Personnel Committee Meeting - October 19, 2026

The Personnel Committee of the Board of Representatives met on October 19, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. to consider a single agenda item, Approval P32.016, a three-year agreement with Concentra for occupational health and random drug testing services. Chair Carl Weinberg presided, and the meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m.

Discussion Items

• Item P32.016: Agreement with Concentra – Director of Human Resources Paula Russell presented the proposed contract, which was previously approved unanimously by the Board of Finance on March 12, 2026. The contract includes a standard three-year term with options for two additional one-year extensions.
  • Procurement and Selection: The city conducted a competitive RFP process, receiving six proposals and interviewing three finalists: Concentra, Hartford Healthcare, and Yale New Haven Health. Concentra was selected for providing the best overall value, offering comprehensive services including pre-employment physicals, drug and alcohol testing, fitness for duty evaluations, return to work evaluations, and annual firefighter physicals.
  • Financing: Historical expenditures for the services in FY 2025-2026 were approximately $144,000. The current budget for the HR professional medicine account is $63,000, with a total budget request for the relevant line items of $186,900 and current allocated funding at $125,000. Director Russell stated there was no anticipated shortfall.
  • Firefighter Coverage: The city employs 170 firefighters and 59 fire captains and lieutenants. Annual physicals mandated by NFPA standards are a primary cost driver, conducted over a three-month period to manage operational impact. Concentra has 11 locations in Connecticut, including one in Stamford. Volunteer firefighters, while held to the same physical standards, are not covered under this contract and manage their own costs.
  • Police Department: Occupational health services for the police department, including steroid testing for recertification, are managed separately through Greenwich Occupational Health (Yale New Haven Health), a contract handled by the HR liaison for the police department.
  • Contract Term and Extensions: Representative de la Cruz raised concerns about the five-year potential duration (three years plus two one-year extensions) without requiring further BOR approval. Attorney Liz Turner clarified that extensions would only require a return to the Board of Representatives if they caused the contract value to exceed $100,000, as stipulated by the city charter.
  • Safeguards and Employee Options: Vice Chair Pavia asked about safeguards against false positive drug tests and the termination for convenience clause. Director Russell noted the fire contract includes a detailed City of Stamford Drug and Alcohol Policy appendix outlining procedures for various violation categories. Representative Pollack asked if employees could use a third-party vendor for drug tests at their own expense; Director Russell confirmed employees are required to use the city's vendor to ensure results are received and this alternative is not offered. Representative Hill confirmed drug testing occurs annually.
  • Contract Negotiations: Representative Hill inquired about exceptions requested by Concentra in the contract. Attorney Turner confirmed that while Concentra initially requested the removal of the city's standard indemnification language, the final contract contains the city's standard, broad indemnification clause favorable to the city.

Key Outcomes

• Vote: The committee voted unanimously to approve Item P32.016, the agreement with Concentra for occupational health and random drug testing. The motion passed by a voice vote of 7-0-0, with Chair Weinberg, Vice Chair Pavia, and Representatives de la Cruz, Gross, Hill, Pollack, and Salas voting in favor.