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Lake Forest council approves amendment to city manager contract after public debate and an abstention
Summary
Council approved an amendment to the city manager—mployment agreement to increase base pay and provide a $20,000 one‑time bonus; public commenters criticized the increase while others defended the manager nd one councilmember abstained, citing absence from closed‑session deliberations.
The City Council approved an amendment to the city manager—mployment agreement at its June 16 meeting, authorizing an effective July 1 base salary adjustment and a one‑time non‑pensionable bonus.
The city attorney summarized the amendment: an annual base salary increase of $16,963 (bringing the stated base to $325,390 in the staff presentation) and a one‑time lump‑sum, non‑pensionable $20,000 bonus. The staff report said other financial benefits remain unchanged and relevant details are reflected in the employment agreement amendment included in the agenda materials.
Public commenters were sharply divided. Brian McMillan urged the council to vote no and criticized city management and code enforcement practices. Randy Johnson repeatedly opposed the raise and urged greater city responsiveness to residents. By contrast, Mark Hermanson and other residents defended the city manager nd cited the city—inancial health, noting the city is debt‑free and has funded amenities and services residents appreciate.
During deliberations one councilmember said they would abstain because they were not present at the closed session where compensation details were discussed; the council recorded an abstention in the public vote record. The clerk recorded the motion as passing in the minutes (transcript: "That motion passes 310 with Council Member Tennmer abstaining and Council Member Voits absent").
The council did not change other terms of the employment agreement at the meeting. The amendment will take effect July 1; payroll and accounting follow‑up will be handled by administrative staff.
