HomeMy WebLinkAbout27 - Appointment of Seimone Jurjis as City Manager Effective December 27, 2025, and Approval of Employment AgreementQ �EwPpRT
c
9C/FOR
TO:
FROM:
CITY OF
NEWPORT BEACH
City Council Staff Report
July 22, 2025
Agenda Item No. 27
HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
Aaron Harp, City Attorney - 949-644-3131,
aharp@newportbeachca.gov
PREPARED BY: Aaron Harp, City Attorney
TITLE: Appointment of Seimone Jurjis as City Manager Effective
December 27, 2025, and Approval of Employment Agreement
ABSTRACT:
With the retirement of City Manager Grace K. Leung on December 26, 2025, the City
Council will consider adopting a resolution to appoint Assistant City Manager Seimone
Jurjis as the city manager effective December 27, 2025, as well as consider the approval
of an employment agreement between Mr. Jurjis and the City of Newport Beach.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
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) Adopt Resolution No. 2025-52, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Newport
Beach, California, Appointing Seimone Jurjis as City Manager Effective December 27,
2025;
c) Approve and authorize the Mayor to execute an Employment Agreement between the
City of Newport Beach and Seimone Jurjis, subject to the terms and conditions
approved by the City Council; and
d) Approve Budget Amendment No. 26-013, appropriating $40,104 from unappropriated
General Fund balance to various salary and benefit accounts to implement the terms
of the Agreement for FY 2025-2026.
DISCUSSION:
City Charter Section 500 (City Manager)
Pursuant to Section 500 of the City Charter of Newport Beach (Charter), the City Council
is responsible for appointing a city manager who serves as the City's chief administrative
officer. The Charter requires that the City Council appoint the person it believes to be best
qualified based on executive and administrative qualifications, with particular reference
to experience and knowledge of accepted practices relevant to the duties of the office as
set forth in the Charter.
27-1
Appointment of Seimone Jurjis as City Manager Effective
December 27, 2025, and Approval of Employment Agreement
July 22, 2025
Page 2
Background
The current city manager's employment agreement will conclude on December 26, 2025.
In anticipation of this leadership transition, the City Council is considering the appointment
of Assistant City Manager Seimone Jurjis to the position of city manager, effective
December 27, 2025.
Assistant City Manager Seimone Jurjis
Seimone Jurjis possesses extensive executive and administrative experience in both the
public and private sectors, making him exceptionally well -qualified for the role of city
manager as defined by Charter Section 500. Mr. Jurjis joined the City of Newport Beach
on June 27, 2011, initially serving as the chief building official before being appointed as
community development director in August 2017. In this leadership role, he oversaw
critical functions including planning, building, real property and code enforcement. He was
promoted to assistant city manager in July 2023, gaining broader oversight of City
operations and policies.
Prior to his public service for the City, Mr. Jurjis served as president and chief operating
officer of a private real estate development company, where he was responsible for
strategic operations involving entitlements, land transactions, and development - key
functions that parallel many responsibilities of a city manager.
Also, Mr. Jurjis previously served the City of El Segundo in several executive capacities
including director of planning and building safety, city engineer, and building official,
further demonstrating his broad municipal experience.
Mr. Jurjis holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering and maintains several
professional licenses.
Raised in the City of Orange, Mr. Jurjis has long-standing ties with the region. His
familiarity with the local community and regional dynamics contributes to his
understanding of the City's needs and values.
Resolution of Appointment and Employment Agreement
The attached resolution appoints Mr. Jurjis as city manager, effective December 27, 2025.
(Attachment A). If appointed by the City Council, the following are key deal points included
in Mr. Jurjis's proposed employment agreement:
2 7-2
Appointment of Seimone Jurjis as City Manager Effective
December 27, 2025, and Approval of Employment Agreement
July 22, 2025
Page 3
1. Term of Employment: A term from December 27, 2025, through December 30, 2030.
2. Compensation and Benefits.
• Annual Base Salary: $363,071.
• Adjustments to Base Salary - Cost of Living: Same as Key & Management.
• Performance Bonus: Beginning in calendar year 2026, an annual lump sum
bonus of 2.5% of base salary, as adjusted, payable on the next normal payday that
includes December 27.
• Deferred Compensation: Beginning in calendar year 2026, an annual City
contribution to his 401(a) defined contribution plan of $51,000, which increases by
$5,000 per calendar year thereafter.
