CC Resolution No. 17-105 Approving the Second Amendment to the Employement Contract for Randolph Hom, City Attorney, and Authorizing the Mayor to Execute the ContractRESOLUTION NO. 17-105
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CUPERTINO
APPROVING THE SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE EMPLOYMENT
CONTRACT BETWEEN THE CITY OF CUPERTINO AND
RANDOLPH HOM, CITY ATTORNEY, AND AUTHORIZING
THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE THE CONTRACT
WHEREAS, the City Council has conducted an annual evaluation of the City
Attorney, Randolph Hom; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to adjust the Attorney's salary to put him in
parity with other employees based on the salary and benefit survey for the City Attorney,
and has authorized a base salary increase of 10 % or $21,300 per month; and
WHEREAS, the terms, conditions and provisions of the agreement have been
reviewed and approved by the Director of Administrative Services;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of
Cupertino hereby approves the aforementioned amendment to the employment
agreement and authorizes the Mayor to execute said amendment on behalf of the City of
Cupertino.
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Cupertino
the 7th day of November 2017, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
ATTEST:
Members of the City Council
Paul, Chang, Scharf,
Vaidhyanathan, Sinks
None
None
APPROVED:
Grace Schmidt, City Cl erk Savita Vaidhyanathan,
City of Cupertino
SECOND AMENDED EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT FOR CITY ATTORNEY
This Second Amended Employment Contract is made and entered into this 6111 day
of September, 2017 by and between the CITY OF CUPERTINO, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, a
Municipal Corporation, by and through its City Council (EMPLOYER), and Randolph
Stevenson Hom (EMPLOYEE).
RECITALS:
A. EMPLOYER is a Municipal Corporation of the State of California.
B. The City Council of the City of Cupertino , in accordance with the provisions of its
Municipal Code, desires to employ the services of EMPLOYEE as the City
Attorney.
C. It is the desire of both EMPLOYER and EMPLOYEE to set forth the terms and
conditions of said employment.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained, the
parties agree as follows :
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ARTICLE I TERM OF EMPLOYMENT
Section 1.01. Te1m of the Contract:
This Contract originally began on October 20, 2015 and will automatically expire
on January 4, 2021 unless extended in writing by the parties . The date of the First Amendment
was November 1, 2016 and this Second Amendment is effective on September 6 , 2017.
On or within 30 days of January 4, 2020 , EMPLOYEE shall notify EMPLOYER of the expiration
date of January 4, 2021. In the event that EMPLOYER does not intend to extend this Contract
beyond expiration, it shall notify EMPLOYEE in writing of its intent not to extend prior to the
effective date of expiration. Failure of the EMPLOYER to provide such notice shall not affect
the expiration date of January 4, 2021 .
Section 1.02. Termination Prior to Expiration: Notwithstanding any provision contained
in this Contract to the contrary, EMPLOYEE understands and agrees that he serves at the pleasure
of EMPLOYER and may be terminated prior to expiration of this Contract at the will of
EMPLOYER, subject only to the severance provisions set forth in Article V of this Contract, and
the ordinance provisions as set forth in Section 2 .18 .110 of the Cupertino Municipal Code. In
like manner, nothing in this Contract shall prevent, limit, or otherwise interfere with the right of
EMPLOYEE to resign at any time from the position of City Attorney subject only to the notice
provisions set forth in Article V of this Contract and the ordinance provisions as set forth in
Section 2 .18.110 ofthe Cupertino Municipal Code.
EMPLOYEE further acknowledges that EMPLOYER has made no implied , expressed , or
written assurances of continued employment with the City of Cupe1iino other than as specifically
set fo1ih in this Contract.
