HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 2406-3160, Staff Report 2406-3171CITY OF PALO ALTO
Council Appointed Officer Committee
Special Meeting
Friday, June 14, 2024
1:30 PM
Agenda Item
1.Discussion Regarding Council Appointed Officers (CAO) Annual Performance Evaluation
Process and Goal Setting Supplemental Report added, At Places Memo
Council Appointed Officers Committee
Supplemental Report
From: Sandra Blanch, Human Resources Director
Meeting Date: June 14, 2024
Item Number: 1
Report #:2406-3160
TITLE
SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT: Discussion Regarding Council Appointed Officers (CAO) Annual
Performance Evaluation Process and Goal Setting.
RECOMMENDATION
The CAO Committee recommends review of the timeline for the annual evaluation process and
will provide direction to the Evaluation Facilitator on the Performance Evaluation processes
including review and approval of the CAO self-evaluation questions.
BACKGROUND
Annually the City Council conducts performance evaluations to ensure that the Council
Appointed Officers are meeting City Council priorities and objectives. The City’s contract with
the MRG (Attachment A) provides for services to work directly for the City Council to facilitate the
annual performance evaluations and compensation adjustment review process for its four Council
appointed officials (CAO’s), City Manager, City Attorney, City Clerk and City Auditor.
DISCUSSION
On May 29, the CAO Committee Chair discussed the purpose of the meeting to review and
develop a process to conduct the annual performance evaluations for the CAOs. The CAO
Committee discussed the scope of work, the role of the facilitator and goal setting. The CAO
Committee decided to schedule a meeting on June 14 to continue reviewing the proposed
process and timeline (Attachment B); review CAO expectations; and, review the draft CAO
questionnaire (Attachment C). The CAO Committee may also determine if any changes to the
scope of work are needed requiring an amendment to the MRG contract to bring to Council for
review.
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
There is no resource impact to maintain the current evaluation process. However, depending
on the direction of the Committee to the evaluation facilitator, changes to the current Annual
CAO evaluation process may result in a change to the scope of work in the current contract
which would result in a resource impact requiring Council approval.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: MRG contract term ending June 2025
Attachment B: Proposed timeline
Attachment C: CAO self-evaluation questions
APPROVED BY:
Sandra Blanch, Human Resources Director in coordination with the Committee Chair Vice
Mayor Lauing
City of Palo Alto Professional Services
Contract No. C22185281 Rev. Dec.15, 2020
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CITY OF PALO ALTO CONTRACT NO. C22185281
AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
BETWEEN THE CITY OF PALO ALTO AND MUNICIPAL RESOURCE GROUP, LLC
This Agreement for Professional Services (this “Agreement”) is entered into as of the 20th day of
June, 2022 (the “Effective Date”), by and between the CITY OF PALO ALTO, a California
chartered municipal corporation (“CITY”), and MUNICIPAL RESOURCE GROUP, LLC, a
California Limited Liability Company, located at 675 Hartz Avenue, Suite 300, Danville, CA
94526 (“CONSULTANT”).
The following recitals are a substantive portion of this Agreement and are fully incorporated herein
by this reference:
RECITALS
A. CITY intends to perform the annual performance evaluations and compensation adjustment
process for its four Council appointed officials (the “Project”) and desires to engage a consultant
to facilitate services in connection with the Project (the “Services”, as detailed more fully in
Exhibit A).
B. CONSULTANT represents that it, its employees and subconsultants, if any, possess the
necessary professional expertise, qualifications, and capability, and all required licenses and/or
certifications to provide the Services.
C. CITY, in reliance on these representations, desires to engage CONSULTANT to provide
the Services as more fully described in Exhibit A, entitled “SCOPE OF SERVICES”.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the recitals, covenants, terms, and conditions, in this
Agreement, the parties agree as follows:
SECTION 1. SCOPE OF SERVICES. CONSULTANT shall perform the Services described
in Exhibit A in accordance with the terms and conditions contained in this Agreement. The
performance of all Services shall be to the reasonable satisfaction of CITY.
SECTION 2. TERM.
The term of this Agreement shall be from the date of its full execution through June 20, 2025
unless terminated earlier pursuant to Section 19 (Termination) of this Agreement.
