Resolution No. 2025-001RESOLUTION NO. 2025-001
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF VERNON
APPOINTING BRIAN SAEKI TO SERVE AS THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR
OF THE CITY OF VERNON AND APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE
EXECUTION OF A RELATED AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
SECTION 1. Recitals.
A. The City Administrator position has been vacant since July 2024.
B. On July 2, 2024, the City Council of the City of Vernon adopted Resolution No.
2024-015 appointing Daniel E. Calleros to serve as Interim City Administrator until the
Council completed its recruitment process and filled the position on a permanent basis.
C. On or about August 21, 2024, the City retained the services of Bob Murray &
Associates (Bob Murray) to conduct a recruitment for the position of City Administrator
for the City of Vernon.
D. Bob Murray created an executive recruitment brochure for the position (attached
hereto as Exhibit A) and conducted a broad and extensive recruitment that included
multiple screenings and interviews of numerous applicants.
E. The City Council conducted final interviews of the two highest ranking candidates
at a City Council Meeting on December 17, 2024.
F. The City Council of the City of Vernon has determined Brian Saeki (Saeki) to be
the most qualified candidate for the position and desires to appoint Saeki to serve as the
City Administrator, effective February 24, 2025.
G. At its regular City Council meeting on January 7, 2025, prior to taking final action
to approve this resolution, the City Council received an oral report summarizing the
recommended appointment and compensation, in accordance with Government Code
Section 54953(c)(3).
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF VERNON AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 2. The City Council of the City of Vernon hereby finds and determines
that the above recitals are true and correct.
SECTION 3. The City Council hereby appoints Brian Saeki to serve as the City
Administrator of the City of Vernon, effective February 24, 2025.
SECTION 4. The City Council hereby approves and authorizes the execution of
Resolution No. 2025-001
Page 2 of
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the At-Will Employment Agreement with Brian Saeki to serve as City Administrator of the
City of Vernon, in substantially the same form as attached hereto as Exhibit B.
SECTION 5. The City Clerk, or any authorized officer, shall administer the Oath
of Office prescribed in the Constitution of the State of California to Saeki and shall have
him subscribe to it and file it with the Human Resources Department.
SECTION 6. The City Council of the City of Vernon hereby directs the City Clerk,
or the City Clerk’s designee, to give a fully executed Agreement to Saeki.
SECTION 7. The Deputy City Clerk shall certify the passage and adoption of this
resolution and enter it into the book of original resolutions.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED January 7, 2025.
________________________
JUDITH MERLO, Mayor
ATTEST:
YONNIE PARKER, Deputy City Clerk
(seal)
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
ZAYNAH N. MOUSSA, City Attorney
I CERTIFY THAT RESOLUTION NO. 2025-001 was passed and adopted by the City
Council of the City of Vernon at the Regular Meeting on January 7, 2025, by the following
vote:
AYES: 4 Council Members: Larios, Lopez, Rivera, Ybarra
NOES: 0
ABSENT: 1 Council Member: Merlo
ABSTAIN: 0
________________________________
YONNIE PARKER, Deputy City Clerk
(seal)
CITY
ADMINISTRATOR
([KLELW$
Resolution No. 2025-001
Page 3 of 17
THE COMMUNITY
The City of Vernon is a dynamic industrial
city of 5.2 square miles located about
five miles to the southeast of downtown
Los Angeles. Founded in 1905 as the first
exclusively industrial city in the Southwestern
United States, Vernon remains largely industrial
with an approximate residential
population of 250. The City currently houses more than 1,800
businesses that employ approximately 50,000 people, serving as
a vital economic engine for the Southern California region. Vernon
offers an environment uniquely friendly to business and is home to
many Fortune 500 companies in industries that include food and
agriculture, apparel, steel, plastics, logistics and home furnishings.
Through the City’s implementation of more than 150 good governance
reforms, Vernon – the City that has characterized itself as “Exclusively
Industrial” for almost 120 years – has firmly established itself as a model
city for good governance. Vernon maintains strong philanthropic ties
with the neighboring communities where much of its workforce lives,
providing significant support for public services through the City’s
CommUnity Grant Fund for programs in areas such as health care and
education.
