HomeMy WebLinkAbout18 - Amended and Restated Employment Agreements for City Manager, City Attorney and City ClerkP0 @ CITY OF
i NEWPORT BEACH
City Council Staff Report
April 9, 2019
Agenda Item No. 18
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: Barbara J. Salvini, Human Resources Director - 949-644-3300,
bsalvini@newportbeachca.gov
PREPARED BY: Barbara J. Salvini, Human Resources Director,
bsalvini(a-_)newportbeachca.gov
PHONE: 949-644-3300
TITLE: Amended and Restated Employment Agreements for City Manager,
City Attorney and City Clerk
ABSTRACT:
The City Charter of Newport Beach, Articles V and VI, establishes the powers, duties and
responsibilities of the City Council's three appointed positions: City Manager, City
Attorney, and City Clerk ("Appointees"). Their terms and conditions of employment are
defined by their respective Employment Agreements. From time to time, the City Council
and incumbents may renegotiate the employment terms, including adjustments to
compensation and/or other benefits. During the Closed Sessions on December 11, 2018
and March 26, 2019, the City Council conducted and finalized performance evaluations
for the City Attorney and City Clerk. Amended and Restated Employment Agreements for
City Manager, City Attorney and City Clerk are brought before the Council tonight for
consideration and approval.
RECOMMENDATION:
a) Determine this action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) and 15060(c)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines because
this action will not result in a physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly;
b) Approve and authorize the Mayor to execute a First Amended and Restated
Employment Agreement between the City of Newport Beach and City Manager Grace
K. Leung, subject to the terms and conditions approved by the City Council;
c) Approve and authorize the Mayor to execute a Fifth Amended and Restated
Employment Agreement between the City of Newport Beach and City Attorney Aaron
Harp, subject to the terms and conditions approved by the City Council;
d) Approve and authorize the Mayor to execute a Fifth Amended and Restated
Employment Agreement between the City of Newport Beach and City Clerk Leilani
Brown, subject to the terms and conditions approved by the City Council; and
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Amended and Restated Employment Agreements for City Manager, City Attorney and
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April 9, 2019
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e) Approve Budget Amendment No. 19BA-037 for $20,184 to enhance salary and benefit
accounts for the last six months of FY19 (January 1, 2019 through June 30, 2019).
FUNDING REQUIREMENTS:
The Budget Amendment (Attachment D) appropriates $20,184 in increased salaries and
benefit appropriations from the General Fund unappropriated fund balance. The proposed
budget will include sufficient funding for the changes in compensation for the remainder
of FY 2018/19.
A comprehensive cost estimate associated with the Amended and Restated Employment
Agreements amounts to approximately $65,580 and is included as Attachment E to this
report.
DISCUSSION:
City Manager Grace K. Leung was appointed as City Manager on September 4, 2018.
Her current employment agreement was approved by the Council on August 14, 2018,
and sets forth the terms and conditions of her employment, including benefits and an
initial annual salary of $265,000. The attached proposed First Amended and Restated
Employment Agreement (Attachment A), provides for a 2% salary adjustment effective
April 13, 2019; a one-time bonus of $2,700; a one-time merit payment of $20.38 per paid
work day beginning the pay period including January 1, 2019 through and including April
12, 2019; and, the requirement that she contribute all costs associated with her
membership in the LIUNA Supplemental Retirement Plan.
Aaron Harp has served as the City Attorney since September 6, 2011. His employment
is currently governed by a Fourth Amended and Restated Employment Agreement which
was approved by the Council on April 25, 2017. That agreement did not provide for a
salary adjustment; however, the rate at which Mr. Harp accrued flexible leave was
increased from 8.77 hours to 9.69 hours per pay period and he was placed on a 9/80
work schedule. The proposed Fifth Amended and Restated Employment Agreement
(Attachment B) calls for a 2% salary adjustment effective April 13, 2019; a one-time bonus
of $2,700; a one-time merit payment of $18.29 per paid work day beginning the pay period
including January 1, 2019 through and including April 12, 2019; and, the requirement that
he contribute all costs associated with his membership in the LIUNA Supplemental
Retirement Plan.
Leilani Brown has served as the City Clerk since November 22, 2008. Her employment
is currently governed by a Fourth Amended and Restated Employment Agreement which
provided for an increase of $100 per month to her salary and an auto allowance of $200
per month. Her proposed Fifth Amended and Restated Employment Agreement
(Attachment C) provides for a 2% salary adjustment effective April 13, 2019; a one-time
bonus of $2,700; a one-time merit payment of $11.29 per paid work day beginning the
pay period including January 1, 2019 through and including April 12, 2019; an auto
allowance of $400 per month; and, the requirement that she contribute all costs
associated with her membership in the LIUNA Supplemental Retirement Plan.
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Amended and Restated Employment Agreements for City Manager, City Attorney and
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April 9, 2019
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Certain other benefits for the City Manager, City Attorney and City Clerk, such as cafeteria
allowances, paid leaves, disability and life insurance benefits are tied to the terms and
conditions outlined in the City's Key and Management Compensation Plan. Except as
provided above and specifically mentioned in their respective proposed amended and
restated agreements, the language contained in the appointees' proposed agreements
does not alter any of the previously established benefit relationships with the Key and
Management Compensation Plan.
Attached for consideration are the respective restated and amended employment
agreements for the City Manager, City Attorney and City Clerk (Attachments A -C). If
approved by the City Council, Human Resources and Finance staff will work together to
implement the terms. Consistent with the City Council's stated goal of transparency, the
employment agreements also will be published on the City's website and readily available
for public review.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
Staff recommends the City Council find this action is not subject to the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) (the activity will not
result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment)
and 15060(c)(3) (the activity is not a project as defined in Section 15378) of the CEQA
Guidelines, California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, because it has no
potential for resulting in physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly.
NOTICING:
The agenda item has been noticed according to the Brown Act (72 hours in advance of
the meeting at which the City Council considers the item).
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A - First Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between the City
of Newport Beach and City Manager Grace K. Leung
Attachment B - Fifth Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between the City
of Newport Beach and City Attorney Aaron Harp
Attachment C - Fifth Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between the City
of Newport Beach and City Clerk Leilani Brown
Attachment D - Budget Amendment 19BA-037
Attachment E - Estimate of Costs Associated with the Amended and Restated
Employment Agreements
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ATTACHMENT A
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
FIRST AMENDED AND RESTATED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
CITY MANAGER
This FIRST AMENDED AND RESTATED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
("Agreement") is made effective as of April 9, 2019 ("Effective Date"), and is entered
into by and between the CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH, a California municipal
corporation and Charter City ("Employer" or "City") and GRACE K. LEUNG
("Employee"), an individual (sometimes collectively referred to herein as "the
Parties").
RECITALS
A. City is a municipal corporation duly organized and validly existing under the
laws of the State of California with the power to carry on its business as it is now
being conducted under the statutes of the State of California and the Charter of
City.
B. Employee has been continuously employed by City as City Manager since
September 4, 2018. Employee is currently employed under an Employment
Agreement approved August 14, 2018 ("Employment Agreement").
C. The Parties mutually agree that they intend for this Agreement to supersede all
prior Employment Agreements, and that upon execution of this Agreement, any
prior Employment Agreements shall have no force or effect.
D. The Parties also mutually agree that this form of Agreement reflects the terms
and conditions under which the Parties intend and desire to continue
Employee's employment, and that there are no other Agreements between
them; oral, written or implied.
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NOW, THEREFORE, it is mutually agreed by and between the undersigned Parties
as follows:
SECTION 1: Term and Notice of Non -Renewal
A. This Agreement shall become effective April 9, 2019 ("Effective Date"). Subject to
the City's right to terminate Employee's employment at any time; as provided for in
this Agreement, Section 500 of the City Charter, and NBMC, Section 2.08.050, the
term of this Agreement is two (2) years from the Effective Date.
B. This Agreement shall automatically be extended for one additional 12 -month period
on each annual anniversary of the Effective Date of the Agreement, unless City
notifies Employee of its intent not to extend the Agreement at least six (6) months
prior to expiration of the original Term, or the Term of any subsequent automatic
extension of this Agreement.
C. City's election not to extend this Agreement shall not entitle Employee to
Severance pursuant to Section 7 of this Agreement.
SECTION 2: Duties and Authority
Employer agrees to continue to employ Employee as City Manager to exercise the
powers and authority and to perform the functions and duties specified in the Newport
Beach City Charter, the NBMC and all relevant resolutions, rules, regulations,
procedures, applicable job description(s) and state codes, as they currently or may in
the future exist. Employee shall exercise such power and authority and perform such
other functions and duties, not inconsistent with this Agreement, as Employer, by its
City Council, may legally assign.
SECTION 3: Compensation and Performance Evaluation.
A. Employer agrees to pay Employee at the rate of an annual base salary of Two
Hundred and Seventy Thousand and Three Hundred Dollars ($270,300) ("Base
Salary"), effective April 13, 2019. The Base Salary shall be subject to deduction
and withholding of any and all sums required for federal or state income tax,
pension contributions, and all other taxes, deductions or withholdings required by
then current state, federal or local law, prorated and paid on Employer's normal
paydays for the City Manager, City Attorney, City Clerk, and any Department
Directors not covered by collective bargaining agreements ("Executive
Management Employees"). Employer shall also deduct sums Employee is
obligated to pay because of participation in plans or programs described in Section
4 of this Agreement. The annual Base Salary of Employee is within the approved
salary range adopted by resolution of the City Council.
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B. Employee shall receive a one-time bonus in the amount of two thousand and seven
hundred dollars ($2,700) in the first payroll period after the complete execution of
this Agreement.
C. Employer shall pay Employee a one-time merit payment of $20.38 per paid work
day from the pay period that includes January 1, 2019 through and including April
12, 2019.
D. Effective the pay period that includes January 1, 2020, Employee shall receive a
Base Salary increase in compensation equal to the lesser of: (1) a two percent
(2.0%) salary adjustment; or (2) a cost of living adjustment based on an increase
in the "Cost of Living," as defined by Government Code Section 3511.1, as it
currently exists or may be modified in the future.
The cost of living adjustment will be calculated by comparing the last published
index number that is closest in time to the date the adjustment in compensation is
to be made, and the corresponding index number for one year earlier. [(A-
B)/B*100=i, where A=Most recent index B=Corresponding index for one year
earlier i=Cost of living adjustment, in percent]
E. Employer, by the City Council, and Employee may set mutually agreed upon
objectives for each year under this Agreement. Employer, by the City Council, may
electto conduct an evaluation of Employee's performance at anytime ortimes during
the period in which this Agreement remains in effect.
F. Employee's compensation as discussed under this Section is not tied to the
compensation of any other City employee or group of City employees, except as
expressly provided in this Agreement.
SECTION 4: Employee Benefits
A. Benefit Balances Carried Over. Employee shall not have a break in employment
service between the prior Employment Agreement and this Agreement. All of
Employee's accrued leave and other benefit balances shall carry over as agreed,
and her leave and benefit balances shall continue to accrue under the terms of
applicable City policies and this Agreement.
B. Flex Leave. Employee shall accumulate Flex Leave as provided in the City's Key
and Management Compensation Plan ("Compensation Plan"), Executive
Management category, Years of Continuous Service, less than fifteen (15) years,
at the current rate of 8.77 hours per Pay Period. Employee's Maximum accrual for
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Flex Leave is limited to four hundred (400) hours. No Flex Leave shall further
accrue beyond said maximum. The right to sell back accumulated Flex Leave shall
be consistent with the Compensation Plan.
C. Administrative Leave. Employee shall be entitled to eighty (80) hours of paid
Administrative Leave per calendar year and shall be credited with said leave the first
pay period in January of each calendar year. Administrative Leave will not accrue
from calendar year to calendar year and must be used each calendar year or no
additional entitlement above eighty (80) hours shall arise or occur. Upon separation
from employment, Employee shall be entitled to payment of any hours remaining of
the eighty (80) entitled hours that were not used in the calendar year. Consistent
with the Compensation Plan, there is no right to sell back any accumulated
Administrative Leave.
D. Additional Benefits. Unless otherwise provided in this Agreement, Employee shall
receive the same benefits as are available to Executive Management Employees
under the Compensation Plan and/or Employee Policy Manual ("EPM"), including
cafeteria benefits, LIUNA Supplemental Pension, IRS Section 125 Flexible
Spending Accounts, short-term and long-term disability plans, life insurance plans,
and deferred compensation plans. This Agreement shall be deemed amended
whenever the City Council adopts a resolution or takes action changing these
benefits under the Compensation Plan and/or EPM.
E. Annual Physical Exam. Employee may undergo an annual physical examination
and City shall reimburse Employee for the actual cost of the examination up to a
maximum of One Thousand Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($1,250).
F. Automobile Allowance. Employee's duties require Employee to be available and
respond to demands of City business at all times and outside of regular business
hours, including weekends. Employer shall, therefore, pay to Employee Five
Hundred Dollars ($500) per month as an automobile allowance so that Employee
may respond to these demands of City business.
G. Phone Allowance. Employee shall be entitled to the same phone allowance as
provided to any Executive Management Employee.
H. Attorneys' Fees. Upon the submission of invoices acceptable to the City Attorney,
the City shall reimburse Employee for the reasonable, actual legal fees and costs
incurred by Employee for legal review of this Agreement, up to a maximum of Four
Thousand Dollars ($4,000).
Leung Employment Agreement Page 4
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Deferred Compensation. On or before October 31, 2019, Employer shall make a
deferred compensation contribution on Employee's behalf in the amount of Five
Thousand and Three Hundred Dollars ($5,300) ("Deferred Compensation
Contribution"). Thereafter, provided Employee is employed by Employer on the
anniversary date of this Original Agreement (i.e. September 4), Employer shall
make a Deferred Compensation Contribution on Employee's behalf on or before
October 31 of the applicable year, so long as Employee is still employed on the
anniversary date of this Agreement.
J. Amendment of Benefits. Except as expressly provided in this Section, Employee's
benefits provided under this Section 4 are not tied to the compensation of any other
City employee or group of City employees.
K. Retirement - CalPERS. Employee is a California Public Employees' Retirement
System ("CaIPERS") classic member. Employee is enrolled in the City's Tier 2
"Classic" CaIPERS retirement program. Employee contributes thirteen percent
(13%) of compensation earnable towards Employee's retirement benefit which is
designated as follows: 7% of Employee/Member's total PERSable salary as the
Employee/Member Contribution and 6% as cost sharing of the Employer
Contribution Rate in accordance with Government Code section 20516(f).
In the event the City Council adopts a Compensation Plan in which retirement
contributions for non -safety members of the Key & Management Group exceeds
13.00%, this Agreement shall be deemed amended and Employee will be subject
to the same formula or percentage contribution as it is applied to the non -safety
members of the Key & Management Group covered under the Compensation Plan
and for the same duration. In no event shall the Employee's retirement contribution
be less than 13.00%. Employee retirement contributions that are in addition to the
normal PERS Member Contribution shall be calculated on Base Salary, special
pays, and other pays normally reported as "PERSable" compensation, and will be
made on a pre-tax basis through payroll deduction, to the extent allowable by the
Government Code.
L. Supplemental Pension. Employee is a member of the LIUNA Supplemental
Pension Fund ("Plan"). Effective in the pay period which includes January 1, 2019,
the Plan will be funded exclusively by contributions from the members. The City
will not make any contributions to the Plan. In addition, as there are increases
(which typically occur annually) to the costs (whether identified as employer or
employee contributions) to fund the Plan, they will be made by Employee (i.e., the
participants in the Plan). The City is not responsible for, nor does it make any
representation regarding, the payment of benefits to Employee.
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Employee cannot receive the contributed amounts directly instead of having them
paid to the Plan. Participation in the Plan will continue to be mandatory for
Employee.
Employees who leave City employment prior to vesting in the LIUNA pension plan
will have no right to the return of amounts contributed, or other recourse against
the City concerning LIUNA.
SECTION 5: General Business Expenses
A. Employer recognizes that Employee may incur expenses of a non -personal, job
related nature that are reasonably necessary to Employee's service to
Employer. Employer agrees either to pay such expenses in advance or to
reimburse the expenses, so long as the expenses are incurred and submitted
according to Employer's normal expense reimbursement procedures or such
other procedure as may be designated by the City Council. To be eligible for
reimbursement, all expenses must be supported by documentation meeting
Employer's normal requirements and must be submitted within time limits
established by Employer.
B. Employer agrees to budget and pay for professional dues, membership and
subscriptions of Employee necessary for continuation and participation in the
International City/County Management Association (ICMA), Cal-ICMA, the
California City Manager's Foundation (CCMF), and state and national League
of Cities and such other organizations as Employer and Employee may agree
from time to time. Employer also agrees to pay the cost of a corporate surety
bond as contemplated by section 503 of the City Charter.
C. Employer agrees to budget and to reimburse or pay for reasonable costs for
attendance and participation in meetings, institutes, training programs,
conferences, conventions and similar gatherings that support leadership
development and the advancement of Employer and Employee's mutually
agreed upon goals, and which are related to Employee's duties or Employer's
operations and held in the continental United States. For purposes of this
paragraph, reasonable expenses are limited to the reasonable and actual cost of
registration, coach -class airfare (where applicable), ground transportation and
meals. Reasonable expenses will also include the reasonable and actual cost of
lodging for meetings outside of Orange County.
D. The expenses to be budgeted and paid in the Section 5, Paragraphs A, B, and
C above, are exclusive of reasonable expenses related to events, participation
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in organizations, or attendance at events or meetings on behalf of the City as
required by the City Council. Employer will separately budget and pay for
membership and participation in community, civic or other organizations or
events in which Employer requires Employee to participate.
SECTION 6: At -Will Employment Relationship
A. Consistent with Article V of the City Charter, Section 500, Employee is
appointed by, and serves at the pleasure of, the City Council. Nothing in this
Agreement shall prevent, limit or otherwise interfere with the right of Employer
to terminate this Agreement and the employment of Employee at any time, with
or without Cause (as defined below), and with or without notice. Employer shall
pay Employee for all services through the Effective Date of termination and
Employee shall have no right to any additional compensation or payment,
except as provided in Section 7, below.
B. Nothing in this Agreement shall prevent, limit or otherwise interfere with the right
of Employee to resign from Employee's employment with Employer, subject
only to Employee providing a minimum of forty-five (45) calendar days, prior
written notice to Employer of the effective date of Employee's resignation. Upon
the effective date of resignation, Employee forfeits all compensation and
benefits owing for the remainder of the term of this Agreement, as well as any
potential "Severance" pay per Section 7 below.
SECTION 7: Severance and Benefit Payoff at Termination, and Agreement of
Separation, Severance, and General Release
A. Termination without Cause. If Employer terminates this Agreement (thereby
terminating Employee's Employment) without Cause, as determined by the
affirmative votes of a majority of the members of the City Council at a meeting of
the City Council, and if Employee signs, delivers to the City Council, and does not
revoke, the Agreement of Separation, Severance, and General Release in the form
attached hereto as Exhibit A, then Employer shall pay Employee a lump sum
benefit equal to six (6) months of Employee's then applicable Base Salary, and six
(6) months of medical coverage as provided under the Compensation Plan and/or
EPM, as long as Employee is already enrolled and receiving medical coverage
through the City medical benefits plan at the time of termination.
In accordance with Government Code Section 53260(a), in no event shall
Employee receive a cash settlement that is greater than the monthly Base Salary of
Employee multiplied by the number of months left on the unexpired term of the
Agreement.
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The lump sum payment described in this Section 7(A) shall be referred to herein
as "Severance".
Termination with Cause. If Employer terminates this Agreement (thereby
terminating Employee's Employment) with Cause, as determined by the affirmative
votes of a majority of the members of the City Council at a meeting of the City
Council, Employee shall not be entitled to any additional compensation or payment,
including Severance. If the City Council intends to terminate with Cause, based on
a reason or reasons set forth in subparts 5 or 6 immediately below, the Council
shall first deliver to Employee a written Notice of Intent to Terminate, stating the
reason or reasons for the proposed termination, and providing a thirty (30) day
period for Employee to cure. If, in the City Council's independent judgment,
Employee cures the identified reason or reasons for Cause termination, Employee
shall not be terminated therefor. As used in this Agreement, Cause shall only mean
any of the following:
1. Conviction of afelony;
2. Conviction of a misdemeanor arising out of Employee's duties under this
Agreement and involving a willful or intentional violation of law;
3. Conviction of any crime involving an "abuse of office or position," as that
term is defined in Government Code section 53243.4;
4. Willful abandonment of duties;
5. Repeated failure to carry out a directive or directives of the City Council
made by the City Council as a body; and
6. Any grossly negligent action or inaction by Employee that materially and
adversely: (a) impedes or disrupts the operations of Employer or its
organizational units; (b) is detrimental to employees or public safety; or (c)
violates properly established rules or procedures of Employer.
C. In no event may Employee be terminated within ninety (90) days after any
municipal election for the selection or recall of one or more of the members of
the City Council. (NBMC section 506)
D. If Employee resigns or otherwise terminates this Agreement (thereby
terminating Employee's employment), Employee shall not be entitled to any
additional compensation or payment, including Severance.
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E. Upon termination (regardless of reason), Employee shall be compensated for
all accrued but unused Flex Leave and unused Administrative Leave.
SECTION 8: Employee's Obligations and Hours of Work
Employee shall devote Employee's full energies, interest, abilities and productive
time to the performance of this Agreement and utilize Employee's best efforts to
promote Employer's interests. Employee's duties may involve expenditures of time
in excess of the regularly established workday or in excess of a forty (40) hour
workweek and may also include time outside normal office hours (including
attendance at City Council meetings). Employee's Base Salary includes
compensation for all hours worked and Employee shall be classified as an exempt
employee for purposes of overtime and shall not be entitled to any form of
compensation for overtime. In recognition of the significant time Employee will need
to devote outside normal office hours to business activities of Employer and the
exempt, salaried nature of the employment, employee is permitted to exercise a
flexible work schedule. However, consistent with this flexibility and Employee's
participation in activities out of the office, Employee will generally be expected to
keep office hours at City Hall, Monday through Friday during normal business hours.
SECTION 9: Confidentiality and Non -Disparagement
A. Employee acknowledges that in the course of Employee's employment
contemplated herein, Employee will be given or will have access to confidential
and proprietary documents and information, relating to the City, its residents,
businesses, employees, and customers ("Confidential Information"). Such
Confidential Information may include, but is not limited to, all information given to
or otherwise accessible to Employee that is not public information or would be
exempt from public disclosure as confidential, protected, exempt or privileged
information. Employee shall hold the Confidential Information in trust for City's
benefit, and shall not disclose the Confidential Information to others without the
express written consent of City.
B. Except as otherwise required by law, in the event the City terminates Employee
with or without Cause, the City and Employee agree that no member of the City
Council, City management staff, nor the Employee shall make any written, oral, or
electronic statement to any member of the public, the press, or any City employee
concerning the Employee's termination except in the form of a joint press release
or statement, which is mutually agreeable to City and Employee. The joint press
release or statement shall not contain any text or information that is disparaging to
either Party. Either Party may verbally repeat the substance of the joint press
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release or statement in response to any inquiry Nothing herein shall prohibit any
Council Member or Employee from exercising their rights under the First
Amendment to the United States Constitution.
C. The obligations of Employer and Employee under this Section 9 shall survive the
termination of this Agreement.
SECTION 10: Outside Activities
Employee shall not engage in any activity, consulting service or enterprise, for
compensation or otherwise, which is actually or potentially in conflict with or inimical
to, or which materially interferes with Employee's duties and responsibilities to
Employer. (Cal. Govt. Code section 1126)
SECTION 11: Indemnification
A. To the extent mandated by the California Government Code, the City shall defend,
hold harmless, and indemnify Employee against any tort, professional liability,
claim or demand, or other legal action arising out of an alleged act or omission
occurring in the performance of Employee's services under this Agreement. This
section shall not apply to any intentional tort or crime committed by Employee, to
any action outside the course and scope of the services provided by Employee
under this Agreement, or any other intentional or malicious conduct or gross
negligence of Employee. (Cal. Govt. Code sections 825, 995, et. seq.)
B. Notwithstanding the foregoing, and consistent with Sections 53243 through
53243.3 of the Government Code, Employee shall be required, if convicted of a
crime involving an abuse of Employee's office or position, to fully reimburse the
City for: (1) any paid leave salary offered by the City to the Employee; (2) any funds
provided for the legal criminal defense of the Employee; (3) any cash settlement
related to the termination that Employee may receive; and (4) any other payments
received by Employee from City that in any way relate to the foregoing.
SECTION 12: Other Terms and Conditions of Employment
Employer may fix other terms and conditions of employment, as it may determine
from time to time relating to the performance of the Employee, provided such terms
and conditions are not inconsistent with or in conflict with the provisions of this
Agreement or applicable law.
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SECTION 13: Notices
A. Notice pursuant to this Agreement shall be given by depositing written notification
in the custody of the United States Postal Service, postage prepaid, addressed as
follows:
(1) EMPLOYER:
City of Newport Beach c/o City Clerk
100 Civic Center Drive
Newport Beach, California 92660
(2) EMPLOYEE: Grace K. Leung
at the home address then shown in Employer's files
B. Alternatively, notice required pursuant to this Agreement may be personally served
in the same manner as is applicable in civil judicial practice. Notice shall be deemed
given as of the date of personal service or five days after the date of mailing.
SECTION 14: General Provisions
A. Integration. This Agreement sets forth the final, complete and exclusive agreement
between Employer and Employee relating to the employment of Employee by
Employer. Any prior discussions or representations by or between the parties are
merged into this Agreement or are otherwise rendered null and void. The Parties
by mutual written agreement may amend any provision of this Agreement. Such
amendments shall be incorporated and made a part of this Agreement. The
foregoing notwithstanding, Employee acknowledges that, except as expressly
provided in this Agreement, Employee's employment is subject to Employer's
generally applicable rules and policies pertaining to employment matters, such as
those addressing equal employment opportunity, sexual harassment and violence
in the workplace, as they currently or may in the future exist, and Employee's
employment is, and will continue to be, at the will of the City Council.
B. Binding Effect. This Agreement shall be binding on the Employer and the Employee
as well as their heirs, assigns, executors, personal representatives and successors
in interest.
C. Choice of Law. This Agreement shall be interpreted and construed pursuant to and
in accordance with the laws of the State of California and all applicable City Charter
provisions, Codes, Ordinances, Policies and Resolutions.
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D. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable, the
remainder of this Agreement shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect. If any
provision is held invalid or unenforceable with respect to particular circumstances,
it shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect in all other circumstances.
E. Conflict with City Charter or Municipal Code. In the event of a conflict between the
provisions of this Agreement and the City Charter, or this Agreement and the
NBMC, the City Charter or the NBMC shall prevail over this Agreement. All other
City personnel ordinances, resolutions, rules, and policies shall apply to Employee
in the same manner as applied to other Executive Management Employees.
F. Employee's Independent Review. Employee acknowledges that Employee has had
the opportunity and has conducted an independent review of the financial and legal
effects of this Agreement. Employee acknowledges that Employee has made an
independent judgment upon the financial and legal effects of this Agreement and
has not relied upon any representation of Employer, its officers, agents or
employees other than those expressly set forth in this Agreement. Employee
acknowledges that Employee has been advised to obtain, and has availed himself
or herself of legal advice with respect to the terms and provisions of this Agreement.
(Signatures on Following Page)
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be executed
on the dates reflected below each signature.
EMPLOYER
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH,
A Municipal Corporation
Diane B. Dixon, Mayor
Date:
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
THE ZAPPIA LAW FIRM
A Professional Corporation
By: Iq
Edward P. Zappda,4,
Outside Counsel
City of Newport
Date: j7 I I
ATTEST:
In
Leilani Brown, City Clerk
Date:
EMPLOYEE
An Individual
Grace K. Leung
Date:
[End of Signatures]
Attachment: Exhibit A — General Release Agreement
Leung Employment Agreement
Page 13
18-16
Exhibit A
GENERAL RELEASE AGREEMENT
This General Release Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into by and between
GRACE K. LEUNG ("Employee") and CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH ("Employer"), in light of
the following facts:
A. Employee's employment with Employer concluded on
B. Certain disputes have arisen between Employer and Employee.
C. Employer and Employee each deny any liability whatsoever to the other.
D. Employer and Employee wish to fully and finally resolve any and all disputes
they may have with each other.
E. Employee is hereby informed that he has twenty-one (21) days from receipt of
this Agreement to consider it. Employer hereby advises Employee to consult with his legal
counsel before signing this Agreement.
F. Employee acknowledges that for a period of seven (7) days following the
signing of this Agreement ("Revocation Period"), he may revoke the Agreement. This
Agreement shall not become effective or enforceable until the day the Revocation Period
has expired.
G. Employee acknowledges that the Salary Payment referenced in paragraph 1
of this Agreement represents all compensation, including salary, accrued benefit balances
and reimbursed expenses, due and payable to him through the date of employment
termination. Employee also acknowledges that Employer has made this Salary Payment
without regard to whether he signs this Agreement. The Salary Payment does not constitute
consideration for this Agreement. Employee acknowledges that the Severance referenced
in paragraph 2 of this Agreement is in excess of all amounts that are due and owing to him
as a result of his employment by Employer.
1. Receipt of Salary Payment. Employee hereby acknowledges receipt of a
check or checks for all compensation owing to him, including salary, accrued benefit
balances and reimbursed expenses ("Salary Payment") from Employer.
2. Severance. Within ten (10) days following Employee's signing, delivering to
the City Council, and not revoking this Agreement, City shall pay Employee the gross amount
provided for in Section 7 of the First Amended and Restated Employment Agreement
effective April 9, 2019, less applicable deductions, and shall provide the months of medical
benefits as provided in that same Section 7 ("Severance"). Employee acknowledges that
the Severance is in excess of all amounts due and owing him as a result of his employment
by Employer.
Page 14
18-17
3. General Release. In consideration of the Severance to be paid and provided
to Employee, and other good and valuable consideration, Employee hereby releases and
discharges Employer and its past and present City Council Members, employees,
representatives and agents, from all rights, claims, causes of action, and damages, both
known and unknown, in law or in equity, concerning and/or arising out of his employment
with Employer which he now has, or ever had, including but not limited to any rights, claims,
causes of action or damages arising under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the
Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, the
Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Older
Workers Benefits Protection Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, the Domestic
Partners Act of 2003, the California Labor Code, the Private Attorneys General Act of 2004,
the California Moore -Brown -Roberti Family Rights Act, the California Unruh Civil Rights Act,
the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, any other federal, state, or local
employment practice legislation, or any federal or state common law, including wrongful
discharge, breach of express or implied contract, or breach of public policy.
Employee hereby waives and relinquishes all rights and benefits afforded by Section
1542 of the Civil Code of California. Employee understands and acknowledges the
significance and consequences of this specific waiver of Section 1542. Section 1542 of the
Civil Code of California states as follows:
"A GENERAL RELEASE DOES NOT EXTEND TO CLAIMS WHICH THE
CREDITOR DOES NOT KNOW OR SUSPECT TO EXIST IN HIS OR HER
FAVOR AT THE TIME OF EXECUTING THE RELEASE, WHICH IF KNOWN
BY HIM OR HER MUST HAVE MATERIALLY AFFECTED HIS OR HER
SETTLEMENT WITH THE DEBTOR."
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 1542, and for the purpose of implementing
a full and complete release and discharge of Employer and its past and present City Council
Members, employees, representatives and agents, Employee expressly acknowledges that
this General Release is intended to include in its effect, without limitation, all claims which
he does not know or suspect to exist in his favor.
Employee further acknowledges that she has read this General Release and that she
understands that this is a general release, and that she intends to be legally bound by the
same.
4. Fees. Employee and Employer agree that in the event of litigation relating to this
General Release Agreement, the prevailing party shall not be entitled to recover his/its
reasonable attorneys' fees.
Page 15
18-18
Dated 20 CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
Dated: 20
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
CITY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Aaron C. Harp, City Attorney
Date:
ATTEST:
Leilani Brown, City Clerk
Date:
Grace K. Leung
Page 16
18-19
ATTACHMENT B
FIFTH AMENDED AND RESTATED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH CITY ATTORNEY
This FIFTH AMENDED AND RESTATED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
("Agreement") is made effective as of April 9, 2019 ("Effective Date") and is entered
into by and between the CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH, a California municipal
corporation and Charter City ("Employer" or "City") and AARON C. HARP
("Employee") an individual, (sometimes collectively "the Parties").
RECITALS
A. City is a municipal corporation duly organized and validly existing under the
laws of the State of California with the power to carry on its business as it is
now being conducted under the statutes of the State of California and the
Charter of City.
