Legislative Public Meetings

File #: 15-1088   
Type: Report to Council Status: Passed
Meeting Body: City Council
On agenda: 12/15/2015
Title: Approve the Appointment of the City Attorney and Approve the Employment Agreement
Attachments: 1. Employment agreement
REPORT TO COUNCIL

SUBJECT
Title
Approve the Appointment of the City Attorney and Approve the Employment Agreement

Report
BACKGROUND
The City Council started the recruitment and selection process in July 2015 to seek a new City Attorney to replace outgoing City Attorney, Joan Borger. The process has now concluded, and the City Council is asked: 1) to take action on the appointment of a specific City Attorney candidate, and 2) to approve an employment agreement for services which outlines the compensation and terms of employment. Additionally, the City Council is asked to appoint an acting City Attorney during the transition.

EXISTING POLICY
The City of Sunnyvale City Charter Section 900 established that the City Attorney shall be appointed by the City Council. Entering into a contract is consistent with the City of Sunnyvale Charter Section 900.

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
N/A

DISCUSSION
The City Council selected Bob Murray & Associates to manage the recruitment and selection process for the City Attorney position. The application deadline was October 2, 2015 and the initial interview with the most qualified candidates was conducted on November 10, 2015. From the initial interviews, the final candidates were invited to a final interview with the City Council on November 20, 2015. From this interview process the City Council determined to move forward with background and reference checks.

Discussions regarding terms and conditions of employment were completed with the final candidate resulting in the attached employment agreement.

The current City Attorney's last day is December 30, 2015. It is anticipated that the new City Attorney will begin working January 19, 2016. It is requested that Senior Assistant City Attorney Rebecca Moon be appointed to serve as acting City Attorney during any transition period, and that Council authorize a 5% pay increase for the period Ms. Moon serves as acting City Attorney, consistent with City practice when ...

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