Cupertino reports closed‑session severance agreement; Tina Kapoor named interim city manager

The Cupertino City Council reported out two closed sessions and announced the unanimous appointment of Tina Kapoor as interim city manager.

City Attorney Suki reported that during the closed sessions the council finalized a separation, severance and general release agreement with former city manager Pamela Wu and that the council voted unanimously to appoint Tina Kapoor as interim city manager. "We do, mayor. Tonight, I will report out on closed session, that just closed where the council voted unanimously to appoint Tina Kapoor as interim city manager," Suki said.

The council described the key terms of the voluntary separation agreement with Pamela Wu. Under the terms reported to the council, Wu will receive eight months of her 12‑month severance entitlement, a payout for unused vacation and administrative leave totaling $311,089.53, and eight months of COBRA continuation coverage. The agreement also includes mutual releases and non‑disparagement provisions: Wu agreed to waive her right to bring claims against the city, and the city agreed to waive its right to sue the former city manager; both parties agreed to refrain from making slanderous, libelous or disparaging statements about the other. Both parties were represented by legal counsel, the report said.

Suki also summarized the votes taken in the two earlier closed sessions that led to the final agreement. On June 3 the council voted to approve a draft separation, severance and general release agreement; Council members Wong, Mohan and Fruin voted in favor and Vice Mayor Moore voted against. On June 6 the council considered the same agreement, signed by Wu with minor changes; Mayor (name as announced at meeting) and Council members Wong and Mohan voted in favor, Council member Fruin was absent, and Vice Mayor Moore voted against. The report stated the agreement became final at that time.

The council later approved its consent calendar, which included the settlement item related to the separation agreement, by unanimous roll call vote. The minutes and reported terms in open session reflect the council's vote to accept the closed‑session outcome and to place the settlement on the public consent calendar.

The council did not provide further public details on the legal counsel representing the parties at the time of the report. The city manager's office and the mayor's office did not add additional comment during the public portion of the meeting.

The council's announcement ends the matter as described during the July 17 meeting; the council did not state any additional follow‑up steps for the severance agreement during the open session.