B. Employee has been continuously employed by City as City Attorney since
September 6, 2011. Employee is currently employed under a Fourth
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated on or about April 25,
2017 ("Employment Agreement").
C. The Parties mutually agree that they intend for this Agreement to supersede
all prior Employment Agreements, and that upon execution of this
Agreement, any prior Employment Agreements shall have no force or effect.
D. The Parties also mutually agree that this form of Agreement reflects the
terms and conditions under which the Parties intend and desire to continue
Employee's employment, and that there are no other Agreements between
them; oral, written or implied.
Harp Employment Agreement Page 1
18-20
NOW, THEREFORE, it is mutually agreed by and between the undersigned Parties
as follows:
SECTION 1: Term and Notice of Non -Renewal
A. This Agreement shall become effective April 9, 2019 ("Effective Date"). Subject
to the City's right to terminate Employee's employment at any time, as provided
for in this Agreement, the term of this Agreement is two (2) years from the
Effective Date.
B. This Agreement shall automatically be extended for one additional 12 -month
period on each annual anniversary of the Effective Date of the Agreement, unless
City notifies Employee of its intent not to extend the Agreement at least six (6)
months prior to expiration of the original Term, or the Term of any subsequent
automatic extension of this Agreement.
C. City's election not to extend this Agreement shall not entitle Employee to
Severance pursuant to Section 7 of this Agreement.
SECTION 2: Duties and Authority
Employer agrees to continue to employ Employee as City Attorney, to exercise the
powers and authority and to perform the functions and duties specified in the
Newport Beach City Charter, the Municipal Code and all relevant resolutions, rules,
regulations, procedures, applicable job description(s) and state codes, as they
currently or may in the future exist. Employee shall exercise such power and
authority and perform such other functions and duties, not inconsistent with this
Agreement, as Employer, by its City Council, may legally assign.
SECTION 3: Compensation and Performance Evaluation.
A. Employer agrees to pay Employee an annual base salary of $242,556 (Two
hundred and forty two thousand and five hundred and fifty six) ("Base Salary"),
effective April 13, 2019, subject to deductions and withholdings of any and all
sums required for federal or state income tax, pension contributions, and all other
taxes, deductions or withholdings required by then current state, federal or local
law, prorated and paid on Employer's normal paydays for the City Manager, City
Attorney, City Clerk, and any Department Directors not covered by collective
bargaining agreements ("Executive Management Employees"). Employer shall
also deduct sums Employee is obligated to pay because of participation in plans
or programs described in Section 4 of this Agreement. The annual Base Salary
of Employee is within the approved salary range adopted by resolution of the City
Harp Employment Agreement Page 2
18-21
Council. This Agreement shall be deemed amended whenever the City Council
adopts a resolution changing the base salary of Executive Management
Employees or the manner (but not the amount) by which Executive Management
Employees are paid.
B. Employee shall receive a one-time bonus in the amount of two thousand and
seven hundred dollars ($2,700) in the first payroll period after the complete
execution of this Agreement.
C. Employer shall pay Employee a one-time merit payment of $18.29 per paid work
day from the pay period that includes January 1, 2019 through and including April
12, 2019.
D. Effective the pay period that includes January 1, 2020, Employee shall receive a
Base Salary increase in compensation equal to the lesser of: (1) a two percent
(2.0%) salary adjustment; or (2) a cost of living adjustment based on an increase
in the "Cost of Living" as defined by Government Code Section 3511.1, as it
currently exists or may be modified in the future.
The cost of living adjustment will be calculated by comparing the last published
index number that is closest in time to the date the adjustment in compensation
is to be made, and the corresponding index number for one year earlier. [(A-
B)/B*100=i, where A=Most recent index B=Corresponding index for one year
earlier i=Cost of living adjustment, in percent]
E. Employer, by the City Council, and Employee may set mutually -agreed upon
objectives for each year under this Agreement. Employer, by the City Council,
may elect to conduct an evaluation of Employee's performance at any time or
times during the period in which this Agreement remains in effect.
F. Employee's compensation as discussed under this Section is not tied to the
compensation of any other City employee or group of City employees, except as
expressly provided in this Agreement.
SECTION 4: Employee Benefits
A. Benefit Balances Carried Over. Employee shall not have a break in employment
service between the prior Employment Agreement and this Agreement. All of
Employee's accrued leave and other benefit balances shall carry over as agreed,
and his leave and benefit balances shall continue to accrue under the terms of
applicable City policies and this Agreement.
Harp Employment Agreement Page 3
18-22
B. Flex Leave. Employee shall accumulate Flex Leave as provided in the City's Key
and Management Compensation Plan, Executive Management category
("Compensation Plan"), at the rate of 9.69 hours per Pay Period. Employee's
maximum accrual for Flex Leave is limited to 400 (four hundred) hours. The right
to sell back accumulated Flex Leave shall be consistent with the Compensation
Plan.
C. Administrative Leave. Employee shall be entitled to 80 hours of paid
Administrative Leave per calendar year (January 1 through December 31).
Administrative Leave does not accrue from calendar year to calendar year, and
must be used, or lost, at the conclusion of each calendar year. There is no cash
value for Administrative Leave and will not be paid out upon Employee request
or separation from the City.
D. Additional Benefits. Unless otherwise provided in this Agreement, Employee
shall receive the same benefits as are available to Executive Management
Employees under the Compensation Plan and/or EPM, including cafeteria
benefits, LIUNA Supplemental Pension, IRS Section 125 Flexible Spending
Accounts, short-term and long-term disability plans, life insurance plans, and
deferred compensation plans. This Agreement shall be deemed amended
whenever the City Council adopts a resolution or takes action changing these
benefits under the Compensation Plan and/or EPM.
E. Annual Physical Exam. Employee may undergo an annual physical examination
and City shall reimburse Employee for the actual cost of the examination up to a
maximum of $1,000 (One thousand dollars).
F. Automobile Allowance. Employee's duties require him to be available and to
respond to demands of City business at all times and outside of regular business
hours, including weekends. Employer shall, therefore, pay to Employee $500
(Five hundred dollars) per month as an automobile allowance so that Employee
may respond to these demands of City business.
G. Phone Allowance. Employee shall be entitled to the same phone allowance as
provided to any Executive Management member.
H. Amendment of Benefits. Employee's benefits provided under this Section 4 are
not tied to the compensation of any other City employee or group of City
employees except as expressly provided in this Section.
Harp Employment Agreement Page 4
18-23
I. Retirement - CalPERS. Employee contributes thirteen percent (13%) of
compensation earnable towards Employee's retirement benefit, which is
designated as follows: 8% of Employee/Member's total PERSable salary as the
Employee/Member Contribution; and 2.42% and 2.58% as cost sharing of the
Employer Contribution Rate in accordance with Government Code sections
20516(a) and 20516(f) respectively.
The Parties agree that the City will not report as special compensation the value
of any Employer Paid Member Contribution. In the event the City Council adopts
a Compensation Plan in which retirement contributions for non -safety members
of the Key & Management Group exceeds 13.00%, this Agreement shall be
deemed amended and Employee will be subject to the same formula or
percentage contribution as it is applied to the non -safety members of the Key &
Management Group covered under the Compensation Plan and for the same
duration. In no event, shall the Employee's retirement contribution be less than
13.00%. Employee retirement contributions that are in addition to the normal
PERS Member Contribution shall be calculated on Base Salary, special pays,
and other pays normally reported as "PERSable" compensation, and will be made
on a pre-tax basis through payroll deduction, to the extent allowable by the
Government Code.
J. Supplemental Pension. Employee is a member of the LIUNA Supplemental Pension
Fund ("Plan"). Effective in the pay period which includes January 1, 2019, the Plan
will be funded exclusively by contributions from the members. The City will not make
any contributions to the Plan. In addition, as there are increases (which typically
occur annually) to the costs (whether identified as employer or employee
contributions) to fund the Plan, they will be made by Employee (i.e., the participants
in the Plan). The City is not responsible for, nor does it make any representation
regarding, the payment of benefits to Employee.
Employee cannot receive the contributed amounts directly instead of having them
paid to the Plan. Participation in the Plan will continue to be mandatory for
Employee.
SECTION 5: General Business Expenses
A. Employer recognizes that Employee may incur expenses of a non -personal, job
related nature that are reasonably necessary to Employee's service to
Employer. Employer agrees to either pay such expenses in advance or to
reimburse the expenses, so long as the expenses are incurred and submitted
according to Employer's normal expense reimbursement procedures or such
Harp Employment Agreement Page 5
18-24
other procedure as may be designated by the City Council. To be eligible for
reimbursement, all expenses must be supported by documentation meeting
Employer's normal requirements and must be submitted within time limits
established by Employer.
B. City shall reimburse Employee for expenses incurred in his attending a
reasonable number of League of Cities and other similar conferences relevant
to the performance of his duties. City shall pay Employee's annual California
Bar Association dues, membership in the Orange County Bar Association and
appropriate sections of that Association, and the expenses of his satisfying his
Mandatory Continuing Legal Education ("MCLE") obligations. It is not
contemplated that out -of -Orange County travel will be required for Employee to
meet his MCLE obligations.
C. The expenses to be budgeted and paid in this Section 5, Paragraphs A and B
above, are exclusive of reasonable expenses related to events, participation in
organizations, or attendance at events or meetings on behalf of the City as
required by the City Council. Employer will separately budget and pay for
membership and participation in community, civic or other organizations or
events in which Employer requires Employee to participate.
SECTION 6: At -Will Employment Relationship
A. Consistent with Article VI of the City Charter, Section 600, Employee is
appointed by, and serves at the pleasure of, the City Council. Nothing in this
Agreement shall prevent, limit or otherwise interfere with the right of Employer
to terminate this Agreement and the employment of Employee at any time, with
or without Cause (as defined below), and with or without notice. Employer shall
pay Employee for all services through the Effective Date of termination and
Employee shall have no right to any additional compensation or payment,
except as provided in Section 7, Severance and Benefit Payoff at Termination,
and General Release Agreement, below.
B. Nothing in this Agreement shall prevent, limit or otherwise interfere with the right
of Employee to resign from his employment with Employer, subject only to
Employee providing a minimum of forty-five (45) calendar days prior written
notice to Employer of the effective date of his resignation. Upon the effective
date of resignation, Employee forfeits all compensation and benefits owing for
the remainder of the term of this Agreement, as well as any potential severance
pay.
Harp Employment Agreement Page 6
18-25
SECTION 7: Severance and Benefit Payoff at Termination, and General Release
Agreement
A. Without Cause: If Employer terminates this Agreement (thereby terminating
Employee's Employment) without Cause, as determined by the affirmative
votes of a majority of the members of the City Council at a meeting of the City
Council, and if Employee signs, delivers to the City Council, and does not
revoke, the General Release Agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit
A, Employer shall pay Employee beginning on the effective date of termination
a lump sum benefit equal to six (6) months of his then applicable Base Salary,
and shall provide six (6) months of medical coverage as provided under the
Compensation Plan as long as employee is already enrolled and receiving
medical coverage through the City medical benefits plan at time of termination
(collectively, "Severance").
