CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: October 07, 2024
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
SUBJECT: ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. __-24 AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH HOLISTIC
SOLUTION, LLC FOR DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION AND
BELONGING CONSULTING SERVICES
SYNOPSIS
The City Manager’s office and the Human Resources Division are continuously exploring ways to make the City of Pleasant Hill the “Employer of Choice” in Contra Costa County. To further the City’s efforts in this area, staff is requesting the City Council authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with Holistic Solutions, LLC to provide Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) consulting services and assist in the development of a citywide DEI strategic plan.
DISCUSSION
Background
On October 13, 2023, staff sent out a request for proposal (RFP) for DEI consulting and training services. A total of five consulting agencies responded to the RFP. The consultant pool ranged from local boutique agencies to large nationwide firms. A selection committee was convened to review the proposals and interview the various consultants. The selection committee interviewed the five companies that submitted proposals and after two rounds of interviews and reference checks, the committee selected Holistic Solutions LLC (Holistic). The committee determined that Holistic was the best fit for the City’s needs based on the firm’s written proposal, qualifications, approach, data-driven methods and cost of services.
In anticipation of this selection, City Council approved funds in the amount of $90,000 for consulting and training services in the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 budget.
Analysis
Holistic Solutions LLC will provide consulting services and support to the Human Resources Division in the development of a DEI strategic plan and relevant training. A DEI strategic plan will add to the vast programing and benefits currently offered by the Human Resources Division including, but not limited to: a new peer-to-peer recognition platform “Cheers for Peers,” a robust health and wellness program, financial education and benefits (i.e. ScholarShare (529 plan)), and a citywide employee referral program. The establishment of a strategic DEI plan and training program will complement the other programming the City offers aimed at building an environment where employees are encouraged to reach their full potential. By empowering staff to come to work as their authentic selves, the City is fostering an employee-centered environment where individuals can unlock their full potential and ultimately offer superior public service.
FISCAL IMPACT
The proposed resolution authorizes the expenditure of funds for training and consulting services not to exceed $90,000. City Council approved these funds in June 2024 as part of the adopted Biennial Budget for Fiscal Years 2024-25 and 2025-26.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made through posting of the City Council agenda on the City’s official notice bulletin board, at the Pleasant Hill Senior Center, and at the Pleasant Hill Police Department.
The agenda and staff report are posted on the City’s web page.
RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION
Staff recommends that City Council adopt the resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute the professional services agreement with Holistic Solutions LLC.
ALTERNATIVES TO RECOMMENDED ACTION
Council could direct staff to identify an alternative consulting agency to perform this work or may provide other direction to staff.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Proposed Resolution
Exhibit 1 – Holistic Professional Services Agreement
Prepared by: Ericka R. Mitchell, Chief Human Resources Officer Approved by: Ethan Bindernagel, City Manager