Item No. 8
Town of Atherton
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 17, 2025
SUBJECT: APPROVAL FOR ACCEPTANCE OF A $225,000 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 $225,000 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. In September 2024, the wellness program was renewed for an additional one-year agreement. The anonymous donor has indicated they plan to continue to fund the wellness program.
The regionally supported wellness initiative helps reduce employee turnover and demonstrates an intent to support personnel upon in which investments have been made. 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 worth the cost.
ANALYSIS
Acceptance of $225,000 Anonymous Donation
SEPTEMBER 17, 2025
The first and second year of the Police Department Wellness Program has delivered significant benefits in terms of officer health, morale, and operational efficiency. These 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, FY 2024/2025 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.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact to the Town.
GOAL ALIGNMENT
This Report and its contents are in alignment with the following Council Policy Goals:
• Goal D - Be Forward Thinking
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 Protection District, service provides (water, power, and sewer), and regional elected officials.
COMMISSION/COMMITTEE FEEDBACK/REFERRAL
This item has not been before a Town Committee or Commission
ATTACHMENTS
1.Attachment A – FY 2024/2025 Wellness Program Annual Report