director of Health to confirm and execute Assignment and Assumption Agreement between Romie Lane Pet Hospital and VNC Veterinary Care, Inc. effective upon execution by the County of Monterey; and
b. Approve and authorize the Director of Health or Assistant Director of Health to execute Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. A-15267 between the County of Monterey and Romie Lane Pet Hospital dba VNC Veterinary Care, Inc. to provide hospital care and emergency veterinary services as requested by the County of Monterey Animal Services, or when an animal is brought in by a good Samaritan, extending the Agreement term by two (2) years and adding $50,000 increasing the maximum compensation to $100,000 for the term of July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2025; and
c. Approve and authorize the Director of Health or Assistant Director of Health to approve up to two (2) future amendments that do not exceed 10% ($50,000) of the original contract amount and does not significantly alter the scope of services.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the County of Monterey Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve and authorize the Director of Health or Assistant Director of Health to confirm and execute Assignment and Assumption Agreement between Romie Lane Pet Hospital and VNC Veterinary Care, Inc. effective upon execution by the County of Monterey; and
b. Approve and authorize the Director of Health or Assistant Director of Health to execute Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. A-15267 between the County of Monterey and Romie Lane Pet Hospital dba VNC Veterinary Care, Inc. to provide hospital care and emergency veterinary services as requested by the County of Monterey Animal Services, or when an animal is brought in by a good Samaritan, extending the Agreement term by two (2) years and adding $50,000 increasing the maximum compensation to $100,000 for the term of July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2025; and
c. Approve and authorize the Director of Health or Assistant Director of Health to approve up to two (2) future amendments that do not exceed 10% ($50,000) of the original contract amount and does not significantly alter the scope of services.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
County of Monterey, Animal Services 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. The County of Monterey 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.
Additionally, Animal Services has worked with Los Coches Animal Hospital in Soledad, CA to provide the same emergency veterinary services as Romie Lane Pet Hospital, through a separate service agreement. In the last 2 years, the owner of the Romie Lane Pet Hospital (RLPH) began the process of selling their business and the new owner, VNC Veterinary Care, Inc., agreed to continue to offer the much-needed services to County of Monterey Animal Services, as well as the community. Additionally, Los Coches Veterinary Clinic in Soledad, CA also sold their business to VNC Veterinary Care, Inc.
This Amendment No. 1 specifies the County’s desires to additionally contract with VNC Veterinary Care, Inc. so that both veterinary clinics are able to provide needed emergency veterinary care.
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 Offices of County Counsel and the Auditor-Controller have reviewed and approved this Assignment & Assumption, and Amendment No. 1 as to legal form and fiscal provisions, respectively.
FINANCING:
The funding for this Agreement is included in the Health Departments Animal Services (HEA001-8442) FY 2023-24 Requested Budget and provision for it will be made in the Department’s Requested Budget for the years out.
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: Cindy Burnham, Animal Services Administrator, 769-8796
Approved by:
______________________________ Date__________________
Elsa Mendoza Jimenez, Director of Health, 755-4526
Attachments:
Board Report
Assignment & Assumption Agreement
Amendment No. 1
Board Order
Agreement