Title
Health and Human Services Agency, Public Health Division, recommending the Board consider the following:
1) Authorize the Chair to sign retroactive Agreement for Services 033-S1410 with Christine Hightower, dba High Heart Ranch, for the provision of "as requested" shelter and care of livestock in the custody and care of Animal Services for the term July 1, 2013, through April 30, 2018 with a maximum contractual obligation of $100,000 for the term of the Agreement; and
2) Authorize the Chief Administrative Officer or their designee to execute further documents relating to Agreement for Services 033-S1410, including amendments thereto, contingent upon approval by County Counsel and Risk Management, which do not affect the dollar amount or term of the Agreement.
FUNDING: Fees and fines paid to Animal Services, General Fund.
Body
BUDGET SUMMARY: |
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Total Estimated Cost
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$100,000 |
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Budgeted
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$100,000 |
New Funding
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Savings
. |
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Other
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Total Funding Available
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$100,000 |
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Change To Net County Cost
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$0 |
Fiscal Impact/Change to Net County Cost
There is no Net County Cost associated with this Agreement. Funds for anticipated annual expenditures are included in the County Budget Request for Fiscal Year ("FY") 2013-14 and will be included in future County Budget Requests.
Background
High Heart Ranch ("Contractor") has provided shelter and care to livestock in the custody of Animal Services since June 1, 2011 via Agreement for Service 116-S1210. The Contractor works closely with Animal Services staff and veterinarians to create a program specific to each animal that will provide the proper feeding and care to meet its needs. The individualized care is essential as most of the livestock in the custody of Animal Services are typically abused, neglected, or abandoned by their owner. Livestock that are adoptable or become adoptable through the rehabilitation efforts of the Contractor, Animal Services, and veterinarians are then adopted by the public and placed into suitable homes. This Agreement is being submitted retroactively for County execution due to longer than anticipated development and processing times.
Reason for Recommendation
Animal Services is required to impound straying livestock or seize neglected livestock but does not have a facility to house confiscated large animals. Contractor is the only available entity who is willing to contract with the County and who operates the type of facility that can fill Animal Services needs for the shelter and care of seized livestock.
Under County Ordinance Section 6.08.011 (Responsibility), the director of animal control is responsible for the enforcement of all County and state laws pertaining to the control of dogs and other animals and the humane treatment of animals. It is unlawful under County Ordinance Section 6.12.010 (General Violations) to abandon any animal in El Dorado County. In addition, it is unlawful for any person to allow any animal to go without adequate food, water, shelter or proper care. (Ord. 3446 §4(part), 1984). Lastly, stray animals and livestock (except for domestic cats) are gathered and impounded by Animal Control Officers under County Ordinance Section 6.20.010 (Strays).
California Penal Code Section 597.1 addresses and reinforces the County Ordinances described above that the Animal Control Officers shall take possession of stray or abandoned animals and shall provide care and treatment for the animal until the animal is deemed to be in suitable condition to be returned to the owner. When the officer has reasonable grounds to believe that very prompt action is required to protect the health or safety of the animal or the health or safety of others, the officer shall immediately seize the animal. Again, Animal Control Officers must seize animals but have only one contractor who has a facility suitable to shelter and care for livestock.
Approval of this Agreement for Services 033-S1410 will ensure that Animal Services continues to have access to a quality boarding facility for livestock in its custody and care. After the new animal shelter is successfully renovated and occupied by Animal Services, this Agreement will be kept in place to accommodate any overflow or large confiscations of animals.
Action(s) to be taken following Board approval
1) Chair to sign two (2) original Agreement 033-S1410;
2) Board Clerk to return one (1) signed original Agreement 033-S1410 to HHSA, Contracts Unit, at 3057 Briw Road, Suite A; and
3) HHSA to distribute document as appropriate.
Contact
Don Ashton, M.P.A., Interim Director
Concurrences
County Counsel, Procurement and Contracts, Human Resources, and Risk Management