• Annual Physical Exam: Reimbursement for an annual physical exam up to
$2,500.
• Phone Allowance: A phone allowance that is equal to the phone allowance
provided to Management Employees.
• Auto Allowance: An auto allowance of $750 per month.
• Attorney's Fees: Reimbursement for attorney's fees of up to $5,000 to review the
Agreement.
• CalPERS Contribution: An initial CalPERS contribution of 8% (tied to the same
formula or percentage contribution as is applied to the Tier I non -safety members
of the Key & Management Group covered under the Compensation Plan and for
the same duration).
• Administrative Leave: Beginning in calendar year 2026, 120 hours of
administrative leave per year.
• Flex Leave Cap: 450 hours.
• Severance Benefit: A severance of up to 12 months of the adjusted base salary
and 6 months medical. (See, Employment Agreement - Attachment B).
FISCAL IMPACT:
The estimated cost associated with the Employment Agreement for the new city manager
is $516,172. The FY 2025-26 Adopted Budget includes funding for this position with a 2%
cost of living adjustment. However, a budget amendment is required to fund the difference
27-3
Appointment of Seimone Jurjis as City Manager Effective
December 27, 2025, and Approval of Employment Agreement
July 22, 2025
Page 4
between the budgeted amount and the actual cost of the new contract for the six-month
period from December 27, 2025, through June 30, 2026.
A budget amendment is also needed to cover the City's contributions to the new city
manager's 401(a) defined contribution plan. Beginning in calendar year 2026, the City will
contribute $51,000 annually to this plan. Accordingly, the budget amendment includes
$25,500 for deferred compensation to cover the portion applicable to Fiscal Year 2025-
26.
The total amendment appropriates $40,104 in additional General Fund expenditures from
the unappropriated fund balance. (See Budget Amendment — Attachment C.)
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, Division 6, 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 - Resolution No. 2025-52
Attachment B - Employment Agreement for City Manager
Attachment C - Budget Amendment
27-4
Attachment A
RESOLUTION NO. 2025- 52
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF NEWPORT BEACH, CALIFORNIA, APPOINTING
SEIMONE JURJIS AS CITY MANAGER EFFECTIVE
DECEMBER 27, 2025
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 500 of the City Charter of Newport Beach
("Charter"), the City Council is responsible for appointing a City Manager who serves as -
the City's chief administrative officer;
WHEREAS, the Charter requires that the City Council appoint the person it
believes to be best qualified based on executive and administrative qualifications,
with particular reference to experience and knowledge of accepted practices relevant
to the duties of the office as set forth in the Charter;
WHEREAS, the City Council has complied with all Charter requirements
necessary to proceed with the appointment of a City Manager;
WHEREAS, Mr. Seimone Jurjis joined the City of Newport Beach ("City") on
June 27, 2011, initially serving as the Chief Building Official before being appointed
Community Development Director in August 2017, overseeing critical functions
including planning, building, and code enforcement;
WHEREAS, Mr. Jurjis was promoted to the Assistant City Manager position in
July 2023, gaining broader oversight of City operations and policies;
WHEREAS, Mr. Jurjis possesses extensive executive and administrative
experience in both the public and private sectors, making him exceptionally well -
qualified for the role of City Manager;
WHEREAS, the current City Manager's employment agreement will conclude
on December 26, 2025; and
WHEREAS, having fulfilled all legal requirements for the selection of a City
Manager, the City Council desires to appoint Mr. Jurjis as City Manager effective
December 27, 2025.
27-5
Attachment A Resolution No. 2025- 52
Page 2 of 3
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Newport Beach resolves as
follows:
Section 1: The City Council has complied with all Charter and legal
requirements necessary to proceed with the appointment of a city manager. The City
Council hereby appoints Seimone Jurjis as the City Manager of the City of Newport
Beach pursuant to City Charter Section 500. The effective date for the appointment
of Mr. Jurjis as the City Manager shall be December 27, 2025. The City Council
makes this appointment by a majority vote because Mr. Jurjis has been determined
to be the best qualified person to be City Manager based upon his executive and
administrative qualifications, with special reference to his experience in, and his
knowledge of, accepted practices with respect to the duties of the office as set forth
in the City Charter. Mr. Jurjis shall serve at the pleasure of the City Council.
Section 2: The recitals provided in this resolution are true and correct and
are incorporated into the operative part of this resolution.
Section 3: If any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this
resolution is, for any reason, held to be invalid or unconstitutional, such decision shall
not affect the validity or constitutionality of the remaining portions of this resolution.
