HomeMy WebLinkAboutDocumentation_Special Meeting_Tab 02_04/25/2019VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA
VILLAGE MANAGER
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This Employment Agreement is made and entered into this day of September, 2018
and is effective October 1, 2018 (the "Effective Date"), by and between the Village of Tequesta,
Florida, a municipal corporation with offices located at 345 Tequesta Drive, Tequesta, Florida
33469, (hereinafter the "Village") and , in her individual capacity, whose current
address is (hereinafter ") both of whom
understand as follows:
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the Village of Tequesta Charter (Sec. 3.02) establishes the position of Village
Manager who shall serve as the Village's chief administrator under the direction and supervision
of the Village Council; and
WHEREAS, the Village has conducted a thorough search for a Village Manager to
succeed the former Village Manager who is retiring after 18 years of service to the Village; and
WHEREAS, the Village's search has resulted in the unanimous decision of the Village
Council to appoint and hire as its new Village Manager, said unanimous decision
being based on 's administrative and executive qualifications, as required by the
Village of Tequesta Charter (Sec. 3.02); and
WHEREAS, desires to serve the Village as the Village Manager; and
WHEREAS, the Village Council and have mutually negotiated and agreed
to the terms and conditions contained in this Employment Agreement; and
w WHEREAS, it is the desire of th& Village Council and of -1 to enter into this
Employment Agreement, and thereby memorialize the benefits, establish the conditions of
employment, and set the framework and context of the relationship, which shall exist between the
Village and as its Village Manager.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises, mutual covenants, conditions,
provisions and undertakings herein contained, and for other good and valuable consideration, the
receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby agreed to and acknowledged by both the Village and
by , the Village and do mutually covenant and agree with each other as
follows:
SECTION 1: FUNCTIONS AND POWERS
The Village hereby appoints and hires as Village Manager of the Village of
Tequesta to perform the duties and exercise the powers specified in the Village Charter (including
but not limited to Sec. 3.03) and the Village Code of Ordinances, and to perform such other legally
permissible and proper duties as she may be assigned from time to time. agrees that
she will at all times loyally and conscientiously perform all of the duties required of her either
expressly or implicitly.
SECTION 2: ETHICS
In as much as the Village Manager is an active member of the International City/County
Management Association (ICMA), the "Code of Ethics" promulgated by 1CMA is incorporated
herein, and by this reference made a part hereof I . Said "Code of Ethics" shall furnish principles to
govern the Village Manager's conduct and actions.
SECTION 3: TERM
A. — is appointment and employment as Village Manager shall commence
on the Effective Date and shall continue uninterrupted for an initial term of three (3) years unless
terminated earlier pursuant to Sections 9 or 11 respectively herein. and the Village
Council may negotiate future extensions of this Employment Agreement upon mutually agreeable
terms and conditions.
B. Nothing in this Agreement shall prevent,
of the Village Council to terminate the service of at any time, subject only to the
provisions set forth in Section 9 of this Employment Agreement.
C. Nothing in this Agreement shall prevent, limit or otherwise interfere with the right
Of to resign at any time from her employment with the Village, subject only to the
provisions set forth in Section I I of this Employment Agreement.
SECTION 4: HOURS OF WORK AND EXCLUSIVE EMPLOYMENT
A. acknowledges that the proper performance of her duties as Village
Manager will require her to generally o;serve regular business hours at Village Hall and also will
require the performance of necessary services outside of normal business hours. The Village
Manager agrees to devote such additional time as necessary for the full and proper performance of
the Village Manager's duties, and that the compensation herein provided includes compensation
for the performance of all such servic��e's. As an,e�'xempt emplb�ee, ajzrees to dedicate
no less than an average of forty (40) hours per week in the performance of her duties as Village
Manager.
B . agrees to remain in the exclusive employ of the Village as Village
Manager and shall not become employed by any other employer unless resignation or termination
is effected as provided herein below. This prohibition against outside employment shall not be
construed to include occasional teaching, writing or consulting performed by on her
time off. However, in no event shall —'s occasional teaching, writing or consulting
2
interfere with or otherwise hinder the performance of her duties as Village Manager, or reflect
poorly upon the name or reputation of the Village of Tequesta.
