Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 6e. Appointed Official Compensation (City Attorney) Item 6e Department: Human Resources Cost Center: 2007 For Agenda of: 4/2/2024 Placement: Consent Estimated Time: N/A FROM: Mayor Erica A. Stewart Prepared By: Nickole Domini, Director of Human Resources SUBJECT: APPOINTED OFFICIAL COMPENSATION RECOMMENDATION 1. Adopt a Draft Resolution entitled, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of San Luis Obispo, California, amending a Contract of Employment for City Attorney,” approving an amendment to the City Attorney’s employment contract ; and 2. Authorize the Mayor to execute the amended contract of employment with the City Attorney adjusting her salary. POLICY CONTEXT The official City Attorney’s evaluation was conducted in accordance with the Appointed Officials Evaluations Guide. The recommendations in this report are co nsistent with the Council’s adopted Compensation Philosophy. DISCUSSION Background In 1999, the Council implemented a structured annual evaluation process to formally review the performance of its two appointed officials, the City Manager and City Attorney. The process is facilitated by a consultant who collects Council input on appointed officials’ performance and their progress achieving Council adopted goals, typically in March or April of each year. This process also includes review and consideration of changes to the appointed officials’ compensation and benefits. The Council met with a consultant in closed session on February 29, 2024, to discuss the City Attorney’s official performance. Due to City Manager Johnson’s resignation, the Council evaluated only City Attorney Christine Dietrick. The Council concluded that the City Attorney had met or exceeded performance expectations in all categories, accomplished the 2023-24 goals provided by the Council, and was eligible for a compensation review. Upon examination of the compensation review, the City Attorney’s current effective salary is approximately one (1%) percent below the median of the Page 63 of 596 Item 6e comparison agencies. The Council further evaluated the City Attorney’s compensation, carefully weighing the extraordinary wisdom and guidance City Attorney Dietrick provides the organization, the skills necessary to navigate complex issues facing the City, and the willingness to play a pivotable role in the successful transition and onboarding of the new City Manager. Ultimately, the Council recommended a five (5%) percent salary increase for the City Attorney effective the first pay period in April 2024, in an effort to pay the City Attorney competitively with the market in accordance with Council adopted Compensation Philosophy. Public Engagement Compensation for the City Attorney official in comparison agencies was considered by Council. No other public engagement was conducted as the City Attorney is appointed and serve at the will of the Council. CONCURRENCE No other departments were asked to review this report as the appointed official s’ evaluations and compensation are the authority of the Council. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW The California Environmental Quality Act does not apply to the recommended action in this report, because the action does not constitute a “Project” under CEQA Guidelines Sec. 15378. FISCAL IMPACT Budgeted: Yes Budget Year: 2024-25 Funding Identified: Yes, a contingency fund exists for negotiated increases. Fiscal Analysis: Funding Sources Total Budget Available Current Funding Request Remaining Balance Annual Ongoing Cost General Fund $ $2,645 $ $13,754 State Federal Fees Other: Total $ $2,645 $ $13,754 Providing increases to the City Attorney the first full pay period in April 2024 will result in approximately $2,645 funding needed through the end of the fiscal year, and $13,754 annually ongoing. There is enough funding in existing resources to cover these increases. Page 64 of 596 Item 6e ALTERNATIVES Renegotiate adjustments to the City Attorney compensation based on new or different information. This alternative is not recommended because this process represents a good faith negotiation between the appointed official and the Council. ATTACHMENTS A - Draft Resolution amending the City Attorney’s Employment Contract B - Amended Contract of Employment with the City Attorney Page 65 of 596 Page 66 of 596 R ______ RESOLUTION NO. _____ (2024 SERIES) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING A CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT FOR CITY ATTORNEY WHEREAS, on January 2, 2010, the City Council approved a contract of employment appointing Christine Dietrick to the position of City Attorney; and WHEREAS, the City Council conducted a performance evaluation of this appointed official on February 29, 2024, in accordance with the Appointed Officials’ Performance Process as modified in December of 2011. