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 community.
The Health and Human Services Department’s (Health Department) Vector Control Program currently addresses surveillance and control of mosquitoes and other pests of public health significance in approximately 58 percent of the City. The Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District (GLACVCD) covers approximately 40 percent of the City in East Long Beach, with Compton Creek Mosquito Abatement District (CCMAD) covering a small portion (2 percent) in Northwest Long Beach. Residents in the GLACVCD and CCMAD pay a nominal property tax assessment for vector control services (less than $13.00 per year). Residents in the remainder of the city do not pay for vector control services on their property tax bill. The City’s Vector Control Program currently costs an estimated $477,000 from various funding sources including the General and Health Funds. Due to the increasing need for the Health Department to respond to emerging vector-borne diseases, and due to the lack of a consistent funding structure, the Health Department is proposing to explore the feasibility of establishing a benefit assessment to fund vector control services in areas of the city not currently covered by a benefit assessement.
Since the approval of Proposition 218, which significantly revised the legal, procedural, and balloting requirements for benefit assessments, SCI has successfully established 20 new or increased assessments for mosquito and vector control services. SCI is the only firm in California that has established a post-Proposition 218 assessment for vector control services, and has developed a proprietary survey for conducting feasibility studies of new benefit assessments. The City anticipates the assessment and evaluation process will take approximately six months. Results of the assessment study will be transmitted to the City Council upon completion.
City Charter Section 1801 requires that contracts for City purchases be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder after a competitive bid process, but allows for awards without a competitive bid process if accompanied by a Resolution adopted by the City Council.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Linda T. Vu on August 31, 2018 and by Revenue Management Officer Geraldine Alejo on September 6, 2018.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on October 2, 2018, to ensure the contract is in place expeditiously.
FISCAL IMPACT
The annual cost of the contract will not exceed $200,000, and is budgeted in the Health Fund (SR 130) in the Health and Human Services Department (HE). 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:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER