was about $ 1,250,000. The average bid item costs were comparable to the engineer’s estimate.
Staff requests authorization for payments to Superior Pavement Markings, LLC, up to $1,252,918.04 (10% above the contract amount) to cover for contingencies such as overages on quantities and additional work requested by the City.
The schedule for this project is as follows:
- Advertise for bids February 12 – March 11, 2026
- Bids due March 11, 2026
- Council approves award of contract May 6, 2026
- Notice to Proceed May 26, 2026
- Start construction May 26, 2026
- Complete construction (40 working days) July 23, 2026
Attachments:
1. Contract with Superior Pavement Markings, LLC
2. Superior Pavement Markings, LLC Submitted Bid
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City of Aliso Viejo
AGENDA ITEM
DATE: May 6, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Scott C. Smith, City Attorney
Council Ad Hoc Committee
SUBJECT: APPOINTMENT OF BRETT CHANNING AS CITY MANAGER AND
APPROVAL OF CITY MANAGER EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
Recommended Actions:
1. That the City Council (“City”) appoint Brett Channing (“Channing”) as Aliso Viejo City Manager;
2. That the City Council approve the City Manager Employment Agreement between the City and Channing memorializing the terms of his employment; and
3. Adopt a Resolution amending the City employee salary schedule to reflect the salary provided in the City Manager Employment Agreement between the City and Channing
Fiscal Impact:
The annual base compensation provided in the City Manager Employment Agreement and benefits are contemplated in the Fiscal Year 25-26 Budget.
Background:
The City Manager position became vacant in December of 2025 with the unexpected passing of City Manager Mitzi Ortiz. The City proceeded using in-house resources to conduct recruitment of a new permanent City Manager. The City Council , through its Ad Hoc Com mittee, conducted a formal and thorough competitive executive recruitment process to select a qualified candidate to fill the position. Through that process, Channing was identified as the candidate most qualified and suited to management of the City.
Brett Channing, an Orange County native, served as the Deputy City Manager for the City of Lake Forest from 2020 through 2023 , and as Assistant City Manager of the City of Corona since May 2023.
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Discussion:
Following the selection of Channing and upon completion of a successful negotiation on terms of employment, the City Council directed staff and the City Attorney to prepare an agreement. The attached City Manager Employment Agreement memorializes the terms for Channing’s employment.
With the Council’s approval of the City Manager Employment Agreement , an update to the Aliso Viejo Employee Salary Schedule is necessary to ensure compliance with CalPERS.
Attachments:
1. City Manager Employment Agreement
2. Resolution
3. Salary Schedule
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CITY MANAGER
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This Employment Agreement (“Agreement”) is made and entered into on May 6, 2026, effective on May 18, 2026 (“Effective Date”), by and between the City of Aliso Viejo, a municipal corporation, hereinafter referred to as “City” and Brett Channing , hereinafter referred to as “Channing.” For purposes of this Agreement, City and Channing may be collectively referred to as the “Parties” or individually as a “Party.”
RECITALS
1. It is the desire of the City Council of the City of Aliso Viejo (hereinafter the “City” ) to employ a new City Manager, which position is prescribed by state law and the City's Municipal Code; and
2. The duties of the City Manager of the City are set forth in full in Title 2, Chapter 2.06 of the Aliso Viejo Municipal Code (“AVMC”), as it may from time to time be amended; and
3. Based on Channing’s executive and leadership qualifications and experience , the City desires to employ Channing as its City Manager; and
4. The City desires to provide certain compensation and benefits, establish certain conditions of employment, and document the terms of Channing’s employment; and
5. Channing desires to accept employment as the City Manager of the City of Aliso Viejo on the terms and conditions provided in this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, IN CONSIDERATION OF PERFORMANCE BY THE
PARTIES OF THE COVENANTS AND CONDITIONS CONTAINED HEREIN, THE PARTIES AGREE AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION I. EMPLOYMENT AND DUTIES
A. City engages Channing as City Manager to perform the functions and duties specified in Title 2 of the AVMC as referred to in Recital 2 above and to perform such other legally permissible and proper duties and functions as the City Council shall from time to time assign. Channing agrees to perform all such functions and duties to the best of his ability and in an efficient, competent, and ethical manner.
