Title
Authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to accept a Grant entitled
“AB 178 Local Government Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation (MEHKO) Assistance Program” from the California Conference of Directors of Environmental Health (CCDEH), in the amount of $41,814 for the grant period of July 1, 2024, through May 31, 2025.
Report
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors adopt a Resolution to:
Authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to accept a Grant entitled
“AB 178 Local Government Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation (MEHKO) Assistance Program” from the California Conference of Directors of Environmental Health (CCDEH), in the amount of $41,814 for the grant period of July 1, 2024, through May 31, 2025.
SUMMARY/ DISCUSSION:
The California Conference of Directors of Environmental Health (CCDEH) offered a non-competitive one-time grant program to aid in the implementation of AB 178 Local Government Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation (MEHKO) Assistance Programs. This state-funded grant program assists local health departments and city code enforcement agencies with reimbursement for costs incurred from the development of application forms, permitting processes, initial site inspections, and for city code enforcement activities related to Micro Enterprise Home Kitchen Operations (MEHKOs) in accordance with Assembly Bill AB 178 - Budget Act of 2022.
The percentage amount of the Grant funds to be awarded was based on local Environmental Health Departments meeting one of three criteria:
a) 25% to local environmental health departments with adopted MEHKO ordinance based on number of permitted MEHKOs as of December 31, 2022.
b) 50% to local environmental health departments in process of or considering approving a MEHKO ordinance.
c) 25% to all local environmental health departments across state based on total number of permitted retail food facilities, incorporating a maximum for very large jurisdictions and a base-minimum for smaller jurisdictions.
The Health Department Environmental Health Bureau submitted an application for grant funds in December 2023, with the understanding that the grant dollar amount allocation will be evaluated and approved based on the formula noted above. On February 27, 2024, notification of the award in the amount of $41,814.70 was received. Award funds will be used for direct support in implementing the MEHKO program, including program development, public outreach, offsetting permit fees, and enforcement. Additionally, this assistance will be augmented by technical assistance provided through the California Conference of Directors of Environmental Health (CCDEH).
While this work is not directly in support of a Health Department strategic goal, it is in support of one or more of the ten essential public health services, specifically: 3. Inform, educate, and empower people about health issues; 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:
A state-funded grant agreement between the California Conference of Directors of Environmental Health (CCDEH) and the Workforce Development Board (WDB) provides the funding to Environmental Health Departments.
FINANCING:
There is no impact to the General Fund from accepting this grant. There are sufficient appropriations in the Environmental Health Bureau’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-25 Requested Budget. (4000-HEA005-8112).
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: Robin Kimball, Management Analyst III, 796-1297
Approved by:
______________________________Date:__________
Elsa Mendoza Jimenez, Director of Health Services, 755-4526
Attachments:
Board Report
CCDEH MEHKO Notice to Award