TITLE:
title
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH WETLANDS WILDLIFE CARE CENTER
end
DEPARTMENT: POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESENTED BY: BRYAN WADKINS, CAPTAIN
CONTACT INFORMATION: BRYAN WADKINS, CAPTAIN, (714) 754-5672
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Staff recommends City Council:
1. Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute the Professional Services Agreement (PSA) with Wetlands Wildlife Care Center (WWCC) to provide full-service trauma care, shelter services, rehabilitation and release of rehabilitated wildlife for a two-year period, with up to three one-year extensions, for a not to exceed amount of $57,000 annually.
2. Authorize a ten percent (10%) contingency annually for other unforeseen costs.
3. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute the agreement and any future authorized amendments to the agreement.
end
BACKGROUND:
WWCC serves injured and orphaned wildlife throughout Southern California. In 1990, a crude oil spill off the coast of Huntington Beach, sickened over 1,200 birds. Less than half of the affected birds survived treatment at a makeshift facility.
As a result, the Alliance for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education and the Huntington Beach Wetlands Conservancy began taking steps to provide a permanent facility capable of responding to the wildlife injured in daily encounters with humans and future toxic spills.
In 1998, with the assistance of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Southern California Edison and others, WWCC opened its doors in Huntington Beach.
The WWCC is capable of rehabilitating over 1000 animals at a time and has evolved over the years into a sophisticated network of dedicated veterinarians, trained wildlife technicians and certified volunteers unique to Orange County.
The Costa Mesa Police Department’s Animal Care Services Unit has had a working relationship with WWCC for many years and utilizes its unique services to care for the estimated 400 wild animals it treats annually.
WWCC is a non-profit and registered 501(c)(3) organization and is thus financially supported by private and corporate sponsorships and donations. Historically, the City of Costa Mesa has not paid for these services or provided other support to WWCC. However, increasing costs to WWCC have required them to seek reimbursement from cities to supplement their funding. Upon learning that Costa Mesa was not financially contributing to the cost of providing these services, the City Council directed staff to explore ways to provide fiscal support to the organization.
ANALYSIS:
WWCC stands out as the leading facility in Orange County, offering comprehensive rehabilitation and release services for wildlife, including birds. While other notable care centers exist in Orange County, such as the Pacific Marine Mammal Center, Songbird Rescue, and Bird of Prey Center, they specialize in specific types of wildlife. In contrast, WWCC's distinction lies in its role as the sole center in the region that cares for all California indigenous wild animals. Additionally, the proximity of WWCC to the City of Costa Mesa is crucial for efficient access to the facility, and ensuring timely care for sick and injured wildlife.
Based on purchasing policy guidelines, Section 2-165 (b)(3) of Costa Mesa Municipal Code, the commodity or service can be obtained from only one vendor.
The City of Costa Mesa has a long-standing working relationship with WWCC. Approving the Professional Services Agreement will allow for an uninterrupted continuation of these vital services.
The proposed compensation under the Professional Services Agreement amounts up to $125 per animal, with an annual estimated amount of $57,000 based on the number of wildlife (451) received from within Costa Mesa's city limits in the previous year. A ten percent (10%) contingency annually will account for other unforeseen costs and the difference of actual number of wildlife received from the annual estimate.
ALTERNATIVES:
The City Council could choose not to approve the Professional Services Agreement with WWCC; however, this alternative is not recommended as contracting with WWCC would be in the City's best interest due to the level of comprehensive services they can provide to all wildlife, their existing working relationship with Costa Mesa Animal Services, ability to provide care for injured wildlife without a delay or gap in services and their geographic proximity, which ensures expedient care for injured wildlife.
FISCAL REVIEW:
The funding for this professional service can be absorbed within the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 General Fund Budget due to significant vacancy savings. The effective date for the PSA is July 1, 2023, to align with the City’s fiscal year.
LEGAL REVIEW:
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed this report and drafted the Professional Services Agreement and approves them as to form.
CITY COUNCIL GOALS AND PRIORITIES:
This item supports the following City Council Goal:
• Strengthen the Public’s Safety and Improve the Quality of Life
CONCLUSION:
Staff recommends City Council:
1. Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute the Professional Services Agreement (PSA) with Wetlands Wildlife Care Center (WWCC) to provide full-service trauma care, shelter services, rehabilitation and release of rehabilitated wildlife for a two-year period, with up to three one-year extensions, for a not to exceed amount of $57,000 annually.
2. Authorize a ten percent (10%) contingency annually for other unforeseen costs.
3. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute the agreement and any future authorized amendments to the agreement.