Agenda Item #13.13
For Council Meeting of: June 2, 2026
CITY OF SANTA ROSA
CITY COUNCIL
TO: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
FROM: DOMINIQUE BLANQUIE, HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR, HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT SUBJECT: APPOINTMENT OF CITY ATTORNEY, APPROVAL OF CITY ATTORNEY EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT AND ADOPTION OF SALARY AGENDA ACTION: RESOLUTION AND ORDINANCE INTRODUCTION
RECOMMENDATION
The Human Resources Department recommends that the Council, by resolution, appoint Ashle Crocker to the office of City Attorney and approve an Employment Agreement for the City Attorney position. It is further recommended that the Council introduce an ordinance entitled: Ordinance of the Council of the City of Santa Rosa Establishing a Monthly Salary of $25,480.00 ($305,760.00 annually) and Other Compensation and Benefits for the City Attorney.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City Council has identified and selected an internal candidate for appointment to the position of City Attorney. The candidate brings a strong understanding of the City’s legal matters, organizational structure, and operational priorities, along with relevant professional experience to support the role. This appointment is expected to provide continuity in legal services and ensure consistent counsel to the City Council and organization.
BACKGROUND/PRIOR COUNCIL REVIEW
City Attorney Teresa Stricker provided notice on May 8, 2026, of her intent to resign as City Attorney, effective June 2, 2026.
On May 15, 2026, the City Council selected Ashle Crocker for appointment as City Attorney, subject to approval of an Employment Agreement.
ANALYSIS
The City Council has agreed to appoint Ashle Crocker as City Attorney, subject to approval of the Employment Agreement and establishment of compensation by ordinance.
Ms. Crocker has agreed to the terms and conditions set forth in the Employment Agreement – City Attorney attached to the Resolution. The term of the agreement will commence on June 3, 2026, and continue until terminated as provided in the contract.
The City Charter requires that compensation of the City Attorney be established by ordinance. A proposed ordinance is included for introduction by the Council.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City Attorney’s salary and benefits are included in the City Attorney’s Office budget.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378, the recommended action is not a “project” subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because it does not have the potential to result in either a direct physical change in the environment or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment. In the alternative, the action is exempt pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15061(b)(3), as it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that approval of the appointment and employment agreement may have a significant effect on the environment.
BOARD/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE REVIEW AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Not applicable.
NOTIFICATION
Not applicable.
ATTACHMENTS
Resolution/Exhibit A (Employment Agreement)
Ordinance
PRESENTER(S)
Dominique Blanquie, Human Resources Director
APPOINTMENT OF CITY ATTORNEY, APPROVAL OF CITY ATTORNEY EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT AND ADOPTION OF SALARY PAGE 3 OF 3