B. It is recognized by the Parties that the City Manager position remains an “exempt” classification under the overtime provisions of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”) and Channing shall not be entitled to any compensation for overtime nor subject to such overtime provisions of the FLSA.
SECTION II. TERM AND EXTENSION
A. The Term of this Agreement shall be for thirty-six (36) months ( three (3) years ), from May 18, 2026, through May 17, 2029, unless terminated in accordance with 412
Section III and Chapter 2.06 of the AVMC as codified on the date of termination .
On May 18, 2028, and on each succeeding May 18 while the term of this Agreement is in effect, this Agreement shall be automatically extended for one additional year unless, prior to such date, by a majority vote of the entire City Council in attendance at any lawfully called meeting, the City declares its inte ntion not to extend this Agreement for one additional year. Such decision shall not constitute a termination for purposes of Section III of this Agreement.
B. Nothing in this Agreement shall prevent, limit, or otherwise interfere with the right of the Cit y Council to terminate the services of Channing at any time, with or without cause, subject to the provisions of III of this Agreement, and Chapter 2.06 of the AVMC as codified on the date of termination.
C. Nothing in this Agreement shall prevent, limit or otherwise interfere with the rights of Channing to resign at any time from his position with the City, subject only to the provisions set forth in Section III of this Agreement.
D. Channing agrees to remain in the exclusive employ of the City, and shall not become employed by any other employer, until this Agreement is terminated by the City according to the provisions set forth in Section III, paragraph A, or is terminated by Channing in accordance with Section III, paragraph C.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Channing may be a guest teacher, lecturer, writer, or otherwise perform other vocational interests outside of normal business hours that may occasionally pay a stipend or wage . Such outside activities shall be in accordance with applicable conflict of interest rules and regulations.
SECTION III. TERMINATION AND SEVERANCE PAY
A. Channing shall serve at the will and pleasure of the City Council . The City may terminate this Agreement at any time with or without cause, consistent with the procedures set forth in this Agreement and Chapter 2.06 of the AVMC, as codified on the date of termination . The City ’s right to terminate Channing shall not be subject to or in any way limited by past City practices related to the empl oyment, discipline or termination of the City’s employees. Channing is subject to termination at-will and is not entitled to any process, notice, or cause prior to or after termination. Nothing herein shall be construed to create a property interest, where one does not exist by rule of law in the position of City Manager.
1. Termination for Cause. The City may terminate this Agreement for cause at any time. The term “cause” shall be defined to only include any misconduct materially related to performance of official duties, which may include the following: (1) breach of this Agreement, (2) willful or persistent material breach of duties, (3) résumé fraud or other acts of material dishonesty, (4) unauthorized absence or leave beyond the leave time provided herei n, (5) conviction of a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude as defined by California State Law (i.e., offenses contrary to justice, honesty, or morality), or conviction of a felony, (6) violation of the City’s anti-harassment policies 413
and/or a finding that legally prohibited personal acts of harassment against a City official or employee or legally prohibited personal acts of discrimination against a City official or employee has occurred, (7) purposeful violation of the AVMC, ordinances, rules, and regulations, including, but not limited to , the City’s Rules and Regulations of the Personnel System and Administrative Policies, (8) use or possession of illegal drugs, (9) any illegal or unethical act involving personal gain, (10) demonstrated pattern of repeated, willful and intentional failure to carry out materially significant and legally constituted directions or policy decisions of the City Council majority, and (11) gross misfeasance or gross malfeasance. The City may, in its discretion, place Channing on paid or unpaid administrative leave until resolution of any criminal charges (excluding minor traffic offenses) brought against Channing. If the City terminates for cause this Agreement and the services of Channing hereunder, the City shall have no obligation to pay Channing any severance.
2. Termination by City Without Cause. City may terminate this Agreement without cause pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 2.06 of the AVMC, as codified on the date of termination and applicable State law.
