TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute all necessary documents between the City of Long Beach and the County of Los Angeles to accept funding in the amount of $889,184, for the period of August 10, 2011 through August 9, 2012 to provide bioterrorism preparedness and public health infrastructure development. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
Since 2002, the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has awarded the County of Los Angeles (County) funding for bioterrorism preparedness and public health infrastructure development to provide for response support to a bioterrorist threat or other public health emergency in Long Beach. Subsequently, the City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) was awarded a sole source agreement by the County to further develop our Public Health Preparedness and Response for Bioterrorism capabilities.
The County has provided $889,184 in funding, with an option to extend the agreement for two additional one-year terms through August 9, 2014, contingent upon availability of funds. These funds will be utilized to build the Health Department's capacity to respond to evolving public health threats and to strengthen its infrastructure through the development of functions and resources as mandated by CDC guidelines. This funding will allow the City to participate in a comprehensive regional risk and hazard assessment; develop a strategic plan to guide annual and long-term preparedness; enhance testing capacity of biological and chemical agents; and continue training and exercise programs that include issues related to aerosolized biological agent attacks, communicable disease control, pandemic influenza and food terrorism. Funding will also allow the Department to provide educational support to the community for family disaster preparedness, communicable diseases, and other related biological and natural hazards/disasters, including Pandemic Influenza.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Linda Trang on August 16, 2011 and by Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on August 18, 2011.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on September 20, 2011 in order to continue this program without interruption.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total amount of the agreement is $889,184. Sufficient funds are currently budgeted in the Health Fund (SR 130) and 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 the recommended action.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
RONALD R. ARIAS, DIRECTOR
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER