Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Personnel topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
King City narrows manager search schedule, adopts hiring standards and directs contract drafting
Summary
Council adopted hiring standards for the city manager search, confirmed interview scheduling and panel plans, and directed the interim city manager and city attorney to draft a negotiable city‑manager employment agreement; the council discussed holding interviews in a mix of public panels and executive‑session deliberations.
The King City Council on Nov. 19 adopted public hiring standards for the city‑manager search, confirmed interview logistics for early December and authorized staff to draft a negotiable employment agreement for the selected finalist.
The council approved Resolution R2025‑21, which sets minimum qualifications and criteria that the council will use to assess finalists. Recruiter Steve Worththington reported that, after a withdrawal and alternate changes, four candidates remain. He outlined a full‑day interview schedule (Dec. 3 and Dec. 9 were discussed), candidate orientations and tours, a public reception the night before interviews, and a facilitated panel made up of a mix of community members, HOA representatives and staff.
Council members debated whether interviews should be held in open session or in executive session. City staff and the recruiter noted that candidates sometimes withhold candid examples when televised; council counsel advised that the city attorney will provide legal guidance and that deliberation may occur in executive session with a subsequent public special meeting for action. The council reached consensus on a blended approach: public‑facing panel interviews and a separate executive deliberation for council decision‑making.
On the employment agreement, councilors reviewed a sample contract prepared by retained counsel that includes probation/performance‑review provisions, limited severance (capped at four months after two years of service), and a 45‑day notice period referenced in the draft. Several council members asked for careful drafting so the final agreement protects the city while remaining attractive to qualified candidates. The council moved and approved a directive for the interim city manager and city attorney to draft the final agreement for later negotiation with the chosen finalist.
What’s next: the recruiter and staff will circulate a finalized interview schedule and panel list; staff will prepare the contract language for council review and for negotiation if an offer is made.
