Title
Request Authorization to Enter Into an Agreement with Arizona Humane Society (Ordinance S-47062)
Description
Request to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into an agreement with the Arizona Humane Society (AHS) to support animal welfare activities that have resulted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The total value of this agreement will not exceed $450,000. Further request authorization for the City Controller to disburse all funds related to this item. One-time funding is provided through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. There is no impact to the General Fund.
Report
Summary
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of surrendered and abandoned pets has increased and nearly all non-profit organizations have experienced a loss of revenue that has impacted their operational capacity to properly address what could be a significant public health issue. Through this agreement, the AHS will work in partnership with local animal welfare organizations to enhance surrender and crisis prevention programs designed to keep pets and people together by providing resources such as boarding, fostering, veterinary assistance and pet wellness programs. Funding will also be utilized to provide care for animals surrendered to shelters, to increase kennel capacity to care for more abandoned animals, and to develop a website for a re-homing and direct placement foster program.
Contract Term
The term of this agreement shall be effective for costs incurred between July 1, 2020 and Dec. 30, 2020. This agreement may be extended based on continuous need and available funding to be exercised at the sole discretion of the City.
Financial Impact
The aggregate value of this agreement shall not exceed $450,000. There is no impact to the General Fund. One-time funding is provided through the CARES Act.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
During the Oct. 13, 2020 Policy Session, the City Council voted unanimously to reprogram approximately $15 million in CARES Act funding, of which $500,000 was allocated for animal welfare activities. Of that amount, $450,000 was to be allocated to AHS.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Assistant City Manager Milton Dohoney, Jr. and the Police Department.