The City of Independence Health Department has been approved by the State of Missouri to administer the COVID-19 vaccine, and it is expected that there will be a significant demand for access to this vaccine. Given the demand and the fact the vaccine requires two doses, it is estimated that this program will last for up to five months.

To meet this demand, provide exceptional customer service, and to have a convenient and reliable facility for delivery of this critical service, members of the City’s Incident Command Team have arranged for an agreement with the management of the Independence Center to use 13,000 square foot area within the mall to meet this need. The City’s only expense for using this space would be for utilities while occupying the area; and

It is estimated that utility expenses for this space would average $1,000 per month, or up to $5,000. This is an unbudgeted expense, but may be eligible for federal reimbursement.  In fact, the City’s Emergency Preparedness Division has processed over $1.5 million in federal reimbursements in the last five years from other disaster events and has demonstrated a strong ability to seek and obtain federal reimbursement.

Approval of this resolution will authorize the utility credit of up to $5,000 and allow for this space to be secured.

On January 28, the PUAB motion to support this recommendation failed 3-3.