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of San Luis Obispo as follows: SECTION 1. The City Council hereby approves the amended contract of employment attached hereto as Exhibit A. Page 67 of 596 Resolution No. _____ (2024 Series) Page 2 R ______ SECTION 2. The City Council shall evaluate the performance of the City Attorney annually. Upon motion of Council Member ___________, seconded by Council Member ___________, and on the following roll call vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: The foregoing resolution was adopted this _______ day of ___________ 2024. ___________________________ Mayor Erica A. Stewart ATTEST: ______________________ Teresa Purrington City Clerk APPROVED AS TO FORM: ______________________ Markie Kersten Assistant City Attorney IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the City of San Luis Obispo, California, on ______________________. ___________________________ Teresa Purrington City Clerk Page 68 of 596 Exhibit A AMENDED CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT WITH J. CHRISTINE DIETRICK CITY ATTORNEY THIS CONTRACT is amended this 2nd day of April 2024 by and between the CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO, a municipal corporation and charter city (hereinafter referred to as "CITY"), and J. CHRISTINE DIETRICK, a contract employee (hereinafter referred to as "CHRISTINE DIETRICK"); WITNESSETH: WHEREAS, Charter Section 701 provides that the SAN LUIS OBISPO CITY COUNCIL (hereinafter referred to as "COUNCIL") is responsible for the appointment and removal of the CITY ATTORNEY, and WHEREAS, the COUNCIL, on behalf of the CITY acknowledges and accepts the responsibility for supervision of the CITY ATTORNEY; and WHEREAS, the COUNCIL is desirous of appointing a CITY ATTORNEY and wishes to set the terms and conditions of said employment; and WHEREAS, CHRISTINE DIETRICK desires to continue in her position of CITY ATTORNEY consistent with certain terms and conditions of said employment, as set forth in this CONTRACT. NOW, THEREFORE, the parties do mutually agree as follows: Section 1. Effective Date. A. The appointment of CHRISTINE DIETRICK is effective January 1, 2010. B. Nothing in this Contract shall prevent, limit, or otherwise interfere with the right of the COUNCIL to terminate the services of CHRISTINE DIETRICK at any time, subject only to San Luis Obispo CITY Charter Section 709 and the provisions set forth in Section 12 of this Contract. C. Nothing in this Contract shall prevent, limit or otherwise interfere with the right of CHRISTINE DIETRICK to resign at any time from her position with the CITY, subject only to the provision set forth in Section 13 of this Contract. Section 2. Duties and Salary. A. CITY agrees to employ CHRISTINE DIETRICK as full-time CITY ATTORNEY of the City to perform the functions and duties specified in the Charter and Municipal Code and to perform such other legally permissible and proper duties and functions as the COUNCIL may from time to time assign. Page 69 of 596 B. COUNCIL agrees to pay CHRISTINE DIETRICK, for her services rendered pursuant hereto, an annual base salary of $288,392 payable in installments at the same time as the other management employees of the CITY are paid. In addition, COUNCIL agrees to increase said base salary by the cost-of-living adjustment approved by the COUNCIL for all CITY management employees under any successor Management Compensation Resolutions. Section 3. Benefits. In addition to the salary set forth in Section 2 of this CONTRACT, CHRISTINE DIETRICK shall be entitled to a car allowance of $250 per month, a City contribution of 5.0% of salary to a 401(a) supplemental retirement plan, the ability to cash out up to three weeks' vacation once during the calendar year, upon CHRISTINE DIETRICK'S request, and the same benefits as those offered by the CITY to the CITY ATTORNEY, in accordance with the Management Compensation Resolution, Resolution No. 11316 (2022 Series) and any successors. Section 4. Performance Evaluation. A. By April 30, 2010, COUNCIL and CHRISTINE DIETRICK shall establish mutually agreeable written goals, performance objectives, and priorities for the performance period ending March 30, 2011. Further, Council shall conduct an "interim" evaluation by October 29, 2010. An annual formal Council evaluation will be conducted in March of 2011 in accordance with the City's Appointed Official Evaluation Process. Consistent with the schedule outlined above, based on the Appointed Officials Evaluation Process, and subject to performance as assessed by the COUNCIL, the CITY ATTORNEY compensation shall be reviewed by COUNCIL in April 2011 consistent with the Management Pay-for- Performance System in place at that time. B. Each calendar year thereafter, COUNCIL shall review and evaluate the performance and compensation of CHRISTINE DIETRICK in accordance with the adopted Appointed Officials Evaluation Process, best management practices, and informed by comparison agency data. Section 5. Outside Activities, Conduct and Behavior. A. CHRISTINE DIETRICK shall not engage in teaching, consulting or other non -CITY connected business without the prior approval of COUNCIL. B. CHRISTINE DIETRICK shall comply with all local and state requirements regarding conflicts-of-interest. Section 6. Dues and Subscriptions. COUNCIL agrees to budget for and to pay for professional dues and subscriptions of CHRISTINE DIETRICK necessary for her continuation and full participation in national, regional, state, and local associations, and organizations necessary and desirable for her continued professional participation, growth, and advancement, and for the good of the CITY. Page 70 of 596 Section 7. Professional Development. A. COUNCIL hereby agrees to budget for and to pay for travel and subsistence expenses of CHRISTINE DIETRICK for professional and official travel, meetings, and occasions adequate to continue the professional development of CHRISTINE DIETRICK and to adequately pursue necessary official functions for the CITY, including but not limited to the League of California Cities Annual Conference, League of California Cities City Attorneys Department Conference, the Straus Institute for Mediation at Pepperdine University, and such other national, regional, state, and local governmental organizations, groups and/or committees. B. COUNCIL also agrees to budget for and to pay for travel and subsistence expenses of CHRISTINE DIETRICK for short courses, institutes, and seminars that are