SECTION 3. SCHEDULE OF PERFORMANCE. Time is of the essence in the performance
of Services under this Agreement. CONSULTANT shall complete the Services within the term of
this Agreement and in accordance with the schedule set forth in Exhibit B, entitled “SCHEDULE
OF PERFORMANCE”. Any Services for which times for performance are not specified in this
Agreement shall be commenced and completed by CONSULTANT in a reasonably prompt and
timely manner based upon the circumstances and direction communicated to the CONSULTANT.
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CITY’s agreement to extend the term or the schedule for performance shall not preclude recovery
of damages for delay if the extension is required due to the fault of CONSULTANT.
SECTION 4. NOT TO EXCEED COMPENSATION. The compensation to be paid to
CONSULTANT for performance of the Services shall be based on the compensation structure
detailed in Exhibit C, entitled “COMPENSATION,” including any reimbursable expenses
specified therein, and the maximum total compensation shall not exceed Fifty One Thousand
Two Hundred Dollars ($51,200) per year for a total compensation not to exceed One
Hundred Fifty Three Thousand Six Hundred Dollars ($153,600.00). The hourly schedule of
rates, if applicable, is set out in Exhibit C-1, entitled “SCHEDULE OF RATES.” Any work
performed or expenses incurred for which payment would result in a total exceeding the maximum
compensation set forth in this Section 4 shall be at no cost to the CITY.
SECTION 5. INVOICES. In order to request payment, CONSULTANT shall submit monthly
invoices to the CITY describing the Services performed and the applicable charges (including, if
applicable, an identification of personnel who performed the Services, hours worked, hourly rates,
and reimbursable expenses), based upon Exhibit C or, as applicable, CONSULTANT’s schedule
of rates set forth in Exhibit C-1. If applicable, the invoice shall also describe the percentage of
completion of each task. The information in CONSULTANT’s invoices shall be subject to
verification by CITY. CONSULTANT shall send all invoices to CITY’s Project Manager at the
address specified in Section 13 (Project Management) below. CITY will generally process and
pay invoices within thirty (30) days of receipt of an acceptable invoice.
SECTION 6. QUALIFICATIONS/STANDARD OF CARE. All Services shall be performed
by CONSULTANT or under CONSULTANT’s supervision. CONSULTANT represents that it,
its employees and subcontractors, if any, possess the professional and technical personnel
necessary to perform the Services required by this Agreement and that the personnel have
sufficient skill and experience to perform the Services assigned to them. CONSULTANT
represents that it, its employees and subcontractors, if any, have and shall maintain during the term
of this Agreement all licenses, permits, qualifications, insurance and approvals of whatever nature
that are legally required to perform the Services. All Services to be furnished by CONSULTANT
under this Agreement shall meet the professional standard and quality that prevail among
professionals in the same discipline and of similar knowledge and skill engaged in related work
throughout California under the same or similar circumstances.
SECTION 7. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS. CONSULTANT shall keep itself informed of
and in compliance with all federal, state and local laws, ordinances, regulations, and orders that
may affect in any manner the Project or the performance of the Services or those engaged to
perform Services under this Agreement, as amended from time to time. CONSULTANT shall
procure all permits and licenses, pay all charges and fees, and give all notices required by law in
the performance of the Services.
SECTION 8. ERRORS/OMISSIONS. CONSULTANT is solely responsible for costs,
including, but not limited to, increases in the cost of Services, arising from or caused by
CONSULTANT’s errors and omissions, including, but not limited to, the costs of corrections such
errors and omissions, any change order markup costs, or costs arising from delay caused by the
errors and omissions or unreasonable delay in correcting the errors and omissions.
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SECTION 9. COST ESTIMATES. If this Agreement pertains to the design of a public works
project, CONSULTANT shall submit estimates of probable construction costs at each phase of
design submittal. If the total estimated construction cost at any submittal exceeds the CITY’s
stated construction budget by ten percent (10%) or more, CONSULTANT shall make
recommendations to CITY for aligning the Project design with the budget, incorporate CITY
approved recommendations, and revise the design to meet the Project budget, at no additional cost
to CITY.
SECTION 10. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR. CONSULTANT acknowledges and agrees
that CONSULTANT and any agent or employee of CONSULTANT will act as and shall be
deemed at all times to be an independent contractor and shall be wholly responsible for the manner
in which CONSULTANT performs the Services requested by CITY under this Agreement.