B. In accordance with Section III, paragraph A.2 above, upon termination by the City without cause , and upon Channing signing a general waiver and release of all claims related to or arising out of his employment with the City, Channing shall be entitled to a lump sum cash payment equal to six (6) months’ of annual base salary and six (6) months’ city-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage at the COBRA rate unless he finds other employment sooner than six (6) months . Channing shall be required to pay the invo ice for the medical, dental and vision coverage and submit the receipt to the City for reimbursement. T his severance provision is required to comply with Government Code section 53260 et seq., and therefore, as a limitation, the maximum cash settlement that Channing may receive as severance shall be an amount equal to the monthly base salary multiplied by the number of months left on the unexpired term of the Agreement and continuation of health benefits for the same period as the severance period. I n the e vent Channing is terminated because of his conviction of any illegal act involving personal gain or is convicted of any felony or any misdemeanor involving moral turpitude (as defined by California State Law), then the City shall have no obligation to pay the aggregate severance sum designated in this paragraph or to provide benefits , nor will the City’s decision to terminate be subject to the notice or time limits in Chapter 2.06 of the AVMC. Channing shall be paid for all accrued base salary, unused annual leave balances , and any other benefits in accordance with the City’s policies, including, without limitation, the Employee Handbook/Personnel Policies & Procedures (“Employee Handbook”).
C. If Channing desires to resign his position with the City, he will provide the City with at least thirty (30) days written notice. In the event Channing resigns his employment with the City, Channing shall not be entitled to any severance pay except as specified in Section III, paragraph D below. However, Channing shall be 414
paid for all accrued and unused annual leave balances.
D. In the event at any time during the employment term the City (1) reduces the salary or other financial benefits of Channing in a greater percentage than an applicable across-the-board reduction for a ll City employees, (2) refuses, following written notice to comply with any other provision of this Agreement or Chapter 2.06 of the AVMC benefiting Channing, or (3) requests the resignation of Channing and Channing resigns due to that request, Channing will be deemed “terminated” and be eligible for the severance pay provision of this contract.
E. Pursuant to Government Code section 53243 et seq. which became effective on January 1, 2012, if Channing is convicted of a crime involving an abuse of his office or position, all of the following shall apply: (1) if Channing is provided with administrative leave pay pending an investigation, Channing shall be required to fully reimburse such amounts paid; (2) if City pays for the criminal legal defense of Channing (which would be in its sole discretion, as it is generally not obligated to pay for a criminal defense), Channing shall be required to fully reimburse such amounts paid; and (3) if this Agreement is terminated, any cash settlement related to the termination that Channing may receive from City shall be fully reimbursed to City. For this Section, abuse of office or position means either: (1) an abuse of public authority, including waste, fraud, and violation of the law under color of authority; or (2) a crime against public justice, including a crime described in Title 7, commencing with section 92, of the Penal Code.
F. If, during the Term or any extended Term, Channing dies, Channing’s heirs or estate shall receive his accrued salary and accrued, unused annual leave benefits and shall not be entitled to any severance.
SECTION IV. COMPENSATION
A. City agrees to pay Channing an annual base salary of Three Hundred Forty Thousand Dollars ($340,000.00) payable in installments at the same time as other employees of the City are paid.
B. City agrees it will conduct an annual performance review of Channing between May 1 and June 30 each year, subject to any extension of time by mutual agreement.
The City Council and Channing shall jointly define such goals and performance objectives which they determine necessary for the proper operation of the City in the attainment of the City Council ’s policy objectives, and the City Council and Channing shall establish the relative priority among those various goals and objectives. The prioritized policy objectives shall be reduced to writing, thereby forming the basis of Channing’s annual evaluation. Said goals and objectives shall be obtainable generally within the time limits as specified in the annual operating and capital budgets and appropriations approved by the City Council.
C. City agrees it will conduct an annual salary review in concert with an annual performance review of Channing between May 1 and June 30 of each year, subject 415
to any extension of time by mutual agreement. After a year of continuous employment, City agrees to consider whether to provide Channing with the same cost-of-living adjustment, if any, that is given to other exempt City emp loyees as part of the annual evaluation process.
D. Following the annual performance evaluation and the annual salary review set forth above, the City Council may increase Channing’s base salary and benefits package based on the results of those annual rev iews. Any adjustments in the base salary and/or benefits following the annual performance evaluation shall be at the sole discretion of the City Council.
E. The City Council may also award Channing an annual bonus based on outstanding performance of the goals jointly identified during Channing’s evaluation period.
