Agenda Item #13.6
For Council Meeting of: December 2, 2025
CITY OF SANTA ROSA
CITY COUNCIL
TO: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
FROM: JOHN CREGAN, CHIEF OF POLICE
SUBJECT: WAIVER OF COMPETITIVE BID AND APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT WITH BUCKELEW PROGRAMS AGENDA ACTION: MOTION
RECOMMENDATION
The Police Department recommends that the Council, by motion, waive competitive bidding pursuant to Section 3-08.100(d) of the City Code and approve a three-year Professional Services Agreement, with Buckelew Programs, a California non-profit organization, with an amount not to exceed $1,575,000 and authorize the City Manager or designee to make non-substantive changes to the Agreement, and execute the Agreement. This item has no impact on current fiscal year budget.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City of Santa Rosa has been awarded funding through the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) Proposition 47 Grant for three years to enhance the inRESPONSE Mental Health Support Team. This funding will support six new positions. Five System Health Navigators and one Health Navigator Manager to provide health navigation services, including education and guidance for Medi-Cal and other health insurance benefits. These positions will help connect underserved individuals, including those experiencing homelessness and/or substance use disorders, to critical healthcare, mental health, and supportive resources. System Navigators will work seven days a week and follow up on all crisis van contacts within 72 hours, a key requirement for Medi-Cal billing and to secure future County funding. Health Navigators will also be available to supplement Crisis Response Van staff when regular team members are unavailable, ensuring the van remains operational and service is not interrupted due to staffing shortages. This expansion addresses critical gaps in healthcare access and mental health services while enhancing prevention, treatment, and engagement efforts for vulnerable populations in Santa Rosa.
GOAL
This item relates to Council Goal #4 - Foster a Safe, Healthy, and Inclusive Community.
The Proposition 47-funded expansion of the inRESPONSE program increases access to mental health services, healthcare navigation, and supportive resources for underserved and vulnerable residents, promoting a safer, healthier, and more inclusive community.
BACKGROUND/PRIOR COUNCIL REVIEW
The inRESPONSE Mental Health Support Team was established by the City to provide crisis intervention, case management, and supportive services to residents experiencing mental health crises, substance use challenges, and/or homelessness. The Police Department has partnered with Buckelew Programs, a local non-profit, to assist with inRESPONSE services. With their expertise, the program has been able to provide coordinated mental health support and case navigation to vulnerable residents.
ANALYSIS
The inRESPONSE Mental Health Support Team responds to calls in which individuals are experiencing a mental health crisis and are unarmed. The goal is for the inRESPONSE team to handle all calls for service where mental health is the primary concern. The three years of funding that the City has received through the BSCC Proposition 47 Grant, will allow for us to expand the inRESPONSE team. Approval of this item will allow for health navigation, benefits education, and follow up services for individuals with mental health and/or substance use disorders. Staff intends to use the City standard agreement template with Buckelew Programs, which is included with this item.
Waiving competitive bidding is recommended as Buckelew Programs brings extensive experience in behavioral health, case management, and housing navigation across the region. They have established partnerships with Sonoma County Behavioral Health, the Crisis Stabilization Unit, and local healthcare providers, and are already integrated into the inRESPONSE operational framework. Their existing Medi-Cal credentialing and Measure O alignment ensure full compliance and efficient use of state grant funds. Conducting a competitive process would delay implementation and jeopardize grant compliance.
FISCAL IMPACT
Approval of this action does not have a fiscal impact on the General Fund.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378, the proposed action is not a “project” subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because it does not have a potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment. In the alternative, the proposed action is exempt from CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the project may have a significant effect on the environment.
BOARD/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE REVIEW AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Not applicable.
NOTIFICATION
Not applicable.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 1 – Professional Services Agreement
PRESENTER(S)
John Cregan, Chief of Police
WAIVER OF COMPETITIVE BID AND APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT WITH BUCKELEW PROGRAMS PAGE 3 OF 3