HomeMy WebLinkAboutR-11002 AMENDING A CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT FOR CITY MANAGERRESOLUTION NO. 11002 (2019 SERIES)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS
OBISPO, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING A CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT
FOR CITY MANAGER
WHEREAS, on September 29, 2017 the City Council approved a contract of employment
appointing Derek Johnson to the position of City Manager; and
WHEREAS, the City Council conducted performance evaluations of this appointed
official on March 7, 2019, 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.
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Resolution No. 11002 (2019 Series)
Page 2
SECTION 2. The City Council shall evaluate the performance of the City Manager
annually.
Upon motion of Council Member Christianson, seconded by Vice Mayor Pease, and on the
following roll call vote:
AYES: Council Members Christianson, Gomez, and Stewart,
Vice Mayor Pease and Mayor Harmon
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
The foregoing resolution was adopted this 16th day of April 2019.
ATTEST:
Teresa Purrington
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
hristine Dietric
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 Apr; 2019.
eresa Purrington
City Clerk
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EXHIBIT A
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AMENDED CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT WITH DEREK J. JOHNSON
CITY MANAGER
THIS CONTRACT is entered into as of this April 16, 2019 by and between the
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO, State of California (hereinafter referred to as "CITY"), and
DEREK J. JOHNSON, a contract employee (hereinafter referred to as " DEREK J.
JOHNSON”);
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, Charter Section 703 provides that the SAN LUIS OBISPO CITY
COUNCIL (hereinafter referred to as “COUNCIL”) is responsible for the appointment and
removal of the CITY MANAGER, and
WHEREAS, the COUNCIL, on behalf of the CITY acknowledges and accepts the
responsibility for supervision of the CITY MANAGER; and
WHEREAS, the COUNCIL wishes to appoint a CITY MANAGER and to set the
terms and conditions of said employment; and
WHEREAS, DEREK J. JOHNSON desires to accept the position of CITY
MANAGER 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 DEREK J. JOHNSON is effective September 29, 2017.
B. Nothing in this Contract shall prevent, limit or otherwise interfere with the
right of the COUNCIL to terminate the services of DEREK J. JOHNSON 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 DEREK J. JOHNSON to resign at any time from his 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 DEREK J. JOHNSON as full-time City Manager 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.
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EXHIBIT A
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B. It is recognized DEREK J. JOHNSON is an exempt employee but is
expected to engage in those hours of work that are necessary to fulfill the obligations of
the City Manager’s position. The parties acknowledge DEREK J. JOHNSON will not
regularly participate in a formal 9-80 work schedule as is provided to department heads
and certain other City employees as part of the City’s Trip Reduction Incentive
Program. However, DEREK J. JOHNSON is authorized, with appropriate notification to
Council, to from time to time modify his regular work schedule in order to take time off
with pay while ensuring appropriate coverage of his duties as City Manager. Leave
pursuant to this provision shall not be used in lieu of vacation or administrative leave.
C. COUNCIL agrees to pay DEREK J. JOHNSON, for his services rendered
pursuant hereto, a starting annual base salary of $ 218,374 effective the second full pay
period in April 2019 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.
A. In addition to the salary set forth in Section 2 of this CONTRACT, DEREK J.
JOHNSON shall be entitled to a car allowance of $450 per month, a City contribution of
3.5% of salary to a 401 (a) supplemental retirement plan, decreasing to 2.5% of salary
effective in August 2018, the ability to cash out up to three weeks’ vacation at the end of
each fiscal year or upon reaching the vacation accrual cap during the year, upon the request
of DEREK J. JOHNSON, and the same benefits as those offered by the CITY to the CITY
MANAGER, in accordance with the Resolution 10922 (2018 Series), Resolution 8661
(1997 series) and any successors. A one-time cash out of 107 hours of accrued vacation
effective the first full pay period of April 2019 in recognition of JOHNSON’S commitment
and leadership and limited ability to use vacation during 2018-19.
Section 4. Performance Evaluation.