The City Council hereby declares that it would have passed this resolution, and each
section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase hereof, irrespective of the fact that
any one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses or phrases be declared
invalid or unconstitutional.
Section 4: The City Council finds that the adoption of this resolution 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, Division 6, Chapter 3, because it has no potential for resulting in physical
change to the environment, directly or indirectly.
27-6
Attachment A Resolution No. 2025- 52
Page 3 of 3
Section 5: This resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption by the
City Council, and the City Clerk shall certify the vote adopting the resolution.
ADOPTED this 22 day of July, 2025.
Joe Stapleton
Mayor
ATTEST:
Molly Perry
Interim City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
CITY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Aaron C. Harp
City Attorney
27-7
Attachment B
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
CITY MANAGER - EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This CITY MANAGER EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT ("Agreement") is made as of
July 22, 2025 ("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 SEIMONE JURJIS ("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. Pursuant to Section 500 of the City Charter, the City Council is charged with
appointing the person it believes to be the most qualified executive and
administrator.
C. Following a screening of those persons eligible for appointment as City Manager,
the City Council has determined that Employee is the most qualified to be City
Manager, in part, based on his knowledge of the duties of the office as set forth in
the Charter.
D. The City desires to employ Employee as the City Manager and to enter into this Agreement
with Employee upon the terms and conditions in this Agreement.
E. Employee is willing to accept such employment on the terms and conditions set
forth in this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, it is mutually agreed by and between the undersigned Parties
as follows:
SECTION 1: Term
A. Employee shall become City Manager on December 27, 2025, and this Agreement
shall terminate on December 30, 2030, 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 Newport Beach Municipal Code ("NBMC") Section
2.08.050.
1
27-8
Attachment B
B. City's election not to extend this Agreement past December 30, 2030, shall not
entitle Employee to Severance pursuant to Section 7 of this Agreement.
C. Sections 3 (Compensation and Performance Evaluation) through Section 14
(General Provisions) shall not become effective until December 27, 2025. Prior to
that date, the terms of employment applicable to Employee shall remain those
currently governing his employment. Prior to December 27,2025, Employee shall
continue to receive all compensation and benefits, as adjusted, applicable to the
Assistant City Manager position, including, but not limited to, salary increases
provided' to other Key and Management Employees, any increases to cafeteria
allowances, and any percentage changes in CalPERS or L.IUNA pension
contributions.
SECTION 2: Duties and Authority
Employer agrees 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 that Employee's annual base salary shall be Three Hundred Sb4-
Three Thousand, Seventy -One Dollars no/100 ($363,071) ("Base Salary"), which
shall go into effect December 27, 2025.
B. After January 1, 2026, Employee's Base Salary shall be adjusted based on the
percentage salary schedule/cost-of-living percentage adjustment, if any,
approved by the City Council for Key and Executive Management Employees, as
outlined in the Key and Management Compensation Plan ("Compensation Plan"),
and shall be paid in the same manner.
C. Beginning January 1, 2026, Employee shall be eligible to receive an annual lump -sum
performance bonus equal to two and one-half percent (2.5%) of Employee's adjusted
Base Salary. This performance bonus shall not be paid in any year during which the
Employee receives an unsatisfactory performance review. The bonus, if earned, shall be
paid on the next regular payday that includes December 27. The Parties agree that these
performance bonus payments are non-PERSable and shall not be reported to CalPERS.
2
27-9
Attachment B
D. The Base Salary, as adjusted, and compensation payable to Employee pursuant
to this Agreement shall be 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
Council and the City Council shall adjust the salary range, as needed, to ensure
that the Base Salary remains within the approved salary range.
SECTION 4: Employee Benefits
A. Benefit Balances Carried Over. Employee has been employed by the City since
June 27, 2011. Employee shall not have a break in employment service and all
of Employee's accrued leave and other benefit balances shall carry over as
agreed, and Employee's 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
Compensation Plan, Executive Management category, at the rate designated for
Employee's years of service in the "15 and over" category. Employee's maximum
accrual for Flex Leave is limited to four hundred fifty (450) hours. No Flex Leave
shall further accrue beyond said maximum. The right to sell back accumulated
Flex Leave shall be the same as other Key and Management Employees and
shall comply with the Leave Sellback provisions set forth in the Compensation
Plan.