CONSULTANT and any agent or employee of CONSULTANT will not have employee status
with CITY, nor be entitled to participate in any plans, arrangements, or distributions by CITY
pertaining to or in connection with any retirement, health or other benefits that CITY may offer its
employees. CONSULTANT will be responsible for all obligations and payments, whether
imposed by federal, state or local law, including, but not limited to, FICA, income tax
withholdings, workers’ compensation, unemployment compensation, insurance, and other similar
responsibilities related to CONSULTANT’s performance of the Services, or any agent or
employee of CONSULTANT providing same. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed as
creating an employment or agency relationship between CITY and CONSULTANT or any agent
or employee of CONSULTANT. Any terms in this Agreement referring to direction from CITY
shall be construed as providing for direction as to policy and the result of CONSULTANT’s
provision of the Services only, and not as to the means by which such a result is obtained.
SECTION 11. ASSIGNMENT. The parties agree that the expertise and experience of
CONSULTANT are material considerations for this Agreement. CONSULTANT shall not assign
or transfer any interest in this Agreement nor the performance of any of CONSULTANT’s
obligations hereunder without the prior written approval of the City Manager. Any purported
assignment made without the prior written approval of the City Manager will be void and without
effect. Subject to the foregoing, the covenants, terms, conditions and provisions of this Agreement
will apply to, and will bind, the heirs, successors, executors, administrators and assignees of the
parties.
SECTION 12. SUBCONTRACTING. CONSULTANT shall not subcontract any portion of the
Services to be performed under this Agreement without the prior written authorization of the City
Manager or designee. In the event CONSULTANT does subcontract any portion of the work to
be performed under this Agreement, CONSULTANT shall be fully responsible for all acts and
omissions of subcontractors.
SECTION 13. PROJECT MANAGEMENT. CONSULTANT will assign Mary Egan as the
CONSULTANT’s Project Manager to have supervisory responsibility for the performance,
progress, and execution of the Services and represent CONSULTANT during the day-to-day
performance of the Services. If circumstances cause the substitution of the CONSULTANT’s
Project Manager or any other of CONSULTANT’s key personnel for any reason, the appointment
of a substitute Project Manager and the assignment of any key new or replacement personnel will
be subject to the prior written approval of the CITY’s Project Manager. CONSULTANT, at
CITY’s request, shall promptly remove CONSULTANT personnel who CITY finds do not
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perform the Services in an acceptable manner, are uncooperative, or present a threat to the adequate
or timely completion of the Services or a threat to the safety of persons or property.
CITY’s Project Manager is Sandra Blanch, Human Resources Department, 250 Hamilton Avenue,
Palo Alto, CA, 94301, Telephone: (650) 329-2294. CITY’s Project Manager will be
CONSULTANT’s point of contact with respect to performance, progress and execution of the
Services. CITY may designate an alternate Project Manager from time to time.
SECTION 14. OWNERSHIP OF MATERIALS. All work product, including without
limitation, all writings, drawings, studies, sketches, photographs, plans, reports, specifications,
computations, models, recordings, data, documents, and other materials and copyright interests
developed under this Agreement, in any form or media, shall be and remain the exclusive property
of CITY without restriction or limitation upon their use. CONSULTANT agrees that all copyrights
which arise from creation of the work product pursuant to this Agreement are vested in CITY, and
CONSULTANT hereby waives and relinquishes all claims to copyright or other intellectual
property rights in favor of CITY. Neither CONSULTANT nor its subcontractors, if any, shall
make any of such work product available to any individual or organization without the prior written
approval of the City Manager or designee. CONSULTANT makes no representation of the
suitability of the work product for use in or application to circumstances not contemplated by the
Scope of Services.
SECTION 15. AUDITS. CONSULTANT agrees to permit CITY and its authorized
representatives to audit, at any reasonable time during the term of this Agreement and for four (4)
years from the date of final payment, CONSULTANT’s records pertaining to matters covered by
this Agreement, including without limitation records demonstrating compliance with the
requirements of Section 10 (Independent Contractor). CONSULTANT further agrees to maintain
and retain accurate books and records in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
for at least four (4) years after the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement or the
completion of any audit hereunder, whichever is later.
SECTION 16. INDEMNITY.
