HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-31-2024 City Council Special Meeting Agenda Packet, amended 02-01-2024Saratoga City Council Agenda January 31, 2024 – Page 1 of 2
SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING
JANUARY 31, 2024
AMENDED AGENDA
• 02/01/2024 ITEM 1 SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL ADDED
Public Participation Information
In accordance with Saratoga City Council’s Remote Public Participation Policy, members of the
public may participate in this meeting in person at the location listed below.
Members of the public can view and participate in the 4:00 p.m. Special Meeting by:
1. Attending the meeting in person at the Warner Hutton House, located at 13777 Fruitvale
Avenue, Saratoga CA 95070
Written Communication
Comments can be submitted in writing at www.saratoga.ca.us/comment. Written communications
will be provided to the members of the City Council and included in the Agenda Packet and/or in
supplemental meeting materials.
Public Comment
Members of the public may comment on any item for up to three (3) minutes. The amount of time
for public comment may be reduced by the Mayor or by action of the City Council. Please ensure
your comments pertain to the agenda item. Individuals providing comments not relevant to the
agenda item will be asked to stay on topic or they will be muted.
Meeting Recording Information
In accordance with the Saratoga City Council’s Meeting Recording Policy, City Council Study
Sessions, Joint Meetings, Joint Sessions, Commission Interviews, Retreats, meetings with the
Planning Commission, and Regular Session Meetings are recorded and made available following
the meeting on the City website.
4:00 PM SPECIAL MEETING
Warner Hutton House | 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA 95070
ROLL CALL
REPORT ON POSTING OF THE AGENDA
The agenda for this meeting was properly posted on January 26, 2024.
1. AGENDA ITEM
1.1. City Manager Recruitment
Recommended Action:
Provide strategic direction to Bob Murray & Associates regarding the approach to City
Manager recruitment, schedule, and the desired candidate profile.
Staff Report
Supplemental Memo - Item 1 Supplemental Material (added 02-01-2024)
Saratoga City Council Agenda January 31, 2024 – Page 2 of 2
ADJOURNMENT
CERTIFICATE OF POSTING OF THE AGENDA, DISTRIBUTION OF THE AGENDA
PACKET, COMPLIANCE WITH AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
I, Britt Avrit, City Clerk for the City of Saratoga, declare that the foregoing agenda for the meeting
of the City Council was posted and available for review on January 4, 2024 at the City of Saratoga,
13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, California and on the City's website at www.saratoga.ca.us.
Signed this 26th day of January 2024 at Saratoga, California.
Britt Avrit, MMC, City Clerk
In accordance with the Ralph M. Brown Act, copies of the staff reports and other materials
provided to the City Council by City staff in connection with this agenda, copies of materials
distributed to the City Council concurrently with the posting of the agenda, and materials
distributed to the City Council by staff after the posting of the agenda are available on the City
website at www.saratoga.ca.us and are available for review in the office of the City Clerk at 13777
Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, California.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Governor’s Executive Order, if
you need assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk at
bavrit@saratoga.ca.us or calling 408.868.1216 as soon as possible before the meeting. The City
will use its best efforts to provide reasonable accommodations to provide as much accessibility as
possible while also maintaining public safety. [28 CFR 35.102-35.104 ADA title II]
SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL
MEETING DATE:January 31, 2024
DEPARTMENT:Administrative Services
PREPARED BY:Monica LaBossiere, Human Resources Manager
SUBJECT:City Manager Recruitment
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Provide strategic direction to Bob Murray & Associates regarding the approach to City Manager
recruitment, schedule, and the desired candidate profile.
BACKGROUND:
On January 17, 2024,the City Council approved an agreement with Bob Murray & Associates to
provide executive recruitment services for hiring a new City Manager. Since then, Valerie Gaeta
Phillips, President,and Recruiter of Bob Murray & Associates, has met with each City Council
member to understand the qualities and key attributes they value most in a City Manager and will
present a recommended strategy to the City Council.
Based on the feedback provided by the City Council at the meeting, the recruiter will finalize the
recruitment materials for the City Council’s final review and approval at the regular meeting scheduled
for February 7, 2024.