The City has embarked on aggressive plans for its future as it moves
towards increasing its residential population, more balanced land uses,
and mitigating industrial impacts in the region. With Vernon’s proximity to
downtown Los Angeles and major regional and worldwide economic
markets and industries, unique opportunities exist in the community to
address regional housing shortages while establishing itself as an ideal
place to both live and work.
THE ORGANIZATION
The five members of the Vernon City Council are elected at large, on a
non-partisan basis, for five-year staggered terms and no person may
serve more than two full terms of office. The Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem
positions are rotated annually among Council Members in order of
election. The City’s total projected budget for FY 2024-25 is a little
over $336 million (including Utility Enterprise Funds). The General
Fund budget is approximately $84 million.
The City employs a little over 247
employees to staff the following
departments: City Adminis-
tration, the Office of the
City Attorney, Office of
the City Clerk, Human
Resources Department,
Police Department,
Finance Department,
Public Works Depart-
ment, Public Utilities
Department and Public Health and
Environmental Control Department.
Established by city ordinance in
1907, Vernon is one of four cities in
California with a local Health De-
partment. Vernon Public Utilities is a
three-time National APPA Diamond
level RP3 Award-winning utility and
provides reliable and low-cost
Electricity, Fiber Optic Internet Service,
Natural Gas (transmission & distribu-
tion), and Water. Uniquely service-
oriented, Vernon is the only California
city that operates its own local
Health Department, and Public Utility
providing electric, natural gas, water,
and fiber optic internet services.
THE POSITION
Under administrative direction of
the City Council, the City Adminis-
trator serves as the Chief Staff
Advisor for the City of Vernon. The
City Administrator is responsible for
leading, planning, directing, and
evaluating the City’s operations,
programs, priorities, projects, and
policies. This position leads efforts
to maximize the efficiency of City
services and assures all operational
activities comply with City policies,
procedures, and goals. The City
Administrator serves as the principal
advisor to the City Council and
exercises independent judgment
within broad policy guidelines; eval-
uates City issues and develops
reports to effectively communicate
plans and City Council actions
required to meet City needs. The
City Administrator ensures the effi-
cient delivery of high-quality public
services. Other responsibilities
include:
•Exercises independent judgment
within broad policy guidelines;
evaluates operational issues, and
recommends solutions to improve
the City’s operations; works inde-
pendently and makes appropriate
Resolution No. 2025-001
Page 4 of 17
decisions based on knowl-
edge of City Council goals.
•Meets regularly with staff
to discuss and resolve
assignments, priorities,
workload, staffing, bud-
gets, technical issues,
quality standards, and
services; motivates and
evaluates staff, and pro-
vides leadership, direction,
and guidance in operational
plans and priorities; assures
all operational activities are in
compliance with City policies and
procedures, and state and federal regulations.
•Implements policies and plans to meet City Council goals and
directives; interprets concerns, defines desired results, develops solutions,
determines scope and priorities of projects, and communicates status
of projects and organizational issues.
•Monitors City operations, analyzes operational information, evaluates
trends, and develops plans to meet goals and future needs; assigns
resources required to meet organizational issues and City Council goals;
reviews and monitors status reports, and directs appropriate actions;
prepares and presents status reports to City Council, and assures
effective communication of operational issues.
•Directs, leads, and motivates City staff, and evaluates performance;
encourages interactive dialogue throughout the organization,
and effectively addresses personnel issues in order to
promote a productive and healthy work environment.
•Directs development of City budget, approves
expenditures, manages contracts and agreements.
•Meets with City committees, commissions, and
residents to discuss and resolve issues; coordi-
nates projects and regional issues with local
officials, agencies, community organizations, and
advocates.
•Manages public information and community relations
activities; represents the City’s interests to key
stakeholder groups, advocates, regional agencies,
organizations, boards, and commissions.
•Supports the relationship between the City of Vernon and
the general public by demonstrating courteous and coop-
erative behavior when interacting with visitors and City
staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues
and City information; performs other duties as required
or assigned.
