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Calistoga council unanimously appoints Mitchell J. Celaya as acting city manager
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Summary
The Calistoga City Council voted unanimously Feb. 17 to appoint Mitchell J. Celaya as acting city manager for a one-year term and approved an employment agreement calling for $290,000 annual salary and standard benefits; the council also authorized an internal recruitment for a permanent city manager in six months.
The Calistoga City Council unanimously appointed Mitchell J. Celaya as acting city manager and approved his employment agreement at its Feb. 17 meeting.
City Attorney Michelle Kenyon summarized the agreement, saying Celaya was identified by an ad hoc committee and offered a one-year acting appointment with an annual salary of $290,000 (equivalent to $24,166.67 per month), eligibility for medical, disability, life insurance and leaves provided to department directors, and enrollment options with CalPERS. Kenyon said the contract includes a severance provision "equal to the remaining term of his employment agreement at any time that the council chooses to terminate his employment without cause."
Council members praised Celaya's experience during a brief discussion before the vote. Mayor Williams, Councilmember Eisenberg, Councilmember Cooper, Councilmember Lopez Ortega and Vice Mayor Giff each voted "Aye" on the resolution to appoint Celaya and approve the employment terms. The council also approved, by unanimous roll call, an ad hoc committee recommendation to begin an internal recruitment for a permanent city manager in about six months, following a formal interview process.
The council record provided by the city attorney listed Celaya's qualifications as more than 20 years in management and extensive executive experience; the employment agreement specifies participation in federal 457 retirement options and a city matching contribution for the 457 account for eligible employees. Kenyon said she and the ad hoc committee negotiated the terms and were present to answer questions prior to the vote.
No public speakers addressed the appointment during the public-comment period for the item. Council members framed the action as a short-term step to maintain continuity while the city conducts a formal recruitment later in the year.
The next procedural step noted during the meeting was for staff to finalize the employment paperwork and post the recruitment timeline when the council directs the full recruitment process. No additional administrative actions were announced at the meeting.
