CITY COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM

vertical_CityOfLawrence-7

 

Department:

City Attorney’s Office

Commission Meeting Date:  April 22, 2019

Staff Contact:

Toni R. Wheeler, City Attorney

Recommendations/Options/Action Requested:

 

Authorize the Mayor to execute an Employment Agreement with the City’s next City Manager, if appropriate. The identity of the City Manager will be announced at a Special Meeting of the City Commission on Monday, April 22, 2019, at 2:00 p.m.  

 

Executive Summary:

Attached please find the proposed Employment Agreement for the incoming City Manager (Manager). The Agreement is redacted to reserve the release of the identity of the City Manager until the Commission’s public announcement on Monday, April 22.  The Agreement provides the following notable terms:

 

·         An annual base salary of $200,000.00;

·         An annual automobile allowance of $7,800.00;

·         A deferred compensation contribution on behalf of the Manager in an annual amount equal to Fifteen Percent (15%) of the Manager’s then-current Annual Base Salary.

·         Reimbursement for moving-related expenses, not to exceed $30,000;

·         A credit of 100 hours of vacation leave (12.5 days) and 48 hours of sick leave (6 days) upon commencement of employment, after which the Manager may accrue vacation at the rate of five weeks per year.  The City Manager will accrue sick leave at the same rate available to other City employees;

·         Fringe benefits available to other City employees;

·         Severance Pay, including a lump sum cash payment equal to the sum of (a) nine months of the Manager’s Annual Base Salary, (b) nine months of the City Contribution to Deferred Compensation, and (c) nine months of the COBRA payments for the Manager’s elected healthcare coverage under the City employee healthcare plan together with a payment for all accrued vacation and other benefits available to other City employees at the time of separation, less any taxes or other withholdings required by law;

·         A provision that the Manager agrees to obtain residency within the City limits within six months of the effective date of the Agreement and to continue residency within the City limits during the term of the Agreement; and

·         A statement that the Manager shall serve at the will and pleasure of the City Commission and may be terminated at any time, with or without cause.

If the Agreement is approved by the City Commission, the incoming Manager anticipates beginning employment with the City on July 1, 2019.

Strategic Plan Critical Success Factor

Effective Governance/Professional Administration

Fiscal Impact (Amount/Source):

The City will be responsible for the salary and fringe benefits set forth above.

Attachments:

Employment Agreement (redacted to reserve the release of the identity of the City Manager)