Staff Report
City Council
Item No. 5.A
Meeting Date: February 11, 2026
From: Eric Vail, City Attorney
Title: Employment Agreement for City Manager
RECOMMENDATION:
To approve an employment agreement with Andrew Firestine for the position of City Manager
BACKGROUND:
After nearly 12 years of dedicated service to the City of Cathedral City, City Manager Charles “Charlie” McClendon announced his retirement on June 19, 2025, with his final day of employment on September 19, 2025. Upon notification of Charlie’s imminent retirement, the City Council took proactive steps to ensure a smooth transition of leadership. The City Council appointed Anne Ambrose, the current Assistant City Manager, to serve as the Interim City Manager and engaged the professional recruiting firm of Bob Murray and Associates to undertake a nationwide search for new city manager candidates. On October 16, 2025, the Council launched a survey seeking input from the community on the qualities and priorities desired in the next city manager. Input was also sought from members of the City’s management team to help guide the recruitment.
Upon closure of the recruitment on November 16, 2025, the consultant and the City Council reviewed applicants, narrowed the list of candidates to be interviewed and then went through two rounds of in-person interviews to select the strongest candidate.
Having undertaken a thorough recruitment process, the City Council has selected Andrew Firestine for consideration for appointment as the City’s new permanent City Manager. Mr.
Firestine started work with the City in September 2023 and is currently serving as the City’s Director of Community and Economic Development.
Mr. Firestine is an experienced local government professional with a career focused on creating lasting community impact and delivering efficient, effective, and responsive service.
A California native, he spent the first 16 years of his career in Colorado, working for a regional council of government and the cities of Colorado Springs and Centennial in various planning and management roles.
Firestine relocated to the Coachella Valley in 2019 and served as Assistant City Manager for the City of Palm Desert, managing multiple service areas until 2022. He then served as Director of Development Services for the City of Escondido before joining the City of Cathedral City in September 2023. In his current role as Director of Community and Economic Development, he has led the city's planning, economic development, code compliance, and building services.
Firestine holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of San Diego and a Master of City and Regional Planning from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. He is a member of the American Planning Association, the American Institute of Certified Planners, and the International City/County Management Association.
Attached to this staff report as Exhibit “A” is an Employment Contract for the Position of City Manager to be considered for approval by Council. If approved by Council, Mr. Firestine would become the City’s new City Manager as of Thursday, February 12, 2026, and Ms.
Ambrose will return to her position as Assistant City Manager.
DISCUSSION:
The proposed Employment Agreement includes the following material terms, which are summarized below:
Term. Commences on Thursday, February 12, 2026, and has a nominal term of five (5) years, subject to earlier termination as provided in the Employment Agreement.
City Manager Position. The City Manager is the administrative head of the City, responsible for managing city staff and implementing policy directives of the City Council. The Employment Agreement, the Municipal Code, and the Job Description identifies the specific duties of the City Manager.
Base Salary. Paid biweekly on the city’s standard payment schedule calculated based on an annual salary of $280,000 per year.
Retirement. PEPRA member enrolled with CalPERS. City contributions to 401(a) and 457 retirement accounts as stated in Employment Agreement. Educational Stipend. A stipend of 2.5% of the annual base salary. Benefits. Same benefits as the Executive / Non-Represented employees based upon number of years of service with the City of Cathedral City where such benefits are tiered.
Auto Allowance. $600 per month.
Technology Stipend. $55 per month.
Duties / Work Hours. As stated in the Employment Agreement. Anticipated 40+ hours per week to perform duties.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Salary and benefit items will be expended from the City Manager’s department budget.
FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN:
The City Manager is responsible for helping the organization achieve the City Council goals of:
Goal A: Serving the Community with Pride and Dedication Goal B: Community Investment
Goal C: Fiscal Stability and Sustainability
Goal D: Innovation
Goal E: Safety
Goal F: Embracing, Inclusive Community
ATTACHMENTS:
Employment Agreement – City Manager