City Council Agenda Report
TO: Mayor Clauzel and Members of the City Council
FROM: Fernando Ulloa, Interim City Manager
BY: Marie Guillory Jones, Director of Human Resources
MEETING DATE: December 3, 2024
ITEM NO: 9.1
SUBJECT: Approve Resolution No. 2024-68 to Appoint Interim City Manager Fernando Ulloa as City Manager for a three (3) year term and authorize implementation of acting pay of five percent (5%) for the interim role.
RECOMMENDATION
Motion to Approve Resolution No. 2024-68 to Appoint Interim City Manager Fernando Ulloa as City Manager for a three (3) year term and authorize implementation of acting pay of five percent (5%) for the interim role.
BACKGROUND
Fernando Ulloa, Director of Engineering Services, became the Interim Assistant City Manager, effective March 18, 2024. Upon the retirement of City Manager Ken Irwin, Council deemed it imperative to quickly designate someone to Interim City Manager to maintain continuity for City staff and operations until the position could be permanently filled. Effective July 1, 2024, Director Ulloa was appointed and transitioned into his current role of Interim City Manager.
ANALYSIS
As Interim City Manager, Mr. Ulloa was granted a three percent (3%) salary increase. However, it was later discovered that this resulted in compaction with the next lower subordinate. It is important to correct this issue in order to properly recognize the contributions that are made at the City Manager level, relative to subordinate positions. As a result, it is recommended that a five percent (5%) increase for the interim role is granted, rather than the 3% that was previously authorized effective July 1, 2024, for an annual salary of $244,660.08.
As Interim City Manager, Mr. Ulloa has ensured operational leadership and oversight of staff, policymaking, implementation, and operational efficiencies of City services. His performance has been evaluated and it has been determined that he is demonstrating the professional skills and characteristics that is needed to be successful in this position, including instilling confidence and support to City departments, valuing and sharing responsibility for the needs of the community, as well as carrying out the directives of Council.
Based on the Council's authority and directive relative to the appointment of Mr. Ulloa as City Manager, staff has consulted with him regarding proposed terms and conditions for a contract.
The proposed Employment Agreement includes the appointment to the position of City Manager with no additional salary increase beyond the aforementioned request of five percent (5%), effective December 4, 2024.
The following highlights the contract provisions:
· Term: Three (3) year contract effective December 4, 2024 through December 3, 2027. · Base Salary: $244,660.08 annually.
· Vehicle Allowance: $500 per month.
· Deferred Compensation: Employer contribution match up to 3.5% of base salary into a 401(a) defined contribution plan.
· Vacation Allowance: Twenty-five (25) days annually; annual accrual not to exceed five hundred (500) hours.
· Administrative Leave: One hundred twelve (112) hours annually at the commencement of each fiscal year.
All other benefits are outlined in the attached Employment Agreement. The Agreement in its entirety is attached for City Council review and approval.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact as the salary and benefit costs for the City Manager position are included in the City’s current annual budget.