HomeMy WebLinkAboutR-10799 - Amending a contract of employment for City AttorneyRESOLUTION NO. 10799 (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 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 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 Vice Mayor Rivoire, seconded by Council Member Gomez, and on the following
roll call vote:
AYES: Council Members Christianson, Gomez, and Pease
Vice Mayor Rivoire and Mayor Harmon
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
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Resolution No. 10799 (2017 Series) Page 2
The foregoing resolution was adopted this 16`" day of May, 2017.
M or eidi Harman
ATTEST:
Carrie Gallagher
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the City
of San Luis Obispo, California, this �k day of 22017.
Carrie Gallagher
City Clerk
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Resolution No. 10799 (2017 Series)
EXHIBIT A
Page 3
AMENDED CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT WITH J. CHRISTINE DIETRICK
CITY ATTORNEY
THIS CONTRACT is amended this 16th day of May, 2017 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.
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Resolution No. 10799 (2017 Series)
EXHIBIT A
Section 2. Duties and Salary.
Page 4
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 $194,844 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 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).
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.
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Resolution No. 10799 (2017 Series) Page 5
EXHIBIT A
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.
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.
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Resolution No. 10799 (2017 Series)
EXHIBIT A
Section 9. Indemnification.
Page 6
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.
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.
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Resolution No. 10799 (2017 Series) Page 7
EXHIBIT A
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
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.
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Resolution No. 10799 (2017 Series)
EXHIBIT A
Page 8
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, CITY and EMPLOYEE have executed this
ct on the an year first set forth above.
J.IMRtSTINE DIETRICK
a3/olV 7
DATE
9-"14 may 1-7-
EI❑ HARMO , M OR DAT
ATTEST:
U�Zwa fl&J4,ni.
CARRIE GALLAGHER
CITY CLERK
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
ISOLABEHERE
ANT CITY ATTORNEY
S 2K r -7
DATE
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