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ARTICLE II DUTIES AND OBLIGATIONS OF EMPLOYEE
Section 2 .01. Duties: EMPLOYER hereby agrees to employ EMPLOYEE as City
Attorney of the City of Cupertino to perfo1m the functions and duties as specified in the Municipal
Code, California Constitution, and California Statutes, and to perform such other legally
permissible and proper duties and functions as EMPLOYER shall from time to time assign to
EMPLOYEE which are reasonably related to the position of City Attorney, including, but not
limited to:
(a) Attendance at City Council meetings and other meetings as required;
(b) Research, preparation and review of ordinances, resolutions, agreements,
contracts, leases , written opinions and other documents of legal nature necessary
or requested by the City Council;
(c) Provision of all legal advice on behalf of the City to the City Council, City
Manager, and other City officers and employees;
( d) Representation of the City, members of the City Council and other City officers
and employees in litigation as necessary;
(e) Selection, retention, supervision and monitoring of outside legal counsel as
required;
(f) Commencement and prosecution of criminal actions and civil abatements
necessary and appropriate to enforce City's ordinances;
(g) Monitoring and advising the City Council and City staff regarding legislation and
case law affecting the City.
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Section 2.02 . Dev otion to Duties: EMPLOYEE agrees to devote productive time, ability,
and attention to the business of EMPLOYER during the term of this Employment Contract. This
Contract shall not be interpreted nor intended to prohibit EMPLOYEE from making passive
personal investments, conducting private business affairs or providing volunteer or limited legal
services if those activities do not interfere with the services required under this Contract.
Section 2 .03. Performance Evaluation Procedures: The City Council shall review and
evaluate the perfonnance of EMPLOYEE at least annually, or on any other schedule deemed
appropriate by the City Council. Said review and evaluation shall be in accordance with specific
criteria developed by EMPLOYER after consultation with EMPLOYEE.
ARTICLE III COMPENSATION
Section 3.01. Compensation: EMPLOYER agrees to pay to EMPLOYEE for services
rendered by him pursuant to this Contract a monthly base salary of $21,300.00 effective
September 6 , 2017, payable in installments at the time as other employees of EMPLOYER are
paid. EMPLOYEE's monthly base salary shall be adjusted by any percentage increase provided
in the Appointed Employees' Compensation Program, generally, and shall not be decreased unless
in a percentage consistent with a decrease applicable to employees covered under the Appointed
Employees' Compensation Program, generally. Notwithstanding the above, EMPLOYER and
EMPLOYEE agree that there shall be no further salary adjustments or bonuses for 201 7. At the
time of EMPLOYEE's periodic evaluations , EMPLOYER may consider an additional
compensation package increase including, but not limited to , merit pay or an additional increase in
salary or benefits.
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Section 3.02. Deferred Compensation : City shall provide to EMPLOYEE the same
deferred compensation plan that may be provided to other employees covered under the
Appointed Employees' Compensation Program, if any.
ARTICLE IV EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Section 4.01. Vacation and Sick Leave: EMPLOYEE shall be credited with 10 days
of vacation and 5 days of sick leave as of the commencement of employment. Annual vacation
and sick leave shall be accrued and administered in the same manner as vacation and sick
leave is administered in the Appointed Employees' Compensation Program of EMPLOYER.
Section 4 .02. Benefits: EMPLOYEE shall be entitled to receive benefits provided by
EMPLOYER at a level no less than that provided to employees covered under the Appointed
Employees' Compensation Program, which presently consist of retirement benefits, family health
coverage, life insurance, disability insurance, Cupertino sports club membership, administrative
leave , floating holidays and holidays. The benefits so provided are subject to modification during
the course of this Contract at the sole and absolute discretion of EMPLOYER at such times and to
such extent as EMPLOYER may deem appropriate . However, there shall be no reduction in
benefits unless EMPLOYER implements the same reduction of benefits to all other employees
coveted under the Appointed Employees' Compensation Program, except as specified in this
Contract or as otherwise waived or declined by EMPLOYEE.
Notwithstanding the above , EMPLOYEE waives the monthly automobile allowance
provided under Policy No. 4 of the Appointed Employees' Compensation Program and agrees not
to cash out administrative leave hours awarded pursuant to Policy No . 13 .