The schedule (subject to change)aims for a timely transition between departing and new incumbents:
Milestone Date
Recruitment material for City Council final review and approval February 7
Recruitment period February 16-March 31
Present top applicants to City Council April 10
First round candidate interviews with Council, facilitated by executive
search firm
April 20
Final round candidate interviews -(1) with Council, facilitated by
executive search firm and (2) with executive management staff
May 3
Reference checking and contract negotiation May 6-17
City Manager contract approval June 5 or 19
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CITY OF SARATOGA
Memorandum
To: Members of the Saratoga City Council
From: Britt Avrit, City Clerk
Meeting Date: January 31, 2024
Subject: Supplemental Material
Following publication of the agenda packet for the January 31, 2024 City Council Meeting, the City
Council received supplemental material for the agenda item; the material is attached to this
memo.
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Created 2014
Updated January 2024
FLSA: Exempt
CITY MANAGER
DEFINITION
As the appointed Chief Executive Officer of the City, this position is responsible for planning,
directing, managing, and reviewing the activities and operations of the City of Saratoga. The role
operates under the policy direction of the City Council in accordance with municipal law, for the
benefit of City residents. It involves coordinating City services and activities across various
departments and external agencies. Additionally, it includes providing highly responsible and
complex administrative support to the City Council, offering advice with substantial discretion and
judgement in analyzing the best approaches for recommendations and decisions. The position also
entails performing related duties as assigned.
The City Manager position is “At-will”. The City Manager serves at the pleasure of the City
Council and can be terminated at any time without cause.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
The City Manager leads the organization with executive responsibility and directs the
organization’s operations through collaboration with executive management, providing strategic
guidance to ensure effective City management.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This executive management role entails overseeing, directing, and actively engaging in all aspects
of City operations.
EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of
different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can
perform the essential functions of the job.
Administers the execution of City Council priorities.
Advises City Council on agenda items, issues, programs, and, as requested, on other matters.
Approves the selection, status change, transfer, and termination of all City personnel.
Confers with and directs the Assistant City Manager and department directors in the formation
and implementation of administrative policies and practices.
Drives efficiency and effectiveness across all City programs and activities.
Coordinates the preparation of a wide variety of reports and presentations for the City Council
and outside organizations.
Develops proposals for action on current and future City needs and recommends long-range
plans for City services and programs.
Directs the development of City Council meeting agendas, attends all City Council meetings,
writes/approves staff reports as needed, and provides advice and clarification during Council
meetings.
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Directs the development of the City’s operating and capital budgets for approval by the City
Council.
Oversees the implementation of the adopted budget, monitors changes that may impact the
City’s budget, and advises the City Council on the City’s financial conditions.
Participates in professional and community organizations on behalf of the City to maintain
good working relationships with outside organizations and key community constituencies.
Plans and evaluates executive management staff performance, establishes performance
requirements and personal development targets, regularly monitors performance, and provides
coaching for performance improvement and development.
Plans, organizes, controls, integrates, and evaluates the work of all City departments to ensure
that operations and services comply with the policies and direction set by the City Council and
with all applicable laws and regulations.
Provides day-to-day leadership and works with the City’s executive management team to
ensure a high-performance, service-oriented work environment consistent with sound
management principles.
Provides leadership and works with the executive management team to develop and retain
highly competent, public-service oriented staff through selection, compensation, training, and
day-to-day management practices that support the City’s mission, operating plans, and
objectives.
Represents the City to the press and other information media as required.
Represents the City Council in relationships with other government organizations and private
agencies.
Signs documents on behalf of the City as provided for in City code, policy, or whenever
authorized by City Council.
Works closely with City Council, City Attorney, boards, commissions, a variety of public and
private organizations, and citizen groups to implement programs and projects that serve the
public interest.
Ensures that high customer services standards are upheld.
Works closely with supervising personnel who manage the provision of municipal services via
contract or joint powers authority, including but not limited to the Sheriff’s Office, animal
control, solid waste, and clean water program.
Acts as the City Treasurer (Article 2-20.035), which includes supervising the activities of the
Finance and Administrative Services Director, implementing the City’s investment policy as
adopted by the City Council, and performing other responsibilities required by law to be
performed by the City treasurer.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development,
implementation, and evaluation, and supervision of staff, either directly or through subordinate
levels of supervision.