THE IDEAL
CANDIDATE
The City of Vernon is seeking a
collaborative, transparent, and cus-
tomer service-oriented candidate to
serve as the next City Administrator.
The ideal candidate is a knowledge-
able and creative visionary who
understands the history and unique
character of Vernon. The next City
Administrator should possess knowl-
edge of legal, ethical, and profes-
sional rules of conduct for municipal
government officers; current political
and economic trends; and tech-
niques and methods for long range
strategic and financial planning.
The City Council is seeking a candi-
date who has experience with the
business community and who can
create a stable environment for
staff. The ability to analyze complex
administrative and operational issues,
manage staff and delegate tasks,
use initiative and independent
judgement, and communicate effec-
tively, is essential to success in this
role.
The ideal candidate will be ap-
proachable and accessible,
working well with the Vernon
Chamber of Commerce
and with regional part-
ners. The City Admin-
istrator should have
open communication
with Council and should
strive towards creating
a positive work culture
for all levels of employees.
Candidates should possess
knowledge of principles and
practices of local government
administrative management, includ-
ing personnel rules, procurement,
finance, budgeting, contract and
risk management, performance
management, and evaluation of
public sector programs, policies
Resolution No. 2025-001
Page 5 of 17
and operations. Establishing and maintaining cooperative
working relationships with City employees, elected
officials, community groups, advocates, and representatives
from other local, state, and federal agencies is essential.
Qualified candidates possess a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance,
Business, Public Administration or related field; along with
seven (7) years of experience managing government operations.
COMPENSATION
AND BENEFITS
The annual salary range for this position is $294,107 - $357,489.
Placement within this range depends upon qualifications and
experience. In addition, benefits provided include the following:
vacation, holiday, sick, and administrative leave; life insurance; and
medical, dental, and vision insurance that are provided in a current
aggregate allowance of up to $2,132.38 per month for family coverage.
This position also receives a $600 per month auto allowance or may be
provided with a city vehicle. Pre-tax supplemental insurance plans are
offered through AFLAC, Colonial Life, and Mutual of Omaha; there is an
option to participate in a Section 125 IRS Plan for reimbursement of
dependent care and medical costs; retirement benefits are offered
through the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS),
with a 2.7% at 55 formula for classic members (classic employees
currently pay an 8% employee contribution and a 3% share of the
employer contribution) and a 2% at 62 retirement formula for new members
(currently new employees pay a 7% contribution); 457 deferred compensation
plan available at employee cost; the City does not participate in Social
Security; credit union membership also available.
The City has a 4/10 work schedule and there is an option for participation
in a Hybrid Work Program that provides both onsite and remote work
opportunities.
TO APPLY
If you are interested in this outstand-
ing opportunity, please apply online
at:
www.bobmurrayassoc.com
Filing Deadline:
October 27, 2024
Following the closing date, resumes
will be screened according to the
qualifications outlined above. The
most qualified candidates will be
invited to personal interviews with
Bob Murray & Associates. A select
group of candidates will be asked
to provide references once it is
anticipated that they may be recom-
mended as finalists. References will be
contacted only following candidate
approval. Finalist interviews will be held
with the City of Vernon. Candidates
will be advised of the status of the
recruitment following selection of the
City Administrator.
If you have any questions, please do
not hesitate to call Mr. Gary Phillips
at:
(916) 784-9080
Resolution No. 2025-001
Page 6 of 17
AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (NON-SAFETY)
BETWEEN THE CITY OF VERNON AND
BRIAN SAEKI
This Agreement is between the City of Vernon (City) and Brian Saeki
(Employee).
Recitals
City desires to employ Employee as an at-will employee in the position of City
Administrator. Employee desires to be the City Administrator and acknowledges that
such employment is at-will.
The City Council, pursuant to the authority granted by the City of Vernon Charter
and the Vernon Municipal Code, agrees to hire Employee, as an at-will employee,
subject to the terms and conditions identified below.
AGREEMENT
Section 1:TERM
The effective date of this Agreement shall be February 24, 2025. Either party
may terminate this Agreement pursuant to the provisions set forth below. Employee is
an at-will employee and may be terminated, with or without cause, upon thirty (30) days
written notice. Employee may resign with thirty (30) days advance notice as set forth in
Section 9 below.
