Requesting approval of an Intermunicipal Agreement between the City of Somerville, City of Cambridge, Cambridge Health Alliance, and Metropolitan Area Planning Council, for the establishment and operation of the Somerville-Cambridge Public Health Collaborative.

To the Honorable City Council: The Mayor respectfully requests that this Council approve the attached signed Intermunicipal Agreement (IMA) between the City of Somerville, City of Cambridge, Cambridge Health Alliance, and Metropolitan Area Planning Council for the establishment, operation, maintenance, and oversight of Somerville/Cambridge Public Health Collaborative to support building and deploying Shared Staff and resources to better achieve their statutory requirements, respond to public health emergencies, and satisfy the goals of the grant outlined in RFR 214333. The term of this IMA is for three years, commencing on the date of the execution and ending June 30, 2027. Thereafter, this IMA shall automatically renew for three additional years for a total term of twelve years ending on June 30, 2036. The Massachusetts Statute (MGL Ch. 40, s. 4A) that enables cities to enter into intermunicipal agreements requires City Council approval. Appropriate staff will be available to answer any questions you may have. Thank you for your consideration of this matter. Respectfully, Katjana Ballantyne, Mayor