DEPARTMENT: Health
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Dr. Thomas L. Schlenker
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City Wide
SUBJECT:
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) Grant Funding for FY 2015
SUMMARY:
This ordinance authorizes the submission of three state grant application renewals, and the acceptance of said funds upon award in an amount up to $475,427.00 from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) through direct funding grants and contracts for public health functions of the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District (Metro Health) for a period beginning September 1, 2014 through August 31, 2015, (Attachment I) and authorizes the finalization of programmatic budgets and a personnel complement of 5 grant funded positions for the maintenance and delivery of essential public health services within Metro Health.
In addition, this ordinance authorizes the Director of Metro Health to initiate, negotiate, and execute any and all necessary documents and grant contracts to effectuate the application and acceptance of the referenced grants, and to execute contract amendments pertaining to these contracts, to include: a) carry-over funds, when ascertained and approved by the funding agency through a revised notice of award; b) line item budget revisions authorized by the funding agency; c) modifications to the performance measures authorized by the funding agency and listed in the contracts so long as the terms of the amendment stay within the general parameters of the intent of the grant; d) no cost extensions; e) amendments which will provide supplemental grant funds to a grant by the funding agency in an amount up to 20% of the total amount initially awarded to the grant; f) amendments funding one time equipment purchases or defined program services; and g) changes in state regulations mandated by the funding agency.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
As the public health authority for Bexar County, Metro Health actively addresses the public health functions of policy development, health assessment, and health assurance. To carry out these responsibilities, Metro Health operates evidenced based programs in various settings throughout the County.
The Public Center for Environmental Health (PCEH) was established to protect the environment of residents in San Antonio. Since air quality has a potential health impact, air monitoring and follow up measures to address the problems identified are important public health efforts.
The TCEQ has contracted with the City for PCEH to manage three local air monitoring efforts. Through these efforts, PCEH operates and maintains whole air sampling monitors; operates, maintains and validates data from air particulate matter monitors; and operates a continuous air monitoring station that measures ozone, nitrous oxides and sulfur dioxide as well as associated meteorological parameters. PCEH processes, catalogs and delivers all samples collected seven days a week 365 days a year to the Metro Health Laboratory for analysis.
Metro Health receives approximately 36% of its total budget support through contract and grant awards from the State of Texas in both direct funding and federal pass-through funding. Since 2007, this support has been authorized by City Council through a block submission of state grant applications and renewals most recently on April 4, 2013 (Ordinance 2013-04-04-0226) as well as individual actions. Metro Health will request approximately $475,427.00 in funding from TCEQ through this ordinance.
Service delivery and personnel complement needs are anticipated to remain consistent with adopted FY 2014 resources for the following State and Federal pass through grants:
· TCEQ Particulate Monitor 2.5
· TCEQ Lake Calaveras
· TCEQ Whole Air
These annual awards support 5 grant funded positions.
ISSUE:
Historically, the State of Texas has provided funding to the City of San Antonio for service delivery in health and disease prevention. Currently, this includes three program grants and contracts through the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
State funding opportunities are often presented in a time-sensitive manner, requiring the ability to initiate and execute grant submissions, amendments and subsequent awards within prescribed time constraints. Approval of this ordinance allows for a proactive and efficient process for the timely submission and execution of annual state funding requests. This comprehensive approach maximizes Metro Health, City administration, and City Council resources; expedites the annual support process; coordinates Metro Health annual funding processes; and provides City Council with a concise illustration of state grant support and Metro Health programs.
Acceptance of annual support from the State of Texas continues the long-standing practice of utilizing State aid to support local public health programs of the City.
ALTERNATIVES:
Approval of this ordinance will facilitate the efficient application for and acceptance of ongoing grants from the state and lead to seamless continuity of Metro Health services.
Alternatively, each of the 3 grants could be submitted separately. This would require individual Council consideration, action, time and processing causing potential delays in funding, resources and service delivery. Alleviating inefficient processing delays allows personnel and City resources to be utilized proactively, effectively and efficiently to advance the public health efforts of the Department.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This ordinance authorizes the submission of three annual state grants in an amount not to exceed $475,427.00 in funding and authorizes acceptance of any prior year carry-forward support, as allowed by the funding agency.
These grant awards will support 5 grant funded positions. Acceptance of this funding will not impact the General Fund.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the ordinance authorizing the submission of three annual grant renewals to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, acceptance of funds upon award, and the execution of grant contracts and amendments for the efficient delivery of grant program services.