TITLE:
title
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT FOR CITY MANAGER
end
DEPARTMENT: CITY ATTORNEY
PRESENTED BY: KIMBERLY HALL BARLOW, CITY ATTORNEY
CONTACT INFORMATION: (714) 446-1400
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Consider and approve the proposed agreement: (Attachment 1) with Cecilia Gallardo-Daly to serve as City Manager commencing December 2, 2025.
end
BACKGROUND:
The City Manager's position has been vacant since May 6, 2025. The City Council previously met in closed session and directed the City Attorney to negotiate terms of an employment agreement with Interim City Manager Cecilia Gallardo-Daly.
ANALYSIS:
In the absence of a contract, the City Manager's employment would be governed solely by the California Government Code, the Costa Mesa Municipal Code and adopted Council Policies and Resolutions. Costa Mesa Municipal Code sections 2-97 and 2-224.5 make provisions for employment of the City Manager and expressly authorize the Council to vary these provisions by contract.
The proposed contract is for a term of three (3) years. Key terms of the contract include a proposed salary of $320,000 annually, deferred compensation of $50,000 annually, the same benefits as provided to other City executives, use of a City automobile, forty (40) hours of executive leave per year; the Mayor and City Council may award Employee an additional sixty (60) hours of executive leave annually. The contract is terminable at will, except within ninety (90) days after any municipal election for the selection or recall of one or more of the members of the City Council. If termination is without cause, there would be a severance payment of one year's base salary. Termination with cause would not require any severance payment.
ALTERNATIVES:
Do not approve the agreement and give further direction to staff.
FISCAL REVIEW:
The proposed base salary for the City Manager would be $320,000 annually, with the caveat that the base salary is at least 10% higher than the highest paid executive....
Click here for full text