CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: February 2, 2026
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
TITLE: ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. ____-26 APPROVING A SIDE LETTER OF
AGREEMENT WITH THE PROFESSIONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL
EMPLOYEES’ ASSOCIATION (PACE) TO AMEND THE
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ARTICLE XIV
EVALUATIONS/ BONUS AWARDS
SYNOPSIS
Adoption of the proposed resolution would authorize the Mayor and City Manager to execute the side letter of agreement between the City of Pleasant Hill and the Professional and Confidential Employees’ Association (PACE).
DISCUSSION
Following the October 2024 employee survey, the City established a cross-departmental project team to review the results and address key feedback. In partnership with Holistic Consulting LLC, this team developed an updated performance evaluation process designed to clarify the process and definitions used. The updated system introduces standardized performance definitions, incorporates scheduled "touch points" to facilitate ongoing dialogue between supervisors and employees, and utilizes a streamlined form to improve administrative efficiency.
The City presented the new evaluation tool and procedures to all relevant bargaining groups for review and comment. The Professional and Confidential Employees’ (PACE) unit requested to "meet and confer" regarding the proposed changes. Throughout this collaborative process, PACE provided constructive input to align the existing MOU language with the new evaluation process.
The parties reached a tentative agreement on December 29, 2025, and the membership voted to ratify the necessary language updates to support the implementation of the new process on January 20, 2026.
ANALYSIS
The City has met and conferred in compliance with the Meyers-Milias-Brown Act (MMBA) and all other applicable requirements to reach agreement with the PACE unit on a side letter of agreement that meets the interests of both parties in relation to a revised performance evaluation process.
FISCAL IMPACT
The adoption of the proposed resolution and the execution of the side letter of agreement will not have a fiscal impact.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public Contact was made through posting of the City Council agenda on the City’s official notice bulletin board, at the Pleasant Hill Senior Center, and at the Pleasant Hill Police Department. The agenda and staff report are posted on the City’s web page.
RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION
Adopt the proposed resolution, which authorizes the Mayor and City Manager to execute the side letter of agreement.
ALTERNATIVES TO RECOMMENDED ACTION
Do not adopt the resolution and provide direction to staff.
ATTACHMENT(S)
Proposed Resolution
Exhibit 1 – Proposed Side Letter of Agreement
Prepared by: Ericka R. Mitchell, Chief Human Resources Officer Approved by: Ethan Bindernagel, City Manager