DEPARTMENT: Health
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Vincent R. Nathan, PhD, MPH
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City Wide
SUBJECT:
Department of Homeland Security Whole Air Program Grant
SUMMARY:
This ordinance authorizes the submission of an application to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) by the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District (Metro Health) and authorizes the acceptance of funds upon award in an amount not to exceed $438,707.72 for participation in the Whole Air Program to support field operations and sample collection activities for a term beginning September 1, 2016 through August 31, 2017. This action also authorizes a proposed program budget and personnel complement as reflected in Attachment I.
Furthermore, this ordinance authorizes the Director of Metro Health to initiate, negotiate, and execute any and all necessary documents including a cooperative agreement to effectuate the application and acceptance of the referenced funds and to execute contract amendments pertaining to this contract, 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 contract 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 the grant by the funding agency in an amount up to 20% of the total amount initially awarded; f) amendments funding one time equipment purchases or defined program services; and g) changes in 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 and region. With grant support, Metro Health provides preventive health services, community education, limited clinical services to prevent communicable disease, emergency preparedness, disease control, supplemental nutrition programs, and dental health services, as well as laboratory services.
Metro Health’s 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.
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 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 FY17 application for direct federal funding of its Whole Air Program.
ISSUE:
Metro Health is requesting that City Council authorize submission of an application to DHS and authorize the acceptance of funds upon award in an amount not to exceed $438,707.72 for participation in the Whole Air Program to continue to support field operations and air sample collection activities for a term beginning September 1, 2016 through August 31, 2017.
ALTERNATIVES:
If submission of the application is not authorized, Metro Health will forgo increased local control of the Whole Air Program and efficiencies related to receiving direct funding from DHS.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Metro Health requests City Council authorization for the submission of an application and requests authorization to accept funds upon award in an amount not to exceed $438,707.72 from the Department of Homeland Security for participation in the Whole Air Program for term beginning September 1, 2016 through August 31, 2017 and authorizes a personnel complement of seven positions. There is no local match for this program.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of an Ordinance authorizing the submission of this application to the Department of Homeland Security and the acceptance of funds upon award in an amount up to $438,707.72.