505 Forest Ave. Laguna Beach, CA 92651 TEL (949) 497-3311 FAX (949) 497-0771
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
SPECIAL CLOSED SESSION
Tuesday, June 6, 2023
3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Public Employee Performance Evaluation (pursuant to Government Code section 54957): one item – City Manager annual performance evaluation.
Posted June 1, 2023
1 McKay, Ann Marie CC
Subject: Closed Session Item - City Manager Evaluation
From: Curran, Gavin AS <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, June 4, 2023 6:29 PM
To: Curran, Gavin AS <[email protected]>
Subject: Closed Session Item - City Manager Evaluation
City Council via bcc,
As you evaluate Shohreh's performance over this past year, I thought sharing my thoughts on her leadership and positive impact on the City might be helpful.
Over the past year, Shohreh has consistently exhibited genuine care and commitment to the success of the City and its employees. Her dedication has played a pivotal role in enhancing City operations and cultivating an environment that aligns with the City's Vision and Core Values. This leadership has also yielded numerous benefits for the organization, including unity and collaboration among City employees. Under her guidance, I have witnessed innovative solutions and the delivery of improved services that directly benefit residents. Moreover, Shohreh's ability to forge effective relationships has resulted in tangible advancements for our City.
Shohreh also actively advances the City Council's projects and priorities, and I am confident that her dedication and expertise will continue to drive success in the years ahead. She is also highly regarded in her professional organizations, and her ability to manage the City budget demonstrates her strong commitment to our fiduciary responsibilities while prioritizing investments in operational improvements that benefit the entire organization.
I believe Shohreh's leadership is an asset to the City. I do not doubt that the City will continue to thrive under her guidance.
Thank you,
Gavin Curran
Assistant City Manager/CFO
City of Laguna Beach
(949) 497-0754
www.lagunabeachcity.net
TO: Whalen, Bob, Mayor
FROM: Calvert, Jeff, Chief of Police
DATE: May 30, 2023
SUBJECT: CITY MANAGER ANNUAL EVALUATION
I wanted to share my thoughts with you and the City Council on Shohreh’s performance over the last year and reiterate that her commitment to our police department and the safety of our community is a priority.
Her support has greatly assisted me and my leadership team in pivoting our organizational culture toward increased pride, accountability, and ownership. We have made great strides to improve and enhance our police department operations, facility, equipment, employee wellness, and professional training.
I appreciate and respect the thoughtful dialogue and critical thinking she brings to our conversations around improving public safety in our community, investing in our employees and organization, and setting citywide priorities. We still have work to do, but the accomplishments we have achieved wouldn’t have been possible without her commitment to our success.
The City is in great hands under her leadership. I look forward to working with her over the next year to continue raising the bar and setting ourselves apart from other police organizations in Orange County.
Please feel free to share my perspective with the other City Council members during the closed session. 1 McKay, Ann Marie CC
Subject: Closed Session Item - City Manager Evaluation
From: Frimond, Jeremy CM <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, June 5, 2023 1:13 PM
Subject: Closed Session Item - City Manager Evaluation
City Council via bcc:
I am writing to express my strong support for Shohreh and to address the negative perception of morale issues within our organization. I would like to shed light on Shohreh's exceptional leadership skills and her dedication to improving workplace morale.
Having worked for this City under three different City Managers, I can confidently say that Shohreh has invested significantly more time in addressing employee morale than her predecessors. She has been proactive in finding creative solutions to empower employees and boost morale. One of her notable efforts is her open-door policy, which she has consistently upheld. As her office is located next to mine, I can personally attest to her accessibility and willingness to listen.
Shohreh conducts quarterly all-staff meetings, where she not only provides employees with an appreciation breakfast but also takes the time to acknowledge the hard work and accomplishments of specific departments and individuals. Her annual employee appreciation luncheons are genuine gestures of gratitude rather than mere obligatory events. It is evident that Shohreh genuinely cares about the well-being of the organization's employees.
On a personal and professional level, Shohreh has been a tremendous support to me. She has offered valuable guidance on balancing my career with my role as a new father, demonstrating her commitment to her employees' personal lives. Professionally, I have never felt more empowered than under her leadership. She has encouraged me to take on new challenges and facilitated my growth into a leadership position within the organization. Behind the scenes, she has provided support and guidance. She directs accolades to her staff and absorbs criticisms on their behalf. Balancing the interests of the organization and its employees is a remarkable feat, and Shohreh accomplishes this 24/7.
Unfortunately, these positive aspects of Shohreh's leadership have been overshadowed by other narratives, prompting me to write this letter. It is crucial to recognize that leading a public organization during these challenging times is no easy task. Shohreh consistently leads from the front and proves to be the right person for our community. It is a pleasure to work under her guidance and to contribute to making Laguna Beach the best community it can be.
Thank You,
Jeremy Frimond
Assistant to the City Manager/ Special Projects Manager City of Laguna Beach | City Manager’s Office
505 Forest Avenue Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 464-6673 | [email protected]
1 McKay, Ann Marie CC
Subject: Comments City Manager Evaluation
From: Snow, Kevin MS <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, June 5, 2023 3:21 PM
To: Wilson, Becket CM <[email protected]>; Moran, Ashley PW <[email protected]> Subject: Comments City Manager Evaluation
Dear City Council via bcc,
What a year! City Manager Shohreh Dupuis has, in my opinion, provided me with strong leadership skills, providing clear direction. Shohreh has inspired and motivated me and others to achieve their best while fostering a positive and productive work environment. When I need a decision, I can get one.
She has developed and implemented comprehensive, forward-thinking strategic plans aligning with the city's vision and goals.
Shohreh has created a supportive, inclusive work environment that fosters innovation, teamwork, and professional growth. She provides opportunities for staff members to excel and recognizes their contributions and achievements.
Under Shohreh's leadership, our City team has become even more capable.
Sincerely,
Kevin Snow
Kevin Snow | Chief of Marine Safety
City of Laguna Beach
Department of Marine Safety
Office: 949-494-6571
505 Forest Avenue
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
@LAGUNABEACHLIFEGUARDS