To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: JANE CHUNG, ASSISTANT TO THE CITY MANAGER
TITLE
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APPROVE A CONTRACT WITH THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH FOR THE PROVISION OF PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES FOR THE CITY OF REDONDO BEACH
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City of Redondo Beach is one of 85 cities in Los Angeles County that contracts with the County of Los Angeles (County) Department of Public Health (DPH) for local public health services. State law permits cities and counties to establish such agreements, allowing the County’s Health Officer to serve as the designated local health officer within the jurisdictions of the contracted cities. However, many of these contracts were originally established in the 1960s and have remained unchanged since.
In 2023, the County initiated efforts to modernize its Public Health contracts with the 85 participating cities, aiming to update agreements that reflect current laws and revise outdated language. As part of the process, the County developed a standardized template contract which was approved by the County Board of Supervisors for execution on October 22, 2024.
BACKGROUND
The City of Redondo Beach has contracted with the County of Los Angeles for public health services since June of 1968, and the contract has remained unchanged for several decades. As a participating city, Redondo Beach relies on the County to administer public health services, with the County Health Officer responsible for enforcing and observing all applicable health-related laws, orders, and regulations as per Health and Safety Code Sections 101400 and 101405.
Only four cities in California (Pasadena, Long Beach, Berkeley, and Vernon) operate their own public health departments. The majority of municipalities, including Redondo Beach, have chosen to contract with the County to ensure compliance with state health mandates and maintain access to vital public health services.
Recent changes in statutory requirements and public health practices have prompted the County to develop an updated and standardized contract template. The proposed contract replaces outdated provisions, ensuring alignment with current legal and public health operational standards. The County engaged a working group of representatives from contracted cities to solicit feedback and address concerns. The proposed contract includes revised terms and conditions to improve clarity and ensure compliance with state laws while maintaining the current level of public health services at no cost to the City. The new contract would not reduce or eliminate any existing services provided by the County.
Upon execution, the contract will become effective immediately and remain in force through June 30, 2029. It will be subject to automatic five-year renewals unless terminated by either the City or the County. This contract ensures Redondo Beach will have continued access to essential public health services under the administration of the County’s Health Officer while maintaining compliance with evolving legal requirements.
All participating cities are required to formally adopt the provisions outlined in Title 11 of the County of Los Angeles Code by ordinance or resolution, and the City previously met this requirement by incorporating these provisions into Redondo Beach Municipal Code Sections 5-6.01 through 5-6.07.
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the agreement and authorize the Mayor to sign the updated Public Health Services Contract with the County DPH.
COORDINATION
This item was prepared by the City Manager’s Office with the City Attorney’s Office approving the Agreement as to form.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this item. The services provided by the contract remain at no cost to the City. Additional costs may be incurred if the City requests specialized services beyond the scope of the contract, however, staff does not anticipate the need for special services at this time.
APPROVED BY:
Mike Witzansky, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
• Public Health Services Contract