AgdaPkt 2003-07-21 - Laserfiche WebLink

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3,(3-3 code enforcement officer is $69,772; and the cost to bring the fire department back up to full staffing is $302,260. City staff has explored several options so as not to have to enter into this agreement, including extensive discussions with Palo Alto Animal Control Services to see if they could provide the services for Redwood City. However, Palo Alto had racently agreed to provide these services to other cities in Santa Clara County, and thus they did not have the capability to contract with Redwood City. Staff also explored working with a private kennel to provide a large portion of the care and sheltering requirements, which are a very costly portion of the agreement. However, we were not able to find a kennel willing to provide these services. Given the high costs of the contract and the built in increases, staff does not feel comfortable recommending the approval of the agreement. However, the City is required to provide these services, and staff recognizes that we have no options or alternatives to offer to Council at this time. Alternative Redwood City staff has explored other service options through the use of alternative service providers including the City of Palo Alto and private kennels. The City could provide these services by itself, but due to very expensive and state mandated rules and regulations, this would not be cost effective to Redwood City. State law says a City must pick up stray animals. Once a stray animal (i.e. dog) is picked up a whole series of expensive actions mandated by the state are triggered (i.e. keep the - dog for certain number of days, attempt to find owner, allow visitors, medically treat the dog etc.) Fiscal Impact The cost for each City is dependent on a formula approved last year based on service volumes within each jurisdiction. Each city's percentage share of the contract will fluctuate somewhat each year as service volumes from multiple years are averaged. The estimated 2003 -2004 for cost for the City of Redwood City is $471,682. This compares to our costs for the current year of $460,847 for FY 02/03. The projected costs for PHS services in FY 03/04 have been budgeted in the Administrative Support Services Program for the Finance Department's Budget. These costs will increase by 5% a year at a time all public and private sector organizations are cutting back. Magda A /Gonzalez, ,/ Assistant to the City Manager Ed Everett City Manager Attachments 1) Animal Control Service Contract Agreement 2) Distribution to Cities 3) County's New Licensing Fee Schedule