SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Approve the Agreement for Services between the City of Clearwater and Tampa Bay Psychology Associates, LLC for psychological and educational services for Clearwater Fire and Rescue first responders, in a not to exceed amount of $180,000.00 for term October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2026, with three, one-year renewal options in the annual amount of $90,000.00 pursuant to Clearwater Code of Ordinances Section 2.563(1)(f), Professional services not subject to CCNA, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
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SUMMARY:
The mental health of firefighters/EMS responders has become an increasing concern. Clearwater Fire & Rescue (CFR) offers several resources for mental health requests. However, Tampa Bay Psychology Associates was recommended by the Clearwater Firefighters Association, IAFF 1158, and Clearwater Police Department (CPD) for their influential, professional, psychology services. Tampa Bay Psychology Associates, LLC, specializes in the mental health treatment of public safety employees, unlike the short-term general services provided by Cigna’s EAP services. Tampa Bay Psychology Associates is utilized by fire departments and law enforcement agencies within the Tampa Bay region.
This agreement provides for the maintenance of a 24/7 resource telephone number for continual employee access, if needed for mental health concerns, individual counseling services, mental health check-ins, fitness for duty evaluations, pre-employment evaluations, employee wellness and safety training, additional tailored training modules, and post-academy training.
CFR has been using these services since September 1, 2022, and have found them to be very beneficial. Approval to continue with these services is requested for an additional two-year term from October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2026, in the total amount of $180,000.00 ($90,000.00 per fiscal year) with three, one-year renewal options in the annual amount of $90,000.00.
The City currently has a separate contract with Tampa Bay Psychology Associates in the annual amount of $125,000.00, valid through September 30, 2025, involving services for CPD. With this purchase, the City will be at $215,000.00 annually for like or similar services.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funds are budgeted in the Fire Department operating cost code 0101220-530100, professional services, to fund the first year of this agreement. Future year funding will be requested as part of the annual budget process. The Fire Department is funded by General Fund revenues.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
Foster safe and healthy communities through first-class public safety and emergency response services. Enhance employee health and productivity with health and safety resources.
