The New Crisis Residential Facility will be funded with Mental Health Services Act funds.
Plans and specifications for the project have been prepared for the General Services Department by Hammel Green and Abrahamson, Inc. ("HGA") and filed with the Clerk of the Board by the Deputy General Services Director. The construction cost estimate is $3,200,000. The general prevailing wage rates are on file with the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors and will be the minimum rates paid on this project.
The New Crisis Residential Facility ("CRF") will provide for a 24-hour residential treatment program. Such a program is a viable alternative to hospitalization. In addition, the program will provide a transitional level of care for consumers leaving hospitals but needing further assistance while re-entering the community. The CRF is planned to be a 6,600 s.f., two-story facility that includes space for 16 residents. The facility will also include a living room, a dining room, kitchen, a library, and administrative and support spaces. Staffing will include psychiatrists, nurses, clinical specialists, and peer providers (mental health consumers who have completed required training and are employed by the County) and will be in compliance with State requirements for staffing ratios. A total of three parking stalls, including one handicapped-accessible stall, is being added on-site. The site already has extensive vegetation. Five new trees will be planted as part of the project along with numerous new groundcover plants and shrubs around the site. Five existing trees will be removed, including two in poor condition.
On January 19, 2010, the Board previously approved a Negative Declaration for the project pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The Department of Conservation and Development subsequently filed a Notice of Determination and a Certificate of Fee Exemption De Minimus Impact Finding with the County Clerk.
If the authorization to bid is not approved, the project cannot progress into the Construction Phase, the project may not be built, and patient care will be directed toward the County Hospital, which is more costly.