City Council Agenda Report
Meeting Date: November 19, 2024
From: Freddie Agyin, Director of Health and Environmental Control Department: Health and Environmental Control
Submitted by: Dulce Gonzalez, Management Analyst
Subject
Appointment of Health Officer for the City of Vernon
Recommendation
A. Pursuant to Vernon Municipal Code (VMC) Section 3.32.110 (B)(2), find that it is in the best interests of the City to award a service agreement for health officer services to Steven H.
Florman, M.D. without a competitive selection process, for a one-year term, in light of the immediate and indispensable needs for health officer services; and B. Adopt Resolution No. 2024-027 appointing Steven H. Florman, M.D. as the Health Officer for the City of Vernon, approving and authorizing the execution of a services agreement for health officer services, and repealing Resolution No. 2022-37.
Background
Pursuant to California Health and Safety Code (HSC) 101450, each city is mandated to take measures to preserve and protect public health. HSC 101460 also requires each city to appoint a health officer unless the city contracts with the county for health officer services. Since the City does not currently contract with the County, the City must appoint a health officer to formalize the roles and responsibilities of the Health Department and exercise its full delegated authority.
On October 24, 2022, the City Administrator approved a Master Services Agreement with Wellness and Equity Alliance (WEA) effective November 1, 2022, for health officer services and a Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) for a five-year term. On November 1, 2022, the City Council adopted Resolution No 2022-37, ratifying the appointment of Tyler B. Evans, M.D. from WEA, as the City's Health Officer. The Master Services Agreement with WEA was terminated on July 1, 2024, and the City must appoint a new health officer to ensure compliance with State law.
The Department of Health and Environmental Control recommends that City Council adopt Resolution No. 2024-027 appointing Steven H. Florman, M.D. as the City’s Health Officer and authorizing the execution of a services agreement for health officer services for a one-year term.
Dr. Florman has a strong background in clinical medicine, public health, and healthcare administration, with expertise in epidemiology, biostatistics, and disaster preparedness. For the past thirty-five years, Dr. Florman has fostered a solid foundation of trust within the community with his medical clinic operation in Vernon. Dr. Florman possesses excellent skills and extensive experience in the National Incident Management System (NIMS), which makes him wellequipped to address public health challenges and promote effective health programs.
Pursuant to Vernon Municipal Code (VMC) Section 3.32.110(B)(2), City Council may exempt the services agreement from the City’s competitive selection requirements, as it is in the best interests of the City to award the contract to Dr. Florman without a competitive selection process due to the immediate and indispensable need for health officer services.
The proposed services agreement with Dr. Florman has been reviewed and approved as to form by the City Attorney’s Office.
Fiscal Impact
The fiscal impact of the proposed agreement is not-to-exceed $90,000. Sufficient funds are available in the General Fund, Health Department, Health Services Account No. 011-020-200- 529230 for the current fiscal year.
Attachments
1. Resolution No. 2024-027