CLEARLAKE — The Clearlake City Council approved a contract Thursday for the permanent appointment of Joan Phillipe to the position of city manager.
The employment agreement is for three years of service with the city effective April 25.
“I”m very enthusiastic. I think Clearlake has a lot of potential that I look forward to being a part of,” Phillipe said. “I”m excited to have the confidence of the council after being here for six months. That is gratifying. I look forward to being here a long time.”
The agreement is for “at-will” employment, meaning Phillipe will serve at the will and pleasure of the council. She is to be compensated $10,700 per month.
Additionally, Phillipe will be provided with employee health, vision and dental insurance as well as life insurance coverage. She is to pay herself the employee”s share of the CalPERS retirement contribution.
“Her stepping up to pay her own PERS is a good thing,” Mayor Joey Luiz said. “I”m pretty confident that we developed a contract that is fair to her and fair to the taxpayers.”
Phillipe is to receive a vehicle allowance of $325 per month to partially reimburse her cost of operation, insurance and the availability of her personal vehicle for city business. However, she shall not be precluded from use of city vehicles for city business.
She will also receive $75 per month to offset use of her personal cellphone for city business.
Phillipe is to perform all functions and duties pertaining to the position of city manager as well as other legally permissible duties as assigned by the council.
She is to attend all council meetings unless otherwise directed or excused. She shall also attend all regular meetings of the Clearlake Planning Commission until such time as a planning director may be employed or contracted.
In addition, she is to attend any other special meetings and workshops that are determined necessary for the city”s business.
The at-will employment status prescribes that nothing in the agreement or any statute, ordinance or rule shall prevent, limit or otherwise interfere with the city”s right to terminate without cause or right of appeal or grievance, the services of the employee at any time.
The agreement may be terminated with or without cause at any time upon 30 days advance written notice by the employee to the city or immediately upon written notice by the city to the employee.
In addition, the contract states that Phillipe”s employment may not be terminated without cause for a period of 90 days following the seating of newly elected council members.
The council approved the contract by a 3-0 vote. Councilman Curt Giambruno was absent and Councilwoman Judy Thein left the meeting prior to the vote.