Section 2:DUTIES
A. City engages Employee as the City Administrator to perform the functions
and duties specified in the job description for the position (Attachment “A”, incorporated
herein by this reference), as the same may be modified by the City Council, from time to
time, and to perform such other legally permissible and proper duties and functions as
the City Council shall, from time to time, assign.
B. Employee agrees that to the best of his ability and experience that he will
at all times conscientiously perform the duties and obligations required, either express
or implied, by the terms of this Agreement, the ordinances, resolutions and adopted
policies of the City of Vernon and the laws and regulations of the State of California and
the United States.
C. As a public employee, Employee is required to work a full and complete work
week pursuant to the established work schedule as determined by the City Council, and
devote whatever time is necessary to fulfill the employment responsibilities and duties
as identified in this Agreement.
([KLELW%
Resolution No. 2025-001
Page 7 of 17
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D. During the term of this Agreement, Employee is required to have and
maintain a valid California Driver’s license.
E. Employee acknowledges that in connection with the performance of his
duties, he will obtain information from City employees and third parties that is of a
confidential nature. Employee agrees that he will not disclose such confidential
information other than to officers and employees of the City who have been authorized
to have access to such information. Employee further agrees that if he has a question
as to the confidentiality of information obtained in the course of his employment, he will
contact the City Attorney for advice.
Section 3:EXCLUSIVE EMPLOYMENT
Employee agrees to focus his professional time, ability and attention to City
business during the term of this Agreement. Consequently, Employee agrees not to
engage in any other business pursuits, whatsoever, directly or indirectly, render any
services of a business, commercial, or professional nature to any other person or
organization, for compensation, without the prior written consent of the City Council.
This does not preclude Employee from volunteering his services to other entities or
individuals as long as such volunteer services are not in conflict with the services to be
provided by Employee under this Agreement.
Section 4:COMPENSATION
As compensation for the services to be rendered by Employee, City agrees to
pay Employee a base starting salary of no less than $357,489.00, per year, payable in
twenty-six (26) biweekly installments at the same time as other employees of the City
are paid and subject to customary withholding. Salary adjustments (merit increases), if
any, in Employee’s salary during the term of this Agreement shall be at the sole
discretion of the City Council based upon the City Council’s above satisfactory
evaluation or higher of Employee’s job performance and within the base salary range
established by the City Council or as otherwise approved by the City Council.
Employee shall receive cost of living adjustments (COLAs) that are received by City
executive staff, if any. Any and all adjustments shall be in accordance with City
personnel policies and procedures. Employee’s salary shall be reflected in the City’s
publicly available salary schedule.
Section 5:BENEFITS
A.Retirement
As an employee of the City of Vernon, Employee will be enrolled in the California
Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) retirement plan, as such plan may be
amended by the City Council. As of the date of this employment agreement, such plan
includes the 2.7% at 55 benefit formula for “classic”miscellaneous employees or the
Resolution No. 2025-001
Page 8 of 17
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2.0% at 62 benefit formula for PEPRA miscellaneous employees. Employee shall pay
the then-current City employee contribution to PERS. Classic PERS member
employees currently pay an 8% employee contribution and a 3% share of the employer
contribution.
B.Other Executive Management Benefits
Employee shall receive all benefits specified by the then current Resolutions of
the City Council of Vernon for Executive Management Staff, including, without limitation,
those related to Vacation, Executive Leave, Holidays, Sick Leave, Medical and Dental
Insurance, Retiree Medical benefits, Life Insurance, Flexible Benefits Plans, Vision
Care, Other Leaves, Deferred Compensation at employee cost, and other types of leave
in accordance with the Citywide Fringe Benefits Policy and Personnel Policies and
Procedures Manual. The benefits set forth in the current Citywide Fringe Benefits
Policy, adopted November 19, 2024, shall be the minimum benefits provided to
Employee, subject to any future enhancement or increase as may be approved and
adopted by the City Council.