C. Administrative Leave. Effective January 1, 2026, Employee shall be awarded one
hundred twenty (120) hours of paid Administrative Leave. Thereafter, Employee
shall be entitled to one hundred twenty (120) 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 one hundred twenty (120) hours of paid
Administrative Leave shall arise or occur. Upon separation from employment,
Employee shall be entitled to payment of any hours remaining of the one hundred
twenty (120) hours of paid Administrative Leave that were not used in the
3
27-10
Attachment B
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, but not limited to, cafeteria benefits, LIUNA Supplemental Pension, IRS
Section 125 Flexible Spending Accounts, short-term and* long-term disability
plans, life insurance plans, holiday pay, Holiday Closure Leave, and 457 and/or
other deferred compensation plans. This Agreement shall be deemed amended
whenever the City Council adopts a resolution or takes action changing these
benefits underthe Compensation Plan and/or EPM.
E. Annual Physical Exam. Employee may undergo an annual physical examination
each calendar year, and City shall reimburse Employee for the actual cost of the
examination up to a maximum of Two Thousand, Five Hundred Dollars ($2,500).
F. Automobile Allowance. Employee's duties require Employee 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 an
automobile allowance of Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750) per month to
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 Five
Thousand Dollars ($5,000).
Deferred Compensation. Employee has a 401(a) defined contribution plan
account established by the City, which is subject to the contribution limits set forth
in Internal Revenue Code Section 415(c)(1)(A), as adjusted for inflation.
Beginning in calendar year 2026, and each calendar year thereafter, the City shall
contribute Fifty -One Thousand Dollars ($51,000) to the Employee's 401(a) plan
on a pre-tax basis, paid in equal bi-weekly installments (the "401(a)
Contribution"). Beginning in 2027, and each calendar year thereafter, the 401(a)
Contribution to be made by the City shall increase by Five Thousand Dollars
($5,000) per calendar year. Employee shall be immediately 100% vested in all
City contributions to the 401(a) plan. Employee shall not be entitled to receive
4
27-11
Attachment B
the 401(a) contributions provided under the Compensation Plan. All City
contributions to the Employee's 401(a) plan shall cease immediately upon the
Employee's separation from City employment.
Under federal law, there is an annual maximum contribution which may be made
to an employee's 401(a) defined contribution plan account. If any contributions
pursuant to this Agreement would exceed the maximum contributions allowable
by law, the City will be excused from and stop making contributions for the
remainder of the calendar year and will not owe Employee any additional
compensation related to this Section.
J. Retirement - Ca1PERS. Employee's retirement contributions shall be the same
as and shall be tied to the retirement contributions required by Tier I non -safety
employees covered by the Compensation Plan, which, as of July 22, 2025, is
eight percent (8%) of compensation earnable. If there are changes to the
retirement contributions required by Tier I non -safety employees covered by the
Compensation Plan, as set forth in a council -approved Compensation Plan,
during the term of this Agreement, this Agreement shall be deemed amended
and Employee will be subject to the same formula or percentage contribution as
is applied to the Tier I non -safety Management Employees covered under the
Compensation Plan and for the same duration.
Employee retirement contributions that are in addition to the normal CalPERS
Member Contribution shall be calculated on Base Salary, special pays, and other
pays normally reported as "PERSable" compensation (known either as
compensation earnable or pensionable compensation) and will be made on a
pre-tax basis through payroll deduction, to the extent allowable by law. The
Parties agree that the City will not report as special compensation the value of
any Employer Paid Member Contribution. No compensation paid pursuant to
Section 7(a) shall be "PERSable" compensation.
5
27-12
Attachment B
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. 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), 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 reimburse Employee 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 this Section 5, Paragraphs A, B, and
C 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.
N.
27-13
Attachment B
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 Ito 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 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.
SECTION 7: Severance
A. Termination Without Cause. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Employment
Agreement or applicable law, 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 Agreement ("Separation Agreement")
approved by the City Attorney to ensure all potential claims associated in any way with
Employee's employment are released, as determined in the sole discretion of the City
Attorney, then Employer shall pay Employee beginning on the effective date of the
Separation Agreement, a cash settlement equal to the following:
1. The Employee's monthly Base Salary, as adjusted, multiplied by 12, or the number
of months remaining on the expired Term, whichever is less; and
2. Employee's current applicable monthly cafeteria allowance (as provided for in the
Compensation Plan), as adjusted, multiplied by 6 or the number of months remaining
on the expired Term, whichever is less.