16.1. To the fullest extent permitted by law, CONSULTANT shall indemnify,
defend and hold harmless CITY, its Council members, officers, employees and agents (each an
“Indemnified Party”) from and against any and all demands, claims, or liability of any nature,
including death or injury to any person, property damage or any other loss, including all costs and
expenses of whatever nature including attorney’s fees, experts fees, court costs and disbursements
(“Claims”) resulting from, arising out of or in any manner related to performance or
nonperformance by CONSULTANT, its officers, employees, agents or contractors under this
Agreement, regardless of whether or not it is caused in part by an Indemnified Party.
16.2. Notwithstanding the above, nothing in this Section 16 shall be construed to
require CONSULTANT to indemnify an Indemnified Party from a Claim arising from the active
negligence or willful misconduct of an Indemnified Party that is not contributed to by any act of,
or by any omission to perform a duty imposed by law or agreement by, CONSULTANT, its
officers, employees, agents or contractors under this Agreement.
16.3. The acceptance of CONSULTANT’s Services and duties by CITY shall not
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operate as a waiver of the right of indemnification. The provisions of this Section 16 shall survive
the expiration or early termination of this Agreement.
SECTION 17. WAIVERS. No waiver of a condition or nonperformance of an obligation under
this Agreement is effective unless it is in writing in accordance with Section 29.4 of this
Agreement. No delay or failure to require performance of any provision of this Agreement shall
constitute a waiver of that provision as to that or any other instance. Any waiver granted shall
apply solely to the specific instance expressly stated. No single or partial exercise of any right or
remedy will preclude any other or further exercise of any right or remedy.
SECTION 18. INSURANCE.
18.1. CONSULTANT, at its sole cost and expense, shall obtain and maintain, in
full force and effect during the term of this Agreement, the insurance coverage described in Exhibit
D, entitled “INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS”. CONSULTANT and its contractors, if any, shall
obtain a policy endorsement naming CITY as an additional insured under any general liability or
automobile policy or policies.
18.2. All insurance coverage required hereunder shall be provided through
carriers with AM Best’s Key Rating Guide ratings of A-:VII or higher which are licensed or
authorized to transact insurance business in the State of California. Any and all contractors of
CONSULTANT retained to perform Services under this Agreement will obtain and maintain, in
full force and effect during the term of this Agreement, identical insurance coverage, naming CITY
as an additional insured under such policies as required above.
18.3. Certificates evidencing such insurance shall be filed with CITY
concurrently with the execution of this Agreement. The certificates will be subject to the approval
of CITY’s Risk Manager and will contain an endorsement stating that the insurance is primary
coverage and will not be canceled, or materially reduced in coverage or limits, by the insurer except
after filing with the Purchasing Manager thirty (30) days’ prior written notice of the cancellation
or modification. If the insurer cancels or modifies the insurance and provides less than thirty (30)
days’ notice to CONSULTANT, CONSULTANT shall provide the Purchasing Manager written
notice of the cancellation or modification within two (2) business days of the CONSULTANT’s
receipt of such notice. CONSULTANT shall be responsible for ensuring that current certificates
evidencing the insurance are provided to CITY’s Chief Procurement Officer during the entire term
of this Agreement.
18.4. The procuring of such required policy or policies of insurance will not be
construed to limit CONSULTANT’s liability hereunder nor to fulfill the indemnification
provisions of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the policy or policies of insurance,
CONSULTANT will be obligated for the full and total amount of any damage, injury, or loss
caused by or directly arising as a result of the Services performed under this Agreement, including
such damage, injury, or loss arising after the Agreement is terminated or the term has expired.
SECTION 19. TERMINATION OR SUSPENSION OF AGREEMENT OR SERVICES.
19.1. The City Manager may suspend the performance of the Services, in whole
or in part, or terminate this Agreement, with or without cause, by giving ten (10) days prior written
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notice thereof to CONSULTANT. If CONSULTANT fails to perform any of its material
obligations under this Agreement, in addition to all other remedies provided under this Agreement
or at law, the City Manager may terminate this Agreement sooner upon written notice of
termination. Upon receipt of any notice of suspension or termination, CONSULTANT will
discontinue its performance of the Services on the effective date in the notice of suspension or
termination.
19.2. In event of suspension or termination, CONSULTANT will deliver to the
City Manager on or before the effective date in the notice of suspension or termination, any and
all work product, as detailed in Section 14 (Ownership of Materials), whether or not completed,
prepared by CONSULTANT or its contractors, if any, in the performance of this Agreement. Such
work product is the property of CITY, as detailed in Section 14 (Ownership of Materials).