necessary for her professional development and for the good of the CITY. C. Other professional development may be agreed upon from time to time between the COUNCIL and CHRISTINE DIETRICK. Section 8. General Expenses. COUNCIL recognizes that certain expenses of a non-personal and job- affiliated nature are incurred by the CITY ATTORNEY, and hereby agrees to authorize the Finance Director to reimburse or to pay said general and reasonable expenses, consistent with CITY policies, upon receipt of duly executed expense or petty cash vouchers, receipts, statements, or personal affidavits. Section 9. Indemnification. In addition to that required under state and local law, CITY shall defend, save harmless, and indemnify CHRISTINE DIETRICK against any claims, demands, causes of actions, losses, damages, expenses (including but not limited to attorney's fees as may be authorized against public entities or officers consistent with state law) or liability of any kind whether stated in or arising from tort, professional liability or any other legal action or equitable theory, whether groundless or otherwise arising out of an alleged act or omission occurring in the performance of CHRISTINE DIETRICK'S duties as CITY ATTORNEY to the fullest extent permitted by law. CITY may compromise and settle any such claim or suit and shall pay the amount of any settlement or judgment rendered thereon. Section 10. Other Terms and Conditions of Employment. The COUNCIL, in consultation with CHRISTINE DIETRICK, shall fix any such other terms and conditions of employment, as it may determine from time to time, relating to the performance of CHRISTINE DIETRICK, provided such terms and conditions are not inconsistent with or in conflict with the provisions of this CONTRACT, the CITY Charter or any other law. Section 11. No Reduction of Pay and/or Benefits. Page 71 of 596 COUNCIL shall not at any time during the term of this CONTRACT, reduce the salary, compensation or other financial benefits of CHRISTINE DIETRICK, except to the degree of such a reduction across-the-board for all employees of the CITY or CHRISTINE DIETRICK provides written consent to the reduction. Section 12. Termination and Severance Pay. A. In the event CHRISTINE DIETRICK'S employment is terminated by the COUNCIL, or she resigns at the request of a majority of the COUNCIL during such time that she is otherwise willing and able to perform the duties of CITY ATTORNEY, the COUNCIL agrees to pay her a lump sum cash payment equal to nine (9) months compensation (salary and all appointed officials fringe benefits). Additionally, CITY shall extend to CHRISTINE DIETRICK the right to continue and purchase at her expense health insurance pursuant to the terms and condition of the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986 (COBRA) or any successor legal requirement. CHRISTINE DIETRICK is the CITY ATTORNEY for the purposes of the benefits under the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority of which the CITY is a member. Any associated severance benefit as a result of termination shall be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority's Memorandum of Liability Coverage in effect at the time of termination. B. In the event that CHRISTINE DIETRICK is terminated for "good cause" the COUNCIL shall have no obligation to pay the lump sum severance payment mentioned above. For the purpose of this CONTRACT, "good cause" shall mean any of the following: 1) Malfeasance, dishonesty for personal gain, willful violation of law, corrupt misconduct, or conviction of any felony. 2) Conviction of a misdemeanor arising directly out of CHRISTINE DIETRICK's duties pursuant to this Agreement. 3) Willful abandonment of duties outlined in this Agreement. "Good cause" shall not mean a mere loss of support or confidence by a majority of the COUNCIL. C. Any termination of employment shall be done consistent with limitations established in the City Charter Section 709. Additionally, the CITY shall provide a minimum of 30 days prior written notice to CHRISTINE DIETRICK of the intent to terminate this Agreement. Section 13. Resignation. In the event CHRISTINE DIETRICK voluntarily resigns her position with the CITY, she shall give the COUNCIL at least two (2) months advance written notice. Section 14. General Provisions. A. The text herein shall constitute the entire CONTRACT between the parties. Page 72 of 596 B. This CONTRACT shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the heirs at law and executors of the parties. C. It is the intent of the COUNCIL that this CONTRACT and the appointment of CHRISTINE DIETRICK as CITY ATTORNEY are in accordance with the requirements and provisions of the Charter. Wherever possible, the provisions of this CONTRACT shall be construed in a manner consistent with the Charter. If any provision of this CONTRACT conflicts with the Charter, the Charter shall control. D. If any provision, or any portion thereof, contained in this CONTRACT is held unconstitutional, invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this CONTRACT, or portion thereof, shall be deemed severable, shall not be affected, and shall remain in full force and effect. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, CITY and EMPLOYEE have executed this Contract on the day and year first set forth above. _____________________________ _______________ J. CHRISTINE DIETRICK DATE ____________________________ ________________ MAYOR ERICA A. STEWART DATE ATTEST: ____________________________ ________________ TERESA PURRINGTON DATE CITY CLERK APPROVED AS TO FORM: ____________________________ MARKIE KERSTEN ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY Page 73 of 596 Page 74 of 596