Upon Employee’s hire date,Employee shall receive credit for all previous full-
time years of service in other CalPERS public agencies for purposes of determining
Employee’s eligibility for Retiree Medical benefits and in determining Employee’s
accrual rate and eligibility for Sick Leave and Vacation time, as provided in the Citywide
Fringe Benefits Policy. In addition, upon the effective date of this Agreement, Employee
shall receive an initial balance of 100 hours of Vacation time and 100 hours of Sick
Leave during his first year of City employment, which cannot be cashed out and shall
not carry over to the next calendar year.
Section 6:TERMINATION AND SEVERANCE PAY
A. Employee is an at-will employee and serves at the will and pleasure of the
City Council and may be terminated at any time, without cause, subject to the
conditions of paragraphs B and C of this section.
B. In the event that Employee is terminated by the City Council for reasons other
than physical or mental incapacity, and other than those reasons noted in
paragraph E, below, the City agrees to pay the employee a severance
amount equal to six (6) months of base salary. Starting in Employee’s third
year of City employment, such severance pay amount shall be increased by
one (1) month of base salary for each year Employee is employed by the City,
up to a combined maximum of twelve (12) months.
C. To be eligible for severance pay, as identified in paragraph B, of this section,
Employee shall fulfill all of his obligations under this Agreement and shall sign
a severance agreement and release of all claims against the City.
D. All severance payments shall be paid within thirty (30) calendar days of the
date Employee executes the severance agreement and release of claims
against the City.
Resolution No. 2025-001
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E. Notwithstanding paragraphs A, B and C, above, if Employee resigns or
retires, or is terminated due to insubordination, incapacity, dereliction of duty,
violation of the City’s Alcohol and Drug-Free Workplace Policy III-1, conviction
of a crime involving moral turpitude or involving personal gain to him or abuse
of his office or position or any felony or for a breach of this Agreement, City
shall have no obligation to pay any severance provided in this section.
Furthermore, Employee agrees that any severance provided shall be fully
reimbursed to the City if the Employee is convicted of a crime involving an
abuse of his office or position.
F. Upon termination, Employee shall be paid for all earned, but unused, vacation
time.
Section 7: ABUSE OF OFFICE OR POSITION
If Employee is paid leave salary during a pending investigation, any salary
provided for that purpose shall be fully reimbursed to the City if Employee is convicted
of a crime involving an abuse of his office or position.
If Employee is provided funds for any legal criminal defense during his
employment with the City, any funds provided for that purpose shall be fully reimbursed
to the City if the Employee is convicted of a crime involving an abuse of his office or
position.
If this Agreement is terminated, any cash settlement related to the termination
that Employee may receive from the City shall be fully reimbursed to the City if
Employee is convicted of a crime involving an abuse of his office or position.
Section 8:CONFLICT OF INTEREST PROHIBITION
Employee understands and agrees that because of the duties of Employee within
and on behalf of the City of Vernon, Employee shall not, during the term of this
Agreement, individually, as a partner, joint venture, officer or shareholder, invest or
participate in any project, development, or venture conducting business within the
corporate limits of the City of Vernon or within real property owned by the City of
Vernon, except for stock ownership in any company whose capital stock is publicly held
and regularly traded, without prior written approval of the City Council and compliance
with all applicable state and local regulations governing financial conflicts of interest.
Employee further agrees not to invest in any real estate or property improvements
within the corporate limits of the City of Vernon or on real property owned by the City of
Vernon without prior written consent of the City Council.
Section 9:RESIGNATION / RETIREMENT
Employee may resign at any time. Employee may retire, provided he is eligible
for retirement, at any time. Employee agrees to provide thirty (30) calendar days
advance written notice of the effective date of his resignation or retirement.
Resolution No. 2025-001
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In the event Employee retires or resigns, Employee shall be entitled to payment
for earned, but unused, vacation time, but not to severance pay as delineated in Section
6, paragraph B, above.
Section 10:DISABILITY
If Employee is permanently disabled or otherwise unable to perform his duties
because of sickness, accident, injury, mental incapacity or health for a period of thirty
(30) calendar days beyond any earned sick leave, City shall have the option to
terminate this Agreement; however, the City’s option to terminate under this Section
shall be limited by its obligation to engage in the interactive process for reasonable
accommodations and to provide reasonable accommodations as required by law.
