title
Authorize the Director of Resource Management to execute a MEHKO AB 178 Grant Award Notification and Acceptance Agreement to secure $40,310 of State funds to assist local health departments' implementation of the Micro Enterprise Home Kitchen Operation (MEHKO) program
body
Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors authorize the Director of Resource Management to execute a MEHKO AB 178 Grant Award Notification and Acceptance Agreement to secure $40,310 of State funds to assist local health departments' implementation of the Micro Enterprise Home Kitchen Operation (MEHKO) program.
SUMMARY/ DISCUSSION:
With enactment of AB 626 and AB 377 effective January 1, 2019, the California Health and Safety Code Retail Food Act (CalCode) was amended to provide Local Enforcement Agencies (primarily county Environmental Health departments) the option of allowing MEHKOs by resolution or ordinance. MEHKOs are residential home kitchens that can be operated and permitted as commercial food facilities. These new laws establish parameters for MEHKOs, including specific provisions on how an enforcement agency may regulate a MEHKO on residential property. In counties where the Environmental Health departments functions as the countywide Local Enforcement Agency, an action by a county to "opt in" would render the new MEHKO provisions applicable to all cities in addition to the unincorporated areas of that county. The Solano County Board of Supervisors adopted Resolution 2020-55 on April 7, 2020 to "opt in" and allow MEHKOs to operate within Solano County.
The purpose of this State-funded grant program as described in the enabling legislation and the grant agreement between the Workforce Development Board (WDB) and the CA Conference of Directors of Environmental Health (CCDEH) is to "assist local health departments and city code enforcem...
Click here for full text