Item No. 3
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 16, 2026
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 funding the wellness program annually.
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 intent to retain the talent in which it has invested. The return on investment from supporting employee well-being and overall health is an expenditure that has proven well worth the cost in many other departments.
ANALYSIS
The Police Department Wellness Program continues to deliver 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.
Acceptance of $200,000 Anonymous Donation
September 16, 2026
This collaborative solution offers an opportunity to reduce risks elevated in the public safety profession and make wellness available to a regional segment of first responders. By collaborating this way, command staff can shift the culture by supporting 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
The Town has no fiscal impact.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Public notification was achieved by posting the agenda, with this agenda item listed, at least 72 hours before the meeting in print and electronically. The Town also disseminates project information via its electronic News Flash and Atherton Online. There are approximately 1,200 subscribers to the Town’s electronic News Flash publications. Subscribers include residents and stakeholders, including but 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)
____ Transportation Committee (meets every other month)
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 1 – Agreement with Wellness Solutions for Police Department Wellness Services