Nothing in this Section shall be construed to limit or restrict Employee’s benefits or
rights under workers’ compensation or the Public Employees Retirement System .
However, as delineated in Section 6 of this Agreement, an employee terminated
under this section is not eligible for severance pay.
In cases of disability, Employee shall be compensated for any earned, but
unused, vacation leave.
Section 11:GENERAL PROVISIONS
A.Notice
Any notices required by this Agreement shall be in writing and either delivered in
person or by first class, certified, return receipt requested U.S. Mail with postage
prepaid. Such notice shall be addressed as follows:
TO CITY: City Council
City of Vernon
4305 Santa Fe Avenue
Vernon, CA 90058
TO EMPLOYEE: Brian Saeki
[Deliver to last updated address in personnel file]
B Entire Agreement
The text of this Agreement shall constitute the entire and exclusive agreement
between the parties. All prior oral or written communications understanding or
agreements between the parties, not set forth herein, shall be superseded in total by
this Agreement. No Amendment or modification to this Agreement may be made except
by a written agreement signed by the Employee and the City Council and approved as
to form by the City Attorney.
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C Assignment
This Agreement is not assignable by either the City or Employee.
D Severability
In the event that any provision of this Agreement is finally held or determined to
be illegal or void by a court having jurisdiction over the parties, the remainder of this
Agreement shall remain in full force and effect unless the parts found to be void are
wholly inseparable from the remaining portions of this Agreement.
E.Effect of Waiver
The failure of either party to insist on strict compliance with any of the terms,
covenants, or conditions in this Agreement by the other party shall not be deemed a
waiver of that term, covenant or condition, nor shall any waiver or relinquishment of any
right or power at any one time or times be deemed a waiver or relinquishment of that
right or power for all or any other time or times.
F.Jurisdiction
Any action to interpret or enforce the terms of this Agreement shall be held
exclusively in a state court in Los Angeles County, California. Employee expressly
waives any right to remove any such action from Los Angeles County.
G.Effective Date
This Agreement shall take effect on February 24, 2025.
[Signatures Begin on Next Page].
Resolution No. 2025-001
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the City of Vernon has caused this Agreement to be
signed and executed on its behalf by its City Council and executed by the Employee.
City of Vernon, a California charter City and
California municipal corporation
Dated: By:
Judith Merlo, Mayor
ATTEST:
Yonnie Parker, Deputy City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Zaynah N. Moussa, City Attorney
Resolution No. 2025-001
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In signing this Agreement, Employee understands and agrees that his employment
status is that of an at-will employee and that his rights to employment with the City are
governed by the terms and conditions of this Agreement rather than the ordinances,
resolutions, and policies of the City of Vernon which might otherwise apply to
employees of the City. Employee further acknowledges that he was given the
opportunity to consult with an attorney prior to signing this Agreement.
Signed:
Dated:
Employee
Resolution No. 2025-001
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ATTACHMENT A
Job Description
Resolution No. 2025-001
Page 15 of 17
City Administrator Vernon CA 1 of 2
JOB DESCRIPTION
City Administrator
Date Prepared:March 2014 Class Code:1010
SUMMARY:Under administrative direction of the City Council, serves as the Chief Staff Advisor for the City
of Vernon; responsible for leading, planning, directing, and evaluating the City’s operations, programs,
priorities, projects, and policies; leads efforts to maximize the efficiency of City services and assures all
operational activities comply with City policies, procedures, and goals.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: -- Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following
representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class;
employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not
constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are
not limited to, the following:
x Serves as the principal advisor to the City Council; exercises independent judgment within broad policy
guidelines; evaluates City issues, and develops reports to effectively communicate plans and City Council
actions required to meet City needs; assures the efficient delivery of high quality public services.
x Exercises independent judgment within broad policy guidelines; evaluates operational issues, and
recommends solutions to improve the City’s operations; works independently and makes appropriate
decisions based on knowledge of City Council goals.
