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Resolution No. 2025-004RESOLUTION NO. 2025-004 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 AND REPEALING RESOLUTION NO. 2025-001 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. On January 7, 2025, the City Council of the City of Vernon determined Brian Saeki (Saeki) to be the most qualified candidate for the position and adopted Resolution No. 2025-001 appointing Saeki to serve as the City Administrator, effective February 24, 2025. G. In order to reflect Saeki’s revised start date, the City Council of the City of Vernon desires to repeal Resolution No. 2025-001 and appoint Saeki to serve as the City Administrator, effective February 27, 2025. H. At its regular City Council meeting on March 4, 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 27, 2025. SECTION 4. The City Council hereby approves and authorizes the execution of 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. All resolutions or parts of resolutions, specifically Resolution No. 2025-001, not consistent with or in conflict with this resolution are hereby repealed. SECTION 8. The City Clerk or Deputy City Clerk shall certify the passage and adoption of this resolution and enter it into the book of original resolutions. APPROVED AND ADOPTED March 4, 2025. ________________________ JUDITH MERLO, Mayor ATTEST: YONNIE PARKER, Deputy City Clerk (seal) APPROVED AS TO FORM: ZAYNAH N. MOUSSA, City Attorney Resolution No. 2025-004 Page 2 of 1 ___________________ Resolution No. 2025-004 Page 3 of _______________________ I CERTIFY THAT RESOLUTION NO. 2025-004 was passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Vernon at the Regular Meeting on March 4, 2025, by the following vote: AYES: 5 Council Members: Larios, Lopez, Rivera, Ybarra, Merlo NOES: 0 ABSENT: 0 ABSTAIN: 0 ________________________________ YONNIE PARKER, Deputy City Clerk (seal) CITY ADMINISTRATOR &YIJCJU"Resolution No. 2025-004 Page 4 of 18 ___________________ 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. 2025-004 Page 5 of 18 ___________________ 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. 2025-004 Page 6 of 18 ___________________ 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. 2025-004 Page 7 of 18 ___________________ 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 2, 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. 2025-004 Page 8 of 18 ___________________ -2- 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. 2025-004 Page 9 of 18 ___________________ -3- 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 +ealWK 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 +ealWK 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. 2025-004 Page 10 of 18 ___________________ -4- 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. 2025-004 Page 11 of 18 ___________________ -5- 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. Resolution No. 2025-004 Page 12 of 18 ___________________ -6- 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 2, 2025. [Signatures Begin on Next Page]. Resolution No. 2025-004 Page 13 of 18 ___________________ -7- 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. 2025-004 Page 14 of 18 ___________________ Resolution No. 2025-004 Page 15 of 18 ___________________ -9- ATTACHMENT A Job Description Resolution No. 2025-004 Page 16 of 18 ___________________ 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. 2025-004 Page 17 of 18 ___________________ 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. 2025-004 Page 18 of 18 ___________________ City Council Agenda Report Meeting Date:March 4, 2025 From:Lisette Grizzelle, Interim Director of Human Resources Department:Human Resources Submitted by:Lisette Grizzelle, Interim Director of Human Resources Subject Appointment of Brian Saeki to Serve as City Administrator Recommendation Adopt Resolution No. 2025-004 appointing Brian Saeki to serve as the City Administrator of the City of Vernon, with revised effective start date of February 27, 2025, and approving and authorizing the execution of a related at-will employment agreement, and repealing Resolution No. 2025-001. Background On January 7, 2025, following an extensive recruitment process, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2025-001 appointing Brian Saeki to serve as the City Administrator of the City of Vernon and approving a related at-will employment agreement with an effective start date of February 24, 2025. Since then, two revisions were made to the at-will employment agreement to change the start date to February 27, 2025 and to update retiree health benefits language in Section 5B of the agreement to match the City’s current Fringe Benefits Policy. Resolution No. 2025-004 appoints Brian Saeki to serve as the City Administrator of the City of Vernon effective February 27, 2025, approves and authorizes the execution of the related at-will employment reflecting the changes noted above and repeals the previously adopted resolution. Recruitment Summary 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. 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, 2025, twelve (12) qualified candidates were presented to the 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 a final interview with City Council on December 17, 2024. The combined interview panel consisted of Vernon’s Interim City Administrator, Vernon’s City Attorney, two board members from the Vernon Chamber of Commerce, one retired external City Manager and one current external 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 with a revised start date of February 27, 2025, has been presented to Mr. Saeki and is included as Exhibit B to Resolution No. 2025- 004 for City Council’s approval. The agreement establishes an effective date of February 27, 2025, and a starting salary of $357,486 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 Health 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 increase 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 interest in business or projects within City limits or on any property owned by the City. Candidate Summary Brian Saeki served as the City Manager of the City of Whittier until February 26, 2025. In this role, his responsibilities included 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 the previous resolution No. 2025-001, 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. 2025-004