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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 11b - Animal Control Services DATE: May 5, 2020 TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council FROM: Robert Guthrie, Chief of Police By: Dr. Jennifer Brutus, Sr. Management Analyst SUBJECT: AMENDMENT TO THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH PASADENA HUMANE SOCIETY & SPCA FOR ANIMAL CONTROL SERVICES IN THE AMOUNT OF $318,256 Recommendation: Approve SUMMARY The existing Professional Services Agreement (“Agreement”) with the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA (“PHS”) for animal control services expires on June 30, 2020. It is recommended that the City Council approve, and authorize and direct the City Manager to execute an amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with PHS from July 1, 2020, through June 30, 2021, in the amount of $318,256. BACKGROUND Since 1993, the City has had an agreement with PHS for animal control services. The Agreement specifies that, as soon as practicable, unarmed humane officers will be dispatched to handle Arcadia calls for service. In an effort to resolve dog licensing concerns, PHS has a canvasser go door-to-door throughout the City to make sure dog owners are in compliance. The City also benefits from the computerized licensing renewal system administered by PHS, and their ability to work with local veterinarians to maintain current vaccination records and conduct follow-up contacts with pet owners. In addition, PHS offers low cost spay/neutering and vaccination services to Arcadia residents. PHS handles numerous calls for service from Arcadia residents. The City receives a monthly report specifying calls for service, as well as statistics on sheltering and field services. To gain an understanding of the revenue generated in Arcadia, the services provided by PHS were evaluated for a one year time period, specifically October 1, 2018, through September 30, 2019. During this time, PHS impounded 633 animals, provided special care or observation to 54 animals (who were still under their care as of September 30, 2019) and disposed of 487 animals. PHS also completed 700 patrol hours within Arcadia city boundaries. As a result, PHS generated approximately $48,453 in licensing PSA Amendment for Animal Control Services May 5, 2020 Page 2 of 3 and penalty fees from Arcadia residents in a one-year period. For a complete account of these stats and revenue, see Attachment No. 1. In the final quarter of 2019, PHS informed all cities contracting for services that rates would increase beginning on July 1, 2020. The proposed increase for Arcadia was approximately $525,000, which is an increase of nearly five-times the current contract rate of $90,702. PHS did not provide adequate details regarding the reasons for the cost increase to Arcadia, or to other cities, other than the general conclusion that it was due to costs incurred for their operations. It should be noted that the proposed cost increase to Arcadia was similar in scale to the cost increases for other cities that contract with PHS for animal control services. In total, PHS proposed to increase their contract services for all cities from $1,592,594 to $3,088,384. DISCUSSION In response to the proposed contract increase, the City sought to negotiate or contract for a more favorable rate. Staff contacted Los Angeles County, who provided a quote to provide similar animal control services for $371,723. This amount would then be reduced by revenues brought in by Arcadia residents for licensing and penalty fees. Using a revenue estimate of $48,453 (based on past collections as shown in the Attachment), a one-year service agreement with LA County would be a net cost to the City of $323,270. In addition to discussions with LA County, the City, along with all of the other PHS cities, also negotiated for a one year contract with PHS, with the understanding that negotiations with PHS would continue for a long-term contract during the term of the one year extension. For Arcadia, the proposed one year extension will be at a cost of $318,256 – a revised cost provided by PHS after the City contested their first projection. The proposed one year amendment amount of $318,256 is still a substantial increase over the current contract (a difference of $227,554), but is less than the originally proposed contract amount by $206,744. The City will explore all animal control service options during the term of the extension. These options include a long-term contract with PHS, a change in service provider from PHS to LA County, the formation of a joint powers authority with local cities seeking animal control services, or providing animal control services directly. The preferred option is a long-term contract with PHS, however, based upon the dramatic cost increase of the initial proposal, with little justification for the increase, this may not be possible. Police Department Staff will continue to keep the City Manager and City Council members informed as more information becomes available. ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS The proposed action does not constitute a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), based on Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines, as it can be seen with certainty that it will have no impact on the environment. Thus, this matter is exempt under CEQA. PSA Amendment for Animal Control Services May 5, 2020 Page 3 of 3 FISCAL IMPACT For the term of the Professional Services Agreement, from July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021, the fee for animal control services will be $318,256. This amount has been budgeted in the City’s Operating Budget for FY 2020-21. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Council determine that this project is exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”); and approve, authorize and direct the City Manager to execute an amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA for Animal Control Services in the amount of $318,256. Attachment No. 1: PHS One-year Stats and Revenue for Arcadia Attachment No. 2: Proposed Amendment No. 2 to the Professional Services Agreement ATTACHMENT NO. 1 Pasadena Humane Society Data: Arcadia Animal Control Services and Revenue Collections 10/1/2018 - 9/30/2019 PHS Services Arcadia Count Kennel housing (Impounded or Surrendered): Dogs 225 Cats 255 Other animals 153 Total Housing 633 Animals under special care or observation: Dogs 5 Cats 39 Other 10 Total Under Care and Observation* 54 *At the shelter as of 9/30/2019 Disposal of Dead Animals: Dogs 41 Cats 107 Other animals 339 Total Disposals 487 Patrol hours by Animal Control Officer in Arcadia 700 PHS Revenues Arcadia Total Revenue Animal Licenses: Kennel ($125) 3 $375.00 Service dog ($0) 3 $0.00 Spayed/neutered dogs ($15) 1769 $26,535.00 Spayed/neutered dogs @ Senior rate – for Arcadia residents 60 + years of age ($7.50) 659 $4,942.50 Unaltered dogs ($30) 282 $8,460.00 Unaltered dogs @ Senior rate – for Arcadia residents 60 + years of age ($15) 108 $1,620.00 Penalties: Late fees assessed for above licenses ($20) 326 $6,520.00 Total Revenue $48,452.50 ATTACHMENT NO. 2