Placentia council approves separation agreement with city administrator, including 12 months' pay

The Placentia City Council on Nov. 5 announced it had approved a separation agreement with City Administrator Damien Rula, providing a severance payment equal to 12 months of his base salary and health insurance contributions for up to 12 months.

During the closed-session report, city representative Bettenhausen said: "The agreement includes a severance payment of 12 months of base salary, which equates to $317,020 as well as a payment of health insurance contributions for up to 12 months and a separation date of tonight, 11/05/2024 at 6PM." He said the motion was made by Mary Yamaguchi, seconded by Councilmember Smith, and approved 5-0. The council did not discuss additional terms in open session.

Members of the public reacted strongly during oral communications. Julie Souchard told the council she had compiled public records she believes showed cause and said she was "really disappointed that you're paying him out for a year when there's so many other things in the city that need to be done." Craig Green, a longtime local official, urged due process and asked the council to recognize Rula's accomplishments, listing downtown development and the city's new fire department among his achievements.

The council did not vote on any follow-up measures at the Nov. 5 meeting. The separation agreement takes effect Nov. 5, 2024 at 6 p.m., according to the closed-session report. Councilmembers and staff signaled interest in further fiscal and process reviews during subsequent agenda items.

Provenance: The closed-session announcement and vote were reported in the Nov. 5 meeting's closed-session report.