Principles, practices, and procedures of public administration in a municipal setting, including
the laws and regulations associated with the Brown Act, Public Records Act, Meyers-Milias-
Brown Act and Fair Political Practices Commission.
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Laws and regulations, principles and practices regarding city management, leadership, budget,
finance, public personnel administration, public safety, public works, planning/land use,
economic development, and recreation.
Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to
ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
Organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of projects,
programs, policies, procedures, and operational needs.
Recreational, cultural, age-specific, and social needs of the community.
Technical, legal, financial, and public relations problems associated with the management of
municipal government.
General principles of risk management related to the functions of the assigned area.
Functions, authority, and responsibilities of an elected City Council.
Funding sources for municipal government services.
Methods and techniques of developing technical and administrative reports, and business
correspondence.
Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the
public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of
words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project,
and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.
Ability to:
Establish, maintain, and foster positive, effective working relationships with other government
agencies, community partners, organizations connected to the City, and individuals
encountered in the course of work.
Effectively communicate, present complex ideas, facts, and recommendations orally and in
writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the Mayor, City Council,
subordinates, representatives of other agencies, business groups, community groups, and the
public.
Handle citizen complaints and respond to challenging customers.
Plan, organize, and manage the activities of the City under the policy guidance and direction
of the City Council.
Effectively manage the organization and operations.
Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local policies,
procedures, laws, and regulations.
Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate the work of managerial, supervisory, professional, and
technical personnel, adeptly delegate authority and responsibility.
Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written
materials.
Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely
manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
Use tact, initiative, prudence, and sound judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal
guidelines.
Effectively use computer systems and software applications relevant to work performed, as
well as modern business equipment, to perform a variety of tasks.
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Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English
grammar and syntax.
Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills,
and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in public
administration, business administration, or a related field. Master’s degree is desirable.
Ten (10) years of increasingly responsible experience, preferably in city government, including at
least three (3) years as a City Manager, six (6) years as an Assistant City Manager, or eight (8)
years as a department director, involving considerable responsibility.
Licenses and Certifications:
Possession of, or the ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California driver’s license upon
appointment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment,
including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and
speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Standing in and walking between work
areas is frequently required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a
computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this
classification frequently bend, stoop, kneel, and reach to perform assigned duties, as well as push
and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the
ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 10 pounds.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature
conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with
upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental
policies and procedures.
DISASTER SERVICE WORKER
Under California law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109), all City of Saratoga
employees are designated as Disaster Service Workers, (DSW). In the event of a catastrophic
event, City of Saratoga employees may be expected to fulfill emergency action assignments. As
DSW's, employees may be assigned to assist in any disaster service activity that promotes the
protection of public health and safety and preservation of lives and property.
Attachment
Saratoga, California, Code of Ordinances Chapter 2 – Administration – Article 2-20 City
Manager
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Saratoga, California, Code of Ordinances >> Chapter 2 - ADMINISTRATION >> Article 2-
20 - CITY MANAGER >>
Article 2-20 - CITY MANAGER
Sections:
2-20.010 - Office created; appointment.
2-20.020 - Compensation; employment benefits.
2-20.030 - Manager to appoint City Clerk.
2-20.035 - Manager to serve as City Treasurer.
2-20.040 - Absence or disability; acting City Manager.
2-20.050 - Powers and duties of the City Manager.
2-20.060 - Council-Manager relations; departmental cooperation.
2-20.070 - Attendance at meetings of commissions, boards and committees.
2-20.080 - Removal procedure.
2-20.090 - Employment agreement.
2-20.010 - Office created; appointment.
The office of the City Manager is hereby created and established pursuant to Subsection
34851(a) of the Government Code. The City Manager shall be appointed by the City Council,
and his/her selection shall be made wholly on the basis of his/her administrative and executive
ability and qualifications. Subject to Section 2-20.080, the City Manager shall hold office for
and during the pleasure of the City Council.
2-20.020 - Compensation; employment benefits.