The lump sum payment described in Section 7 (A) shall be referred to herein as
"Severance."
7
27-14
Attachment B
B. 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, as provided for in Section 7.
As used in this Agreement, Cause shall only mean any of thefollowing:
• Conviction of a felony;
• Conviction of a misdemeanor arising out of Employee's duties under this
Agreement and involving a willful or intentional violation of law;
• Conviction of any crime involving an "abuse of office or position," as that term
is defined in Government Code Section 53243.4.
• Willful abandonment of duties;
• Repeated failure to carry out a directive or directives of the City Council made by the
City Council as a body; and/or
• 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. Municipal Elections. 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. (City Charter Section 506)
D. Resignation. 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.
E. Accrued Leave. 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, interests, abilities and productive
time to the performance of this Agreement and utilize Employee's best efforts to
N.
27-15
Attachment B
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 o€the office, Employee will generally be expected to keep
office hours at City Hall, Monday through Friday, during normal business hours.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Employee shall be authorized to work a 9/80
schedule and shall have the flexibility to modify the day he takes the 9/80, if it is
within the same pay period.
SECTION 9: Confidentiality
Employee acknowledges that in the course of Employee's 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. The obligations of Employer and Employee underthis Section 9 shall
survive the termination of this Agreement.
SECTION 10: Outside Activities
Employee shall not engage in any employment, activity, consulting service or
enterprise for compensation, or otherwise, which is, actually or potentially,
inconsistent, incompatible, in conflict, inimical to or which materially interferes with
Employee's duties and responsibilities to Employer. (Government Code Sections
1125 through 1129)
9
27-16
Attachment B
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. (Government 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.
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:
EMPLOYER:
City of Newport Beach c/o City Clerk
100 Civic Center Drive
Newport Beach, California 92660
EMPLOYEE:
Seimone Jurjis
at the home address then shown in Employer's files.
10
27-17
Attachment B
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,
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.
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.
11
27-18
Attachment B
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 oneself of legal advice with
respect to the terms and provisions of this Agreement.
[SIGNATURES ON THE FOLLOWING PAGE]
12
27-19
Attachment B
IN WITNESS WHEREOF., the parties have caused this Agreement to be executed on the
dates written below.
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH,
a California municipal corporation
Joe Stapleton, Mayor
Date: July 22, 2025
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
CITY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Aaron C. Harp,
City Attorney
ATTEST:
Molly Perry.
Interim City Clerk
EMPLOYEE,
An Individual,
M
Seimone Jurjis
Date: July 22, 2025
[END OF SIGNATURES]
13
27-20
���WraoRT
ATTACHMENT C
a City of Newport Beach
BUDGET AMENDMENT
2025-26
Department: City Attorney
ONETIME: ❑� Yes ❑ No
Requestor: Aaron Harp
Approvals
❑ CITY MANAGER'S APPROVAL ONLY
Finance Director:
0 COUNCIL APPROVAL REQUIRED City Clerk:
BA#: 26-013
Date 7
Date
EXPLANATION FOR REQUEST:
To fund the Employment Agreement for City Manager, effective December 27, 2025. ❑ from existing budget appropriations
❑ from additional estimated revenues
❑� from unappropriated fund balance
REVENUES
Fund # Ore 0
XWOM111101C11:i1
Fund #
Org
Object
010
01020005
711001
010
01020005
722001
010
01020005
723002
010
01020005
724001
010
01020005
727016
010
01020005
728003
010
01020005
727017
D BALANCE
Fund # Object
010 300000
Description
Subtotal
Description
CITY MANAGER ADMIN
- SALARIES MISCELLANEOUS
CITY MANAGER ADMIN
- PENSION EE NORMAL COST MISC
CITY MANAGER ADMIN
- PENSION ER NORMAL COST MISC
CITY MANAGER ADMIN
- PENSION EE CONTRIB MISC
CITY MANAGER ADMIN
- MEDICARE FRINGES
CITY MANAGER ADMIN
- COMPENSATED ABSENCES
CITY MANAGER ADMIN
- PARS DC 401A
Description
GENERAL FUND - FUND BALANCE CONTROL
Increase or (Decrease) $
Increase or (Decrease) $
12,687.00
726.00
1,115.00
(830.00
280.00
626.00
25,500.00
Subtotal, 40,104.00
Increase or (Decrease) $
(40,104.00)
Subtotal $ (40,104.00)
Fund Balance Change Required
27-21