Background:
RECOMMENDATION:
Pass a motion approving spending authority in an amount not to exceed $96,523.76 to reimburse Host International, Inc. for expenses related to a federal employee meal voucher program during the 2018/2019 Federal Government Shutdown.
SPECIFIC EXPLANATION:
The Federal Government Shutdown started on December 22, 2018 and ended on January 25, 2019, lasting for thirty-five days, causing essential federal employees, including TSA agents, to work without pay. HAS approved the issuance of meal vouchers to federal employees working at IAH and HOU in the amount of up to $15 per shift to partly alleviate the financial strain on those working at HAS airports. Host International, Inc. participated in this meal voucher program, and 6,871 meal vouchers were redeemed at their locations at an expense of $96,523.76.
The need for the voucher program was evidenced by staffing shortages resulting in the closure of the security checkpoint in IAH Terminal B and the risk of further closures and dramatically increased passenger wait times at open checkpoints and Federal Inspection Service Facilities (FIS). The voucher program successfully encouraged front line federal workers at IAH and HOU to continue to appear for work and demonstrated appreciation for employees of our federal partners.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, HAS worked with concessionaires on developing relief measures, which culminated with City Council approval of a Blanket Amendment on November 17, 2021. It was anticipated that this reimbursement request would be included along with the relief measures, but it was determined that this should be brought to City Council as a separate item.
Thus, it is now requested that City Council approve spending authority to reimburse Host International, Inc. in the amount not to exceed $96,523.76.
Fiscal Note:
Funding for this item is included in the FY2022 Adopted Budget. Therefore, no Fiscal Note is required as stated in the Financial
Policies.
Director’s Signature:
_________________________
Mario C. Diaz
Houston Airport System
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Estimated Spending Authority
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|
Department
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FY2022
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Out Years
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Total
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Houston Airport System
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$96,523.76
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$0.00
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$96,523.76
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