HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 2305-1561 City Council
Staff Report
From: CAO Committee
Report Type: CONSENT CALENDAR
Lead Department: Human Resources
Meeting Date: June 5, 2023
Report #:2305-1561
TITLE
Adoption of a Resolution to Appoint Mahealani Ah Yun as Interim City Clerk Through December
1, 2023 at the annual salary of $121,285 - CEQA exempt
RECOMMENDATION
The Council Appointed Officers Committee recommends the City Council appoint Mahealani Ah
Yun as Palo Alto’s Interim City Clerk through December 1, 2023 at the annual salary of $121,285
BACKGROUND
The Palo Alto City Charter provides that the City Council appoint a City Clerk who serves at the
Council’s will. The duties of the City Clerk are set forth in the Charter of the City of Palo Alto and
in Palo Alto Municipal Code section 2.08.110.
City Clerk Lesley Milton provided the City Council notice that she was resigning effective May
19, 2023 to take a new opportunity at another California city. Clerk Milton served as City Clerk
approximately 2 years. On May 1, 2023, the Council Appointed Officers (CAO) Committee met
to discuss a recommendation to the City Council regarding the City Clerk vacancy.
The CAO Committee motion which passed 3-0 recommended that Council authorize the
following:
A. Invite letters of interest and a resume from interested internal applicants for the interim
City Clerk position, have HR review for qualifications and schedule a closed session
interview of candidates with the full Council pending a full recruitment process.
B. Contract with the recruitment firm Peckham & McKinney who conducted the previous
City Clerk recruitment, and the literature previously used be included in a late packet
report on the next meeting agenda.
The City Council approved the CAO Committee recommendation on May 8, 2023 (Report
#2305-1405)
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ANALYSIS
In accordance with City Council’s direction, the Human Resources Department posted the
internal recruitment for the Interim City Clerk on May 11 and all City Clerk staff was notified to
submit their resume if interested. On May 22, 2023 the City Council interviewed one candidate
followed by request to HR Director to take next steps to have Mahealani Ah Yun appointed as
the Interim City Clerk through December 1, 2023 or until the formal executive recruitment is
completed.
Mahealani Ah Yun has served as Deputy City Clerk for the City of Palo Alto since November
2021. Under the direction of former Clerk Milton, Mahealani closely supported Council
members and assisted in supporting five Council standing committees and nine boards and
commissions, preparing minutes, and facilitating the agenda production process. In addition,
Mahealani administered public records requests and played a key role in launching the new
agenda management system. Prior to this, Mahealani worked for over 5 years for a non-profit
agency, The Service League of San Mateo, working closely with the Sheriff’s Office staff
overseeing correctional programs and services.
Mahealani holds a Master’s Degree of Public Administration from Notre Dame de Namur
University and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology, Community & Criminal Justice,
Political Science. She is a Notary Public and holds several other industry certifications and
related Clerk training.
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
The City Clerk position is budgeted within the City Clerk’s Office and is included in the FY 23
Annual Budget and FY24 proposed budget. Mahealani will be paid annual salary of $121,285
prorated during this interim assignment and will continue to receive standard management
benefits consistent with the Compensation Plan for Unrepresented Management and
Professional employees.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
Staff, in coordination with the Council Appointed Officers Committee and City Council,
completed the interview to bring forward this action. Further discussion and engagement is
expected with the CAO Committee to complete the next steps to fill the Clerk position for the
long term.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Resolution Appointment of Interim City Clerk Mahealani Ah Yun
APPROVED BY:
Sandra Blanch, Human Resources Director
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NOT YET APPROVED
Resolution No.
A Resolution of the City Council for the City of Palo Alto
Appointing Mahealani Ah Yun as the Palo Alto Interim City Clerk.
R E C I T A L S
A. The Palo Alto City Charter specifies the duties and functions of the City Clerk for the
City of Palo Alto;
B. The Charter further specifies that the City Council shall appoint the City Clerk;
C. The Council received notification that City Clerk Lesley Milton was resigning
effective May 19, 2023;
D. The Council Appointed Officers Committee directed staff to initiate an internal
recruitment for interim City Clerk and interviewed all applicants;
NOW, THEREFORE, the Council of the City of Palo Alto RESOLVES as follows:
SECTION 1. The Council hereby appoints Mahealani Ah Yun as interim City Clerk for the
City of Palo Alto;
SECTION 2. Mahealani Ah Yun shall serve as interim City Clerk at the will of the Council
as provided by the Charter, and shall further serve according to all of the terms and provisions
of the Charter and the Municipal Code; and
SECTION 3. This resolution shall be effective immediately. The appointment of
Mahealani Ah Yun as interim City Clerk shall end on December 1, 2023 or on the completion of
the formal executive recruitment, including any amendment, extension or termination
approved by the Council, whichever is sooner.
INTRODUCED AND PASSED: June 5, 2023
AYES: BURT, KOU, LAUING, LYTHCOTT-HAIMS, STONE, TANAKA, VEENKER
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTENTIONS:
ATTEST:
Item 10
Attachment A -
Resolution Appointment
of Interim City Clerk
Mahealani Ah Yun
Item 10: Staff Report Pg. 3 Packet Pg. 102 of 406
City Clerk Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM: APPROVED:
Assistant City Attorney City Manager
Item 10
Attachment A -
Resolution Appointment
of Interim City Clerk
Mahealani Ah Yun
Item 10: Staff Report Pg. 4 Packet Pg. 103 of 406