HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-16-2017 Item 14 Appointed officials’ compensation Meeting Date: 5/16/2017
FROM: Mayor Heidi Harmon
Prepared By: Monica Irons, Director of Human Resources
Nickole Sutter, Human Resources Analyst II
SUBJECT: APPOINTED OFFICIALS’ COMPENSATION
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt a resolution approving and authorizing the Mayor to execute an amendment to the City
Attorney’s contract of employment which includes the right for City Attorney to cash out three
weeks of accrued vacation at the end of every fiscal year.
Background
In 1999 Council began following a structured process to annually evaluate the job performance
of its two appointed officials, the City Manager and City Attorney. The process is facilitated by
a consultant who collects input on the appointed officials’ performance in the areas of Council –
City Manager or Council-City Attorney relationship, legal advocacy (City Attorney only),
leadership, community relations, financial management (City Manager only), and progress to
major goals. The consultant summarizes input for Council from the appointed officials’ direct
reports and peers. The consultant then interviews each Council member and drafts the
performance evaluation documents prior to meeting with Council as a whole to finalize. Council
also reviews and approves goals for each appointed official during this annual process.
Appointed Officials’ goals are linked to Major City Goals established by Council as part of the
City’s comprehensive financial planning process. The overall process takes approximately eight
to twelve weeks to complete and provides appointed officials with comprehensive constructive
feedback and Council approved goals against which the next year’s performance is evaluated.
2017 Compensation Considerations
Council met with the consultant in closed session on April 10, 2017 to discuss the appointed
officials’ performance. Council concluded that the appointed officials had met or exceeded
performance expectation and accomplished the 2016-17 goals provided by Council. The City
Manager did not request any modifications to her employment contract. The Council
unanimously approved to amend the City Attorney’s contract authorizing up to three weeks of
vacation to be cashed out at the end of every fiscal year at the City Attorney’s request. The City
experienced unanticipated legal issues this last year, which required the City Attorney’s
attention. These demands resulted in an inability of the City Attorney to take accrued vacation.
While Council expressed their desire for the City Attorney to take accrued vacation, they were
open to allowing the cash out option to recognize the City Attorney’s commitment to the City
and the workload issues resulting in the accrual of unused vacation time.
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FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact. Vacation cash outs are not pensionable and increasing the amount of
accrued vacation the City Attorney may cash out will potentially reduce the City’s liability, as no
salary increase is requested and, thus, vacation cashed out at the City Attorney’s current rate of
pay may be lower than if it occurred later in the City Attorney’s career.
Attachments:
a - City Attorney Resolution
b - City Attorney Employment Contract - Legislative Draft
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R ______
RESOLUTION NO. _____ (2017 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 performance evaluations of this appointed
official on April 10, 2017, in accordance with th e 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 and authorizes the Mayor to execute the
amended contract of employment attached hereto as Exhibit A.
SECTION 2. The City Council shall evaluate the performance of the City Attorney
annually.
Upon motion of _______________________, seconded by _______________________,
and on the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
The foregoing resolution was adopted this 16th day of May, 2017.
____________________________________
Mayor Heidi Harmon
ATTEST:
____________________________________
Carrie Gallagher
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
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Resolution No. _____ (2017 Series) Page 2
R ______
_____________________________________
Jon Ansolabehere
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, this ______ day of ______________, _________.
____________________________________
Carrie Gallagher
City Clerk
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AMENDED CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT WITH J. CHRISTINE DIETRICK
CITY ATTORNEY
THIS CONTRACT is amended this 169th day of May, 20175 by and
between the CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO, State of Californiaa 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 accept thecontinue 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.
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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.
B. COUNCIL agrees to pay CHRISTINE DIETRICK, for her services
rendered pursuant hereto, an annual base salary of $194,84487,256 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 the Management Compensation Resolutions
(Resolution No. 10036 (2008 Series) and any successors.
C. Notwithstanding Section 2(B), CHRISTINE DIETRICK agrees that
she will not receive any across the board salary increases (e.g. “cost of living”
increases) from January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2013 pursuant to the
Reduction in Management Compensation Resolution, Resolution No. 3015 (2011
Series).
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 3.5% of salary to a 401(a) supplemental retirement plan ,
ability to cash out up to three weeks’ vacation at the end of each fiscal 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. 10785 (2017 Series). Reduction in
Management Compensation Resolution, Resolution No. 10315 (2011 Series) and
all other benefits afforded Management Employees not in conflict with this
Employment Contract pursuant to the Management Compensation Resolution,
Resolution No. 10488 (2014 Series).
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
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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.
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, 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.
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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 provi sions of this
CONTRACT, the CITY Charter or any other law.
Section 11. No Reduction of Pay and/or Benefits.
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. Notwithstanding the above, CHRISTINE DIETRICK expressly agrees
to the reduction of compensation, salary, and financial benefits as set forth in the
Reduction in Management Compensation Resolution (Resolution No. 10315
(2011 Series).
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
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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.
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
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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
_____________________________ ________________
JAN MARXHEIDI HARMON, MAYOR DATE
ATTEST:
____________________________ ________________
ANTHONY MEJIACARRIE GALLAGHER DATE
CITY CLERK
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
__________________________________
JON ANSOLABEHERE
ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY
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5/17/2017
3J3 hAppointed Officials' Compensation
I
i
Nickole Sutter, Human Resources Analyst II
May 16, 2017
� e • m mend at i • . rCCtS Up
■ Adopt a resolution approving amendment to the City
Attorney's contract.
■ Authorize the Mayor to execute amended contract of
employment with the City Attorney which will
authorize the City Attorney to opt for up to three
weeks of accrued vacation to be cashed out at the
end of every fiscal year.
Background
Council reviews performance, establishes goals, and
considers compensation adjustments for the City
Manager and City Attorney annually
■ Process is facilitated by a consultant
■ Independent perspective
■ Constructive input from direct reports, peers, and Council
■ Appointed officials' goals are aligned with Council's
Major City Goals and in turn are the basis for
department head and manager's goals
Compensation Consideration
Authorize the City Attorney up to three weeks of
vacation to be cashed out at the end of every fiscal
year at the City Attorney's request
C,
5/17/2017
5/17/2017
Questions
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