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Section 4.03. Professional Dues and Subscriptions: EMPLOYER agrees to pay for
EMPLOYEE's annual membership to the State Bar of California and for professional dues
and subscriptions of EMPLOYEE directly related to or beneficial to his duties as City
Attorney, provided the City Council has made provisions for such costs in the annual budget.
Section 4.04 Expenses: EMPLOYEE shall be entitled to reimbursement for all
reasonable expenses necessarily incurred by him in the performance of his duties upon
presentation of vouchers indicating the amount and purpose thereof, and further provided
that such expenses are in accordance with policies established from time to time by
EMPLOYER and consistent with budget allocations adopted by EMPLOYER for that
purpose during the term of this Employment Contract.
Section 4.05. Moving and Relocation Expenses: EMPLOYEE shall be reimbursed or
EMPLOYER may pay directly for the actual expenses incurred of packing, unpacking, and moving
himself, his family, and his personal property from Castro Valley to Cupertino, California, not to
exceed a maximum of $8,000. Moving shall also include any necessary storage and insurance
costs. EMPLOYEE must present receipts of actual expenses to the City in order to receive
reimbursement.
Section 4.06. Professional Development: EMPLOYER hereby agrees to pay travel and
subsistence expenses of EMPLOYEE for professional and office travel , meetings, and occasions
adequate to continue the professional development of EMPLOYEE and to adequately pursue
necessary official functions for EMPLOYER, including, but not limited to , city attorney
associations and such other national , regional , state, and local government groups and committees
there of which EMPLOYEE serves as a member , provided the City Council has made provisions
for such costs in the annual budget.
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EMPLOYER also agrees to pay tuition, travel , and subsistence expenses of
EMPLOYEE for courses, institutes, and seminars that are necessary for his professional
development and for the good of the City provided the City Council has provided for same in
the annual budget.
Section 4.07. Housing Assistance: EMPLOYEE may elect to receive Housing
Assistance in accordance with the EMPLOYER'S Housing Assistance Program for Appointed
Employees and Department Heads in effect as of the execution date of this Contract, which is
subject to approval by the City Council.
ARTICLE V TERMINATION AND NOTICE
Section 5.01. Termination of Employment and Severance:
a. Subject to the provisions of Section 2 .18.110 of EMPLOYER'S Municipal Code,
EMPLOYEE serves at the pleasure of the EMPLOYER and nothing herein shall be
taken to prevent, limit or otherwise interfere with the right of EMPLOYER to
terminate the services of EMPLOYEE with or without cause; provided, however,
EMPLOYER shall take no action to tenninate the services of EMPLOYEE within
ninety (90) days after an election at which one or more new members are elected to
the City Council or where the effective date of termination is less than one year and
one day after commencement of the term of this Contract. There is no express or
implied promise made to EMPLOYEE for any form of continued employment.
This Contract and the EMPLOYER'S Municipal Code Chapter 2.18 are the sole
and exclusive bases for an employment relationship between EMPLOYEE and
EMPLOYER.
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b. If the EMPLOYEE is te1minated by the EMPLOYER prior to expiration of this
Contract, while still willing and able to perform the duties of the City Attorney,
EMPLOYER agrees to pay EMPLOYEE a single lump sum payment made on the
effective date of tennination, in an amount equivalent to nine months aggregate
salary and aggregate medical insurance benefit allowance ifthere are nine or more
months prior to the expiration date of this contract. If there are less than nine months
remaining the term of the contract, then the single lump sum payment made on the
effective day of termination shall be in an amount equal to the monthly aggregate
salary and aggregate medical benefit of the EMPLOYEE multiplied by the number
of months left on the unexpired term of the Contract. If this Contract is not
renewed , then EMPLOYER shall either provide EMPLOYEE with nine months
prior notice of nonrenewal or shall pay EMPLOYEE a single lump sum payment
made on the effective date of termination in an amount equivalent to the difference
between nine months aggregate salary and medical insurance benefit allowance
computed for the number of months of notice actually given. Any such payments
will release EMPLOYER from any further obligations under this Contract.
