CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: December 15, 2025
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
TITLE: ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. __-25 AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER
TO EXECUTE A FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE PROFESSIONAL
SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH HOLISTIC SOLUTIONS, LLC FOR
CONSULTING SERVICES TO DEVELOP A STRATEGIC PLAN TO BE
EMPLOYER OF CHOICE
SYNOPSIS
The City currently has a Professional Services Agreement with Holistic Solutions, LLC (hereinafter “Holistic”) for consulting and training services for the development of a strategic plan for the City to be the “Employer of Choice” in Contra Costa County by focusing on “People, Resources & Culture”. Staff is requesting the City Council authorize the City Manager to execute a First Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement to complete new projects not included in the original proposal.
DISCUSSION
In October 2024, the City Council approved a Professional Services Agreement with Holistic. The consultant, in coordination with staff, successfully completed an employee engagement survey, which focused on integral areas of the employee experience at the City such as culture, direct supervisor support, team communication, and recognition. The purpose was to look for opportunities to improve the employee experience. A strategic action plan was formed based on the survey results. Confidential focus groups were held and facilitated through the consultant to address the areas that needed improvement.
Staff is requesting the City Council consider a budget amendment to the existing contract with Holistic for consulting support to add the following new projects to further improve the employee experience:
1) Performance Review Process Updates: Implementing a streamlined and effective performance evaluation system.
2) Police Department Opportunity Focus Groups: Targeted consultant-led discussions to address unique challenges within the Police Department. 3 ) Growth & Development Training Hub: Establishing a central resource for professional advancement and training opportunities.
The proposed First Amendment to the agreement in the amount of $36,500 is attached for City Council's review. This work is expected to be completed by April 2026.
FISCAL IMPACT
Holistic’s proposal is in the amount of $36,500 and is complete and acceptable, considering the scope of the project. The total not-to-exceed amount of the Professional Services Agreement, including this First Amendment, is $126,500. Staff has reviewed the additional funds requests and through discussion with the Finance Division, determined the funds can be covered within the existing City budget. Thus, there is no additional impact on the City General Fund.
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
Adopt the attached resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a First Amendment to the existing Professional Services Agreement with Holistic Solution, LLC.
ALTERNATIVES TO RECOMMENDED ACTION
Do not adopt the resolution and provide direction to staff.
ATTACHMENT(S)
Proposed Resolution
Exhibit 1 and 1A – First Amendment to Professional Services Agreement Exhibit B – Revised Scope of Work
Exhibit B – Professional Services Agreement - Holistic
Prepared by: Ericka R. Mitchell, CHRO
Approved by: Ethan Bindernagel, City Manager