MEETING DATE: 3/8/2022
DEPARTMENT: HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY
DEPT HEAD/DIRECTOR: Tracey Belton
AGENDA ITEM PREPARER: Enrique Arreola
SBC DEPT FILE NUMBER: 130
SUBJECT:
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY- T. BELTON
Approve the use of American Rescue Plan Act to cover the costs of the Program Manager position for homeless services and a Homeless Abatement Services contract with Smith & Enright Landscaping, Inc total request of $329,263.28. Additionally approve the contract for Homeless Abatement Services with Smith & Enright Landscaping, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $164,775.00 for the period of March 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023 and approve the additional staffing of 1.0 FTE Program Manager and direct staff to amend the Schedule of Approved Position Allocations.
SBC FILE NUMBER: 130
AGENDA SECTION:
CONSENT AGENDA
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY:
San Benito County is facing the challenges of homelessness including encampments under roadways, within and along the river, near the train tracks, near waterways, near businesses, and in other locations throughout the County. HHSA has continued to provide homeless services and housing programs to the homeless individuals and families In San Benito County. At this time the Agency needs assistance with the management of these programs as well as with the newly desired abatement services.
The Board of Supervisors has given direction to secure a qualified homeless encampment abatement provider to assist the county with encampment clean-ups, disposal of bio-hazardous and non-hazardous waste and other services. HHSA was directed to complete a Request for Qualifications for homeless abatement services in the county.
On June 30, 20201, a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) was released with a due date of July 20, 2021. The due date was extended a few weeks to give additional time to respond to the RFQ. The County received one proposal from a qualified provider, Smith & Enright Landscaping, Inc. Smith & Enright Landscaping, Inc. is based in Monterey County with over 60 employees and over 37 years experience in working with collecting debris and dismantling temporary structures in a dignified manner. They share the County's practice to treat all individuals with respect, understanding and compassion at every interaction during all encampment clean-ups. They have provided their services for a number of years to the City of Salinas, Monterey County Water Resource Agency, Transportation Agency for Monterey County and others.
These items were discussed at the October 28, 2021 ARPA Ad Hoc meeting. There was consensus to move forward with these items to the Board of Supervisors for further discussion and approval of the use of American Rescue Plan Act Funds to cover the costs of this Homeless Abatement Services and the Program Manager Position. American Rescue Plan Act allows for funding to cover and assist individuals or households who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, and other vulnerable populations, by providing housing, rental assistance, supportive services, and non-congregate shelter, to reduce homelessness and increase housing stability. The plan is to bring this contractor in with our various county departments to provide services to the homeless population in order to assist and connect them to our various social services in the county.
On February 22, 2022, the Board of Supervisors approved and obligated $329,263.00 to Homelessness Abatement Contract and a Program Manager position.
RESOLUTION OR ORDINANCE NEEDED FOR THIS ITEM:
No
CONTRACT NEEDED FOR THIS ITEM:
Yes
CONTRACT AND RFP HISTORY:
This is the first contract for Homeless Abatement Services. The RFQ was released on June 29, 2021 with a due date of July 20, 2021. The RFQ deadline was extended for a few weeks to allow additional time to respond.
LAST CONTRACT AMOUNT OR N/A:
N/A
STATE IF THIS IS A NEW CONTRACT/ HOW MANY PAST AMENDED CONTRACTS/ OR N/A:
N/A
STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
BUDGETED:
N/A
Budget Adjustment Needed: No
Unfunded Mandate (Is this a mandate not funded by the State): Yes