Title
Authorization to Execute Agreements with Downtown Phoenix, Inc., and Grand Canyon University for the Community Assistance Program (Ordinance S-50191)
Description
Request to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to execute agreements with Downtown Phoenix, Inc., and Grand Canyon University for office space to support two separate satellite locations of the Community Assistance Program. Further request authorization for the City Controller to disburse all funds related to this item.
Additionally, request the City Council to grant an exception pursuant to Phoenix City Code 42-20 to authorize inclusion in the agreements of indemnification and assumption of liability provisions that otherwise would be prohibited by Phoenix City Code 42-18 for this specific use.
Report
Summary
The City's Community Assistance Program (CAP) was allocated $15 million in Fiscal Year 2021-22 for the expansion of CAP to enhance accountability, responsiveness, transparency, and public trust in responding to mental and behavioral health calls for service. In expanding outreach, the multidisciplinary team identified an alternative model to delivering crisis services through partnerships with community-based organizations to improve service and response times. Fire has identified two sites for placement of a Behavioral Health Unit and supervisory staff within the community to allow for quicker response times and increased community engagement.
The first space, in partnership with Downtown Phoenix, Inc., (DPI) will be near the corner of Central Avenue and Washington Street. DPI is establishing a community resource hub at Cityscape which will include the following community partners: Valley Metro, Community Bridges, Inc., and Downtown Phoenix Ambassadors. The space will be provided at no cost and will include parking for the crisis van.
The second space, in partnership with Grand Canyon University (GCU), will be located in the 27th Avenue Corridor. GCU will lease approximately 2,500 square feet of office space to support CAP and the 27th Avenue Corridor Community Safety Plan. Annual base rent for a gross lease is $30 per square foot, plus applicable taxes, which is within the range of market rents as determined by the Real Estate Division. Additional fees for replacement access keys, if needed, will apply.
Each agreement is subject to cancellation pursuant to Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.) 38-511. Each agreement may contain insurance and indemnification acceptable to the City's Risk Management Division and the Law Department, and may contain other terms and conditions deemed necessary by the City.
Contract Term
The initial term for each agreement is two years, beginning on or about Oct. 1, 2023, through Sept. 30, 2025, and will continue on a month-to-month basis thereafter with a provision to terminate upon 30-day written notification.
Financial Impact
There is no financial impact for the DPI agreement.
The initial two-year agreement with GCU will not exceed $151,000, plus applicable taxes, which includes rent and variable costs related to use.
Location
Near North Central Avenue and West Washington Street
Council District: 7
2657 W. Camelback Road
Council District: 4
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Ginger Spencer and the Fire and Finance departments.