DEPARTMENT: Health
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Dr. Nathan R. Vincent
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City Wide
SUBJECT:
Authorizing grant applications to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Grant Funding for FY 2018
SUMMARY:
This ordinance authorizes the submission of two state grant application renewals, and the acceptance of said funds upon award in an amount of up to $230,521.00 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, 2017 through August 31, 2018.
This ordinance also authorizes the submission of an application to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and authorizes the acceptance of funds upon award in an amount of up to $427,517.00 for participation in the Whole Air Program to support field operations and sample collection activities for a term beginning September 1, 2017 through August 31, 2018.
In addition, this ordinance authorizes the finalization of programmatic funding for the maintenance and delivery of essential public health services within Metro Health. This action also authorizes a proposed program budget and personnel complement.
Furthermore, 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) reimbursement increases of administrative funds for each participant served; g) amendments funding one time equipment purchases or defined program services; and h) changes in state regulations mandated by the funding agency.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
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 two local air monitoring efforts. Through these efforts, PCEH 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.
Metro Health receives approximately 69% of its total budget support through contract and grant awards 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 January 12, 2017 as well as individual actions. Metro Health will request approximately $658,038.00 in funding from TCEQ and DHS through this ordinance.
Service delivery and personnel complement needs are anticipated to remain consistent with adopted FY 2017 resources for the following State and Federal pass through grants: TCEQ Particulate Matter 2.5 and TCEQ Lake Calaveras.
For over ten years, Metro Health has been participating in the Whole Air Program through a contract with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). In FY16 and FY 17, DHS invited SAMHD to submit an application for direct federal funding of its Whole Air Program which was awarded. DHS has invited SAMHD to submit an FY18 application for direct federal funding of its Whole Air Program.
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 two program grants and contracts through the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).
Metro Health is requesting that City Council authorize a submission of two applications to TCEQ and authorize the acceptance of funds upon award in an amount of up to $230,521.00 for a term beginning September 1, 2017 through August 31, 2018.
Metro Health additionally requests that City Council authorize the submission of an application to DHS and authorize the acceptance of funds upon award in an amount of up to $427,517.00 for participation in the Whole Air Program to continue to support field operations and air sample collection activities for a term beginning September 1, 2017 through August 31, 2018.
ALTERNATIVES:
Approval of this ordinance will facilitate the efficient application for and acceptance of ongoing grants from the state and DHS and lead to seamless continuity of Metro Health services. If submission of the applications is not authorized, Metro Health will forgo increased local control of the Whole Air Program and efficiencies related to receiving direct funding from TCEQ and DHS.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This ordinance authorizes the submission of two annual state grants and one federal grant; the acceptance of funds in an amount up to $230,521.00 for the two (2) TCEQ grants and funds in an amount up to $427,517.00 for the DHS Grant is for a period beginning September 1, 2017 through August 31, 2018.
Acceptance of this funding will not impact the General Fund.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the ordinance authorizing the submission of two annual grant renewals to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and one submission of an award application to the Department of Homeland Security and authorizes the acceptance of funds upon award, and the execution of grant contracts and amendments for the efficient delivery of grant program services.