Special Meeting
06/26/24 06:00 PM
City Manager Department
Andy Espinoza Jr.
Other
Doc ID: 5697
AGENDA ITEM
AGENDA MATTER:
APPROVE FUNDING FOR THE CITY OF BARSTOW ANIMAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
City staff released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for animal services and shelter operations on April 10, 2024, setting the submission deadline for May 16, 2024. SpecPro was the sole organization to submit a bid. This bid was reviewed by Council during the June 17, 2024 Council meeting. The Council directed the City Manager to meet with members of the Barstow Humane Society to evaluate their ability to provide animal services to the City. After a review of the submitted proposals and an analysis of the impacts on the City to start its own animal services department, it is recommended that the City Council approve funding to establish a City of Barstow Animal Services Department.
DISCUSSION:
The City received a single qualified bid from SpecPro for Animal Services and Shelter Operations. The proposal was for a 6 month period of time with a re-evaluation in December 2024 and the option of continuing to a one-year term (July 1, 2024 through June 30 2025).
Some of the key provisions of the agreement were as follows:
SpecPro will provide 13 total staff - a Program Manager, an Administrative Specialist, 3 Animal Control Officers and 8 Kennel staff.
City will provide 3 trucks, equipment, food, vet services, and spay and neuter. After a thorough review of the contract it was determined that the City would have no assets at the conclusion of the contract.
Total costs: $765,000 for 6 months.
Total yearly costs: $1,530,000
On June 18, 2024 staff met with the manager of the Barstow Humane Society along with several members of the Humane Society Board as directed by the City Council. The members provided an update of the current status of the Humane Society to include its current fiscal health, contract obligations, personnel and equipment status, and the current needs of the facility.
On June 21, 2024 Interim City Manager Andrew Espinoza Jr. and Lt. Frank Benitez inspected the Barstow Humane Society facility to determine the feasibility of handling the animal services needs of the City of Barstow. A thorough evaluation of the inside and outside of the facility was conducted; including all kennels, storage areas, outbuildings, and two animal control services trucks that were on the property.
On June 25, 2024, the Barstow Humane Society provided a bid for animal services to the City of Barstow.
The bid was for one year of services.
Some of the key provisions of the agreement were as follows:
Special Meeting
06/26/24 06:00 PM
City Manager Department
Andy Espinoza Jr.
Other
Doc ID: 5697
AGENDA ITEM
Barstow Humane Society will provide 16 total staff - a Shelter Manager, an Office Assistant, 3 Animal Control Officers, 2 Kennel Technicians, 2 Front Desk, and 7 Kennel and Front Desk parttime workers. City will provide 2 trucks, equipment, food, vet services, and spay and neuter services. After a thorough review it was determined that the City would have no assets at the conclusion of the contract.
Total yearly costs: $708,974.00
Total costs with one time purchases: $997,974.00
Although our meeting with the Barstow Humane Society was very productive and identified opportunities for the City to partner in certain aspects of animal service, after a thorough review of the contract, the information provided in our meeting, and the facility visit it was determined that the Barstow Humane Society would not be able to meet all the animal services needs of the City. This was specifically evident in the condition of the facility and kenneling or housing of the animals.
City staff then evaluated the potential of operating our own City Animal Services Department and the fiscal and community impacts associated with moving in that direction. A thorough review of the costs and additional associated impacts was conducted to determine if the City of Barstow could operate efficiently its own Animal Service Department. The review was then analyzed alongside the two proposed contracts.
Some of the key points of consideration:
The City will provide 11 total staff members - 1 Animal Services Manager, 2 Animal Control Officers, 2 Administrative Assistants, and 6 Kennel Technicians. The City will purchase and outfit 2 animal control trucks in which they own. The City will provide additional equipment for the animal control officers. The City will provide food and partner with veterinary services for medical care and medicine. The City will provide and partner with non-profits for spay and neuter services. The City will utilize the Burrtec building as its main animal facility and will partner with Barstow Humane Society for overflow kennel or animal housing services. The City will establish Animal Control Services policies and procedures that fit our community's needs for euthanasia, adoption, and licensing.
The City will exhaust all avenues for adoption through breed-specific networks before any euthanasia is conducted.
The City will keep local control and offer additional jobs at competitive wages. The City will operate and maintain Animal Services within its jurisdiction.
Special Meeting
06/26/24 06:00 PM
City Manager Department
Andy Espinoza Jr.
Other
Doc ID: 5697
AGENDA ITEM
Total yearly costs with one-time purchases: $952,200.00 Total costs: $852,200.00
FISCAL IMPACT:
The budgeted funds for FY 2024/25 in Account No. 100.130.350.06.630 amount to $767,500. Staff will analyze revenue and expenditures and at midyear present an updated report to the Council and request the additional appropriations of $184,700 should it be necessary.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Staff Recommends that the City Council take the following actions:
Approve funding for the City of Barstow Animal Services Department and authorize the City Manager to establish the department to provide animal services to the community.