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Lemon Grove council approves $63,923.03 separation payment for former city manager; attorney outlines carve-outs
Summary
Council approved a separation agreement and release with the former city manager for $63,923.03, which staff said represents accrued vacation-time payout; the city attorney said the agreement preserves criminal and willful-misconduct remedies.
The Lemon Grove City Council on Jan. 20 approved a separation agreement with the city’s former city manager providing $63,923.03 in settlement of accrued compensation claims and a mutual release of claims.
Council member Alta Marano and others asked for transparency about the amount and possible remedies. City Attorney Kristen Steinke explained the figure resulted from the former manager’s claim for accrued vacation time — roughly 619 hours multiplied by an hourly rate of about $103, producing the stated payout. Steinke said she had not seen facts suggesting misdeeds and that the contract contains a carve-out: if later facts produce a judicial finding of willful breach of fiduciary duty or criminal activity, the city could still pursue remedies. She also said the agreement does not waive criminal liability.
Why it matters: Separation agreements can settle outstanding compensation claims and limit future litigation; council members emphasized respect for the former manager’s service while seeking clarity about safeguards if wrongful conduct is later discovered.
Vote and procedure: The motion to approve staff's recommendation (the separation agreement and release) was moved and seconded and carried on a 5–0 roll-call vote.
Next steps: City staff will execute the agreement according to its terms; the city attorney noted the contract language preserves the city’s ability to pursue remedies if willful misconduct is later proven.
