DATE: DECEMBER 5, 2023
DEPARTMENT: FIRE DEPARTMENT
FROM: SAMUEL P. KLEMEK, FIRE CHIEF
TITLE: APPROVAL OF MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) WITH THE COUNTY OF MONTEREY FOR MOBILE CRISIS SERVICES PILOT RECOMMENDED MOTION:
It is recommended that City Council approve a resolution authorizing the Interim City Manager to execute a Memorandum of Understanding with the County of Monterey for the creation and implementation of the Mobile Crisis Services Pilot Program in an amount not to exceed $390,000.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The Salinas City Council has made the creation and implementation of a mobile crisis unit a priority initiative. To meet that objective, the Salinas Fire Department has led the City’s efforts in working with the County of Monterey and has reached agreement on terms of a proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The proposed MOU between the City of Salinas and the County of Monterey will establish and implement the "Mobile Crisis Services Pilot." The Pilot Program aims to enhance crisis response and intervention services to individuals and families within the city of Salinas through a collaborative effort. The annual cost to the City will be $390,000.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Salinas, recognizing the imperative for equity, has long been in pursuit of a solution that not only better serves a specific population within the city but also ensures a more specialized and equitable behavioral health approach to meet their unique needs. Staff from the City of Salinas, has reached agreement with the County of Monterey on the terms of a Memorandum of Understanding that outlines a collaboration between the County of Monterey, represented by the Department of Health, Behavioral Health Bureau, and the City of Salinas for the Mobile Crisis Services Pilot.
The primary goal of the Pilot Program is to provide in-person risk and safety assessments, crisis intervention, and follow-up services to people in need within the city of Salinas. The MOU is effective from December 31, 2023, through January 1, 2025. The Mobile Crisis Field Response Team, provided by Sierra Mental Wellness Group, and managed by the County of Monterey, will offer face-to-face crisis response, triage, and stabilization services to individuals and families in the city of Salinas. The Pilot Program aims to improve community wellness, reduce the need for restrictive services, and provide crisis intervention services. Specific objectives include adding staff, conducting evaluations, and providing referrals and linkages to needed services. The MOU outlines the procedures for mobile crisis responders, including arrival times, encounter components, and service restrictions in certain settings. The contracted agency will be co-located at the Community Crisis Services office in Salinas, serving residents using an outpatient services model.
The City will be responsible to pay to the County of Monterey the total amount of $390,000 annually to monitor and run the Mobile Crisis Services Pilot program for effective execution.
CEQA CONSIDERATION:
Not a Project. The City Council’s consideration and approval of the proposed Memorandum of Understanding is not a project subject to environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). CEQA Guidelines Section 15378.
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE:
This MOU supports the City Council’s Vision and Strategic Goals of Public Safety and Effective and Culturally Responsive Government.
DEPARTMENTAL COORDINATION:
The Salinas Fire Department has been leading the efforts in negotiation and completion of this MOU for the City of Salinas. The Salinas Fire Department has sought and will continue to seek the expertise and collaboration of the City Attorney and City Management through the term of the MOU.
FISCAL AND SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT:
Funding for the Memorandum of Understanding is available and appropriated in 1200.30.3279.
ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution
Memorandum of Understanding
Page | 3
Page | 1
CITY OF SALINASCOUNCIL STAFF REPORTCITY OF SALINASCOUNCIL STAFF REPORT
CITY OF SALINAS
COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
CITY OF SALINAS
COUNCIL STAFF REPORT