Title
Approve and authorize the Director of Health or Assistant Director of Health to accept grant funding from the Community Foundation for Monterey County, in the amount of $24,000 for the project period of January 1, 2019 through November 30, 2019, for Grant Title: Feral Community Cats Shelter, Neuter, Return (SNR) program at Monterey County Animal Services (MCAS).
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
Approve and authorize the Director of Health or Assistant Director of Health to accept grant funding from the Community Foundation for Monterey County, in the amount of $24,000 for the project period of January 1, 2019 through November 30, 2019, for Grant Title: Feral Community Cats Shelter, Neuter, Return (SNR) program at Monterey County Animal Services (MCAS).
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The Monterey County Health Department Animal Services Division established a “Community Cats” spay, neuter and release (SNR) program to reduce the euthanasia of feral cats in 2012 utilizing grant funds provided by the SPCA of Monterey County. The goal of the program is to reduce the free-roaming feral cat population without resorting to euthanasia by sterilizing healthy cats and returning them to their original locale though the use of traps and holding boxes. The intent of this process is to break the cycle of population growth of feral cats.
The Community Cats program has not been active since 2013 due to Animal Services Shelter staffing shortages. The recent addition of staffing and the movement toward combining the City and County shelters has allowed for the opportunity to seek out grant funding opportunities to once again support the SNR program.
On August 2, 2018, a memo was provided to the Monterey County Board of Supervisors advising of the intent for the Monterey County Health Department to apply for grant funding through the Community Foundation for Monterey County to fund the Community Cats program to purchase equipment and fund a part time intern to coordinate volunteers and community outreach to reduce the feral cat population in Monterey County.
On January 2, 2019, the Monterey County Health Department Animal Services Program was informed by the Community Foundation for Monterey County that its application was approved and that it is eligible to receive $24,000 in grant funding. The department requests the Board of Supervisors’ approval to accept this grant funding to once again support the Community Cats program. Terms of this agreement require a final report responding to narrative questions and identifying progress made toward the purpose and objective as well as a final expense report identifying how funds were spent.
This work supports the following specific Monterey County Health Department 2018-2022 strategic plan initiatives: 1) Empower the community to improve health through programs, policies, and activities; 2) Enhance community health and safety by emphasizing prevention. It also supports one of the ten essential public health services: 3) Inform, educate and empower people about health issues and 10) Research for new insights and innovative solutions to health problems.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Friends of Community Animal Services (FOCAS) has committed to a $5,000 contribution to support the Community Cats program and expected community partners are the SPCA of Monterey County, Animal Friends Rescue Project (AFRP), the City of Salinas Animal Shelter and the Spay/Neuter Association.
FINANCING:
The Community Foundation for Monterey County will fund the grant in the amount of $24,000. The grant does not require a cash match. There will be no impact to the General Fund resulting from acceptance of this grant.
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, x1297
Approved by: Elsa Jimenez, Director of Health, x4526
Attachments:
Community Impact Grant Agreement is on file with the Clerk of the Board
August 2, 2018 Memo to Board of Supervisors is on file with the Clerk of the Board