TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to amend Contract No. 35047 with the State of California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, for the continued provision of reviews and assessments of human health and/or environmental risks at various citywide locations, to extend the term for a two-year period, with the option to renew for two additional two-year periods, at the discretion of the City Manager. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
On June 12, 2018, the City Council authorized the City Manager to enter into an agreement with the State of California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA), for the provision of third-party reviews of environmental health hazard risk assessments (HHRAs). Agreement No. 35047 was established on September 1, 2018 and expired August 31, 2020. The proposed amendment to the agreement extends the term for another two-year period, beginning September 1, 2020 through August 31, 2022.
The OEHHA, which falls under the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA), conducts reviews of HHRAs in support of local agencies throughout the State. The Health and Human Services Department has jurisdiction over the review process for HHRAs conducted by private firms on behalf of developers but does not have the appropriate expertise or resources to conduct these reviews itself. OEHHA, being the agency establishing the laws, regulations and guidelines for health risk assessments and toxicology standards, is the governmental authority in this area. OEHHA possesses the expertise and the appropriate resources to conduct these assessments for the City and provides this service to other local agencies. Contracting with OEHHA to provide these professional services will enhance the City's ability to provide HHRA oversight and regulatory control in an efficient manner.
Contracting with OEHHA for an additional two-year term, with the option to renew for two additional two-year periods, will enhance the City’s ability to provide HHRA oversight and regulatory control in an efficient manner. The costs of conducting these reviews will be reimbursed by the developer and/or responsible party requesting the review.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Taylor M. Anderson on September 17, 2020 and by Revenue Management Officer Geraldine Alejo on September 24, 2020.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on October 13, 2020, to ensure continuity of operations and services currently provided by OEHHA.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total cost of the agreement will not exceed $40,000. The amendment will extend the agreement for a two-year period form September 1, 2020 through August 31, 2022. Sufficient funds are currently appropriated in the Health Fund Group in the Health and Human Services Department. Costs will be reimbursed to the Health and Human Services Department by the responsible third parties who are requesting OEHHA review. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
[Enter Body Here]
Respectfully Submitted,
KELLY COLOPY
DIRECTOR
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER