FOR THE COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 1, 2024
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: City Council
FROM: Interim City Manager Alex Posada
SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution Approving an Employment Agreement for City Manager
Description:
The City Council will consider approving an employment agreement for City Manager.
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt a Resolution approving an employment agreement with David W. Rowlands for City Manager effective November 30, 2024 ; and authorizing the Mayor to sign the negotiated Employment Agreement once his background investigation has been successfully completed.
BACKGROUND:
On August 10, 2023, City Manager Jason Stilwell announced his intent to retire effective September 22, 2023, after providing eight years of service to t he City of Santa Maria, including six accomplished years as its City Manager. After two national searches for the appropriate candidate, the City Council held a Closed Session on September 20 and provided staff with negotiation instructions.
DISCUSSION:
The Candidate
Mr. Rowlands ’ brings over 30 years of experience in municipal management in both California and Ohio. Currently, Mr. Rowlands serves as the City Manager for the City of Fillmore, California in Ventura County. He began his service in Fillmore in August of 2013, and has been responsible for oversight of the city’s full range of public services. During his tenure , the City of Fillmore has received several awards for financial reporting, sustainable energy efficiencies, as well as provi ding new communication methods to residents.
Terms and Conditions of Employment
The Employment Agreement (Attachment A) sets forth the terms and conditions of the new City Manager’s appointment. Overall, the terms and conditions are consistent with the direction given by the City Council.
2 The highlights of the agreement and Resolution calls for:
The annual salary is $290,000.
The health, medical, and other associated related benefits that will be provided are consistent with that of other management-level positions within the City, with the maximum amount of vacation accumulation consistent with that of the City Attorney.
Mr. Rowlands and the City Council will establish mutually agreeable written goals, performance objectives, and priorities that will serve as the basis to measure Mr.
Rowlands’ performance. Performance evaluations will be conducted annually in June/July.
Fiscal Considerations
Mr. Rowlands’ Employment Agreement places him in the mid-range of the City’s current salary range for the position of City Manager.
The City Manager’s job is highly complex; the City Manager serves as the Chief Executive Officer and is responsible for the coordination and oversight of the activities and operations of the City’s 10 departments, and its overall $291.4 million budget, subject to the policy direction of the City Council. The incumbent will oversee an agency with over 700 full-time and part -time employees, direct administrative services of departments, prepare the annual budget, directly supervise and hire department directors, advise and assist the City Council, and network with civic leaders on matters affecting the community.
Impact to the Community
The proposed appointment is intended to provide the community with a top -notch municipal services adm inistrator who will maintain the City Council’s high standards of public service and commitment to excellence in the delivery of public services. The community, as well as the City (as an organization), is fortunate to have a candidate with Mr. Rowlands ’ experience and the essential skills and abilities needed to lead our organization.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Employment Agreement