Title
Recommendation to Approve Agreement Appointing Yibin Shen as City Attorney Effective May 13, 2019. (Human Resources 2510)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: David L. Rudat, Interim City Attorney
Re: Recommendation to Approve Agreement Appointing Yibin Shen as City Attorney
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
At the conclusion of an extensive recruitment process, the Alameda City Council has unanimously selected Yibin Shen as the new City Attorney effective May 13, 2019. Mr. Shen is currently the Chief Deputy City Attorney for the City of Santa Monica. In his role as Chief Deputy City Attorney for the City of Santa Monica, Mr. Shen oversees the Code Enforcement and Municipal Divisions, supervises ten attorneys and five support staff, leads the City’s regulatory prosecutorial efforts, and provides legal advice on a wide range of topics, including First Amendment, tenant protections, law enforcement, homelessness, land use, environmental protection, sustainability, conflicts, and the Brown Act. Prior to working for the City of Santa Monica, Mr. Shen worked in private practice.
BACKGROUND
In October of 2018, the City of Alameda entered into a contract with Roberts Consulting for the recruitment of a new City Attorney. A recruitment strategy was developed and the recruitment was opened at the end of October 2018. A total of 15 applications were received. The top four candidates were invited to interview with the City Council. At the conclusion of the interviews Mr. Shen was identified as the top candidate.
DISCUSSION
Staff is recommending the City Council approve the proposed employment agreement, a copy of which is attached.
The proposed agreement includes:
• An annual salary of $247,000
• A contribution to deferred compensation of $6,000 annually
• A Relocation allowance of $16,000
• Other benefits including health insurance, leave accruals and holiday pay
Mr. Shen will start with the City on May 13, 2019.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Funds for this position are already included in the City Attorney’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 Yibin Shen as City Attorney.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Bronstein, Human Resources Director
Exhibit:
1. Contract