The City Manager shall receive such compensation, expense reimbursement, vacation, sick
leave and fringe benefits as established from time to time by the City Council.
2-20.030 - Manager to appoint City Clerk.
The City Manager shall appoint City Clerk, whose duty it shall be to perform the statutory
functions of the office of City Clerk. The City Clerk may, with the consent of the City Manager,
designate deputies to perform the statutory functions of the City Clerk in the absence of the City
Clerk.
(Amended by Ord. 71-175 § 1, 1998)
2-20.035 - Manager to serve as City Treasurer.
The City Manager shall serve as City Treasurer and shall be responsible for supervising all
of the activities of the Finance Director, implementation of the City's investment policy as
adopted from time to time by the City Council, and such other duties and responsibilities as
required by law to be performed by the City Treasurer.
2-20.040 - Absence or disability; acting City Manager.
The Assistant City Manager shall serve as Manager pro tempore during any temporary
absence or disability of the City Manager. In the event there is no Assistant City Manager, the
City Manager shall designate a qualified City employee to exercise the powers and perform the
duties of City Manager during his/her temporary absence or disability. In the event the City
Manager's absence or disability extends over a two-month period, the City Council may, after
the two-month period, appoint an acting City Manager.
2-20.050 - Powers and duties of the City Manager.
The City Manager shall be the administrative head of the government of the City under the
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direction and control of the City Council, except as otherwise provided in this Article. He/She
shall be responsible for the efficient administration of all the affairs of the City which are under
his/her control. In addition to his/her general powers as administrative head, and not as a
limitation thereon, he/she shall have the following powers and duties:
(a) Law enforcement. It shall be the duty of the City Manager to enforce all laws, Code
provisions and ordinances of the City, and he/she shall have the powers of a peace officer.
He/She shall also see that all franchises, contracts, permits and privileges granted by the City
Council are faithfully observed and the conditions, if any, thereof performed.
(b) Repealed.
(c) Authority over employees. It shall be the duty of the City Manager, and he/she shall have
the authority to control, order and give directions to all heads of departments and to
subordinate officers and employees of the City under his/her jurisdiction through their
department heads.
(d) Power of appointment and removal. The City Manager shall have the duty to, and he/she
shall appoint, employ, remove, promote and demote any and all officers and employees of the
City, subject to all applicable provisions of State law and the personnel ordinance as set forth
in Article 2-40 of this Chapter, together with such personnel rules as may be adopted by
resolution of the City Council. (e) Administrative reorganization of offices. It shall be the duty
and responsibility of the City Manager to conduct studies and effect such administrative
reorganization of offices, positions or units under his/her direction as may be indicated in the
interest of efficient, effective and economical conduct of the City's business.
(f) Ordinances. It shall be the duty of the City Manager and he/she shall recommend to the
City Council for adoption such measures and ordinances as he/she deems necessary.
(g) Attendance at Council meetings. It shall be the duty of the City Manager to attend all
meetings of the City Council unless he/she is excused therefrom by the Mayor individually,
or the City Council.
(h) Financial reports. It shall be the duty of the City Manager to keep the City Council at all
times fully advised as to the financial condition and needs of the City.
(i) Budget. It shall be the duty of the City Manager to prepare and submit the proposed annual
budget and the proposed annual salary plan to the City Council for its approval.
(j) Expenditure control and purchasing. No expenditure shall be submitted to or
recommended to the City council except on approval of the City Manager or his/her duly
authorized representative, and he/she shall be responsible for the purchase of all supplies for
all the departments and divisions of the City.
(k) Investigations and complaints. It shall be the duty of the City Manager to make
investigations into the affairs of the City and any department or division thereof, and to
investigate any contract or the proper performance of any obligations of the City. Further, it
shall be the duty of the City Manager to investigate all complaints in relation to matters
concerning the administration of the City government and in regard to the service maintained
by public utilities in the City, and to see that all franchises and permits granted by the City are
faithfully performed and that the provisions and requirements thereof are observed.
(l) Public buildings. It shall be the duty of the City Manager and he/she shall exercise general
supervision over all public buildings, public parks and all other public property which are
under the control and jurisdiction of the City Council.
