Title
Recommendation to Approve Agreement Appointing Jennifer Ott as City Manager Effective January 3, 2023. (Human Resources 10025060)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
At the conclusion of an extensive recruitment process, the Alameda City Council has directed staff to present to Council, in open session, Jennifer Ott as the City’s next City Manager effective January 3, 2023. Ms. Ott has over 17 years of experience working in local government including 13 years of service with the City of Alameda. Ms. Ott is currently serving as the Assistant City Manager/Development Services Director for the City of Hayward and has served in this role since 2020. Prior to her appointment as Assistant City Manager/Development Services Director, Ms. Ott served as Deputy City Manager for the City of Hayward from 2018 to 2020. Prior to her service with the City of Hayward Ms. Ott served the City of Alameda in various roles between 2005 and 2018 including Acting Assistant City Manager, Deputy City Manager, and Base Reuse and Transportation Planning Director.
BACKGROUND
In June 2022, the City of Alameda (City) began recruiting for a new City Manager. A recruitment strategy was developed and the recruitment was opened in July 2022. The City received many highly qualified candidates. As part of the interview process, the candidates were asked to provide additional written information on their work history, accomplishments and experience overseeing the types of services provided by the City. At the end of these interviews, Ms. Ott clearly stood out. The City Council directed staff to take the necessary actions to move forward to hire Ms. Ott.
DISCUSSION
Staff now presents Ms. Ott for the Council to hire, as the next City Manager, in open session. Staff further recommends Council approve the proposed employment agreement with Ms. Ott, a copy of which is attached.
The proposed agreement includes:
• An annual salary of $305,000
• 1% deferred compensation match equal to $3,050 annually
• Other benefits including health insurance, leave accruals and holiday pay
• A six month severance package
Ms. Ott will start with the City on January 3, 2023.
Because Ms. Ott will be serving as a “local agency executive” as defined in Government Code Section 3511.1(d), California law requires that Ms. Ott’s compensation be approved in open session at a regular meeting of the Council, with an oral summary provided before final action is taken. See Government Code Sections 54953(c)(3), 54956(b).
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Funds for this position are already included in the City Manager’s department budget in the General Fund. No additional funds are required in Fiscal Year 2022-2023.
MUNICIPAL CODE/POLICY DOCUMENT CROSS REFERENCE
This action is in conformance with the Alameda Municipal Code and all policy documents.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This activity is not a project and is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to section 15378(b) (4) of the CEQA Guidelines
CLIMATE IMPACTS
This action has no climate impacts.
RECOMMENDATION
Approve Agreement Appointing Jennifer Ott as City Manager Effective January 3, 2023.
Respectfully submitted,
Jessica Romeo, Human Resource Director
Financial Impact section reviewed,
Margaret O’Brien, Finance Director
Exhibit:
1. Contract