Contemporaneously with the delivery of the severance pay herein above set out,
EMPLOYEE agrees to execute and deliver to EMPLOYER a release releasing
EMPLOYER of all claims that EMPLOYEE may have against EMPLOYER.
c. Notwithstanding paragraph (b) above, EMPLOYER shall not be obligated to pay,
and shall not pay, any amounts or continue any benefits under the provisions of
paragraph (b ), if EMPLOYEE is terminated for cause or because of a crime of moral
turpitude or a violation of statute or law constituting misconduct in office. Further,
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EMPLOYER shall not be obligated to pay, and shall not pay, any amounts or
continue any benefits under paragraph (b ), in the event EMPLOYEE voluntarily
resigns or retires without affinnative action by EMPLOYER to terminate, initiate
tennination proceedings or request resignation.
d. Any cash settlement received by the EMPLOYEE under paragraph (b) above, must
be fully returned to the CITY if the EMPLOYEE is convicted of a crime involving
an abuse of his office or position .
ARTICLE VI MISCELLANEOUS
Section 6.01. Form of Notices: Notices pursuant to this Contract shall be in writing
given by deposit in the custody of the United States Postal Service, first class postage prepaid,
addressed as follows:
a. The CITY: Mayor and City Council
City of Cupertino
10300 Torre Avenue
Cupertino, CA 95014
b. EMPLOYEE: Randolph Stevenson Hom
Alternatively, notices required pursuant to this Contract may be personally served in the
same manner as is applicable to civil judicial process . Notice shall be deemed given as of the
date of personal service or as of the date three days after deposit of such written notice, postage
prepaid, with the United States Postal Service.
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Section 6.02. Bonding: EMPLOYER shall bear . the full cost of any fidelity or other
bonds required of EMPLOYEE under any law or ordinance .
Section 6 .03. Indemnification: EMPLOYER shall defend , save hannless and indemnify
EMPLOYEE against any tort , professional liability claim or demand, or other legal action, whether
groundless or otherwise, arising out of an alleged act or omission occurring in the performance
of EMPLOYEE's duties as City Attorney. If EMPLOYER compromises or settles any such claim
or suit, EMPLOYER shall pay the amount of any settlement, or if the claim results in a judgment
against EMPLOYEE, EMPLOYER shall pay any such judgment. This indemnification does not
apply to any act, action, or omission arising out of the gross negligence, willful misconduct on the
part of EMPLOYEE, or acts EMPLOYEE outside the scope of his duties. Notwithstanding the
above, EMPLOYEE must repay the CITY for any paid administrative leave provided to
EMPLOYEE pending investigations, or any EMPLOYER paid c1iminal defenses , if EMPLOYEE
is convicted of a crime involving an abuse of his office.
Section 6 .04. General Provisions:
a. The text herein shall constitute the entire Contract between the parties.
b. This Contract shall be binding upon and insure to the benefit of the heirs at law and
executors of EMPLOYEE.
c. This Contract may only be modified upon the written consent of the EMPLOYER
and EMPLOYEE.
d. In any action to enforce the tenns of this Contract, the prevailing party shall be
entitled to recover reasonable attorney's fees and court costs and other non-
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reimbursable litigation expenses , such as expe1i witne ss fees and investigation
expenses .
Section 6.05. Severability: If any provision , or any portion thereof, contained in this
Contract is held unconstitutional , invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this Contract shall
be deemed severable, shall not be affected , and shall remain in full force and effect.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, EMPLOYER has caused this Contract to be signed and
executed in its behalf by its Mayor, and duly attested by its City Clerk, and EMPLOYEE has
signed and executed this Contract, both in duplicate, the day and year first above written.
City Atto
-~---..OVED AS TO FORM: .a~/~
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AITEST: ~ 61u 'VV(}JJ-
Grace Schmidt / ;_ -S -17
City Clerk