F. The City shall provide Channing a vehicle for business and personal use, covering all associated costs. Upon the Effective Date, this will be provided from the existing fleet, and Channing sha ll be the sole driver of the vehicle . City agrees to provide Channing with a purchase reimbursement , pursuant to Admin. Policy No. 10, for technology needs for offsite work. Channing will be provided with a City paid cell phone.
G. City agrees to pay for comprehensive medical, optical, dental, life (at the maximum contracted benefit plan amount ), and long-term disability insurance for Channing and his dependents upon the same conditions as other employees generally.
H. City agrees to pay for California Public Employees’ Retirement System (“CalPERS”) on behalf of Channing at the same rate and upon the same conditions as other employees generally, which currently includes City ’s payment of the CalPERS employee contribution. City agrees that Channing qualifies as a “Classic Member” (2% at 55 formula) under CalPERS.
I. Channing shall receive a yearly employer contribution of 3% of base salary from the City, deposited into a City sponsored Deferred Compensation Plan, consistent with the limits, policies and conditions established by the Plan and Federal Tax Laws. This amount will be deposited pro-rata throughout the year at the same time as other regular pay dates.
J. City agrees to budget and to pay professional tuition, dues, subscriptions, registrations, travel, and related expenses of Channing as determined by the City Council necessary for Channing’s full participation in national, regional, state and local, and educational associations, and organizations necessary and desirable for his continued professional participation, growth and advancement and for the good of the City. This may include, but is not limited to, the International City/County Manager’s Association (ICMA), Cal -ICMA, League of California Cities, California City Manageme nt Foundation, and Orange County City Manager’s Association. In addition, City shall reimburse Channing for all actual and necessary expenses incurred by him in the performance of his official duties. 416
SECTION V. LEAVE
A. Channing shall be entitled to accrue two hundred forty (240) hours of annual leave each year beginning on the Effective Date, with a n additional starting balance of fifty (50) hours on the Effective Date . Annual leave is outlined and governed by the Employee Handbook, and Channing shall be placed at the tier for the longest- serving employees (currently 181-240 months).
B. Channing shall be entitled to forty (40) hours of annual administrative leave each year beginning on the Effective Date. The first forty (40) hours will expire on June 30, 2026. Each July 1 of every year, he will receive forty (40) hours of annual administrative leave, which is outlined and governed by the Employee Handbook.
SECTION VI. OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS
A. Section 2.06.040 of the AVMC requires that the City Manager establish residence that is located within the boundaries of Orange County and south of the 55 Freeway, unless the City Council approves their residence elsewhere. Execution of this Agreement shall constitute the City Council’s approval of Channing’s residency within the boundaries of Orange County and south of the 55 Freeway.
B. The City shall fix any other terms and conditions of employment, as it may determine from time to time, relating to performance of Channing, provided such terms and conditions are not inconsistent with or in conflict with the provisions of this Agreement, Chapter 2.06 of the AVMC, or any other applicable laws.
C. All provisions of City ordinances and regulations and rules of City relating to holidays, administrative leave, bereavement leave, retirement programs, FSA, and working conditions as they now exist or hereafter may be amended, also apply to Channing in the same manner as other employees of City in addition to said benefits enumerated specifically for the benefit of Channing, except as herein provided.
SECTION VII. GENERAL PROVISIONS
A. The text herein shall constitute the entire agreement between the Parties.
B. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the heirs at law and executors of Channing.
C. This Agreement may be amended only in writing by mutual agreement of the City and Channing.
D. Should either Party commence any legal action or proceeding against the other based upon this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to an award of reasonable attorneys’ fees
E. City shall indemnify and pay the cost of defending Channing for any tort, professional liability claim, or other legal action, whether groundless or otherwise, 417
arising out of the scope of Channing’s duties.
F. If any provision, or any portion thereof, contained i n this Agreement is held to be unconstitutional, invalid or unenforceable the remainder of this Agreement, or portion thereof, shall be deemed severable, and shall not be affected and shall remain in full force and effect.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the City has caused this Agreement to be signed and executed on its behalf by its Mayor, and approved as to form by its City Attorney, and Channing has signed and executed this Agreement, both in duplicate, as of the date first written above.