B. With Cause: If Employer terminates this Agreement (thereby terminating
Employee's Employment) with Cause, as determined by the affirmative votes of
a majority of the members of the City Council at a meeting of the City Council,
Employee shall not be entitled to any additional compensation or payment,
including Severance. If the City Council intends to terminate with Cause, based
on a reason or reasons set forth in subparts 5 or 6, immediately below, the
Council shall first deliver to Employee a written Notice of Intent to Terminate,
stating the reason or reasons for the proposed termination, and providing a
thirty (30) day period for Employee to cure. If, in the City Council's independent
judgment, Employee cures the identified reason or reasons for Cause
termination, Employee shall not be terminated therefor. As used in this
Agreement, Cause shall mean any of the following:
1. Conviction of a felony;
2. Conviction of a misdemeanor arising out of Employee's duties under this
Agreement and involving a willful or intentional violation of law;
3. Conviction of any crime involving an "abuse of office or position," as that
term is defined in Government Code Section 53243.4;
4. Willful abandonment of duties;
5. Repeated failure to carry out a directive or directives of the City Council
made by the City Council as a body; and
Harp Employment Agreement Page 7
18-26
6. Any grossly negligent action or inaction by Employee that materially and
adversely: (a) impedes or disrupts the operations of Employer or its
organizational units; (b) is detrimental to employees or public safety; or (c)
violates properly established rules or procedures of Employer.
C. In no event may Employee be terminated within ninety (90) days after any
municipal election for the selection or recall of one or more of the members of
the City Council.
D. Resignation: If Employee terminates this Agreement (thereby terminating
Employee's employment), Employee shall not be entitled to any additional
compensation or payment, including Severance.
E. Upon termination (regardless of reason), Employee shall be compensated for
all accrued but unused Flex Leave. No compensation shall be paid for any
unused Administrative Leave.
SECTION 8: Employee's Obligations and Hours of Work
A. Employee shall devote his full energies, interest, abilities and productive time to
the performance of this Agreement and utilize his best efforts to promote
Employer's interests. Employee's duties may involve expenditures of time in
excess of the regularly established workday or in excess of a forty (40) hour
workweek and may also include time outside normal office hours (including
attendance at City Council meetings). Employee's base salary includes
compensation for all hours worked and Employee shall be classified as an exempt
employee for purposes of overtime and shall not be entitled to any form of
compensation for overtime. In recognition of the significant time Employee will
need to devote outside normal office hours to business activities of Employer and
the exempt, salaried nature of the employment, employee is permitted to exercise
a flexible work schedule. However, consistent with this flexibility and Employee's
participation in activities out of the office, Employee will generally be expected to
keep office hours at City Hall during normal business hours, subject to paragraph
B of this Section, below.
B. Employee is authorized to work the 9/80 schedule as defined in Section 2(RR)(1)
of the Employee Policy Manual and referred to in Miscellaneous Section (D) of
the Compensation Plan. However, as City Attorney, Employee shall not take a
9/80 day: (1) on any Monday or Friday immediately preceding a regularly
scheduled City Council Meeting; (2) on the same day as the Assistant City
Attorney takes a 9/80 day off; or (3) any other day where the press of business
Harp Employment Agreement Page 8
18-27
requires Employee's attendance, in Employee's good faith judgment, such as
court appearances or emergency City Council meetings.
SECTION 9: Confidentiality and Non -Disparagement
A. Employee acknowledges that in the course of his employment contemplated
herein, Employee will be given or will have access to privileged, confidential and
proprietary documents and information, relating to the City, its residents,
businesses, employees, and customers ("Confidential Information"). Such
Confidential Information may include, but is not limited to, all information given to
or otherwise accessible to Employee that is not public information or would be
exempt from public disclosure as confidential, protected, exempt or privileged
information. Employee shall hold the Confidential Information in trust for City's
benefit, and shall not disclose the Confidential Information to others without the
express written consent of City.
B. Except as otherwise required by law, in the event the City terminates Employee
with or without Cause, the City and Employee agree that no member of the City
Council, the city management staff, nor the Employee shall make any written,
oral, or electronic statement to any member of the public, the press, or any City
employee concerning the Employee's termination except in the form of a joint
press release or statement, which is mutually agreeable to City and Employee.
The joint press release or statement shall not contain any text or information that
is disparaging to either Party. Either Party may verbally repeat the substance of
the joint press release or statement in response to any inquiry.
C. The obligations of Employer and Employee under this Section 9 shall survive the
termination of this Agreement.
SECTION 10: Outside Activities
A. Employee shall not engage in any activity, consulting service or enterprise, for
compensation or otherwise, which is actually or potentially in conflict with,
incompatible with, or inimical to, or which materially interferes with his duties and
responsibilities to Employer. (Cal. Govt. Code 1125 — 1129.)
SECTION 11: Indemnification
A. Consistent with the California Government Code, Employer shall defend and
indemnify Employee, using legal counsel of Employer's choosing, against
Harp Employment Agreement Page 9
18-28
expense or legal liability for acts or omissions by Employee occurring within the
course and scope of Employee's employment under this Agreement. In the event
Employer determines that there is a conflict of interest between Employer and
Employee and independent counsel is required for Employee, Employer may
select the independent counsel after having considered the input of Employee
and shall pay the reasonable fees of such independent counsel consistent with
City litigation guidelines and standard rates received by City from its chosen
special counsel. (Cal. Govt. Code sections 825, 995, et. seq.)
B. Notwithstanding the foregoing, and consistent with Sections 53243 through
53243.3 of the Government Code, Employee shall be required, if convicted of a
crime involving an abuse of his office or position, to fully reimburse the City for:
(1) any paid leave salary offered by the City to the Employee; (2) any funds
provided for the legal criminal defense of the Employee; (3) any cash settlement
related to the termination that Employee may receive; and (4) any other payments
received by Employee from City that in any way relate to the foregoing.
SECTION 12: Other Terms and Conditions of Employment
Employer may fix other terms and conditions of employment, as it may determine
from time to time, relating to the performance of the Employee, provided such terms
and conditions are not inconsistent with or in conflict with the provisions of this
Agreement or applicable law.
SECTION 13: Notices
A. Notice pursuant to this Agreement shall be given by depositing written notification
in the custody of the United States Postal Service, postage prepaid, addressed
as follows:
(1) EMPLOYER:
City of Newport Beach
c/o City Clerk
100 Civic Center Drive
Newport Beach, California 92660
(2) EMPLOYEE: Aaron C. Harp
at the home address then shown in Employer's files
Harp Employment Agreement Page 10
18-29
B. Alternatively, notice required pursuant to this Agreement may be personally served in
the same manner as is applicable in civil judicial practice. Notice shall be deemed
given as of the date of personal service or five days after the date of mailing.
SECTION 14: General Provisions
A. Integration: This Agreement sets forth the final, complete and exclusive
agreement between Employer and Employee relating to the employment of
Employee by Employer. Any prior discussions or representations by or between
the parties are merged into this Agreement or are otherwise rendered null and
void. The parties by mutual written agreement may amend any provision of this
Agreement during the life of the Agreement. Such amendments shall be
incorporated and made a part of this Agreement. The foregoing notwithstanding,
Employee acknowledges that, except as expressly provided in this Agreement,
his employment is subject to Employer's generally applicable rules and policies
pertaining to employment matters, such as those addressing equal employment
opportunity, sexual harassment and violence in the workplace, as they currently
or may in the future exist, and his employment is, and will continue to be, at the
will of the City Council.
B. Binding Effect: This Agreement shall be binding on the Employer and the
Employee as well as their heirs, assigns, executors, personal representatives and
successors in interest.
C. Choice of Law: This Agreement shall be interpreted and construed pursuant to
and in accordance with the laws of the State of California and all applicable City
Charter provisions, Codes, Ordinances, Policies and Resolutions.
D. Severability: If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable,
the remainder of this Agreement shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect.
If any provision is held invalid or unenforceable with respect to particular
circumstances, it shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect in all other
circumstances.
E. Conflict with City Charter or Municipal Code. The City personnel ordinances,
resolutions, rules and policies shall apply to Employee in the same manner as
applied to other management employees, provided, however, in the event of a
conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and the City Charter, or this
Agreement and the Municipal Code, the City Charter or the Municipal Code shall
prevail over this Agreement.
Harp Employment Agreement Page 11
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F. Employee's Independent Review: Employee acknowledges that he has had the
opportunity and has conducted an independent review of the financial and legal
effects of this Agreement. Employee acknowledges that he has made an
independent judgment upon the financial and legal effects of this Agreement and
has not relied upon any representation of Employer, its officers, agents or
employees other than those expressly set forth in this Agreement. Employee
acknowledges that he has been advised to obtain, and has availed himself of,
legal advice with respect to the terms and provisions of this Agreement.
[Signatures on next page]
Harp Employment Agreement Page 12
18-31
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be executed on the
dates reflected below each signature.
EMPLOYER
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH, EMPLOYEE,
A Municipal Corporation An Individual
0
Diane B. Dixon, Mayor
Date:
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
By: _ _q
Edward P. Za pia
THE ZAPPIA LAW FIRM
A Professional Corporation
ATTEST:
By:
Leilani Brown
City Clerk
Date:
Aaron C. Harp
Date:
Date:
[End of Signatures]
Attachment: Exhibit A — General Release Agreement
Harp Employment Agreement
Page 13
18-32
Exhibit A
GENERAL RELEASE AGREEMENT
This General Release Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into by and
between AARON C. HARP ("Employee") and CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
("Employer"), in light of the following facts:
A. Employee's employment with Employer concluded on
B. Certain disputes have arisen between Employer and Employee.
C. Employer and Employee each deny any liability whatsoever to the other.
D. Employer and Employee wish to fully and finally resolve any and all disputes
they may have with each other.
E. Employee is hereby informed that he has twenty-one (21) days from receipt
of this Agreement to consider it. Employer hereby advises Employee to consult with his
legal counsel before signing this Agreement.
F. Employee acknowledges that for a period of seven (7) days following the
signing of this Agreement ("Revocation Period"), he may revoke the Agreement. This
Agreement shall not become effective or enforceable until the day the Revocation Period
has expired.
G. Employee acknowledges that the Salary Payment referenced in paragraph
1 of this Agreement represents all compensation, including salary, accrued benefit
balances and reimbursed expenses, due and payable to him through the date of
employment termination. Employee also acknowledges that Employer has made this
Salary Payment without regard to whether he signs this Agreement. The Salary Payment
does not constitute consideration for this Agreement. Employee acknowledges that the
Severance referenced in paragraph 2 of this Agreement is in excess of all amounts that
are due and owing to him as a result of his employment by Employer.
1. Receipt of Salary Payment. Employee hereby acknowledges receipt of a
check or checks for all compensation owing to him, including salary, accrued benefit
balances and reimbursed expenses ("Salary Payment") from Employer.