x Meets regularly with staff to discuss and resolve assignments, priorities, workload, staffing, budgets,
technical issues, quality standards, and services; motivates and evaluates staff, and provides leadership,
direction, and guidance in operational plans and priorities; assures all operational activities are in
compliance with City policies and procedures, and state and federal regulations.
x Implements policies and plans to meet City Council goals and directives; interprets concerns, defines
desired results, develops solutions, determines scope and priorities of projects, and communicates status
of projects and organizational issues.
x Monitors City operations, analyzes operational information, evaluates trends, and develops plans to meet
goals and future needs; assigns resources required to meet organizational issues and City Council goals;
reviews and monitors status reports, and directs appropriate actions; prepares and presents status reports
to City Council, and assures effective communication of operational issues.
x Directs, leads, and motivates City staff, and evaluates performance; encourages interactive dialogue
throughout the organization, and effectively addresses personnel issues in order to promote a productive
and healthy work environment.
x Directs development of City budget, approves expenditures, manages contracts and agreements.
x Meets with City committees, commissions, and residents to discuss and resolve issues; coordinates
projects and regional issues with local officials, agencies, community organizations, and advocates.
x Manages public information and community relations activities; represents the City's interests to key
stakeholder groups, advocates, regional agencies, organizations, boards, and commissions.
x Supports the relationship between the City of Vernon and the general public by demonstrating courteous
and cooperative behavior when interacting with visitors and City staff; maintains confidentiality of work-
related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned.
Resolution No. 2025-001
Page 16 of 17
City Administrator Vernon CA 2 of 2
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education, Training and Experience Guidelines:
Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Business, Public Administration or related field; AND seven years of
experience managing government operations.
Knowledge of:
x City organization, operations, policies, and procedures.
x Federal, State and City laws, rules, regulations, and ordinances governing municipalities.
x Duties, powers, authorities, and limitations of a City Administrator.
x Principles and practices of local government administrative management, including personnel rules,
procurement, finance, budgeting, contract and risk management, performance management, and
evaluation of public sector programs, policies, and operations.
x Strategic planning techniques for the economic, financial, and environmental needs of the City.
x Legal, ethical, and professional rules of conduct for municipal government officers.
x Current political and economic trends in state and federal government.
x Techniques and methods for long-range strategic and financial planning.
x Techniques and practices for efficient and cost effective management of resources.
x Business computers, and standard and specialized software applications.
Skill in:
x Assuming executive-level responsibilities, projecting consequences of proposed actions, and making
appropriate decisions, while assuring compliance with City goals and objectives.
x Analyzing complex administrative and operational issues, interpreting laws and regulations, evaluating
alternatives, and developing recommendations, strategies, and operational improvements.
x Analyzing City needs, and prioritizing and promoting operational strategies to meet future needs.
x Preparing and administering the City budget.
x Interpreting and applying municipal policies and procedures.
x Presenting and defending operational reports and information in public meetings.
x Analyzing problems, resolving disputes and conflicts, and developing effective solutions.
x Using initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines.
x Assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects and demands.
x Managing staff, delegating tasks and authority, and coaching to improve staff performance.
x Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with City employees, elected officials,
community groups, advocates, and representatives from other local, state, and federal agencies.
x Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.
LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
A valid California State Driver’s License may be required.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
Work is performed in a standard office environment.
Resolution No. 2025-001
Page 17 of 17
City Council Agenda Report
Meeting Date:January 7, 2025
From:Daniel Calleros, Interim City Administrator
Department:City Administration
Submitted by:Lilia Hernandez, Assistant to the City Administrator
Subject
Appointment of Brian Saeki to serve as City Administrator
Recommendation
Adopt Resolution No. 2025-001 appointing Brian Saeki to serve as the City Administrator of the
City of Vernon, effective February 24, 2025, and approving and authorizing the execution of a
related at-will employment agreement.
Background
Following the retirement of the former City Administrator in July 2024, the City Council appointed
Daniel E. Calleros, a retired annuitant, to serve as Interim City Administrator on a temporary
basis while a recruitment process could be conducted to fill the vacancy on a permanent basis.
