DATE:
February 20, 2024
TO:
Mayor and Council Members
FROM:
Rachel Molina, City Manager
BY:
Melinda Sayre, Director of Government Services/City Clerk Caleb Enriquez, Acting Code Compliance Manager
SUBJECT:
Dr. Jaime Velasco Spay/Neuter and Telemedicine Contract
RECOMMENDED ACTION
It is recommended that the City Council authorize the City Manager to approve a contract with Dr. Jaime Velasco in the not-to-exceed amount of $42,500 for spay, neuter procedures and telemedicine for animals in the care of the City’s animal shelter.
BACKGROUND
Beginning in calendar year 2011 through early September 2023, the City contracted with an onsite veterinarian. Through the onsite veterinarian, the City was afforded the benefit of proximity of the veterinarian, priority of services, premise permitting, and volume discounting. The premise permit allowed Animal Control staff the ability to order certain supplies and medication to maintain the health and well-being of the shelter animals.
During the beginning of FY 2023-24, the onsite veterinarian notified the City that they were ceasing operations and relocating their practice outside of the City, resulting in the termination of the contract. The City issued a request for bids (RFB) to twelve (12) local veterinarians for replacement services on August 24, 2023. Of the twelve (12) RFBs distributed, Antony’s Animal Hospital was the sole respondent to which the City entered into contract for spay and neuter services during September 2023.
While Antony’s Animal Hospital provided spay and neuter services, the contract did not allow for the ability to seek a new premise permit to order certain supplies and medication. To remedy this issue, during December 2023, the City executed a contract with Dr. Jaime Velasco in the amount of $24,000 to provide the City the use of their Veterinary premise permit.
ISSUES/ANALYSIS
During January 2024, Antony’s Animal Hospital notified the City that their practice could no longer fulfill the contract. The City engaged in conversations Dr. Jaime Velasco to provide spay and neuter services. Through negotiations, Dr. Jaime Velasco agreed to provide spay/neuter services on-site every Thursday of the month, along with offering Telemedicine, and providing a low-cost rabies clinic once a month. Telemedicine is the ability to videoconference with the veterinarian to assist with triaging animal care.
While this staff report is requesting to contract with Dr. Jaime Velasco for $42,500 and within the City Manager's approval authority, the total amongst both contracts, if approved, will be $66,500.
In efforts to continue to offer robust animal care solutions, the City is currently working on a Request for Proposal (RFP) for additional veterinary services with a projected release timeframe of March 2024.
FISCAL IMPACT
Sufficient funding exists in the City’s FY 2023-24 Operating Budget.
ALTERNATIVE(S)
Provide alternative direction to staff.
ATTACHMENT(S)
None
City of Hesperia STAFF REPORT City of Hesperia STAFF REPORT City of Hesperia
STAFF REPORT
City of Hesperia
STAFF REPORT
Staff Report to the Mayor and Council Members
Dr. Jaime Velasco Spay/Neuter and Telemedicine Contract February 20, 2024