REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
SUBMITTED TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
SUBMITTED BY: Theresa St. Peter, Interim Director of Human Resources
PREPARED BY: Theresa St. Peter, Interim Director of Human Resources
Subject:
title
Approve Resolution No. 2023-60 and Amendment No. 1 to Employment Agreement with Eric G. Parra - Interim City Manager/Police Chief
body
Statement of Issue:
City Manager, Al Zelinka, resigned to retire from public employment effective November 8, 2023. Eric G. Parra, who has served as the Chief of Police since December 27, 2021, has agreed to serve as the Interim City Manager/Chief of Police until a recruitment can be conducted and a candidate is selected to permanently fill the City Manager vacancy.
The attached Amendment No. 1 to the Employment Agreement between the City of Huntington Beach and Eric G. Parra dated November 21, 2023 outlines any and all changes to his original Employment Agreement with the City of Huntington Beach.
Financial Impact:
This temporary out-of-class assignment will result in a savings of $121,019 as the Chief of Police will serve a dual role as Interim City Manager/Chief of Police.
Recommended Action:
recommendation
A) Approve Amendment No. 1 to the Employment Agreement between the City of Huntington Beach and Eric G. Parra; and
B) Approve Resolution No. 2023-60, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach Amending the Non-Associated Employees Pay and Benefits Resolution (Exhibit 1A) Non-Associated Appointed Executive Management Salary Schedule” to create the Interim City Manager/Police Chief classification and salary range.
end
Alternative Action(s):
Do not approve the recommended action, and direct staff accordingly.
Analysis:
Eric Parra has done an outstanding job as Chief of Police for the City of Huntington Beach. As Chief and member of the Executive Leadership Team, he is aware of the current issues facing the City as well as the major initiatives and ongoing goals of the City Council; as such, Mr. Parra is well-suited to perform the dual role of Chief and Interim City Manager, while the City conducts a recruitment to permanently fill the City Manager vacancy. Additionally, this interim position will yield a cost savings of $121,019 for the City.
This temporary assignment for Mr. Parra will be considered as an out-of-class assignment as allowed per the City’s retirement system, California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS). As such, Mr. Parra will retain his status as a safety employee.
Environmental Status:
This action is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) (the activity will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment) and 15060(c)(3) (the activity is not a project as defined in Section 15378) of the CEQA Guidelines, California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, because it has no potential for resulting in physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly.
Strategic Plan Goal:
Goal 3 - High Performing Organization, Strategy B - Fill department director and other key vacancies to lead and provide essential services to the community.
For details, visit www.huntingtonbeachca.gov/strategicplan <http://www.huntingtonbeachca.gov/strategicplan>.
Attachment(s):
1. Amendment No. 1 to Employment Agreement Between the City of Huntington Beach and Eric G. Parra
2. Resolution No. 2023-60 Amending the Salary Schedule for Non-Associated Appointed Executive Management Salary Schedule - Exhibit 1A