CC 2017-03-28_12a Appointment of City Manager
MEMORANDUM
TO: CITY COUNCIL
FROM: ROBERT K. MCFALL, INTERIM CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE
APPOINTMENT OF JAMES BERGMAN AS CITY MANAGER FOR
THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE
DATE: MARCH 28, 2017
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended the City Council adopt a Resolution confirming the appointment of
James Bergman as City Manager for the City of Arroyo Grande and authorizing the
Mayor to execute the employment agreement.
IMPACT ON FINANCIAL AND PERSONNEL RESOURCES:
Total annual compensation for the City Manager is approximately $237,100
including all salary and benefits. The current FY 2016-17 budget assumed total costs
of $242,100 for the position. Variances from the budget include an estimate for annual
leave buy back provisions included in the employment agreement.
BACKGROUND:
The previous City Manager separated employment with Arroyo Grande in June, 2016.
Immediately following, the City Council engaged in the recruitment of a City Manager,
which has transpired over the past several months. With the assistance of an executive
search firm, over 50 applicants were screened as potential candidates. On March 11,
2017, the City Council interviewed the highest ranked candidates and determined that
Mr. Bergman was the most qualified and well suited applicant for the position.
ANALYSIS OF ISSUES:
Based on the City Council's direction, negotiations ensued with Mr. Bergman, resulting
in the employment agreement and Resolution that are attached for Council
consideration. Key terms of the employment agreement include a base salary of
$179,000 annually and a City contribution to a deferred compensation program of
$2,200 annually, all in accordance with the City Manager Recruitment bulletin and
consistent with the compensation package provided to the previous City Manager. In
accordance with CalPERS rules, as Mr. Bergman was previously an employee of
Arroyo Grande, he will return to the CalPERS retirement formula of 2.5% at 55 provided
at that time. The compensation package includes additional benefits similar to those
afforded other executive employees, such as medical, dental, vision and life insurance,
annual leave and auto allowance.
Item 12.a. - Page 1
CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE APPOINTMENT OF
JAMES BERGMAN AS CITY MANAGER FOR THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE
MARCH 28, 2107
PAGE 2
A resident of Arroyo Grande, Mr. Bergman has over 20 years of public service
experience. Mr. Bergman was previously the Planning and Building Director for the
County of San Luis Obispo, a department with a budget and number of employees
generally comparable to the City of Arroyo Grande. Prior to working for the County, Mr.
Bergman was the Community Development and Planning/Building Director for the City
of Windsor and the Planning Manager for the City of Arroyo Grande. Mr. Bergman
obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Cal State Chico, graduating
“Summa Cum Laude” and earned a Masters of City and Regional Planning from Cal
Poly, San Luis Obispo, graduating “With Distinction.”
When Mr. Bergman left Arroyo Grande for a promotional opportunity, he shared with
some that his dream would be to return as its City Manager. Within the cover letter Mr.
Bergman submitted with his application, he made this statement regarding his
leadership approach: “…to work respectfully with the entire spectrum of the community,
listening more than talking, finding more in common with individuals and groups than
differences, using the inherently strong social capital of this community, bringing those
shared ideas to the correct table, and stepping away and letting the accolades fall
where they belong onto the community itself.”
Pending approval by the City Council, Mr. Bergman’s start date will be May 1, 2017.
ALTERNATIVES:
The following alternatives are provided for the Council’s consideration:
1. Adopt a Resolution confirming the appointment of James Bergman as City
Manager;
2. Do not adopt a Resolution confirming the appointment; or
3. Provide direction to staff.
ADVANTAGES:
The City Council has interviewed and vetted several potential candidates for the City
Manager position. Appointing Mr. Bergman completes the recruitment process.
DISADVANTAGES:
There are no identified disadvantages to the recommendation.
ENVIROMENTAL REVIEW:
No environmental review is required for this item.
PUBLIC NOTIFICATION AND COMMENTS:
The Agenda was posted at City Hall and on the City’s website in accordance with
Government Code Section 54954.2
Item 12.a. - Page 2
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ARROYO GRANDE APPOINTING JAMES BERGMAN AS
CITY MANAGER FOR THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE
AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE THE
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
WHEREAS, the City of Arroyo Grande ("City") is a general law city with a Council-
Manager form of government; and
WHEREAS, the City Council appoints the City Manager in accordance with Chapter
2.08 of the Arroyo Grande Municipal Code; and
WHEREAS, the former City Manager's employment with the City ended on June 28,
2016; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desired to recruit for a new City Manager; and
WHEREAS, an Interim City Manager was appointed on August 24, 2016, to serve while
the City Council conducted a City Manager recruitment process; and
WHEREAS, on March 11, 2017, the City Council met in closed session and directed the
Interim City Manager to negotiate an employment agreement with James Bergman for
the City Manager position; and
WHEREAS, the negotiations resulted in an agreement as to the terms and conditions of
employment.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Arroyo
Grande that James Bergman is appointed to serve as the City Manager for the City of
Arroyo Grande and the Mayor is authorized, on behalf of the City Council, to execute
the City Manager Employment Agreement, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit A,
setting forth the terms and conditions of employment for James Bergman, effective May
1, 2017.
On motion of Council Member , seconded by Council Member
, and by the following roll call vote, to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
The foregoing Resolution was passed and adopted this 28th day of March, 2017.
Item 12.a. - Page 3
RESOLUTION NO.
PAGE 2
_______________________________________
JIM HILL, MAYOR
ATTEST:
_______________________________________
KELLY WETMORE, CITY CLERK
APPROVED AS TO CONTENT:
_______________________________________
ROBERT McFALL, INTERIM CITY MANAGER
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_______________________________________
HEATHER WHITHAM, CITY ATTORNEY
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EXHIBIT A
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