CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT – CONSENT AGENDA
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
GEORGE RODERICKS, CITY MANAGER
FROM: STEVEN D MCCULLEY, CHIEF OF POLICE
DATE: SEPTEMBER 18, 2024
SUBJECT: APPROVAL FOR ACCEPTANCE OF A $200,000 ANONYMOUS
DONATION FOR THE CONTINUATION OF A FULL-TIME
CONTRACT POLICE WELLNESS PROGRAM COORDINATOR
AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A
COLLABORATIVE AGREEMENT FOR THE PROGRAM.
RECOMMENDATION
Approve and accept the $200,000 anonymous donation for the continuation of a full-time contract police wellness program coordinator to be shared by the Atherton, East Palo Alto, and Menlo Park Police Departments, and authorize the City Manager to execute a collaborative agreement for the program.
BACKGROUND
In September 2023, the police departments of Atherton, East palo Alto, and Menlo Park, entered into a one-year agreement with Wellness Solutions for a full-time contract wellness program coordinator to be shared by all three police departments. The anonymous donor has indicated they plan to continue to fund the wellness program on an annual basis.
The regionally supported wellness initiative gives employees the confidence that their department cares for their well-being. This helps reduce employee turnover and demonstrates a department’s intention of retaining the talent in which it has invested. The return on investment by contributing to the well-being of employees and contributing to their overall health is an expenditure that has proven to be well worth the cost in many other departments.
ANALYSIS
Item No. 5
Town of Atherton
Acceptance of $200,000 Anonymous Donation
September 18, 2024
The first year of the Police Department Wellness Program has delivered significant benefits in terms of officer health, morale, and operational efficiency. These initial successes provide a strong foundation for continued growth, and the program will likely yield further long-term advantages for the department and the community. Refer to Attachment A, Atherton Department of Police FY 2023/2024 Wellness Program Annual report for program details.
This collaborative solution presents an opportunity to prevent some of the risks that are elevated in the profession of public safety and makes wellness available to a regional segment of first responders. By collaborating in this way, command staff initiates a change in culture by offering support to their officers amid an ever-changing law enforcement environment.
GOAL ALIGNMENT
• Goal Area F – Be Forward-Thinking, Well-Managed, and Well-Planned
RECOMMENDATION
Approve and accept the $200,000 anonymous donation for a one-year full time contract police wellness program coordinator to be shared by the Atherton, East Palo Alto, and Menlo Park Police Departments, and authorize the City Manager to execute a collaborative agreement for the program.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact to the Town.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Public notification was achieved by posting the agenda, with this agenda item being listed, at least 72 hours prior to the meeting in print and electronically. Information about the project is also disseminated via the Town’s electronic News Flash and Atherton Online. There are approximately 1,200 subscribers to the Town’s electronic News Flash publications. Subscribers include residents as well as stakeholders – to include, but be not limited to, media outlets, school districts, Menlo Park Fire District, service providers (water, power, and sewer), and regional elected officials.
COMMISSION/COMMITTEE FEEDBACK/REFERRAL
This item ____ has or __X___ has not been before a Town Committee or Commission. ____ Audit/Finance Committee (meets every other month)
____ Bicycle/Pedestrian Committee (meets as needed)
____ Civic Center Advisory Committee (meets as needed)
____ Environmental Programs Committee (meets every other month) ____ Park and Recreation Committee (meets each month)
____ Planning Commission (meets each month)
____ Rail Committee (meets every other month)
Acceptance of $200,000 Anonymous Donation
September 18, 2024
____ Transportation Committee (meets every other month)
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A – Atherton Department of Police FY 2023/2024 Wellness Program Annual Report