Yorba Linda hires Peter Grant as next city manager; employment terms approved

The Yorba Linda City Council unanimously approved an employment agreement for Peter Grant to become the city’s next city manager, the council said after completing a closed-session recruitment and candidate interviews.

City Attorney Todd Lifton summarized the agreement in open session: it is a five-year employment contract with standard management benefits; the staff report lists a moving allowance and severance terms. Mr. Grant’s start date was set for Oct. 13, and assistant city manager Dave Christian will serve as interim manager until Mr. Grant assumes the position.

The appointment follows a multi-stage selection process the council carried out in closed session. Lifton told the council the closed-session interviews were authorized and that state open-meeting rules require final approval of the employment agreement in open session. The staff report attached to the agenda outlined the contract’s principal provisions.

Specific items described at the meeting included a moving allowance of up to $25,000 if the incoming manager relocates to serve the city, severance equal to six months of pay, and administrative leave provisions described in the staff report. The staff summary also stated the contract aligns benefits with other city management employees; the staff presentation described accrued leave packages and administrative leave hour limits.

Council members praised the finalists and welcomed Grant. “You did stand out and we’re very excited about the future,” one council member told Grant at the dais after the vote. Grant thanked the council and said he looked forward to beginning in October and working with staff and the community.

The council’s vote was unanimous. The contract executed on council approval completes the recruitment process begun after City Manager Mark Pallone announced his retirement earlier in the meeting.