Page 14
18-33
2. Severance. Within ten (10) days following Employee's signing, delivering to
the City Council, and not revoking this Agreement, City shall pay Employee the gross
amount provided for in Section 7 of the current Fifth Amended and Restated Employment
Agreement dated April 9, 2019, less applicable deductions, and shall provide the months
of medical benefits as provided in that same Section 7 ("Severance"). Employee
acknowledges that the Severance is in excess of all amounts due and owing him as a
result of his employment by Employer.
3. General Release. In consideration of the Severance to be paid and provided
to Employee, and other good and valuable consideration, Employee hereby releases and
discharges Employer and its past and present City Council Members, employees,
representatives and agents, from all rights, claims, causes of action, and damages, both
known and unknown, in law or in equity, concerning and/or arising out of his employment
with Employer which he now has, or ever had, including but not limited to any rights,
claims, causes of action or damages arising under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964,
the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in
Employment Act, the Older Workers Benefits Protection Act, the Family and Medical
Leave Act of 1993, the Domestic Partners Act of 2003, the California Labor Code, the
Private Attorneys General Act of 2004, the California Moore -Brown -Roberti Family Rights
Act, the California Unruh Civil Rights Act, the California Fair Employment and Housing
Act, any other federal, state, or local employment practice legislation, or any federal or
state common law, including wrongful discharge, breach of express or implied contract,
or breach of public policy.
Employee hereby waives and relinquishes all rights and benefits afforded by
Section 1542 of the Civil Code of California. Employee understands and acknowledges
the significance and consequences of this specific waiver of Section 1542. Section 1542
of the Civil Code of California states as follows:
"A GENERAL RELEASE DOES NOT EXTEND TO CLAIMS WHICH THE
CREDITOR DOES NOT KNOW OR SUSPECT TO EXIST IN HIS OR HER
Page 15
18-34
FAVOR AT THE TIME OF EXECUTING THE RELEASE, WHICH IF
KNOWN BY HIM OR HER MUST HAVE MATERIALLY AFFECTED HIS
OR HER SETTLEMENT WITH THE DEBTOR."
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 1542, and for the purpose of
implementing a full and complete release and discharge of Employer and its past and
present City Council Members, employees, representatives and agents, Employee
expressly acknowledges that this General Release is intended to include in its effect,
without limitation, all claims which he does not know or suspect to exist in his favor.
Employee further acknowledges that he has read this General Release and that he
understands that this is a general release, and that he intends to be legally bound by the
same.
4. Fees. Employee and Employer agree that in the event of litigation relating
to this General Release Agreement, the prevailing party shall not be entitled to recover
his/its reasonable attorneys' fees.
[Signatures on Next Page]
Page 16
18-35
Dated , 20_ By:
Dated: 20
By:
Date:
ATTEST:
By:
City Clerk
Date:
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
Aaron C. Harp
Page 17
18-36
ATTACHMENT C
FIFTH AMENDED AND RESTATED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH CITY CLERK
This FIFTH AMENDED AND RESTATED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT ("Agreement")
is made effective as of April 9, 2019 and is entered into by and between the CITY OF
NEWPORT BEACH, a California municipal corporation and Charter City ("Employer" or
"City") and LEILANI I. BROWN ("Employee"), an individual (sometimes collectively
referred to herein as "the Parties").
RECITALS
A. City is a municipal corporation duly organized and validly existing under the laws of
the State of California with the power to carry on its business as it is now being
conducted under the statutes of the State of California and the Charter of the City.
B. Employee has been continuously employed by City as City Clerk since November 22,
2008. Employee is currently employed under a Fourth Amended and Restated
Employment Agreement dated on or about April 25, 2017 ("Employment Agreement").
C. The Parties mutually agree that they intend for this Agreement to supersede all prior
Employment Agreements, and that upon execution of this Agreement, any prior
Employment Agreement shall have no force or effect.
D. The Parties also mutually agree that this form of Agreement reflects the terms and
conditions under which the Parties intend and desire to continue Employee's
employment, and that there are no other agreements between them; oral, written or
implied.
Brown Employment Agreement Page 1
18-37
NOW, THEREFORE, it is mutually agreed by and between the undersigned Parties as
follows:
SECTION 1: Term and Notice of Non -Renewal
A. This Agreement shall become effective April 9, 2019 ("Effective Date"). Subject to
the City's right to terminate Employee's employment at any time, as provided for
in this Agreement, the term of this Agreement is two (2) years from the Effective
Date.
B. This Agreement shall automatically be extended for one additional 12 -month
period on each annual anniversary of the Effective Date of the Agreement, unless
City notifies Employee of its intent not to extend the Agreement at least six (6)
months prior to expiration of the original Term, or the Term of any subsequent
automatic extension of this Agreement.
C. City's election not to extend this Agreement shall not entitle Employee to
Severance pursuant to Section 7 of this Agreement.
SECTION 2: Duties and Authority
Employer agrees to continue to employ Employee as City Clerk, to exercise the powers
and authority and to perform the functions and duties specified in the Newport Beach City
Charter, the Municipal Code and all relevant resolutions, rules, regulations, procedures,
applicable job description(s) and state codes, as they currently or may in the future exist.
Employee shall exercise such power and authority and perform such other functions and
duties, not inconsistent with this Agreement, as Employer, by its City Council, may legally
assign.
SECTION 3: Compensation and Performance Evaluation
A. Employer agrees to pay Employee an annual base salary of $149,685 (One
Hundred Forty Nine Thousand and Six Hundred and Eighty Five Dollars) ("Base
Salary"), effective April 13, 2019, subject to deduction and withholding of any and
all sums required for federal or state income tax, pension contributions, and all
other taxes, deductions or withholdings required by then current state, federal or
local law, prorated and paid on Employer's normal paydays for the City Manager,
City Attorney, City Clerk, and any Department Directors not covered by collective
bargaining agreements ("Executive Management Employees"). Employer shall
also deduct sums Employee is obligated to pay because of participation in plans
or programs described in Section 4 of this Agreement. The annual Base Salary of
Employee is within the approved salary range adopted by resolution of the City
Council. This Agreement shall be deemed amended whenever the City Council
adopts a resolution changing the base salary of Executive Management
Brown Employment Agreement Page 2
18-38
Employees or the manner (but not the amount) by which Executive Management
Employees are paid.
B. Employee shall receive a one-time bonus in the amount of two thousand and seven
hundred dollars ($2,700) in the first payroll period after the complete execution of
this Agreement.
C. Employer shall pay Employee a one-time merit payment of $11.29 per paid work
day from the pay period that includes January 1, 2019 through and including April
12, 2019.
D. Effective the pay period that includes January 1, 2020, Employee shall receive a
Base Salary increase in compensation equal to the lesser of: (1) a two percent
(2.0%) salary adjustment; or (2) a cost of living adjustment based on an increase
in the "Cost of Living" as defined by Government Code Section 3511.1, as it
currently exists or may be modified in the future.
The cost of living adjustment will be calculated by comparing the last published
index number that is closest in time to the date the adjustment in compensation is
to be made, and the corresponding index number for one year earlier. [(A-
B)/B*100=i, where A=Most recent index B=Corresponding index for one year
earlier i=Cost of living adjustment, in percent]
E. Employer, by the City Council, and Employee may set mutually -agreed upon
objectives for each year under this Agreement. Employer, by the City Council,
may elect to conduct an evaluation of Employee's performance at any time or times
during the period in which this Agreement remains in effect.
F. Employee's compensation as discussed under this Section is not tied to the
compensation of any other City employee or group of City employees, except as
expressly provided in this Agreement.
SECTION 4: Employee Benefits
A. Benefit Balances Carried Over. Employee shall not have a break in employment
service between the prior Employment Agreement and this Agreement. All of
Employee's accrued leave and other benefit balances shall carry over as agreed, and
her leave and benefit balances shall continue to accrue under the terms of applicable
City policies and this Agreement.
B. Flex Leave. Employee shall accumulate Flex Leave as provided in the City's Key and
Management Compensation Plan, Executive Management category ("Compensation
Brown Employment Agreement Page 3
18-39
Plan"), at the current rate of 9.69 hours per Pay Period. Employee's maximum accrual
for Flex Leave is limited to four hundred (400) hours. The right to sell back
accumulated Flex Leave shall be consistent with the Compensation Plan.
C. Administrative Leave. Employee shall be entitled to 80 hours of paid Administrative
Leave per calendar year (January 1 through December 31). Administrative Leave
does not accrue from calendar year to calendar year, and must be used, or lost, at the
conclusion of each calendar year. There is no cash value for Administrative Leave
and will not be paid out upon Employee request or separation from the City.
D. Additional Benefits. Unless otherwise provided in this Agreement, Employee shall
receive the same benefits as are available to Executive Management Employees
under the Compensation Plan and/or EPM, including cafeteria benefits, LIUNA
Supplemental Pension, IRS Section 125 Flexible Spending Accounts, short-term and
long-term disability plans, life insurance plans, and deferred compensation plans. This
Agreement shall be deemed amended whenever the City Council adopts a resolution
or takes action changing these benefits under the Compensation Plan and/or EPM.
E. Annual Physical Exam. Employee may undergo an annual physical examination
and City shall reimburse Employee for the actual cost of the examination up to a
maximum of $1,000 (One Thousand Dollars).
F. Automobile Allowance. Employee's duties require her to be available and to respond
to demands of City business outside of regular business hours on occasion. Employer
shall, therefore, pay to Employee $400 (Four Hundred Dollars) per month as an
automobile allowance so that Employee may respond to these demands of City
business.
G. Phone Allowance. Employee shall be entitled to the same phone allowance as
provided to any Executive Management member.
H. Amendment of Benefits. Employees benefits provided under this Section 4 are not
tied to the compensation of any other City employee or group of City employees
except as expressly provided in this Section.
Retirement - CaIPERS. Employee contributes thirteen percent (13%) of
compensation earnable towards Employee's retirement benefit, which is designated
as follows: 8% of Employee/Member's total PERSable salary as the
Employee/Member Contribution; and 2.42% and 2.58% as cost sharing of the
Employer Contribution Rate in accordance with Government Code sections 20516(a)
and 20516(f) respectively.
Brown Employment Agreement Page 4
18-40
The Parties agree that the City will not report as special compensation the value of
any Employer Paid Member Contribution. In the event the City Council adopts a
Compensation Plan in which retirement contributions for non -safety members of the
Key & Management Group exceeds 13.00%, this Agreement shall be deemed
amended and Employee will be subject to the same formula or percentage
contribution as it is applied to the non -safety members of the Key & Management
Group covered under the Compensation Plan and for the same duration. In no event
shall the Employee's retirement contribution be less than 13.00%. Employee
retirement contributions that are in addition to the normal PERS Member Contribution
shall be calculated on Base Salary, special pays, and other pays normally reported as
"PERSable" compensation, and will be made on a pre-tax basis through payroll
deduction, to the extent allowable by the Government Code.
J. Supplemental Pension. Employee is a member of the LIUNA Supplemental Pension
Fund ("Plan"). Effective in the pay period which includes January 1, 2019, the Plan
will be funded exclusively by contributions from the members. The City will not make
any contributions to the Plan. In addition, as there are increases (which typically occur
annually) to the costs (whether identified as employer or employee contributions) to
fund the Plan, they will be made by Employee (i.e., the participants in the Plan). The
City is not responsible for, nor does it make any representation regarding, the payment
of benefits to Employee.
