DATE: March 19, 2024
FROM: Kimbley Craig, Mayor
BY: Che Johnson, Esq., Liebert, Cassidy & Whitmore
Marina Horta-Gallegos, Human Resources Director
TITLE: APPOINTMENT OF CITY MANAGER AND APPROVAL OF EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT RECOMMENDED MOTION:
It is recommended that the City Council approve a Resolution appointing Rene L. Mendez as City Manager and approve his Employment Agreement.
BACKGROUND:
In October 2023, the City Council began to develop plans for recruitment of the City Manager. In November 2023, the City Council selected the firm of Bob Murray and Associates to conduct a search for City Manager.
As part of the recruitment process, the City Council sought input on the most important experience and leadership skills that community members and employees believe are needed to best serve the interests of the city and community. A survey was issued in English and Spanish for input. The feedback was incorporated into the process for Council review.
Applications were received between December 14, 2023 and January 28, 2024. The City received nineteen applications, which were then carefully reviewed and narrowed down by the Council, to four applicants selected for interviews.
The City Council conducted interviews on February 17, 2024. After a review and interview of the candidates, the City Council selected Rene Mendez as the final candidate.
Mr. Mendez brings thirty years of experience in state, county, and local government. Mr. Mendez currently serves as the City Manager for the City of Watsonville where he manages a budget of approximately $248M and a staff of 432 full-time employees. Prior to this, he served as City Manager for the City of Gonzales from 2005 to 2022 and was County Administrative Officer for the County of Inyo from 1997 to 2005.
If the Employment Agreement is approved, Mr. Mendez will assume the office of the City Manager effective May 28, 2024, at an annual base salary of $300,000. The attached Employment Agreement reflects the full terms and conditions of Mr. Mendez’s employment.
CEQA CONSIDERATION:
Not a Project. The City of Salinas has determined that the proposed action is not a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (CEQA Guidelines Section 15378).
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE:
The proposed action meets the Effective and Culturally Responsive Government Council goal.
FISCAL AND SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT:
The annual base salary of $300,000 and benefits are within the FY 23/24 approved budget.
ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution
Employment Agreement
RESOLUTION NO. _________ (N.C.S.)
RESOLUTION APPROVING THE APPOINTMENT OF RENE L. MENDEZ AS CITY MANAGER AND APPROVING THE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF SALINAS AND RENE L MENDEZ WHEREAS, In October 2023, the City Council began to develop plans for recruitment of the next City Manager; and WHEREAS, In November 2023, the City Council selected Bob Murray and Associates to lead the City’s recruitment efforts; and WHEREAS, the City received nineteen applications for the position, which were carefully reviewed and narrowed down to four candidates for interviews; and WHEREAS, the City Council conducted interviews with the four candidates on February 17, 2024. The City Council selected Rene L. Mendez as the final candidate; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds that Rene L. Mendez possesses the skill and experience and is qualified to serve as City Manager.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF SALINAS that the City Council hereby appoints Rene L. Mendez as City Manager of the City of Salinas and authorizes him to perform all the functions associated with that position; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF SALINAS that the City Council further approves the Employment Agreement between the City of Salinas and Rene L. Mendez and authorizes the Mayor to execute the Employment Agreement with any minor, non-substantive changes as approved by the City Attorney.
PASSED AND APPROVED this 19th day of March 2024, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
____________________________________ Kimbley Craig, Mayor ATTEST:
______________________________
Patricia Barajas, City Clerk
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