Agenda Item
City Council
Item #: 7.1. 3/8/2022 File #: 22-0113
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Gary A. Sheatz, City Attorney
1. SUBJECT
Agreement for Employment with City Manager Robert J. Houston.
2. SUMMARY
The proposed Agreement for Employment with City Manager Robert J. Houston provides for a three- year term. Pursuant to Orange Municipal Code Section 2.16.080, the City Council determines the City Manager’s compensation and benefits.
3. RECOMMENDED ACTION
Approve Agreement for Employment with City Manager Robert J. Houston.
4. FISCAL IMPACT
The Agreement provides for a monthly salary of $23,333.33, a $1,000.00 monthly deferred compensation contribution, and a $600.00 per month non-compensation earnable automobile allowance, plus benefits as outlined in the Executive/Senior Management Resolution No. 11332, or as may be amended. The General Fund (100) account will pay for expenses related to this Agreement.
5. STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS
Goal 4: Provide outstanding public service
e: Attract, retain and develop quality employees dedicated to public service.
6. DISCUSSION AND BACKGROUND
The City Council has completed a comprehensive recruitment process for a new City Manager. After a nationwide executive search and extensive interview and selection process, the City Council identified Robert J. Houston as its preferred candidate. With all stages of the pre-employment process successfully completed, including a thorough background investigation, reference checks, and pre-employment physical requirements, the time is appropriate for City Council consideration of the attached Agreement for Employment.
Mr. Houston offers over 25 years of experience working in public service that range over various governmental levels, serving most recently as the City Manager for the City of Fountain Valley. Prior to this role, he served at the Cities of Newport Beach and Carlsbad.
Pursuant to Council direction, the City Attorney and Human Resources Director negotiated the recommended employment provisions: A base salary of $23,333.33 per month, a six-month performance evaluation, which can lead to consideration for an increase in compensation in City of Orange Printed on 3/3/2022Page 1 of 2
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Item #: 7.1. 3/8/2022 File #: 22-0113
performance evaluation, which can lead to consideration for an increase in compensation in September of 2022; a City-paid deferred compensation contribution of $1,000.00 per month; and a non-compensation earnable car allowance of $600.00 per month.
In recognition of Mr. Houston’ssignificant public sector experience, paid vacation accrual would be commensurate with an employee with 20 years of service, at a rate of approximately 17 hours per month. The Agreement also includes an advancement of 80 hours of vacation and 40 hours of sick leave.
Applicable rules and regulations for Executive Directors within Resolution No. 11332, and the Orange Municipal Code, as amended, govern all other benefits or terms of employment.
7. ATTACHMENTS
· Agreement for Employment
City of Orange Printed on 3/3/2022Page 2 of 2
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