Employee cannot receive the contributed amounts directly instead of having them paid
to the Plan. Participation in the Plan will continue to be mandatory for Employee.
SECTION 5: General Business Expenses
A. Employer recognizes that Employee may incur expenses of a non -personal, job
related nature that are reasonably necessary to Employee's service to Employer.
Employer agrees to either pay such expenses in advance or to reimburse the
expenses, so long as the expenses are incurred and submitted according to
Employer's normal expense reimbursement procedures or such other procedure as
may be designated by the City Council. To be eligible for reimbursement, all expenses
must be supported by documentation meeting Employer's normal requirements and
must be submitted within time limits established by Employer.
B. City shall reimburse Employee for expenses she incurs attending a reasonable
number of League of Cities and other similar conferences relevant to the performance
of her duties.
C. The expenses to be budgeted and paid in this Section 5, Paragraphs A and B above,
are exclusive of reasonable expenses related to events, participation in organizations,
Brown Employment Agreement Page 5
18-41
or attendance at events or meetings on behalf of the City as required by the City
Council. Employer will separately budget and pay for membership and participation
in community, civic or other organizations or events in which Employer requires
Employee to participate.
SECTION 6: At -Will Employment Relationship
A. Consistent with Article VI of the City Charter, Section 600, Employee is appointed
by, and serves at the pleasure of, the City Council. Nothing in this Agreement shall
prevent, limit or otherwise interfere with the right of Employer to terminate this
Agreement and the employment of Employee at any time, with or without Cause
(as defined below), and with or without notice. Employer shall pay Employee for
all services through the Effective Date of termination and Employee shall have no
right to any additional compensation or payment, except as provided in Section 7,
Severance and Benefit Payoff at Termination, and General Release Agreement,
below.
B. Nothing in this Agreement shall prevent, limit or otherwise interfere with the right
of Employee to resign from her employment with Employer, subject only to
Employee providing a minimum of forty-five (45) calendar days prior written notice
to Employer of the effective date of her resignation. On the effective date of
resignation, Employee forfeits all compensation and benefits owing for the
remainder of the term of this Agreement, as well as any potential severance pay.
SECTION 7: Severance and Benefit Payoff at Termination, and General Release
Agreement
A. Without Cause: If Employer terminates this Agreement (thereby terminating
Employee's Employment) without Cause, as determined by the affirmative votes of a
majority of the members of the City Council at a meeting of the City Council, and if
Employee signs, delivers to the City Council, and does not revoke, the General
Release Agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, Employer shall pay
Employee beginning on the effective date of termination a lump sum benefit equal to
six (6) months of her then applicable Base Salary, and shall provide six (6) months of
medical coverage as provided under the Compensation Plan as long as employee is
already enrolled and receiving medical coverage through the City medical benefits
plan at time of termination (collectively, "Severance").
B. With Cause: If Employer terminates this Agreement (thereby terminating Employee's
Employment) with Cause, as determined by the affirmative votes of a majority of the
members of the City Council at a meeting of the City Council, Employee shall not be
entitled to any additional compensation or payment, including Severance. If the City
Council intends to terminate with Cause, based on a reason or reasons set forth in
Brown Employment Agreement Page 6
18-42
subpart 5 or 6, immediately below, the Council shall first deliver to Employee a written
Notice of Intent to Terminate, stating the reason or reasons for the proposed
termination, and providing a thirty (30) day period for Employee to cure. If, in the City
Council's independent judgment, Employee cures the identified reason or reasons for
Cause termination, Employee shall not be terminated therefor. As used in this
Agreement, Cause shall mean any of the following:
1. Conviction of a felony;
2. Conviction of a misdemeanor arising out of Employee's duties under this
Agreement and involving a willful or intentional violation of law;
3. Conviction of any crime involving an "abuse of office or position," as that term
is defined in Government Code section 53243.4;
4. Willful abandonment of duties;
5. Repeated failure to carry out a directive or directives of the City Council made
by the City Council as a body; and
6. Any grossly negligent action or inaction by Employee that materially and
adversely: (a) impedes or disrupts the operations of Employer or its
organizational units; (b) is detrimental to employees or public safety; or (c)
violates properly established rules or procedures of Employer.
C. In no event may Employee be terminated within ninety (90) days after any municipal
election for the selection or recall of one or more of the members of the City Council.
D. Resignation: If Employee terminates this Agreement (thereby terminating
Employee's employment), Employee shall not be entitled to any additional
compensation or payment, including Severance.
E. Upon termination (regardless of reason), Employee shall be compensated for all
accrued but unused Flex Leave. No compensation shall be paid for any unused
Administrative Leave.
SECTION 8: Employee's Obligations and Hours of Work
A. Employee shall devote her full energies, interest, abilities and productive time to the
performance of this Agreement and utilize her best efforts to promote Employer's
interests. Employee's duties may involve expenditures of time in excess of the
regularly established workday or in excess of a forty (40) hour workweek and may also
include time outside normal office hours (including attendance at City Council
meetings). Employee's base salary includes compensation for all hours worked and
Brown Employment Agreement Page 7
18-43
Employee shall be classified as an exempt employee for purposes of overtime and
shall not be entitled to any form of compensation for overtime. In recognition of the
significant time Employee will need to devote outside normal office hours to business
activities of Employer and the exempt, salaried nature of the employment, employee
is permitted to exercise a flexible work schedule. However, consistent with this
flexibility and Employee's participation in activities out of the office, Employee will
generally be expected to keep office hours at City Hall, Monday through Friday during
normal business hours, subject to paragraph B of this Section, below.
B. Employee is authorized to work the 9/80 schedule as defined in the City's Employee
Policy Manual and referred to in the City's Key and Management Compensation Plan.
SECTION 9: Confidentiality and Non -Disparagement
A. Employee acknowledges that in the course of Employee's employment contemplated
herein, Employee will be given or will have access to confidential and proprietary
documents and information, relating to the City, its residents, businesses, employees,
and customers ("Confidential Information"). Such Confidential Information may
include, but is not limited to, all information given to or otherwise accessible to
Employee that is not public information or would be exempt from public disclosure as
confidential, protected, exempt or privileged information. Employee shall hold the
Confidential Information in trust for City's benefit, and shall not disclose the
Confidential Information to others without the express written consent of City.
B. Except as otherwise required by law, in the event the City terminates Employee with
or without Cause, the City and Employee agree that no member of the City Council,
the city management staff, nor the Employee shall make any written, oral, or electronic
statement to any member of the public, the press, or any City employee concerning
the Employee's termination except in the form of a joint press release or statement,
which is mutually agreeable to City and Employee. The joint press release or
statement shall not contain any text or information that is disparaging to either Party.
Either Party may verbally repeat the substance of the joint press release or statement
in response to any inquiry.
C. The obligations of Employer and Employee under this Section 9 shall survive the
termination of this Agreement.
SECTION 10: Outside Activities
Employee shall not engage in any activity, consulting service or enterprise, for
compensation or otherwise, which is actually or potentially in conflict with, incompatible
with, or inimical to, or which materially interferes with her duties and responsibilities to
Employer. (Cal. Govt. Code 1125, et. seq.)
Brown Employment Agreement Page 8
18-44
SECTION 11: Indemnification
A. Consistent with the California Government Code, Employer shall defend and
indemnify Employee, using legal counsel of Employer's choosing, against expense
or legal liability for acts or omissions by Employee occurring within the course and
scope of Employee's employment under this Agreement. In the event Employer
determines there is a conflict of interest between Employer and Employee and
independent counsel is required for Employee, Employer may select the
independent counsel after having considered the input of Employee and shall pay
the reasonable fees of such independent counsel consistent with City litigation
guidelines and standard rates received by City from its chosen special counsel.
(Cal. Govt. Code sections 825, 995, et. seq.)
B. Notwithstanding the foregoing, and consistent with Sections 53243 through
53243.3 of the Government Code, Employee shall be required, if convicted of a
crime involving an abuse of her office or position, to fully reimburse the City for: (1)
any paid leave salary offered by the City to the Employee; (2) any funds provided
for the legal criminal defense of the Employee; (3) any cash settlement related to
the termination that Employee may receive; and (4) any other payments received
by Employee from City that in any way relate to the foregoing.
SECTION 12: Other Terms and Conditions of Employment
Employer may fix other terms and conditions of employment, as it may determine from
time to time, relating to the performance of the Employee, provided such terms and
conditions are not inconsistent with or in conflict with the provisions of this Agreement or
applicable law.
SECTION 13: Notices
A. Notice pursuant to this Agreement shall be given by depositing written notification
in the custody of the United States Postal Service, postage prepaid, addressed as
follows:
(1) EMPLOYER:
City of Newport Beach
c/o City Manager
100 Civic Center Drive
Newport Beach, California 92660
(2) EMPLOYEE: Leilani I. Brown
at the home address then shown in Employer's files
Brown Employment Agreement Page 9
18-45
B. Alternatively, notice required pursuant to this Agreement may be personally served
in the same manner as is applicable in civil judicial practice. Notice shall be
deemed given as of the date of personal service or five days after mailing.
SECTION 14: General Provisions
A. Integration: This Agreement sets forth the final, complete and exclusive
agreement between Employer and Employee relating to the employment of
Employee by Employer. Any prior discussions or representations by or between
the Parties are merged into this Agreement or are otherwise rendered null and
void. The Parties, by mutual written agreement, may amend any provision of this
Agreement during the life of the Agreement. Such amendments shall be
incorporated and made a part of this Agreement. The foregoing notwithstanding,
Employee acknowledges that, except as expressly provided in this Agreement, her
employment is subject to Employer's generally applicable rules and policies
pertaining to employment matters, such as those addressing equal employment
opportunity, sexual harassment and violence in the workplace, as they currently or
may in the future exist, and her employment is, and will continue to be, at the will
of the City Council.
B. Binding Effect: This Agreement shall be binding on the Employer and the
Employee as well as their heirs, assigns, executors, personal representatives and
successors in interest.
C. Choice of Law: This Agreement shall be interpreted and construed pursuant to
and in accordance with the laws of the State of California and all applicable City
Charter provisions, Codes, Ordinances, Policies and Resolutions.
D. Severability: If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable,
the remainder of this Agreement shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect.
If any provision is held invalid or unenforceable with respect to particular
circumstances, it shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect in all other
circumstances.
E. Conflict with City Charter or Municipal Code. The City personnel ordinances,
resolutions, rules and policies shall apply to Employee in the same manner as
applied to other management employees, provided, however, in the event of a
conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and the City Charter, or this
Agreement and the Municipal Code, the City Charter or the Municipal Code shall
prevail over this Agreement.
