C A L I F O R N I A
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE:
November 1, 2022
TO:
Members of the City Council/Board of Directors
FROM:
Mayor John J. Bauters
SUBJECT:
City Manager Employment Agreement
Resolution Of The Board Of Directors Of The Management Of Emeryville Services Authority (MESA) Approving An Agreement Of Employment Between MESA And Paul Buddenhagen As City Manager And Authorizing The Chair Of The Board Of Directors To Execute Said Agreement On Behalf Of MESA Resolution Of The City Council Of The City Of Emeryville Approving And Consenting To An Agreement Of Employment Between The Management Of Emeryville Services Authority (MESA) And Paul Buddenhagen As City Manager And Authorizing The Chair Of The Board Of Directors To Execute Said Agreement On Behalf Of MESA
RECOMMENDATION
As Chair of the MESA Board of Directors and Mayor, I recommend that the MESA Board and the City Council review and adopt the attached resolutions approving an Agreement of Employment (“Agreement”) between MESA and Paul Buddenhagen as City Manager for a three-year period commencing January 17, 2023.
The MESA resolution approves the Agreement and authorizes the Chair of the Board of Directors to execute the document with Paul Buddenhagen. The City Council resolution approves and consents to the Agreement between MESA and Paul Buddenhagen. The proposed Agreement is attached as Exhibit A to both resolutions.
BACKGROUND
Former City Manager Christine Daniel retired on August 1, 2022. Adam Politzer has been serving as interim City Manager since August 1, 2022 while Ralph Andersen & Associates has been in the process of conducting an executive search to fill the City Manager position on a permanent basis. A MESA sub-committee has overseen the executive search process with Ralph Andersen & Associates.
On August 24, 2022, the executive search ended with over 25 candidates applying for the City Manager position. Several candidates were selected to participate in an extensive interview process for the position. Finalists were identified and candidate Paul Buddenhagen was selected to fill the City Manager position.
DISCUSSION
The proposed Employment Agreement, a copy of which is attached to the proposed resolutions as Exhibit A, is the agreement staff is recommending the Council approve to appoint Mr. Buddenhagen as City Manager from January 17, 2023 through January 17, 2026.
The proposed agreement includes but is not limited to the following substantive provisions:
Section 6, Salary: $23,500 per month.
Section 7, Expenses: a compensated expense allowance in the amount of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) per month Section 8, Deferred Compensation: $20,500 annually.
Section 9, Sick Leave, Holiday and Vacation: credit a pro-rated amount of Administrative Leave upon commencement of employment. Current amount is 80 hours per fiscal year. Current contract language also allows for accrual of four (4) weeks vacation and three (3) weeks of sick leave per year.
Section 10, provides that MESA will provide for participation of the City Manager in the PERS 2% @ 60 (average highest compensation earnable over a continuous three-year period) retirement formula plan, provided the City Manager is a “classic member” as provided by the Public Employee Retirement Law (“PERL”). If the City Manager is determined to be a “new member” under the PERL, MESA will provide for participation of the City Manager in the PERS 2% @ 62 (average highest compensation earnable over a continuous three-year period) retirement formula plan.
Section 11 provides that the City Manager’s expenses for membership in and attending conferences of the International City/County Management Association and League of California Cities as well as other business expenses shall be budgeted.
Section 12 provides that the City Manager shall be provided medical, dental and other health care benefits provided to other MESA employees.
Mr. Buddenhagen is a seasoned public-sector professional with 24 years of experience in Alameda and Contra Costa counties, most recently serving as the Deputy City Manager for the City of Berkeley for the past four (4) years. As Deputy City Manager with the City of Berkeley, he was responsible for departments of Public Works, Parks, Recreation and Waterfront, Planning, Health, Housing and Community Services, Neighborhood Services and Appeals. While in the role, he acquired significant experience in union negotiation, strategic planning, budget development and management, City Council and community partnership, equity, and organizational development.
Prior to serving as the Deputy City Manager for the City of Berkeley, Mr. Buddenhagen was the Director of the Health, Housing and Community Services Department for the City of Berkeley for over two (2) years and worked in various leadership roles for Contra Costa County in the Employment and Human Services Department for 18 years.
FISCAL IMPACT
The approved Budget for Fiscal Year 2022-2023 includes funding for the City Manager’s position.
COMMUNICATION WITH THE PUBLIC
A media release was sent to City Council, City staff and multiple news agencies on October 27, 2022 announcing the selection of Mr. Buddenhagen.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
Not applicable
CONCLUSION
I recommend that the MESA Board and the City Council review and adopt the attached resolutions approving an Agreement of Employment (“Agreement”) between MESA and Paul Buddenhagen as City Manager for a three-year period commencing January 17, 2023.
PREPARED BY: John J. Bauters, Mayor
APPROVED AND FORWARDED TO THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EMERYVILLE
MANAGEMENT OF EMERYVILLE SERVICES AUTHORITY:
John J. Bauters, Mayor
ATTACHMENTS
Draft Resolution
o Exhibit A – Agreement of Employment
City Manager Agreement of Employment
City Council Meeting | November 1, 2022
City Manager Agreement of Employment
City Council Meeting | November 1, 2022
City Manager Agreement of Employment
City Council Meeting | November 1, 2022