19.3. In event of suspension or termination, CONSULTANT will be paid for the
Services rendered and work products delivered to CITY in accordance with the Scope of Services
up to the effective date in the notice of suspension or termination; provided, however, if this
Agreement is suspended or terminated on account of a default by CONSULTANT, CITY will be
obligated to compensate CONSULTANT only for that portion of CONSULTANT’s Services
provided in material conformity with this Agreement as such determination is made by the City
Manager acting in the reasonable exercise of his/her discretion. The following Sections will
survive any expiration or termination of this Agreement: 14, 15, 16, 17, 19.2, 19.3, 19.4, 20, 25,
27, 28, 29 and 30.
19.4. No payment, partial payment, acceptance, or partial acceptance by CITY
will operate as a waiver on the part of CITY of any of its rights under this Agreement, unless made
in accordance with Section 17 (Waivers).
SECTION 20. NOTICES.
All notices hereunder will be given in writing and mailed, postage prepaid, by
certified mail, addressed as follows:
To CITY: Office of the City Clerk
City of Palo Alto
Post Office Box 10250
Palo Alto, CA 94303
With a copy to the Purchasing Manager
To CONSULTANT: Attention of the Project Manager at the address of
CONSULTANT recited on the first page of this Agreement.
CONSULTANT shall provide written notice to CITY of any change of address.
SECTION 21. CONFLICT OF INTEREST.
21.1. In executing this Agreement, CONSULTANT covenants that it presently
has no interest, and will not acquire any interest, direct or indirect, financial or otherwise, which
would conflict in any manner or degree with the performance of the Services.
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21.2. CONSULTANT further covenants that, in the performance of this
Agreement, it will not employ subcontractors or other persons or parties having such an interest.
CONSULTANT certifies that no person who has or will have any financial interest under this
Agreement is an officer or employee of CITY; this provision will be interpreted in accordance
with the applicable provisions of the Palo Alto Municipal Code and the Government Code of the
State of California, as amended from time to time. CONSULTANT agrees to notify CITY if any
conflict arises.
21.3. If the CONSULTANT meets the definition of a “Consultant” as defined by
the Regulations of the Fair Political Practices Commission, CONSULTANT will file the
appropriate financial disclosure documents required by the Palo Alto Municipal Code and the
Political Reform Act of 1974, as amended from time to time.
SECTION 22. NONDISCRIMINATION; COMPLIANCE WITH ADA.
22.1. As set forth in Palo Alto Municipal Code Section 2.30.510, as amended
from time to time, CONSULTANT certifies that in the performance of this Agreement, it shall not
discriminate in the employment of any person due to that person’s race, skin color, gender, gender
identity, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, pregnancy, genetic
information or condition, housing status, marital status, familial status, weight or height of such
person. CONSULTANT acknowledges that it has read and understands the provisions of Section
2.30.510 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code relating to Nondiscrimination Requirements and the
penalties for violation thereof, and agrees to meet all requirements of Section 2.30.510 pertaining
to nondiscrimination in employment.
22.2. CONSULTANT understands and agrees that pursuant to the Americans
Disabilities Act (“ADA”), programs, services and other activities provided by a public entity to
the public, whether directly or through a contractor or subcontractor, are required to be accessible
to the disabled public. CONSULTANT will provide the Services specified in this Agreement in a
manner that complies with the ADA and any other applicable federal, state and local disability
rights laws and regulations, as amended from time to time. CONSULTANT will not discriminate
against persons with disabilities in the provision of services, benefits or activities provided under
this Agreement.
SECTION 23. ENVIRONMENTALLY PREFERRED PURCHASING AND ZERO
WASTE REQUIREMENTS. CONSULTANT shall comply with the CITY’s Environmentally
Preferred Purchasing policies which are available at CITY’s Purchasing Department, hereby
incorporated by reference and as amended from time to time. CONSULTANT shall comply with
waste reduction, reuse, recycling and disposal requirements of CITY’s Zero Waste Program. Zero
Waste best practices include, first, minimizing and reducing waste; second, reusing waste; and,
third, recycling or composting waste. In particular, CONSULTANT shall comply with the
following Zero Waste requirements:
(a) All printed materials provided by CONSULTANT to CITY generated from a
personal computer and printer including but not limited to, proposals, quotes, invoices, reports,
and public education materials, shall be double-sided and printed on a minimum of 30% or greater
post-consumer content paper, unless otherwise approved by CITY’s Project Manager. Any
submitted materials printed by a professional printing company shall be a minimum of 30% or
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greater post-consumer material and printed with vegetable-based inks.
