Title
Chief Administrative Office recommending the Board consider the following:
1) Terminate the lease at 3050 Lake Tahoe Boulevard with the City of South Lake Tahoe; and
2) Move the South Lake Tahoe Wellness Center at 3050 Lake Tahoe Boulevard to a temporary facility at 1360 Johnson Boulevard; and
3) Continue to negotiate the Memorandum of Understanding with the City of South Lake Tahoe regarding the use and upkeep of the facility at 3050 Lake Tahoe Boulevard.
FUNDING: Mental Health Services Act funding (state funding).
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Fiscal Impact/Change to Net County Cost:
The following are the costs associated with the issues at the South Lake Tahoe Wellness Center:
· The County incurred $2,190 in personnel costs for a facilities liaison at the 3050 Lake Tahoe Boulevard facility.
· It is estimated the County will spend approximately $15,000 to transport and rent the temporary facility at 1360 Johnson Boulevard.
· It is estimated the County will spend approximately $18,800 per year to rent a permanent facility for the Wellness Center.
There is no change to net county cost.
Background:
On 1/24/2012, the Board of Supervisors approved the move of the South Lake Tahoe Wellness Center from a leased facility at 1900 Lake Tahoe Boulevard to a County owned facility at 3050 Lake Tahoe Boulevard. The facility at 3050 Lake Tahoe Boulevard is leased to the City of South Lake Tahoe, which uses the facility as a Senior Center.
The move was prompted after the former city manager of South Lake Tahoe, Tony O'Rourke, proposed the County share the facility with the city due to budget cuts. This was an effort by the city to reduce program costs while maintaining service levels. Following the agreement, the Wellness Center and Veteran Affairs moved into the building while paying the city a portion of the building's operating expenses.
Over the last two years, locating the Wellness Center with the Senior Center has created safety issues for both client groups. During that time, County staff has tried to alleviate the safety issues by hiring security and a part-time facilities liaison. After continued complaints from the City of South Lake Tahoe and seniors at the center, County staff believes that moving the Wellness Center is the most desirable outcome to protect both client groups that utilize the facility.
Health and Human Services Agency staff has a contingency plan to assist with the transition of the Wellness Center to the temporary location. In addition, County staff has identified a new permanent location for the Wellness Center in South Lake Tahoe. A new lease contract will be brought to the Board at the March 11th meeting.
The transition to a new location could be difficult for some mental health clients that are accustomed to using the current facility. Staff will work to make the transition as smooth as possible.
At this time, there are no plans to move the Veterans' Affairs office at the 3050 Lake Tahoe Boulevard location.
Reason for Recommendation:
Over the last two years, locating the Wellness Center with the Senior Center has created safety issues for both client groups. Staff believes that moving the Wellness Center will help to protect both client groups that utilize the facility.
Contact:
Terri Daly, Chief Administrative Office, 530-621-5530
Don Ashton, Health and Human Services Agency, 530-621-6904