Title
a. Approve and authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to execute Renewal and Amendment No. 1 with Mandell Gisnet Center for Conflict Management, a 501 (C)(3), a Division of The Monterey College of Law (“MGC” for mediation services for HRAS) based on complaints and for hearing officers, retroactively extending the term an additional 3 years, for a new term of January 16, 2023 through January 15, 2028 and adding $13,000 for a new total Agreement amount of $26,000; and
b. Approve and authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to execute up to two (2) future amendments to this Agreement where the amendments do not exceed 10% ($1,300) of the original Agreement amount, do not significantly change the scope of work, and the total Agreement amount does not exceed $27,300; and
c. Approve and authorize the Contracts and Purchasing Officer or designee to execute future Amendments, provided they do not exceed an aggregate amount of $200,000 and fall within the signing authority of the Contracts and Purchasing Officer.
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 Renewal and Amendment No. 1 with Mandell Gisnet Center for Conflict Management, a 501 (C)(3), a Division of The Monterey College of Law (“MGC” for mediation services for HRAS) based on complaints and for hearing officers, retroactively extending the term an additional 3 years, for a new term of January 16, 2023 through January 15, 2028 and adding $13,000 for a new total Agreement amount of $26,000; and
b. Approve and authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to execute up to two (2) future amendments to this Agreement where the amendments do not exceed 10% ($1,300) of the original Agreement amount, do not significantly change the scope of work, and the total Agreement amount does not exceed $27,300; and
c. Approve and authorize the Contracts and Purchasing Officer or designee to execute future Amendments, provided they do not exceed an aggregate amount of $200,000 and fall within the signing authority of the Contracts and Purchasing Officer.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
HRAS has retained Mandell Gisnet Center for several years for complaint cases and administrative hearing cases as needed. Specifically, the NEIGHBOR Project was helpful in that it offers highly affordable mediation from trained, neutral mediators. They also offer education and training in mediation. Having a dispute resolution center locally has been very helpful with cases too complex for HRAS to resolve.
However, in Fall 2024, Mandell Gisnet advised HRAS that due to budgeting and staffing related issues, it was no longer able to provide mediation for HRAS complaint cases but could maintain an agreement for as needed Administrative Hearing Officer services. An example of when HRAS might need an Administrative Hearing Officer would be in the event an owner was contesting a designation of Potentially Dangerous Dog or Vicious Dog. HRAS may need these services once or twice a year. HRAS is amending this agreement to secure Mandell Gisnet’s Administrative Hearing Officer services.
This work supports the County of Monterey Health Department 2025-2028 Strategic Plan Goal(s): 1. Build Community Power and Partners’ Capacity to Increase Equity and Improve Health. It also supports the following of the ten essential public health services, specifically: 6. Enforce laws and regulations that protect health and ensure safety.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Office of County Counsel and Auditor-Controller have reviewed and approved this Agreement as to legal form and fiscal provisions, respectively.
FINANCING:
Appropriations for this agreement are included in the Hitchcock Road Animal Services (HRAS) Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-25 Adopted Budget. For FYs out, provisions will be made in the Requested Budget for the appropriate year.
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: Juanita Sanders, Management Analyst, 755-5494
Reviewed by: Cindy Burnham, Animal Services Administrator, 769-8796
Approved by: Elsa Mendoza Jimenez, Director of Health Services, 755-4526
Attachments:
Board Report
Renewal and Amendment No. 1
Agreement