City:
By: _________________________________
Max Duncan, Mayor
Channing:
By: _________________________________
Brett Channing
Approved as to Form:
By: _________________________________
Scott C. Smith, City Attorney
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RESOLUTION NO. 2026-
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALISO
VIEJO, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A SALARY SCHEDULE FOR CITY
OF ALISO VIEJO EMPLOYEES
WHEREAS, the City’s Employee Salary Schedule must be updated to memorialize any changes following City Council approval, including the City Manager Employment Agreement on May 6, 2026;
NOW THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALISO VIEJO, CALIFORNIA HEREBY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
The City Council hereby adopts the City Employee Salary Schedule to include the adjusted City Manager salary, effective May 18, 2026.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 6th day of May, 2026.
Max Duncan
Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM: ATTEST:
Scott C. Smith, City Attorney Maria Ruano-Kendig, City Clerk 60367.01100\44161642.1 Page 1 of 2
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STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF ORANGE ) ss.
CITY OF ALISO VIEJO )
I, MARIA RUANO -KENDIG, City Clerk of the City of Aliso Viejo, California, DO HEREBY CERTIFY that foregoing Resolution No. 202 6-___ was duly passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Aliso Viejo at their regular meeting held on the 6th day of May 2026, by the following roll call vote, to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
MARIA RUANO-KENDIG
CITY CLERK
(SEAL)
60367.01100\44161642.1 Page 2 of 2
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Full-Time Classifications
Annual Range
Minimum
Annual Control
Point
Annual Range
Maximum
Accountant $78,264 $89,681 $107,616
Accountant/Payroll $74,538 $85,410 $102,493
Accounting Technician $56,001 $64,170 $77,005
Accounting Supervisor $107,612 $123,308 $147,965
Administrative Secretary $60,348 $74,902 $89,882
Assistant Planner $73,557 $84,286 $101,143
Associate Engineer $100,600 $115,275 $138,331
Associate Planner $86,308 $98,897 $118,676
City Clerk $131,694 $150,899 $181,079
City Manager (Contract, effective 5/18/26) $340,000
Director of Administrative Services $172,010 $202,135 $242,562 Director of Community Development $172,010 $202,135 $242,562 Director of Financial Services/City Treasurer $172,010 $202,135 $242,562 Director of Government Services $172,010 $202,135 $242,562 Director of Public Works $172,010 $202,135 $242,562
Director of Recreation and Community Services $172,010 $202,135 $242,562 Executive Assistant $74,430 $85,288 $102,345
Facilities Supervisor $88,294 $101,170 $121,404
Financial Analyst $78,264 $89,681 $107,616
Financial Services Manager $125,212 $143,477 $172,172
Human Resources Analyst $88,293 $101,170 $121,404
Human Resources Manager $119,850 $142,334 $164,819
IT Analyst $78,264 $89,681 $107,616
IT Manager $128,522 $152,085 $182,502
Junior Accountant $67,761 $77,646 $93,176
Management Analyst $80,768 $92,551 $111,060
Office Assistant $46,032 $52,747 $63,297
Office Specialist $50,636 $61,923 $74,307
Permit Technician $67,014 $76,999 $92,398
Planning Technician $62,008 $71,053 $85,263
Recreation Coordinator $71,439 $81,860 $98,232
Recreation and Community Services Manager$119,228 $136,621 $163,944 Recreation and Community Services Supervisor $82,155 $94,139 $112,967 Recreation Specialist $50,108 $57,417 $68,900
Secretary to the City Manager $74,430 $90,629 $108,754
Senior Accountant $90,004 $103,133 $123,759
Senior Planner $100,431 $115,080 $138,096
Senior Planner I $100,431 $126,195 $151,433
Streets Supervisor $88,294 $101,170 $121,404
Systems Administrator $93,838 $109,824 $131,789
City of Aliso Viejo
Salary Schedule
Effective May 18, 2026
City of Aliso Viejo
Salary Schedule
Effective May 18, 2026
Elected Officials Compensation
Council Members (Municipal Code) $520
Mayor (Municipal Code) $520
Part-Time Classifications Minimum Point Maximum
Crime Prevention Specialist $33.40 $38.27 $45.93
Human Resources Manager $57.62 $68.43 $79.24
Office Assistant $22.13 $25.36 $30.43
Planning Aide $17.52 $20.08 $24.09
Recreation Leader $17.25 $19.15 $22.99
Senior Recreation Leader $19.83 $22.03 $26.44