CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Following its decision last month to move to the city manager-council form of government, the Clearlake City Council has appointed its acting city administrator as city manager.
At its meeting Thursday evening, the council voted to appoint Joan Phillipe to the position.
Phillipe began with the city on an interim basis last October.
“I am very happy that the contract was approved and look forward to working with the city as it moves forward to address its new goals and objectives,” she told Lake County News on Friday.
She added, “There is a lot of potential for this city and I look forward to being a part of the positive progress on the horizon. I appreciate the confidence and support from the city council in approving the contract and making me a part of this team.”
Phillipe’s new contract with the city is for three years, going into effect on April 25 and running until April 24, 2015.
She will receive $10,700 per month, for a total annual salary of $128,400.
The city’s last full-time, permanent administrator, Dale Neiman, made $120,000 annually, before his hours were cut to half-time and his pay to $70,000, as Lake County News has reported. Neiman departed following the November 2010 election.
The contract calls for annual performance reviews, noting that the council shall increase Phillipe’s salary by a minimum 5 percent, with additional modifications to be considered for benefits. She also will receive separate cost-of-living increases annually.
Phillipe will cover her contribution of 7 percent to CalPERS retirement, while the council has agreed to provide health, vision and dental insurance, life and disability insurance, 15 days of vacation annually and eight hours monthly of sick leave.
She also will receive a monthly car allowance of $325 and a cell phone offset of $75.
If Phillipe is terminated without cause within the first 12 months of the contract, she’s entitled to six months’ severance pay; if after the contract’s first year she’s terminated without cause, she shall be entitled to a lump sum payment equaling a year’s pay and six months’ worth of health insurance for her will be paid by the city.
The draft contract can be seen below.
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041212 Joan Phillipe City Manager Contract