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APPROVE MOTION TO EXECUTE AN AMENDMENT TO THE STANDARD AGREEMENT WITH HILL’S PET NUTRITION SALES, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $195,000
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RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council approve a motion to:
1. Authorize the City Manager to approve Amendment No. 1 with Hill’s Pet Nutrition Sales, Inc., in the amount of $195,000, and;
2. Authorize the City Manager to take actions appropriate and necessary to carry out the purpose and intent of this motion.
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Summary
The Stockton Police Department (SPD) is seeking Council to approve Amendment No. 1 of the Standard Agreement with Hill’s Pet Nutrition Sales, Inc (Hill’s). This agreement is to purchase significantly discounted select Hill’s brand pet food for all dogs and cats housed at the Stockton Animal Shelter (SAS) - under the program “Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love.” In exchange, SAS must maintain its credentials and standards of care for pets during the agreement while actively and exclusively displaying and communicating Hill’s partnership in public-facing areas. In addition, SAS employees and volunteers involved with the pet adoption process are expected to educate pet adopters about Hill’s brands and products when providing a free bag of food upon adoption of an animal. Hill’s is the only supplier that provides a program aiming to partner with animal shelters to provide training, shelter visuals, digital aids, and bags of dog food for adoptions.
DISCUSSION
Background
Currently, the SAS has a Standard Agreement with Hill’s, as an authorized Single Available Source provider, to purchase discounted pet food. Hill’s is the only supplier that provides the “Food, Shelter & Love program,” a program aiming to partner with animal shelters to provide training, shelter visuals, digital aids, and bags of dog food for adoptions. They also provide training and pet parenting tips to new adopters through their Pet Parent Website. There is also a significant discount offered on the cost of each bag of food and each flat of wet food purchased to feed the animals of the SAS in comparison to other vendors, such as Purina Pro Plan Food. In addition, Hill’s provides SAS animals with a consistent diet; switching food for the animals in the shelter’s care may very likely result in gastrointestinal distress, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, and change in animal temperament. By continuing to contract with Hill’s, SAS avoids the extra costs of vet and medical costs of animals with gentle gastrointestinal tracts.
A Single Available Source was approved administratively by the City Manager's Office on November 14, 2023, at an estimated amount of $90,000 for the period of November 1, 2023, through November 1, 2026.The Original Agreement (424000326) with an initial Not-To-Exceed amount of $90,000 was approved to begin January 10, 2024, with an initial one (1) year term, and shall renew, for two (2) additional successive terms of one (1) year each. An additional amount of $195,000 is now needed to align with the increased care of animals and Single Available Source term. Adding the additional $195,000 in spending authority will carry the City through the life of the contract which will end on January 10, 2027 following all contract extension options.
Present Situation
SAS’s current “Food, Shelter & Love program” with Hill’s provides nutritionally beneficial food for the animals in care up to adoption. SAS is looking to continue this partnership with Hill’s as the food has proven to be gentler on the animals’ gastrointestinal tract, alleviating vet care and additional medical costs to the City of Stockton. Hill’s was the only vendor in the area that offered the necessary service. On average, the City was spending approximately $4,400 per month on service and food in fiscal years 2023 and 2024. However, within the first five months of fiscal year 2025, we have seen an increment - averaging $8,000 a month. The increased number of animals the shelter cares for has significantly impacted the amount of food needed per month.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
The proposed cost of this amendment is $195,000, with a total not to exceed contract amount of $285,000. Funding is available in the Police Department General Fund, Animal Services Division FY24-25 Budget.
Attachment A - Hill’s Pet Nutrition Sales, Inc. Amendment 1