DATE: October 22, 2024
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Paul Nerland, County Administrative Officer
SUBJECT: Mobile Shower License Agreement with City of Fresno
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute a License Agreement with City of Fresno to operate mobile shower and restroom services for unhoused persons at the Fresno Fairgrounds, 4535 E. Hamilton Avenue, Fresno, CA 93702, effective November 1, 2024 through April 30, 2025 with an optional six-month extension ($0).
REPORT
There is no Net County Cost associated with the recommended action. Approval of the recommended action will allow the County to provide mobile shower and restroom services for individuals experiencing homelessness through a partnership with the City of Fresno (City) and its contractor, Gracebound, Inc. (Gracebound). This item pertains to a location in District Three.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
If your Board does not approve the recommended action, mobile shower and restroom services for individuals experiencing homelessness will not be made available on County-owned property at the Fresno Fairgrounds. However, the City will still provide mobile shower and restroom services in other areas of metro Fresno.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no increase in Net County Cost associated with the recommended action.
DISCUSSION:
Since October 2022, the City has partnered with Gracebound to provide mobile shower and restroom services throughout metro Fresno to provide people experiencing homelessness a sanitary facility to take care of their hygienic needs.
By collaborating with the City and its mobile shower service provider, Gracebound, to provide access to shower and restroom facilities, as well as outreach services for the unhoused population, the County will further its concerted efforts to address homelessness in the region. The County Administrative Office has coordinated with the Big Fresno Fair and the City, including its wastewater management division, to identify a suitable site on Fairgrounds property to host the mobile shower and restroom services.
The mobile shower site will be located south of the main Fairgrounds at the satellite stables and parking area at 4535 E. Hamilton Ave., Fresno, CA 93702. Mobile shower services will operate on Mondays from 8:00am - 1:00pm, excluding holidays, with additional hours for setup, cleaning, and teardown. Services will be suspended during the annual Big Fresno Fair and other Fairgrounds events to prevent any logistical impediment to event operations. The mobile shower trailer will be connected to City water and sewer systems, and will be sanitized after each use and at the end of the day. Gracebound staff will provide snacks, water, undergarments, hygiene items, towels, and other basic necessities to participants. The staff will also administer screenings to participants for other homeless services, and will provide referral materials.
The recommended agreement provides that the City shall allow no more than six users of the services onsite at a time, that the City shall ensure that no illegal activities shall be allowed on the property during provision of the services, that the City shall be responsible for the behavior of all persons on the property during provision of the services, that the City shall ensure that no animals are allowed on the property during the provision of the services, with the exception of service animals, and that the City shall keep the property in a clean state.
If approved, the recommended agreement will be effective November 1, 2024 through April 30, 2025, with one optional six-month extension. The County, upon providing seven days advance written notice, may terminate the agreement without cause.
ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED AND/OR ON FILE:
On file with Clerk - License Agreement with City of Fresno
CAO ANALYST:
Dylan McCully