REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Appointment of Interim City Manager and Approval of Employment Agreement
Report
BACKGROUND
City Manager Kent Steffens has provided his notice of retirement to the City Council. Mr. Steffens' last day of employment with the City will be June 28, 2024. The City has started the recruitment process to select a new City Manager. However, the City needs an Interim City Manager until the recruitment process is completed and a new City Manager begins employment.
EXISTING POLICY
Section 800 of the Sunnyvale City Charter states, in part, "The City Manager shall be chosen by the City Council on the basis of his/her executive and administrative qualifications.."
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Appointment of an Interim City Manager is not a "project" with the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(5) in that it is a governmental organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment.
DISCUSSION
On April 23, 2024 and April 30, 2024, the City Council discussed the Interim City Manager appointment and selected Tim Kirby, contingent on reaching agreement regarding compensation and benefits.
Tim Kirby, the City's current Director of Finance, has agreed to serve as interim City Manager effective June 29, 2024, until a new City Manager begins employment with the City of Sunnyvale. The City conducted negotiations with Mr. Kirby and the salary as Interim City Manager will be approximately $383,259 per year, an increase of 15% above Mr. Kirby's current salary and within the City Manager salary range. Attached is an employment agreement for services as Interim City Manager that outlines the terms and conditions of Mr. Kirby's employment in this interim appointment.
FISCAL IMPACT
The cost for the City Manager is budgeted in the operating program for the City Manager's Office. Although the recruitment process will take some time, t...
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