Memorandum

City of Lawrence

City Attorney’s Office

 

TO:

Mayor and City Commissioners

FROM:

Toni R. Wheeler, City Attorney

C:

David L. Corliss, City Manager

Diane Stoddard and Casey Toomay, Assistant City Managers

DATE:

April 22, 2015

RE:

Employment Agreement for Interim City Manager

 

Background

City Manager David Corliss has announced that he accepted the position of Town Manager of Castle Rock, Colorado.  His last day of employment with the City of Lawrence will be May 28, 2015.  Mayor Farmer requested that I prepare an Employment Agreement designating Diane Stoddard as the Interim City Manager effective May 29, 2015, for consideration by the Commission at its regular meeting on April 28, 2015.  The proposed Employment Agreement is attached. 

 

The proposed Agreement provides that Ms. Stoddard shall serve as the City Manager in an interim capacity until such time as the City employs a City Manager on a permanent basis.  For her service as the Interim City Manager she will be paid an annual salary of $145,000, paid on a pro-rata basis, in addition to other annual monetary benefits, also paid on a pro-rata basis.

 

If Ms. Stoddard does not pursue, or is not selected to fill the position of the permanent City Manager, Ms. Stoddard shall be reinstated to the position of Assistant City Manager at her current rate of compensation and benefits, according to the Agreement.  The Agreement obligates the City to pay Ms. Stoddard a severance equal to six months’ of the Interim City Manager salary, if she is terminated by the governing body, or by the permanent City Manager within a year of the permanent City Manager’s tenure.   

 

The proposed Interim City Manager agreement contains other standard employment contract provisions.  The salary and deferred compensation provisions of Ms. Stoddard’s agreement is very similar to Mr. Corliss’ current employment agreement. 

 

Action

Staff recommends the Commission authorize the Mayor to execute the Employment Agreement appointing Diane Stoddard as the Interim City Manager effective May 29, 2015, if appropriate.