SECTION 5: COMPENSATION AND PERIODIC PERFORMANCE REVIEW
A. The Village agrees to pay - an annual base salary of One Hundred Sixty
Five Thousand Dollars ($165,000.00) cornmencing with the Effective Dateof this Employment
Agreement, payable at the same time as other employees of the Village are paid and in accordance
with Village payroll procedures,
B. Beginning October.1, 2019, and for each fiscal year thereafter, if Village employees
receive an across the board pay increase, then also shall receive a pay increase in the
same amount and at the same time as given to other Village employees.
C. The Village Council may, in its sole discretion, increase 's base salary
and/or benefits in such amounts and to such extent as it may determine to be desirable to do. Salary
and benefit changes shall be fixed by resolution of the Village Council, and shall be made by
written amendment to this Employment Agreement in accordance with Section 15 below.
D. During the first year of this Employment Agreement, shall receive a
90 day performance review, a six (6) month performance review and an annual performance
review from the Village Council. The first six (6) months of this Employment Agreement shall. be
referred to as the "Initial 6 Month Probationary Period".
I E. In all subsequent years of this Employment Agreement, including any years added
as a result of a mutually agreed extension as provided in Section 3.A., _shall receive
an annual performance review from the Village Council. All performance reviews shall be held
at regular Village Council Meetings. Criteria are attached to this Employment Agreement as
Exhibit A; said criteria are subject to revision by the Village Council from time to time. Any
revision must be relevant to the duties and responsibilities expected of in her service
as Village Manager.
F. In conjunction with its annual performance review, the Village Council may, in its
sole and absolute discretion, award the Village Manager additional compensation based oil
performance over the past year. Any such compensation shall be based on performance review
criteria and shall be limited to an amount not to exceed .00.1(1./10'h of I %) of the Village's general
operating budget. In the event that the Village Council grants additional
compensation pursuant to this section, such compensation shall be determined before tax. Taxes
and other payroll deductions shall be deducted from said amount, as with normal staff
compensation, before payment to
SECTION 6: BENEFITS AND OTHER CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
A. shall receive five (5) days of vacation leave credited with the Effective
Date of this Employment Agreement. Thereafter, shall earn and be credited with
vacation leave at the same rate and in the same manner as all other full-time non-union Village
employees.
B. shall earn and be credited with sick leave at the same rate and in the
same manner as all other full-time non-union Village employees.
C. The Village will provide with insurance benefits, including family
benefits if applicable, for health, life and other related insurance at the same rate and in the same
manner as all other full-time non-union Village employees.
D. The Village agrees to provide - with a Village issued cellular telephone
for the conducting of Village business.
E. The Village agrees to provide with reimbursement for vehicle mileage
incurred due to travel outside of the Village of Tequesta at the standard approved rate for mileage
reimbursement.
F. The Village shall pay -'s moving expense for relocating to the Village
of Tequesta, Florida in an amount not to exceed Twelve Thousand Dollars $12,000.00. Moving
expenses under this Section shall be reimbursed as one lump sum within ninety (90) days from the
Effective Date of this Employment Agreement, upon the provision of appropriate documentation
of same. All moving and relocation expenses shall be documented with receipts, cancelled checks
or credit card statements, and provide same to the Village Finance Director prior to reimbursement.
G. Within six (6) months of the successful completion of the Initial 6 Month
Probationary Period, shall obtain permanent residence within the Village of Tequesta.
H. shall be subject to all provisions of the Village Charter and Code, as
well as regulations, rules and personnel policies of the Village, relating to vacation and sick leave,
retirement and pension system contributions, holidays, and other fringe benefits and working
conditions as they now exist or hereafter may be amended.
SECTION 7: PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
A. The Village agrees to pay -'s professional dues for membership in the
International City/County Management Association and the Florida City/County Management
Association. The Village agrees to budget and pay for other reasonable professional dues and
subscriptions necessary for -'s continuation and participation in national, regional,
state, and local associations and organizations related to duties and responsibilities of the Village
Manager, as determined in the discretion of the Village Council.