Subsequently, a request for proposals (RFP) for executive recruitment services was issued and
on August 21, 2024 the City contracted with the recruitment firm, Bob Murray & Associates, to
conduct several executive recruitments including a recruitment for the position of City
Administrator.
Recruitment Summary
Bob Murray & Associates conducted a broad and extensive recruitment of candidates with the
necessary skills and public sector experience appropriate for the position of City Administrator.
A total of 85 applications were received and screened by the firm. On November 19, 2024, twelve
(12) qualified candidates were presented to City Council for evaluation and subsequently, six (6)
candidates were invited to participate in a first-round interview conducted by the City Council on
December 3, 2024. Following the first-round interviews, two (2) highly qualified candidates were
invited for a second-round interview conducted by a combined internal/external panel and final
interview with City Council on December 17, 2024. The combined interview panel consisted of
Vernon’s Interim City Administrator, City Attorney, two board members from the Vernon Chamber
of Commerce, one retired City Manager and one current City Manager. After consideration of
the feedback received from the second-round interview panel and deliberation, the City Council
unanimously determined Brian Saeki to be the best-qualified candidate to meet the needs of the
City and serve as the next City Administrator.
At-Will Employment Agreement
The At-Will Employment Agreement for City Administrator has been presented to Mr. Saeki and
is included as Exhibit B to Resolution No. 2025-001 for City Council’s approval. The agreement
establishes an effective date of February 24, 2025, and a starting salary of $357,489 per year,
plus all benefits provided to executive personnel.
The proposed agreement is consistent with other City of Vernon executive employment
agreements, with the exception of the following:
•Added language to Section 4 indicating Employee shall receive cost of living adjustments
that are received by executive staff.
•Added language to Section 5B indicating the benefits set forth in the Citywide Fringe
Benefits Policy, adopted November 19, 2024, shall be the minimum benefits provided to
the Employee, subject to any future enhancement or increase as may be approved and
adopted by the City Council.
•Added language to Section 5B regarding credit for all previous full-time years of service
in other CalPERS public agencies being used for purposes of determining Employee’s
eligibility for Retiree Medical benefits and accrual rate and eligibility for Sick Leave and
Vacation time.
•Added language to Section 5B indicating Employee shall receive an initial balance of 100
hours of Vacation time and 100 hours of Sick Leave during his first year of City
employment, which cannot be cashed out and shall not carry over to the next calendar
year.
•Revision to Section 6B indicating the City agrees to pay the Employee a severance
amount equal to six (6) months of base salary. Starting in Employee’s third year of City
employment, such severance pay amount shall be increased by one (1) month of base
salary for each year Employee is employed by the City, up to a combined maximum of
twelve (12) months.
•Adding Conflict of Interest Prohibition (Section 8) to prohibit Employee investment or
financial interests in business or projects within City limits or on any property owned by
the City.
Candidate Summary
Brian Saeki currently serves as the City Manager of the City of Whittier. In this role, his
responsibilities include implementing council policies, supervising and coordinating city
department activities, and focusing on identifying and addressing key problems and areas of
interest within the community. Mr. Saeki’s career in the public sector spans over 28 years as he
has worked for several cities across California, including Arcadia, Downey, and Rosemead. In
addition to Whittier, Mr. Saeki has also served as the City Manager in the cities of Covina and
San Fernando.
Mr. Saeki has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Urban and Regional Planning from California
State Polytechnic University, Pomona and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from
California State University Northridge.
Given Mr. Saeki’s qualifications and extensive experience in public administration, he is well
suited to meet the needs of the City and lead the City’s executive team.
At its regular City Council meeting on January 7, 2025, prior to taking final action to approve this
resolution, the City Council received an oral report summarizing the recommended appointment
and compensation, in accordance with Government Code Section 54953(c)(3).
Fiscal Impact
The estimated annual cost for City Administrator is approximately $440,525 including salary,
taxes and benefits ($357,489 base salary and $83,036 in taxes and benefit costs). Sufficient
funds are available in the General Fund, City Administration Department, Salaries, Taxes and
Benefit Accounts for the current fiscal year and will be budgeted in subsequent fiscal years.
Attachments
1. Resolution No. 2025-001