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Health and Human Services Agency recommending the Board:
1) Make findings in accordance with County Ordinance 3.13.030 that it is appropriate to contract with Good Guard Security, Inc., for the provision of emergency guard services at Caldor Fire large animal temporary shelters provided under Agreement 5975 because (g) “the nature of the work involves urgent or emergency services;” and
2) Approve and authorize the Chair to ratify the signature of the Health and Human Services Agency Director on Agreement for Services 5975 with Good Guard Security, Inc., for the provision of emergency guard services at Caldor Fire large animal temporary shelters, in the amount of $64,032, for the retroactive 3-month term beginning August 30, 2021.
FUNDING: 100% General Fund; Health and Human Services Agency will seek Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reimbursement.
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND:
On August 14, 2021, the Caldor Fire started east of Omo Ranch in the County, resulting in mandatory evacuation orders in several communities on the West Slope of the County and into South Lake Tahoe. These evacuation orders resulted in the Animal Services program receiving approximately 1,800 large and small animals whose owners were evacuated from the fire. By September 3, 2021, 1,079 large animals were housed primarily at two locations - Saureel Vineyard on Cold Springs Road and the Amador County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, CA. Management and care of these animals was provided by both County staff and volunteers. As the number of animals being housed at these locations grew, it became apparent on Saturday, August 28, 2021 that there was an urgent need to provide overnight security at these two locations.
The Health and Human Services Agency immediately began contacting security service organizations in El Dorado and Sacramento County, and located Good Guard Security, Inc. who agreed to have guards on site from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. effective August 30, 2021. Contracts were obtained from the Contractor and submitted to County Counsel for review and approval. Initially two separate contracts, one for each location, were executed on August 29, 2021, signed by Don Semon, Director of the Health and Human Services Agency, under the authorization of Don Ashton, Chief Administrative Officer.
On Monday, August 30, 2021, Counsel advised that to approve the contracts, additional language would need to be added to the Contractor contracts. That language was added to the contract, incorporating both locations into one Agreement 5975, and Counsel approved that agreement. This replacement agreement was re-executed by both the Contractor and HHSA Director, with final execution occurring September 3, 2021, for a term effective August 30, 2021.
Effective September 12, 2021, both large animal temporary shelters were closed, and a 30-day notice of termination was submitted to Good Guard Security, Inc., in accordance with the terms and conditions of Agreement 5975. At this time, HHSA is recommending the Board ratify the signature of the Health and Human Services Agency Director for this retroactive term effective August 30, 2021.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board of Supervisors could decline to ratify the HHSA Director’s signature on this Agreement, in which case HHSA would be unable to pay for services provided.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION:
N/A
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Approved by County Counsel
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
This Agreement 5975 could result in a Net County Cost of up to $64,032; however, HHSA intends to submit eligible costs for FEMA reimbursement. In addition, due to the limited time the Agreement was in effect, it is anticipated that invoices should not exceed $6,000.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
N/A
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT:
Healthy Communities and Good Governance
CONTACT
Don Semon, Director, Health and Human Services Agency