Title
Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Execute a One-Year Agreement, in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $125,000, with Alameda Family Services for Student and Family Mental Health Services. (City Manager 10061832)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Jennifer Ott, City Manager
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This agreement with Alameda Family Services (AFS) is to provide mental health services such as individual and family therapy, crisis drop-in, case management, screenings and assessments for students referred for services through a school in the City of Alameda (City). The agreement is in the amount of $125,000 for one year and funds salaries and benefits for approximately 1.40 full-time equivalent employees plus supervision, and direct and indirect costs.
BACKGROUND
On May 14, 2019, the Alameda Unified School District (AUSD) Board of Education passed a resolution requesting funding from the City to be used for increased staffing for student mental health services to be provided by AFS. On June 18, 2019, City Council approved the Operating and Capital Budget for Fiscal Years (FY) 2019-20 and 2020-21. It included General Fund appropriations totaling $100,000 to assist with funding of AUSD’s Mental Health program. City Council approved an agreement with AFS for student mental health services on December 17, 2019. Services were rendered in accordance with the contract.
On May 11, 2021, City Council directed staff to include funds in the City’s budget to support the mental health needs of Alameda students and families in need of these services in the community. City Council approved the biennial budget at its June 15, 2021 meeting and the requested funds of $125,000 for mental health services were included in the budget.
On September 7, 2021, City Council authorized the City Manager to execute a two-year Agreement, in an amount not-to-exceed $250,000 with AFS for student and family mental health services. Due to staffing vacancies, the contract had significant cost savings and was extended for term only through September 30, 2024.
DISCUSSION
The proposed agreement would provide mental health services for Alameda students at a cost of $125,000 for one year and these funds are included in the approved FY 2024-25 General Fund budget within the Housing and Human Services Division of the City Manager’s Office.
The funding would help cover the salaries and benefits of approximately 1.4 therapists. The monies will fully fund mental health services for one therapist for 40 hours per week for one year, including individual and family therapy as well as case management for students who have been referred for services through a school in the City. The remaining funding will help pay for supervision and one full-time therapist for one year. The therapist will serve the AUSD high schools. Additional funding for the position is provided by Alameda Education Foundation, AUSD, and the AUSD Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs). Both therapists are expected to serve 25 to 35 students and families annually in the following areas:
• Individual therapy
• Family therapy
• Crisis drop-ins
• Case management
• Screenings
• Assessments
The 2023 Community Needs Assessment, prepared by the Social Service Human Relations Board, shows that mental health support is among the top eight identified needs. Pending approval of this one-year agreement, staff will present to the City Council/AUSD School Board Subcommittee to discuss the continued need for these services and whether City funding should be included in the FY 2025-2027 biennial budget.
Should the term of this Agreement need to be extended, without changing any other provision of the Agreement as approved by City Council, staff further requests that City Council grant the City Manager the discretion to do so by amendment without returning to City Council for further approval.
ALTERNATIVES
• Authorize a one-year agreement ($125,000 total) with AFS for student mental health services with the option of a second year.
• Request staff conduct a competitive bid process for the mental health services.
• Take no action at this time.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The funds for this contract are budgeted in the General Fund. On June 18, 2024, City Council approved $125,000 in General Fund funding for mental health services for FY 2024-25.
MUNICIPAL CODE/POLICY DOCUMENT CROSS REFERENCE
This action supports the City’s Strategic Plan priority to Enhance Community Safety & Services by maintaining City services that support community wellbeing and quality of life. This action is also consistent with the Social Services Human Relations Board Charter and Ordinance authority “to improve social services in the community” (Alameda Municipal Code Section 2-11.5). This action is subject to the Levine Act.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This action does not constitute a “project” as defined in California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15378 and therefore no further CEQA analysis is required.
CLIMATE IMPACT
There are no identifiable climate impacts or climate action opportunities associated with the subject of this report.
RECOMMENDATION
Authorize the City Manager to execute a contract for mental health services with Alameda Family Services in the amount not-to-exceed $125,000 for one year.
Respectfully submitted,
Amy Wooldridge, Assistant City Manager
By,
Lisa Fitts, Housing and Human Services Manager
Financial Impact section reviewed,
Margaret O’Brien, Finance Director
Exhibit:
1. Alameda Family Services Service Provider Agreement