Committee tightens EAP and training contracts, adds performance reporting and spending caps

The committee approved two related human resources ordinances after members amended spending language and added performance reporting requirements.

Ordinance 751 (Employee Assistance Program) authorizes outside EAP services that provide crisis counseling, referrals and short‑term support. HR said utilization is under 10% and that the city placed the EAP out for RFP; the current vendor contract was $300,000 and the committee amended the ordinance to state the contract "shall not exceed $250,000." Committee members also moved to require an annual EAP performance report before any renewal option is exercised.

Ordinance 750 establishes a $100,000 pool for supplemental organizational development, executive coaching and targeted department training. HR said it carved $50,000 from the EAP budget and proposed matching that with an additional $50,000 to fund talent management work (executive coaching, de‑escalation training, DISC assessments and other specialized interventions). Committee members debated consultants vs. in‑house capacity and sought cost transparency (hourly rates and expected hours). Councilman Chris Harsh proposed — and the committee adopted — amendments requiring written notice to the clerk when purchases are made through cooperative procurement and inserting a "shall not exceed" cap on contract costs.

Members repeatedly encouraged HR to prioritize building internal capacity where appropriate, but conceded some specialized tools and episodic services are often contracted. The ordinances were approved as amended.