DEPARTMENT: City Attorney’s Office
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Andrew Segovia, City Attorney
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City Wide
SUBJECT:
Appointing Erik Walsh as City Manager
SUMMARY:
This item appoints Erik Walsh as City Manager for the City of San Antonio and establishes a commencement date of March 1, 2019 to assume office. This item also authorizes the execution of an employment contract if negotiations are completed by January 31; otherwise, this item authorizes the continued negotiation consistent with the terms outlined by the City Attorney and City Council and execution of contract.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
On November 29, 2018, Sheryl Sculley announced her retirement as City Manager after serving the City of San Antonio for more than 13 years. City Council conducted an extensive process to recruit a new City Manager and on January 16, 2019, after interviews and deliberations, City Council announced Erik Walsh as the Proposed Finalist for the City Manager position.
The City Attorney and City Council discussed key terms for negotiation with the Proposed Finalist, Erik Walsh. Those key terms include:
• an indefinite term, however the term shall not exceed eight (8) years,
• salary not to exceed $312,000 in total;
• expenses and professional development provisions;
• mandatory performance review;
• termination provisions ;
• leave provisions;
• retirement plan contributions;
• health insurance;
• indemnification, severability, applicable law and appropriation.
Negotiations are ongoing at this time with the objective to be completed by January 31, 2019. If negotiations are not complete, then City Council will authorize negotiation and execution of a contract in line with the terms identified by City Council with the City Attorney.
The appointment of the City Manager is governed by Article V, Section 45 of the City Charter.
ISSUE:
The City Manager is appointed by City Council. City Council sets terms and benefits for the City Manager by ordinance.
ALTERNATIVES:
City Council has discussed alternatives and finds it appropriate to appoint Erik Walsh as City Manager.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funding for this item is available in the FY 2019 General Fund Budget.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of this item.