The Metropolitan Council voted Nov. 25 to authorize the Mayor-President to enter into an interagency contract not to exceed $480,480 to provide meals for youth housed in juvenile-detention facilities.

Juvenile Services Director Dr. Wade told the council the city previously paid more than $600,000 when staffing and on-site food preparation were included. She said this procurement used a request for proposals (RFP) and that, so far this fiscal year, the division has expended about $233,000 of the $480,480 maximum with December remaining. Dr. Wade explained the figure is a maximum that accounts for the possibility that every bed is filled every day; actual payouts to date have been substantially lower.

On utilization, Dr. Wade said the juvenile-services system has taken in nearly 600 juveniles this year (the highest in three years) and daily population fluctuates — "as many as 45, 46, 47" some days, 25 today, and typically up toward 35–40 on busier days. Council members asked clarifying questions about the vendor and about whether the named entity (referenced in the agenda as Bayou Effect) is the same provider; staff confirmed the entity. Council moved and approved the contract.

What happens next: The contract will proceed under the direction of juvenile services; staff cited continuity-of-service concerns and said the RFP was intended to avoid a gap when the prior provider's contract expired Dec. 31.