(m) Additional duties. It shall be the duty of the City Manager to perform such other duties
and exercise such other powers as may be delegated to him/her from time to time by ordinance
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or resolution or other official action of the City council.
(Amended by Ord. 71-175 § 2, 1998; Ord. 234 § 2 (part), 2005)
2-20.060 - Council-Manager relations; departmental cooperation.
(a) The City Council and its members shall deal with the administrative services of the City
only through the City Manager, except for the purpose of inquiry, and neither the City Council
nor any member thereof shall give orders or instructions to any subordinates of the City
Manager.
(b) It shall be the duty of all subordinate officers, department heads, and the City Attorney to
assist the City Manager in administering the affairs of the City efficiently, economically and
harmoniously.
2-20.070 - Attendance at meetings of commissions, boards and committees.
The City Manager may attend any and all meetings of the Planning Commission, Parks and
Recreation Commission, Heritage Preservation Commission and any other Commissions, boards
or committees created under the provisions of this Code or by the City Council, upon his/her
own volition or upon direction of the City Council. At such meetings which the City Manager
attends, he/she shall be heard by such Commissions, boards or committees as to all matters upon
which he/she wishes to address the members thereof, he/she shall inform said members as to the
status of any matter being considered by the City Council, and he/she shall cooperate to the
fullest extent with the members of all Commissions, boards or committees appointed by the City
Council.
2-20.080 - Removal procedure.
The removal of the City Manager shall be effected only by a majority vote of the whole
City Council as then constituted, convened in a regular Council meeting; subject, however, to
the provisions of this Section. In case of his/her intended removal by the City Council, the City
Manager shall be furnished with a written notice stating the Council's intention to remove
him/her, at least thirty days before the effective date of his/her removal. If the City Manager so
requests, the City Council shall provide in writing reasons for the intended removal, which shall
be provided the City Manager within seven days after the receipt of such request from the City
Manager, and at least fifteen days prior to the effective date of such removal.
(a) Hearing. Within seven days after the delivery to the City Manager of such notice of
intention to remove, he/she may by written notification, duly delivered, request a hearing
before the City Council. Thereafter the City Council shall fix a time for the hearing which
shall be held at its usual meeting place but before the expiration of the thirty-day period, at
which the City Manager shall appear and be heard, with or without counsel.
(b) Suspension pending hearing. After furnishing the City Manager with written notice of
intended removal, the City Council may suspend him/her from duty; but his/her compensation
shall continue until his/her removal by action of the Council passed subsequent to the
aforesaid hearing.
(c) Discretion of Council. In removing the City Manager, the City Council shall use its
uncontrolled discretion and its action shall be final and shall not depend upon any particular
showing or degree of proof at the hearing, the purpose of which is to allow the City Manager
to present the City Council his/her grounds of opposition to his/her removal prior to its action.
(d) Limitation on removal. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section, the
City Manager shall not be removed from office for any reason except misconduct in office,
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during or within a period of ninety days following any general municipal election in the City
at which a member of the City Council is elected. After the expiration of such ninety-day
period, the provisions of this Section as to the removal of the City Manager shall again apply.
2-20.090 - Employment agreement.
Nothing in this Article shall be construed as a limitation on the power or authority of the
City Council to enter into any employment agreement with the City Manager delineating
additional terms and conditions of employment not inconsistent with any of the provisions of
this Article.
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City of Saratoga, CA
City Manager
Profile Text Draft
THE COMMUNITY
The City of Saratoga is an attractive residential community of approximately 31,000 known for its
excellent schools and prestigious neighborhoods. The community’s downtown district, known as
“The Village,” has distinctive dining, unique shops, and numerous buildings dating back to the late
1800s and early 1900s. Saratoga residents place an emphasis on retaining the quality of the City’s semi-
rural ambiance and unique character. The City is also home to Villa Montalvo and the Hakone
Gardens, the oldest Japanese-style residential garden in the Western Hemisphere.
In addition to its cultural venues, the City of Saratoga offers a wide array of recreational opportunities.
The City has 14 parks, and numerous trails that allow for an assortment of activities. Additionally,
Saratoga is close to regional parks with excellent hiking and horseback riding trails.
THE CITY
The City of Saratoga was incorporated in 1956 and operates under a Council/Manager form of
government. At the time of incorporation, many school and utility districts were in existence and
consequently, more than one district may serve within the City’s boundaries. Fire protection services
are provided through special districts, and the City has formed collaborative relationships and
established service contracts with other government agencies including law enforcement services
through the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office, animal control services provided by the City of San
Jose, recreation programs provided by Los Gatos-Saratoga Community Education and Recreation,
senior programs provided by the Saratoga Area Senior Coordinating Council, and library services
provided by Santa Clara County Library District. In addition, sanitation services are provided by West
Valley Sanitation District and Cupertino Sanitary District.
The City has five departments including: City Manager, Community Services, Administrative Services,
Community Development, and Public Works. Residential areas make up 94% of the City and 13
square miles of incorporated area. The 2023-24 operating and capital budget total is $50.97 M, and
the City has 56.25 full time employee positions.
The City’s mission statement: Provide essential municipal services which protect health, safety, and
welfare, and to satisfy the community’s desires to maintain its quality of life while practicing fiscal
responsibility. The City’s values statement: Strives to maintain a high quality of life for its residents
through careful planning and infrastructure maintenance, through activities to build community, and
by providing opportunities for extensive citizen participation in community issues.
THE POSITION
As the appointed Chief Executive Officer of the City, the City Manager is responsible for planning,
directing, managing, and reviewing the activities and operations of the City. The role operates under
the policy direction of the City Council in accordance with municipal law, for the benefit of City
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residents. It involves coordinating City services and activities across various departments and external
agencies, as well as providing highly responsible and complex administrative support to the City
Council, offering advice with substantial discretion and judgement in analyzing the best approaches
for recommendations and decisions.
This position will administer the execution of City Council priorities; advise the City Council on
agenda items, issues, programs, and other matters; approve the selection, status change, transfer, and
termination of all City personnel; and confer with and direct the Assistant City Manager and
department directors in the formation and implementation of administrative policies and practices.
Other duties include but are not limited to:
Driving efficiency and effectiveness across all City programs and activities.
Coordinating the preparation of a wide variety of reports and presentations for the City
Council and outside organizations.
Developing proposals for action on current and future City needs and recommending long-
range plans for City services and programs.
Directing the development of the City Council meeting agendas, attending all City Council
meetings, and writing/approving staff reports.
Directing the development of the City’s operating and capital budgets for approval by the City
Council.
Overseeing the implementation of the adopted budget, monitoring changes that may impact
the City’s budget, and advising the City Council on the City’s financial conditions.
Participating in professional and community organizations on behalf of the City.
Planning and evaluating executive management staff performance, establishing performance
requirements and personal development targets, monitoring performance, and providing
coaching for performance improvement and development.
Representing the City to the press and other information media as required.
Representing the City Council in relationships with other government organizations and
private agencies.
Working closely with supervising personnel who manage the provision of municipal services
via contract or joint powers authority, including but not limited to the Sheriff’s Office, animal
control, solid waste, and clean water program.
Acting as the City Treasurer (Article 2-20.035), which includes supervising the activities of the
Finance and Administrative Services Director, implementing the City’s investment policy as
adopted by the City Council, and performing other responsibilities required by law to be
performed by the City Treasurer.
The City Manager also provides day-to-day leadership, working closely with the City’s executive
management team to ensure a high-performance, service-oriented work environment. The ideal
candidate must have the ability to establish, maintain, and foster positive, effective working
relationships with other agencies, community partners, organizations, and individuals encountered in
the course of work. This position works closely with City Council, the City Attorney, boards,
commissions, a variety of public and private organizations, and citizen groups to implement programs
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and projects that serve the public interest. It is essential that the City Manager ensures that high
customer service standards are upheld throughout the course of work.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
The City seeks an ideal candidate embodying qualities essential for effective leadership: an active
listener, forward-facing, with broad knowledge of the functional areas of municipal government, and
tech-savvy, capable of embracing the values of Saratoga, its community, and anticipating community
needs. Understanding land-use planning and community engagement in the planning process is
crucial.
They must be responsive, attend events, and prioritize customer service, demonstrating adaptability
and a solution-oriented mindset. Transparency, honesty, and ethical conduct are paramount, along
with a dedication to the community's best interests, while fostering the professional development of
staff. They should be a servant leader, accessible, and prioritize others while fostering open
communication. As an effective communicator, they improve efficiencies and demonstrate
dedication in service to the community, while immersed in the community, passionate and unbiased,
embracing out-of-the-box thinking to effectively address challenges.
Qualified candidates typically possess ten (10) years of increasingly responsible experience in city
government including at least three (3) years of experience as a city manager, or at least six (6) years
of experience as an assistant city manager, or at least eight (8) years of experience as a department
head involving considerable responsibility.
View the City Manager job description here.
COMPENSATION
The 2023-24 salary or pay scale for the incumbent in the City Manager position is $300,518.00. The
starting salary will be based on the experience and qualifications of the selected candidate. The City
also offers an excellent benefits package including:
CalPERS Retirement Plan: 2% at 60 retirement formula for Classic Members or 2% at 62 retirement
formula for New Members.
CalPERS Health Insurance: The City provides a generous employer contribution toward the
purchase of medical coverage and offers Comprehensive HMO and PPO plan options available
through CalPERS.
Dental Programs: Employer paid comprehensive in and out of network plan options available.
Life Insurance: Employer paid coverage life term policy ($150,000).
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Long Term Disability: Employer paid coverage of 66 2/3 % of salary to a maximum of
$2,000/month, with an employee option to purchase additional coverage, up to a maximum of
$8,200/month.
Deferred Compensation: The City will match at-will employee contributions to a deferred
compensation account up to a maximum of $250 per month.
Paid Time Off: Accrued at a rate of 22 days per year.
Holidays: The City observes 13 holidays.
Paid Administrative Leave: 65 hours of paid administrative leave is granted every fiscal year.
9/80 City Work Schedule: Nine-hour days Monday through Thursday, eight hours every other
Friday.
View the City’s 2024 Employee Benefits Summary here.
TO APPLY
If you are interested in this outstanding opportunity, please visit our website at
www.bobmurrayassoc.com to apply online.
Filing Deadline: March 31, 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 recommended as finalists. References will be contacted only following candidate approval. Finalist
interviews will be held with the City of Saratoga. Candidates will be advised of the status of the
recruitment following selection of the City Manager. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate
to call Ms. Valerie Phillips at (916) 784-9080.
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City of Saratoga, CA – City Manager Search
Timeline – BMA/Valerie Phillips
Task Who When
Kick off BMA/Council
Special Meeting
January 31
Info for search HR to BMA
Job description, benefits,
comp, org chart, pics
January 15-17
Post as upcoming HR to BMA January 18
Draft Text BMA to HR / Point of
Contact (POC)
January 24-26
Final Additions to PDF HR/Council/BMA February 1
Brochure approved Council
Regular Meeting
February 7
Ads BMA February 9-12
Brochure mailed/email BMA After approved
Outreach BMA/Valerie Phillips Ongoing
Updates Weekly BMA to POC Weekly
Sample Questions BMA send HR/Council
Sample interview questions
(10-12 questions max)
February
CLOSE CLOSE MARCH 31, SUNDAY
Public Records BMA Week of March 31
Preliminary Interviews BMA/Valerie April 2-5
Recommended Finalists
(RF Meeting)
BMA/Valerie and Council
Closed session 1-2 hours
April 8 - confirmed
First Round Interviews BMA/Council
BMA provide interview
books (6-8 hours)
Closed session
April 20
Or
April 27
Start References &
Background
BMA on top candidates Week of April 21st
Final Round A.M with Exec Staff
P.M. with Council -
Closed session 2-4 hours
BMA facilitate
May 2
Or May 3
Negotiation/Offer BMA/City Attorney Week of May 6
Contract Approval City Council
Regular meeting
June 5 or 19
Recruiter: Valerie Gaeta Phillips cell 916.910.5022
Recruitment Coordinator: Alex Kopack office 916.784.9080
HR Manager/Contact: Monica LaBossiere cell 408.747.9035
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