TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution authorizing City Manager, or designee, to execute a contract, and any necessary amendments, with SCI Consulting Group, of Fairfield, CA, to study the feasibility of establishing a benefit assessment for vector control services, in an amount not to exceed $200,000, for a period of one year, with the option to renew for two additional one-year periods, at the discretion of the City Manager. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
City Council approval is requested to enter into a contract with SCI Consulting Group (SCI) to research a local revenue measure that would provide funding for mosquito and vector control services in areas of the City not currently covered by a benefit assessment (Attachment A). The report from SCI will include an assessment of property owner and other stakeholder support, public education and outreach, and an analysis of parcels and land-use types for proposed assessement amounts. All recommendations will be compliant with Proposition 218. City Council approval would be required prior to advancing any benefit assessment ballot proceeding.
Vector control is a vital public health service designed to protect the community from vector-borne diseases such as West Nile virus, Zika, Lyme disease, Typhus, and Malaria. These diseases are typically carried by mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and other animals. As the world becomes more connected, new vector-borne diseases, previously unseen, begin to emerge in new places. West Nile virus, originally documented in Africa, is now endemic in California including in parts of Long Beach. More recently, travel-related cases of Zika virus have been documented in cities throughout California, including Long Beach. Although no local transmission has occurred, the mosquito capable of transmitting the disease has been documented in various areas of Long Beach. A sound public health-oriented vector control program is an essential part of protecting the health of the Long Beach commun...
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