TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to accept grant funding and execute an agreement and all necessary documents between the City of Long Beach and the State of California Department of Public Health in an amount not to exceed $76,726 for Pandemic Influenza Preparedness. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
O October 13, 2009, the City Council approved acceptance of funding from the State to commence pandemic influenza preparedness. The 2009-10 State of California Budget included an allocation of State General Funds to local health jurisdictions to prepare for the anticipated H1N1 Influenza Pandemic; the 2010-11 budget includes an allocation to continue this effort.
The City has been awarded $76,726 to be used to assess and refine pandemic influenza preparedness and response plans. Consistent with state guidance, the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) will continue the development of medical surge and alternate care site plans including patient triage, patient movement, and mass fatality. This funding will support the ability of the Health Department to respond to a pandemic influenza event by coordinating mass vaccination trainings, drills and exercises that involve staff, volunteers and regional partners.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Linda Trang on August 16, 2010 and by Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on August 25, 2010.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action on this item is requested on September 14, 2010 in order to facilitate commencement of projects supported by this funding. The State has requested that the Contract be signed and returned by November 4, 2010 in order to expedite the program's implementation after the passage of the State budget.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City has been awarded $76,726 as part of the 2010-11 State allocation for the program. State Department of Public Health staff have advised the Health Department that these funds are not at risk for deletion in the proposed State budget. However, should the funds be withdrawn, then the implementation of this program would be terminated under the terms of the State agreement. Sufficient funds are already budgeted in the Health Fund (SR 130) in the Department of Health and Human Services (HE). There is no City match of funds required, no impact to the General Fund and no net impact to jobs associated with this action.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
RONALD R. ARIAS
DIRECTOR OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER