Title
Recommendation to Approve Agreement Appointing Eric J. Levitt as City Manager Effective April 12, 2019. (Human Resources 2510)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: David L. Rudat, Interim City Manager
Re: Recommendation to Approve Agreement Appointing Eric J. Levitt as City Manager
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
At the conclusion of an extensive recruitment process, the Alameda City Council has unanimously selected Eric J. Levitt as the permanent City Manager effective April 12, 2019. Mr. Levitt has over 25 years of experience working in local government and over 18 years of experience in the City Manager role. Mr. Levitt is currently the City Manager of Simi Valley. He has held this position since 2013. Prior to Simi Valley, he was the City Manager for the City of Janesville Wisconsin from 2008-2013 and the City Manager for the City of Sedona Arizona from 2001 to 2008.
BACKGROUND
In August of 2018, the City of Alameda entered into a contract with Roberts Consulting for the recruitment of a new City Manager. A recruitment strategy was developed and the recruitment was opened in September of 2018. A total of 29 applications were received. The top five candidates were invited to interview with City Council on January 5, 2019. 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 of Alameda. Mr. Levitt was identified as the top candidate and invited for a second interview on January 21, 2019. At the end of this interview, City Council directed staff to take the action necessary to move forward to hire Mr. Levitt.
DISCUSSION
The proposed employment agreement, a copy of which is attached, is the agreement staff is recommending the Council approve.
The proposed agreement includes:
• An annual salary of $259,000
• A contribution to deferred compensation of $12,000 annually
• Relocation allowance of $16,000
• Other benefits including health insurance, leave accruals and holiday pay
Mr. Levitt will start with the City on April 12, 2019.
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 2018-2019.
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
RECOMMENDATION
Approve agreement appointing Eric J. Levitt as City Manager.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Bronstein, I Human Resources Director
Financial Impact section reviewed,
Elena Adair, Finance Director
Exhibit:
1. Contract