TO: Board of Supervisors
FROM: Steven Lederer - Director of Public Works - Animal Shelter
REPORT BY: Katie Ribardiere- Animal Shelter Manager
SUBJECT: Acceptance of $40,000 Napa Valley Community Foundation Grant for the Animal Shelter
RECOMMENDATION
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Director of Public Works requests the following actions regarding a grant from the Napa Valley Community Foundation (NVCF) for the Napa County Animal Shelter (NCAS):
1. Acceptance of a David and Jane Gotelli Family Fund grant in the amounts of $30,000 for general support and $10,000 for community spay/neuter program support; and
2. Authorization for the Chair to sign a letter of appreciation to the NVCF.
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
NCAS has been selected to receive a $40,000 grant from the Napa Valley Community Foundation's David and Jane Gotelli Family Fund ($30,000 for general support and $10,000 for the NCAS Spay/Neuter Community Voucher Program). NCAS will focus these funds toward three program areas: Spay/Neuter Community Voucher Program, Advanced Care Medical Support and Behavior Assessments, and Emergency and Disaster Response.
Approval of the requested action will allow the Animal Shelter to accept the grant funds and authorize the Chair to sign a thank you letter to the Napa Valley Community Foundation. Grant funds will be used in fiscal year 2022-23.
FISCAL & STRATEGIC PLAN IMPACT
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Is there a Fiscal Impact? |
Yes |
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Is it currently budgeted? |
No |
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Where is it budgeted? |
The source of revenue is grant funding from the David and Jane Gotelli Family Fund at the Napa Valley Community Foundation. The revenue will be budgeted in Fund 5040. |
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Is it Mandatory or Discretionary? |
Discretionary |
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Discretionary Justification: |
This grant will be used for general support and support of low-cost spay/neuter services for the community. |
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Is the general fund affected? |
No |
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Future fiscal impact: |
Appropriations to expend the $40,000 grant will be included in fiscal year 2022-23 budget. |
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Consequences if not approved: |
If acceptance of this grant is not approved, NCAS will not receive $40,000 and the specific program areas described above would not be enhanced. |
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County Strategic Plan pillar addressed: |
Effective and Open Government |
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ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: The proposed action is not a project as defined by 14 California Code of Regulations 15378 (State CEQA Guidelines) and therefore CEQA is not applicable.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
In 2019, the Napa County Animal Shelter and Adoption Center (NCAS) received $20,000 in grant funds from the Napa Valley Community Foundation's David and Jane Gotelli Family Fund (Gotelli Family Fund). These funds were intended to support Shelter operations in fiscal years 2019 and 2020 and have been fully expended. Granted funds were used to support the NCAS Adoption Program, Spay and Neuter Program, and staff training.
In 2021, NCAS received $25,000 in grant funds from NVCF’s Gotelli Family Fund. These grant funds have been fully expended and were used to support the NCAS spay/neuter program in fiscal years 2021 and 2022.
In January of 2022, the NVCF invited eligible animal welfare organizations to apply for available grants of up to $30,000 from the Gotelli Family Fund. The County submitted an application, and in March 2022, NCAS was selected to receive a $30,000 general support grant and a $10,000 spay/neuter grant specifically for subsidies/vouchers. If accepted, these funds will be available between April 2022 and April 2023. NCAS management identified three key areas which have the greatest need for additional funding:
1. Spay and Neuter Voucher Community Program - Leading animal welfare organizations promote that spaying and neutering is the most effective way to combat over population of unwanted animals and to keep unwanted animals from entering the animal shelter system. NCAS spays and neuters animals in its care and also operates a Spay/Neuter Voucher Program to support spay/neuter efforts in the community. The Voucher program is available to Napa County residents, including community members who are assisting in efforts to manage feral cat colonies. This program is in high demand and often needs to be managed based upon available funds. NCAS will utilize a minimum of $10,000 of granted funds to assist in meeting community demand for the Spay/Neuter Voucher program.
2. Advanced Care Medical Support and Behavior Assessments - Approximately 1/3 of the animals that enter the NCAS require advanced medical treatments and/or surgical procedures beyond vaccinations and a health exam. Conditions include kidney disease, heart disease, skin issues, severe dental disease, thyroid issues, bone fractures, eye injuries, etc. These conditions require assessment and frequent treatment by a veterinary specialist. NCAS is also often required to perform behavior assessments for dogs that come to the shelter in advance of adoption and placement. NCAS will utilize granted operational funds to support advanced medical care and behavioral needs that many animals in the care of NCAS require.
3. Emergency and Disaster Response - NCAS is often activated by the County's Emergency Operations Center in response to wildfire, flood, and other emergencies. The Shelter has been activated for four fires and one pandemic since 2017. The Shelter will utilize granted funds for emergency planning and preparation to ensure timely assistance to the community and its pets, including supplies and resources to displaced pets and their owners.
Today's action will approve the acceptance of a $40,000 grant and authorize the Chair to sign a letter of appreciation to the Napa Valley Community Foundation for their support.