B. The Village agrees I to budget and pay for reasonable travel and subsistence
expenses for the Village Manager's travel to and attendance at the Florida City/County
Management Association annual conference, and the Florida League of Cities annual conference.
The Village shall pay for the Village Manager's attendance at other seminars, conferences, and
committee meetings as approved in the Village's annual budget or as approved by the Village
Council.
SECTION 8: RETIREMENT
rd
The Village shall make contributions on behalf of � to the retirement plan in
effect for all Village employees at the same levels applicable to general administrative employees
and agrees to transfer ownership of same to upon retirement, the successful
conclusion of this Employment Agreement or any extension thereof, resignation or termination of
employment.
SECTION : TERMINATION
For the purpose of this Employment Agreement, termination shall occur when:
A. The Village Council votes by an affirmative vote of at least four (4) members of
the Council to terminate without cause at a duly noticed public meeting. "Without
cause" shall mean for any reason other than the conduct described in subsection 9(B) below; or
B. The Village Council votes by an affirmative vote of at least four (4) members of
the Council to terminate Employee for cause, which includes the conviction of a crime,
misfeasance, malfeasance, nonfeasance, embezzlement, or misconduct as that term is defined in
Section 443.036(29), Florida Statutes, at a duly noticed public meeting,
C. In the event the Village Council, at any time during the employment term, reduces
the salary or other benefits of , in a greater percentage than an equivalent across-the-
board reduction for all full-time Village employees, or in the event the Village allegedly refuses
to comply with any other material provision of this Employment Agreement benefiting
shall notify the Village Council in writing of the alleged violation. The
Village Council shall have thirty (30) days from such notice within which to retroactively cure the
violation, otherwise, may at her option, consider such violation as termination
"without cause" as of the date of such alleged reduction or refusal, and the severance pay provision
and all other provisions contained in Section 10(A) below shall become applicable at the annual
salary and benefit level in effect prior to the reduction or refusal.
D. The current Village of Tequesta Charter (See. 3.02) requires the affirmative vote of
at least four (4) members of the Village Council to hire the Village Manager and likewise to
remove or terminate the employment of the Village Manager (See See. 9. A. and B. hereinabove).
In the event that the Village of Tequesta Charter should be amended in the future to provide for
these actions by a simple majority vote of the Village Council, or to provide for any other revision
to this current requirement, it is understood and agreed by the Village and by that
such amendment and revision shall be applicable to this Employment Agreement immediately
(Including revision to Sec. 9. A. and B. hereinabove) upon such amendment and revision becoming
effective.
SECTION 10: SEVERANCE
A. Severance shall be paid to when employment is terminated under
Section 9(A) of this Employment Agreement. In such case, the Village agrees to pay severance as
follows:
I . If termination occurs during the Initial 6 Month Probationary Period of
this Employment Agreement, severance equal to Four (4) weeks of base salary
will be paid;
5
2. If termination occurs during the 6 Month period following the successful
completion of the Initial 6 Month Probationary Period of this Employment
Agreement, severance equal to Eight (8) weeks of base salary will be paid;
3. If termination occurs during the second year of employment, severance
equal to Twelve (12) weeks of base salary will be paid;
4. If termination occurs during the third or subsequent year of employment,
severance equal to Sixteen (16) weeks of base salary will be paid.
Severance will be paid within thirty (30) days from the date of termination. However, no severance
payment shall be made unless, first provides a full release and waiver of all claims
which are legally capable of being released or waived against the Village, its employees and
elected officials in their individual and official capacities in a form acceptable to the Village
Attorney. - shall also be compensated for accrued unused vacation leave and accrued
unused sick leave in accordance with Village policies when employment is terminated under
Section 9(A) of this Employment Agreement.
B . In the event is terminated for cause under Section 9(B), the Village
shall have no obligation to pay any severance, any accrued unused vacation leave or
any accrued unused sick leave.
C. Nothing contained in this Section shall be construed to violate the severance pay
limitations contained in See. 215.425, Florida Statutes.