F. Employee's Independent Review: Employee acknowledges that she has had
the opportunity and has conducted an independent review of the financial and legal
Brown Employment Agreement Page 10
18-46
effects of this Agreement. Employee acknowledges that she has made an
independent judgment upon the financial and legal effects of this Agreement and
has not relied upon any representation of Employer, its officers, agents or
employees other than those expressly set forth in this Agreement. Employee
acknowledges that she has been advised to obtain, and has availed herself of,
legal advice with respect to the terms and provisions of this Agreement.
[Signatures on Next Page.]
Brown Employment Agreement Page 11
18-47
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be executed on the
dates reflected below each signature.
EMPLOYER
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH,
A Municipal Corporation
Bv:
EMPLOYEE,
An Individual
Bv:
Diane B. Dixon, Mayor Leilani I. Brown
Date: Date:
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
An
Edward P. appia
THE ZAPP,4 LAW FIRM
A Professional Corporation
ATTEST:
go
Jennifer Nelson
Assistant City Clerk
Date:
Date: q ) r� ) � I
[End of Signatures]
Attachment: Exhibit A — General Release Agreement
Brown Employment Agreement
Page 12
18-48
Exhibit A
GENERAL RELEASE AGREEMENT
This General Release Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into by and between
LEILANI BROWN ("Employee") and CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH ("Employer"), in light
of the following facts:
A. Employee's employment with Employer concluded on
B. Certain disputes have arisen between Employer and Employee.
C. Employer and Employee each deny any liability whatsoever to the other.
D. Employer and Employee wish to fully and finally resolve any and all disputes
they may have with each other.
E. Employee is hereby informed that she has twenty-one (21) days from
receipt of this Agreement to consider it. Employer hereby advises Employee to consult
with her legal counsel before signing this Agreement.
F. Employee acknowledges that for a period of seven (7) days following the
signing of this Agreement ("Revocation Period"), she may revoke the Agreement. This
Agreement shall not become effective or enforceable until the day the Revocation Period
has expired.
G. Employee acknowledges that the Salary Payment referenced in paragraph
1 of this Agreement represents all compensation, including salary, accrued benefit
balances and reimbursed expenses, due and payable to her through the date of
employment termination. Employee also acknowledges that Employer has made this
Salary Payment without regard to whether she signs this Agreement. The Salary
Payment does not constitute consideration for this Agreement. Employee acknowledges
that the Severance referenced in paragraph 2 of this Agreement is in excess of all
amounts that are due and owing to her as a result of her employment by Employer.
1. Receipt of Salary Payment. Employee hereby acknowledges receipt of a
check or checks for all compensation owing to her, including salary, accrued benefit
balances and reimbursed expenses ("Salary Payment") from Employer.
2. Severance. Within ten (10) days following Employee's signing, delivering
to the City Council, and not revoking this Agreement, City shall pay Employee the gross
amount provided for in Section 7 of the Fifth Amended and Restated Employment
Agreement dated April 9, 2019, less applicable deductions, and shall provide the months
of medical benefits as provided in that same Section 7 ("Severance"). Employee
acknowledges that the Severance is in excess of all amounts due and owing her as a
result of her employment by Employer.
3. General Release. In consideration of the Severance to be paid and
provided to Employee, and other good and valuable consideration, Employee hereby
releases and discharges Employer and its past and present City Council Members,
Page 13
18-49
employees, representatives and agents, from all rights, claims, causes of action, and
damages, both known and unknown, in law or in equity, concerning and/or arising out of
her employment with Employer which she now has, or ever had, including but not limited
to any rights, claims, causes of action or damages arising under Title VII of the Civil Rights
Act of 1964, the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Employee Retirement Income
Security Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment
Act, the Older Workers Benefits Protection Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993,
the Domestic Partners Act of 2003, the California Labor Code, the Private Attorneys
General Act of 2004, the California Moore -Brown -Roberti Family Rights Act, the California
Unruh Civil Rights Act, the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, any other
federal, state, or local employment practice legislation, or any federal or state common
law, including wrongful discharge, breach of express or implied contract, or breach of
public policy.
Employee hereby waives and relinquishes all rights and benefits afforded by
Section 1542 of the Civil Code of California. Employee understands and acknowledges
the significance and consequences of this specific waiver of Section 1542. Section 1542
of the Civil Code of California states as follows:
"A GENERAL RELEASE DOES NOT EXTEND TO CLAIMS WHICH THE
CREDITOR DOES NOT KNOW OR SUSPECT TO EXIST IN HIS OR HER
FAVOR AT THE TIME OF EXECUTING THE RELEASE, WHICH IF
KNOWN BY HIM OR HER MUST HAVE MATERIALLY AFFECTED HIS
OR HER SETTLEMENT WITH THE DEBTOR."
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 1542, and for the purpose of
implementing a full and complete release and discharge of Employer and its past and
present City Council Members, employees, representatives and agents, Employee
expressly acknowledges that this General Release is intended to include in its effect,
without limitation, all claims which she does not know or suspect to exist in her favor.
Employee further acknowledges that she has read this General Release and that
she understands that this is a general release, and that she intends to be legally bound
by the same.
4. Fees. Employee and Employer agree that in the event of litigation relating
to this General Release Agreement, the prevailing party shall not be entitled to recover
her/its reasonable attorneys' fees.
[Signatures on Next Page.]
Page 14
18-50
Dated , 20_ By:
Dated: .20
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Date:
ATTEST:
IS
Assistant City Clerk
Date:
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
Leilani Brown
Page 15
18-51
This budget amendment is requested to provide for the following:
To increase salaries and benefit expenditure appropriations from General Fund unappropriated fund balance to provide
funding levels commensurate with the new agreement with appointed employees at the City of Newport Beach.
The budget amendment provides the additional funding needed for the first six months of the agreement.
ACCOUNTING ENTRY:
BUDGETARY FUND BALANCE
ATTACHMENT D
City of Newport Beach
Description
NO. BA- 19BA-037
BUDGET AMENDMENT
General Fund - Unappropriated Fund Balance
REVENUE ESTIMATES
2018-19
AMOUNT: $20,183.96
EFFECT ON BUDGETARY FUND BALANCE:
Description
Increase Revenue Estimates
Increase in Budgetary Fund Balance
X Increase Expenditure Appropriations ANDX
Description
Decrease in Budgetary Fund Balance
Transfer Budget Appropriations
CITY CLERK -SALARIES MISC
No effect on Budgetary Fund Balance
SOURCE:
ONE-TIME?
from existing budget appropriations
X
Yes
from additional estimated revenues
722001
No
X from unappropriated fund balance
723002
CITY CLERK -PENSION NORMAL COST
EXPLANATION:
724001
CITY CLERK -EE PENSION CONTRIBUTION
This budget amendment is requested to provide for the following:
To increase salaries and benefit expenditure appropriations from General Fund unappropriated fund balance to provide
funding levels commensurate with the new agreement with appointed employees at the City of Newport Beach.
The budget amendment provides the additional funding needed for the first six months of the agreement.
ACCOUNTING ENTRY:
BUDGETARY FUND BALANCE
Fund
Object
Description
010
300000
General Fund - Unappropriated Fund Balance
REVENUE ESTIMATES
Org
Object Project
Description
EXPENDITURE APPROPRIATIONS
Org
Obiect Project
Description
01010005
711001
CITY CLERK -SALARIES MISC
01010005
714001
CITY CLERK -LUMP SUM PAYMENT
01010005
727001
CITY CLERK -CAR ALLOWANCE
01010005
722001
CITY CLERK -PENSION MEMBER CONTRIB
01010005
723002
CITY CLERK -PENSION NORMAL COST
01010005
724001
CITY CLERK -EE PENSION CONTRIBUTION
01010005
727016
CITY CLERK -MEDICARE FRINGES
01015005
711001
CITY ATTY-SALARIES MISC
01015005
714001
CITY ATTY-LUMP SUM PAYMENT
01015005
722001
CITY ATTY-PENSION MEMBER CONTRIB
01015005
723002
CITY ATTY-PENSION NORMAL COST
01015005
724001
CITY ATTY-EE PENSION CONTRIBUTION
01015005
727016
CITY ATTY-MEDICARE FRINGES
01020005
711001
CITY MGR -SALARIES MISC
01020005
714001
CITY MGR -LUMP SUM PAYMENT
01020005
722001
CITY MGR -PENSION MEMBER CONTRIB
01020005
723002
CITY MGR -PENSION NORMAL COST
01020005
724001
CITY MGR -EE PENSION CONTRIBUTION
01020005
727016
CITY MGR -MEDICARE FRINGES
Signed: / V6 __
Financial Approval: nance Director
Signed:
City Council Approval: City Clerk
Amount
Debit Credit
$20,183.96 "
$1,467.50
$3,569.21
$1,200.00
$152.91
$101.76
$190.78
$90.43
$2,378.00
$4,108.51
$247.79
$164.89
$309.14
$94.05
$2,650.00
$4,269.61
$185.50
$247.88
$344.50
$100.33
Automatic System Entry.
Date
Date
18-52
ATTACHMENT E
Newport Beach Appointed Positions, 2% COLA per year, $2,700 one-time bonus (nonPERSable), one-time merit pay (nonPERSable), & Employees
pay Supplemental Retirement (LIUNA)
sg, 4/1/19
3 Authorized Full-time Miscellaneous Appointed Employees
Tier 1: 2
Tier 2: 1 FY 19 Adopted
Tier 3: 0 Budget Year 1- 2% Year 2 - 2% Total Cost
Base Pay
Miscellaneous
Supplemental Pay
Car Allowance'
Pension Contribution z
Pension Cost
Pension Unfunded Actuarial Liability (21.480%)
Other City Paid Benefits
MediCare (mandatory payment of 1.45%)
Compensated Absences
Cafeteria Plan
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Smartphone Allowance
Life Insurance (policy based on annual base pay with cap of $50,000)
Tuition Reimbursement (based on calendar year 2018 actual)
Retiree Health Savings (Post Employment Healthcare Contribution)
Supplemental Retirement Program (LIUNA- EE 1.5%& ER 1.16%)
NonPERSable Merit Pay
NonPERSable Lump Sum Payment
Offset - Employee Pick Up of PERS Pension Costs (13.0%)
Estimate is based on Fiscal Year 2019 Adopted Budget
649,550
12,991
26,242
39,233
Subtotal 649,550
12,991
26,242
39,233
14,400
2,400
2,400
4,800
Subtotal 14,400
2,400
2,400
4,800
110,073
1,354
2,734
4,088
139,523
2,790
5,637
8,427
Subtotal 249,596
4,144
8,371
12,515
9,627
396
415
812
22,734
455
918
1,373
66,996
-
-
-
62
2,880
315
3,660
7,735
-
-
-
3,847
3,847
-
8,100
-
8,100
Subtotal 114,010
12,798
1,334
14,132
(84,442)
(1,689)
(3,411)
(5,100)
Subtotal (84,442)
(1,689)
(3,411)
(5,100)
Total 943,115
30,645
34,935
65,580
Salary Only
2.00%
4.04%
Total Comp
3.25%
3.70%
' Car allowance increase is for City Clerk and is effective when the contract is signed.
z Pension contribution calculated by tier; rates presented are averaged tier rates from actuarial valuation.
18-53