Title
a. Receive a staff presentation regarding options for combined Monterey County and City of Salinas animal services programs; and
b. Provide direction to staff regarding the Board’s preferred option for combined Monterey County and City of Salinas animal services programs.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Receive a staff presentation regarding options for combined Monterey County and City of Salinas animal services programs; and
b. Provide direction to staff regarding the Board’s preferred option for combined Monterey County and City of Salinas animal services programs.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The Monterey County Health Department’s Animal Services Program is responsible for providing animal services in the unincorporated areas of Monterey County. It operates an animal shelter located at 160 Hitchcock Road, Salinas, that offers an array of services, including but not limited to, shelter, veterinary, quarantine, and licensing services. The City of Salinas is responsible for providing similar animal services within the incorporated city limits; it operates an animal shelter located at 144 Hitchcock Road, Salinas. Historically, both shelters have operated independently, under two Operations Managers; they also have a history of working in unison on special projects as necessary.
On June 28, 2016, the Board of Supervisors received the results of a feasibility study conducted to determine viable options for combining County and City of Salinas animal services programs. Since then, stakeholder meetings have been held that included representatives of County staff, City of Salinas staff, County and City animal advisory boards, SEIU, SPCA of Monterey County, and the Board’s Ad Hoc committee members. These meetings were held to identify potential opportunities to combine services and facility capabilities as cost saving measures.
On April 25, 2017, the Monterey County Department of Health staff provided an update on stakeholder meetings to the Board of Supervisors. The Board of Supervisors directed staff to identify options for combining County and City animal services programs through the formation of a Joint Powers Authority or similar, and to return to the Board of Supervisors on May 16, 2017 with a presentation on available options.
Options for management and operation of combined County and City animal services programs include:
• Entering into a Joint Powers Agreement
• Formation of a Joint Powers Authority
• Formation of a Limited Liability Company (LLC)
• Entering into an Operating Agreement
Potential cost savings include:
• Sharing one animal shelter facility
• Sharing animal clinic operations
• Sharing field services and shelter animal care
• Streamlining fees and ordinances
• Entering into contracts with Monterey County cities for animal services, as shelter facilities permit
Monterey County Health Department staff will provide a power point presentation of these options for the Board’s consideration. Staff requests direction from the Board of Supervisors regarding the options it prefers that staff propose to the City of Salinas. To provide maximum guidance, and to facilitate negotiations with the City of Salinas, staff requests that the Board identify which options to pursue, in order of preference.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Representatives from the City of Salinas, its staff, and its animal services advisory board, the County of Monterey, its staff, and its animal services advisory board, SEIU and SPCA of Monterey County have been involved in stakeholder discussions. County Counsel advised regarding legal options for structure of combined animal services programs.
FINANCING:
There is no financial impact to the General Fund from receipt of this report. Staff may request additional general fund dollars to fund a facilitator of negotiations with the City of Salinas; if so, this request will be brought to the Board for consideration at a future point. It is anticipated that the costs of a facilitator will be shared equally by the City of Salinas and County of Monterey.
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 I, 1297
Approved by: Elsa Jimenez, Director of Health, 4526
Attachment:
PowerPoint presentation is on file with the Clerk of the Board