SECTION 11: RESIGNATION
In the event that --- voluntarily- -resign- s --her position with the -Village
shall provide a minimum of sixty (60) days' advance written notice unless the Village Council
approves a shorter notice. In the event of voluntary resignation, the Village agrees to pay
- all accrued unused vacation and sick leave benefits in accordance with Village
policies. No additional severance shall be paid upon resignation under this section, unless
expressly agreed to in advance by the Village Council.
SECTION 12: INDEMNIFICATION
The Village shall defend, hold harmless and indemnify - I as required by
Federal, State and Local law, against any claim, action, suit, or proceeding, groundless or
otherwise, arising out of, an alleged act or omission occurring during -Is performance
of the duties or'responsibilities of Village Manager for the Village of Tequesta or resulting' from
the exercise of judgment or discretion in connection with the performance of Is duties
or responsibilities as Village Manager for the Village of Tequesta, unless the act or omission
occurred as a result of Is acting, in bad faith or with malicious purpose or in a manner
exhibiting wanton and willful disregard of human rights, safety, or property, In accordance with
applicable law, the Village shall provide for ------- is legal defense, court costs and other
reasonable costs and expenses of legal proceedings, and any other liabilities incurred by, imposed
upon, or suffered by not limited to judgments or settlements, in connection with or
resulting from any claim, action, suit or proceedings, as specified in this Section. Any settlement
19i
of any claim must be made with prior approval of the Village Council in order for indemnification,
as provided in this Section, to be available.
SECTION 13: BONDING
The Village agrees to bear the full cost of any fidelity or other bonds required of the Village
Manager under any policy, regulation, ordinance or law.
SECTION 14: INSPECTOR GENERAL
Pursuant to Article XII of the Palm Beach County Charter, the Office of the Inspector
General has jurisdiction to investigate municipal matters, review and audit municipal contracts and
other transactions, and make reports and recommendations to municipal governing bodies based
on such audits, reviews or investigations. All parties doing business with the Village shall fully
cooperate with the inspector general in the exercise of the inspector general's functions, authority
and power. The inspector general has the power to take sworn statements, require the production
of records and to audit, monitor, investigate and inspect the activities of the Village, as well as
contractors and lobbyists of the Village in order to detect, deter, prevent and eradicate fraud, waste,
mismanagement, misconduct and abuses.
SECTION 15: ENTIRE AGREEMENT AND MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS.
A. This Employment Agreement has been negotiated and drafted by both the Village
and , and shall not be more strictly construed against either party.
B. This Employment Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the
heirs at law and executors of . If the Village Manager dies during the term of her
employment, the Village shall pay to the estate of the Village Manager the salary compensation
which would otherwise be payable to the Village Manager up to the end of the month in which her
death occurs. The Village shall have no obligation to pay severance, accrued unused vacation
leave or accrued unused sick leave to the estate.
C. The Village Council and , by mutual written consent, may amend any
provision of this Employment Agreement. Any such amendments shall be executed with the same
formality as this Employment Agreement and shall be incorporated and made a part of this
Employment Agreement.
D. If any provision, or any portion thereof, contained in this Employment Agreement
is held unconstitutional, invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this Employment Agreement,
or portion thereof, shall be deemed severable, shall not be affected, and shall remain in full force
and effect.
E. The waiver by either party of a breach of any provision of this Employment
Agreement by the other shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach by
that party.
F. This Employment Agreement shall be governed in accordance with the laws of the
State of Florida, and venue for any action enforcing the terms of this Employment Agreement shall
be in Palm Beach County, Florida.
7
G. This Employment Agreement sets forth and establishes the entire understanding
between the Village and relating to - Is employment as Village Manager
for the Village of Tequesta. Any prior discussions, negotiations, correspondence, conversations,
agreements, understandings, or representations by or between the parties, whether written or oral,
are merged into and rendered null and void by this Employment Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Village of Tequesta has caused this Employment
Agreement to be signed and executed on its behalf by its Mayor and duly attested by the Village
Clerk, and has signed and executed this Employment Agreement, the effective day
and year first written above.
VILLAGE MANAGER VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA
Attest:
ff-W
Lori McWilliams, MMC
Village Clerk
Approved as to Form and Legal Sufficiency:
IM
Keith W. Davis, Esq.
Village Attorney
Abigail Brennan, Mayor