Title
Approving a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an amendment to the Interlocal Cooperation Agreement for Public Health Services between the City of Austin and the City of Pflugerville.
Summary
The proposed request is to authorize an amendment to the recently approved Interlocal Cooperation Agreement for Public Health Services between the City of Austin through Austin Public Health (APH) and the City of Pflugerville for purposes of adding health inspections to swimming pool and spas located in the Pflugerville ETJ and subject to a development agreement. Specifically the amendment is intended to allow for APH to provide swimming pool and spa inspections to the Blackhawk amenity center located at 21100 Carries Ranch Rd. The development agreement that regulates the Blackhawk development requires permits and inspections to be obtained for any construction in the neighborhood. The proposed amendment is needed as Williamson County Board of Health rescinded County Order No. 2019-0111 in the fall of 2022 which removed permitting and inspections for public and semi-public pools and spas in Williamson County and Cities Health District's (WCCHD) jurisdiction. The proposed amendment ensures the swimming pool and spa that is required to comply with Pflugerville requirements per the development agreement remains consistent with the health and safety services received for other pools in the city through inspections by Austin Public Health. Fees related to the inspection are directly billed and paid to Austin Public Health and are not subsidized by the City.
As discussed with City Council when the interlocal agreement with APH was approved in July 2023, consideration of future fee adjustments may be proposed and considered with future renewals of the agreement but are not proposed at this time. The proposed amendment ensures the health and safety related to swimming pools and spas are provided prior to revisiting any other part of the agreement. Per the agreement, both the City of Pflugerville and City of Austin City Councils are required to approve the proposed amendment.
Background:
The Interlocal Cooperation Agreement for Public Health Services between the City of Austin and the City of Pflugerville allows for four successive 12-month renewals which allows for flexibility in the future if a different arrangement is preferred. The initial agreement was approved in 2019 and identified all health inspection services to be provided through APH with up to three successive 12-month renewal terms. The initial agreement included financial responsibility by the City of Pflugerville with each renewal and included adoption of the City of Austin fee schedule. The last renewal term was on August 23, 2022 and ended on September 30, 2023. According to Austin Public Health, during the 2022 fiscal year, $179,683 was collected from providing inspections in the City, which accounted for pre-opening inspections (change of ownership and certificate of occupancy), plan review, and licensing fees from businesses operating in the City of Pflugerville.
The interlocal agreement approved in July 2023 maintains the same level of service with APH to provide the administration of permits and all health inspections for food inspections, public pools, spas, childcare facilities, and adds certified farmers markets. The agreement includes no financial responsibility by the City of Pflugerville for the five year term, and continues the adoption of the City of Austin fee schedule. The agreement allows for annual renewals and therefore allows opportunities for discussion with the City of Austin about any preferred future fee schedule adjustments.
This item is supported by the Safety pillar of the Strategic Plan.
Prior City Council Action
City Council approved the Interlocal Cooperation Agreement for Public Health Services on July 25, 2023
City Council held a worksession on July 11, 2023 with Austin Public Health to discuss the contract and fee schedule.
City Council approved third renewal of Interlocal Cooperation Agreement on August 23, 2022.
City Council approved second renewal of Interlocal Cooperation Agreement on September 14, 2021.
City Council approved renewal of Interlocal Cooperation Agreement on August 25, 2020.
City Council approved the initial Interlocal Cooperation Agreement on October 8, 2019.
Deadline for City Council Action
Action is requested November 14, 2023.
Funding Expected: Revenue __ Expenditure __ N/A __
Budgeted Item: Yes __ No __ N/A __
Amount: ________
1295 Form Required? Yes __ No __
Legal Review Required: N/A __ Required __ Date Completed: _November 3, 2023_____
Supporting documents attached:
Resolution
Exhibit "A" Austin Public Health Amendment
Location Map: 21100 Carries Ranch Rd
Recommended Action
Approving a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an amendment to the Interlocal Cooperation Agreement for Public Health Services between the City of Austin and the City of Pflugerville.