Upland council moves to extend City Manager Michael Blais's contract and increase vacation accrual

The City Attorney presented a proposed Fourth Amendment to City Manager Michael Blais's employment agreement that would extend his term to Nov. 8, 2028 and increase annual vacation accrual from the current level to 160 hours per year. City Attorney (speaker 5) said the amendment carries forward existing termination provisions and noted that the fiscal impact of increased accruals could not be quantified precisely because it depends on future use of vacation time.

Councilmembers spoke in support of Blais's leadership and the stability his team has provided during a period of budget stress and staff turnover. Councilmember Moss (speaker 18) reflected on the city manager's performance and the stability of his executive team, naming several department heads by role and praising the city's leadership. The council moved and seconded the proposed amendment; the City Manager later expressed thanks for the council's confidence, indicating the contract extension was approved.

Why it matters: The amendment lengthens the city manager's contract term and adjusts accrual benefits, both of which affect long-term staffing continuity and potential fiscal obligations. The council did not provide a line-by-line fiscal estimate in the meeting; the City Attorney noted that additional fiscal implications depend on whether accrued vacation is taken in the extended term.