Authorize Application for and Acceptance of Multiple Grants in an Amount Not to Exceed $200,000.00 Individually from Animal Welfare Organizations Including PetSmart Charities, Inc., PetCo, and Others to Support Animal Welfare Programs Including Pet Adoption Events Held Throughout the Year, Waive Indirect Costs and Adopt Appropriation Ordinance (ALL COUNCIL DISTRICTS )

It is recommended that the City Council:

1. Authorize the application for and the acceptance of grants in the amount up to $200,000.00 individually from animal welfare organizations including PetSmart Charities, Inc., PetCo, and Others to pay the expenses generated from multiple pet adoption events and other animal welfare programs;

2. Waive the imposition of any indirect costs as part of the City of Fort Worth's in-kind match to these grants; and

3. Adopt the attached appropriation ordinance increasing estimated receipts and appropriations in the Grants Operating Other Fund in the amount of $200,000.00 individually upon receipt of grants.

The Code Compliance Department will apply for and accept animal welfare organization grants including those from PetSmart Charities, Inc., Petco and others for reimbursements related to special events in the amount up to a total of $200,000.00 individually to facilitate a more efficient and timely turnaround of application and grant or Agreement documents. The City of Fort Worth enjoys productive relationships with PetSmart Charities, Inc., Petco, and several other animal welfare organizations.

The Code Compliance Department has recently applied for and received approval of a grant from Petco. These grant funds will be used to cover heartworm treatment(s) of adoptable pets from our shelter.

PetSmart Charities, Inc., and the City's Code Compliance Department have an ongoing partnership to support two satellite adoption centers at PetSmart retail stores and periodically coordinate special adoption or other promotional events in Fort Worth. These events are typically facilitated by the City's  Code Compliance Department with an Agreement that PetSmart Charities, Inc., will reimburse the City for costs associated with the event, which can include marketing, promotion and purchase/or rental of event equipment and supplies.

These Agreements have historically been authorized by City Council on an event-by-event basis, resulting in multiple Mayor and Council Communications (M&C) each year for the same kinds of events. This year, in the interest of efficiency, the department is requesting approval for the year's adoption events from animal welfare organizations and reimbursements including those by PetSmart Charities, Inc., as a single M&C.

This M&C does not request approval of a contract with a business entity.