A. Upon appointment to the position of City Manager DEREK J. JOHNSON
will assume the goals established by Council for the former City Manager until such time
as DEREK J. JOHNSON and Council mutually agree on new goals. On or before January
31, 2018, Council will provide feedback to DEREK J. JOHNSON on performance to goals
and expectations. Further, Council shall conduct an “interim” evaluation by March 30,
2018. An annual formal Council evaluation will be conducted in March of 2019 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 MANAGER compensation shall
be reviewed by COUNCIL no later than April 2019.
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EXHIBIT A
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B. Each calendar year thereafter, COUNCIL shall review and evaluate the
performance and compensation of DEREK J. JOHNSON 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. DEREK J. JOHNSON shall not engage in teaching, consulting or other non-
CITY connected business without the prior approval of COUNCIL.
B. DEREK J. JOHNSON 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 DEREK J. JOHNSON necessary for his continuation and full participation in national,
regional, state, and local associations, and organizations necessary and desirable for his
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 DEREK J. JOHNSON for professional and official travel, meetings, and
occasions adequate to continue the professional development of DEREK J. JOHNSON and
to adequately pursue necessary official functions for the CITY, including but not limited
to the League of California Cities meetings and conferences, International City/County
Managers’ Association 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 DEREK J. JOHNSON for short courses, institutes, and seminars that are
necessary for his 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 DEREK J. JOHNSON.
Section 8. General Expenses.
COUNCIL recognizes that certain expenses of a non-personal and job-affiliated
nature are incurred by the CITY MANAGER, 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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EXHIBIT A
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Section 9. Indemnification.
In addition to that required under state and local law, CITY shall defend, save
harmless, and indemnify DEREK J. JOHNSON 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 DEREK J. JOHNSON’s duties as CITY
MANAGER 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 DEREK J. JOHNSON, shall fix any such
other terms and conditions of employment, as it may determine from time to time, relating
to the performance of DEREK J. JOHNSON, 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 DEREK J. JOHNSON, except to the
degree of such a reduction across-the-board for all employees of the CITY or DEREK J.
JOHNSON provides written consent to the reduction.
Section 12. Termination and Severance Pay.
A. In the event DEREK J. JOHNSON’s employment is terminated by the
COUNCIL without cause, or he resigns at the request of a majority of the COUNCIL during
such time that he is otherwise willing and able to perform the duties of CITY MANAGER,
and if DEREK J. JOHNSON signs, delivers to the City Council, and does not revoke, the
General Release Agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, the COUNCIL agrees
to pay him a lump sum cash payment equal to six (6) months compensation. For the
purposes of this clause “compensation” shall include base salary, car allowance, City
contribution to deferred compensation, and City contribution to health insurance at time of
separation as well as cash out of accrued Administrative Leave and cash out of a portion
of accrued sick leave as if CITY MANAGER was retiring as provided in the Management
Compensation Resolution 10785 (2017 Series) and any successors.
B. In the event that DEREK J. JOHNSON 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:
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EXHIBIT A
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(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 DEREK J. JOHNSON’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 DEREK J. JOHNSON of the intent to terminate
this Agreement.
D. In the event the CITY terminates the CITY MANAGER for any reason or no
reason, the CITY and the CITY MANAGER agree that no member of the COUNCIL, the
City Management staff, nor the CITY MANAGER, shall make any written, oral or
electronic statement to any member of the public, the press, or any city employee
concerning the CITY MANAGER’S termination except in the form of a joint press release
or statement, the content of which is mutually agreeable to the City and the CITY
MANAGER. The joint press release or statement shall not contain any text or information
that is disparaging to either party. Either party may verbally repeat the substance of the
joint press release or statement in response to an inquiry. Nothing herein shall be construed
to prevent the City from referring to or responding to inquiries about third party or outside
agency investigations or actions pertaining to the official performance of the CITY
MANAGER.
Section 13. Resignation.
In the event DEREK J. JOHNSON voluntarily resigns his position with the CITY,
he shall give the COUNCIL at least 45 days 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 DEREK J. JOHNSON as CITY MANAGER 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.
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EXHIBIT A
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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.
_____________________________ _______________
DEREK J. JOHNSON DATE
_____________________________ _______________
HEIDI HARMON, MAYOR DATE
ATTEST:
_____________________________ _______________
TERESA PURRINGTON DATE
CITY CLERK
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
__________________________________
J. CHRISTINE DIETRICK
CITY ATTORNEY