(b) Goods purchased by CONSULTANT on behalf of CITY shall be purchased in
accordance with CITY’s Environmental Purchasing Policy including but not limited to Extended
Producer Responsibility requirements for products and packaging. A copy of this policy is on file
at the Purchasing Department’s office.
(c) Reusable/returnable pallets shall be taken back by CONSULTANT, at no
additional cost to CITY, for reuse or recycling. CONSULTANT shall provide documentation from
the facility accepting the pallets to verify that pallets are not being disposed.
SECTION 24. COMPLIANCE WITH PALO ALTO MINIMUM WAGE ORDINANCE.
CONSULTANT shall comply with all requirements of the Palo Alto Municipal Code Chapter 4.62
(Citywide Minimum Wage), as amended from time to time. In particular, for any employee
otherwise entitled to the State minimum wage, who performs at least two (2) hours of work in a
calendar week within the geographic boundaries of the City, CONSULTANT shall pay such
employees no less than the minimum wage set forth in Palo Alto Municipal Code Section 4.62.030
for each hour worked within the geographic boundaries of the City of Palo Alto. In addition,
CONSULTANT shall post notices regarding the Palo Alto Minimum Wage Ordinance in
accordance with Palo Alto Municipal Code Section 4.62.060.
SECTION 25. NON-APPROPRIATION. This Agreement is subject to the fiscal provisions of
the Charter of the City of Palo Alto and the Palo Alto Municipal Code, as amended from time to
time. This Agreement will terminate without any penalty (a) at the end of any fiscal year in the
event that funds are not appropriated for the following fiscal year, or (b) at any time within a fiscal
year in the event that funds are only appropriated for a portion of the fiscal year and funds for this
Agreement are no longer available. This Section shall take precedence in the event of a conflict
with any other covenant, term, condition, or provision of this Agreement.
SECTION 26. PREVAILING WAGES AND DIR REGISTRATION FOR PUBLIC
WORKS CONTRACTS. This Project is not subject to prevailing wages and related
requirements. CONSULTANT is not required to pay prevailing wages and meet related
requirements under the California Labor Code and California Code of Regulations in the
performance and implementation of the Project if the contract:
(1) is not a public works contract;
(2) is for a public works construction project of $25,000 or less, per California
Labor Code Sections 1782(d)(1), 1725.5(f) and 1773.3(j); or
(3) is for a public works alteration, demolition, repair, or maintenance project of
$15,000 or less, per California Labor Code Sections 1782(d)(1), 1725.5(f) and
1773.3(j).
SECTION 27. CLAIMS PROCEDURE FOR “9204 PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS”. For
purposes of this Section 27, a “9204 Public Works Project” means the erection, construction,
alteration, repair, or improvement of any public structure, building, road, or other public
improvement of any kind. (Cal. Pub. Cont. Code § 9204.) Per California Public Contract Code
Section 9204, for Public Works Projects, certain claims procedures shall apply, as set forth in
Exhibit F, entitled “Claims for Public Contract Code Section 9204 Public Works Projects”.
This Project is not a 9204 Public Works Project.
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SECTION 28. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION.
28.1. In the performance of this Agreement, CONSULTANT may have access to
CITY’s Confidential Information (defined below). CONSULTANT will hold Confidential
Information in strict confidence, not disclose it to any third party, and will use it only for the
performance of its obligations to CITY under this Agreement and for no other purpose.
CONSULTANT will maintain reasonable and appropriate administrative, technical and physical
safeguards to ensure the security, confidentiality and integrity of the Confidential Information.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, CONSULTANT may disclose Confidential Information to its
employees, agents and subcontractors, if any, to the extent they have a need to know in order to
perform CONSULTANT’s obligations to CITY under this Agreement and for no other purpose,
provided that the CONSULTANT informs them of, and requires them to follow, the confidentiality
and security obligations of this Agreement.
28.2. “Confidential Information” means all data, information (including without
limitation “Personal Information” about a California resident as defined in Civil Code Section
1798 et seq., as amended from time to time) and materials, in any form or media, tangible or
intangible, provided or otherwise made available to CONSULTANT by CITY, directly or
indirectly, pursuant to this Agreement. Confidential Information excludes information that
CONSULTANT can show by appropriate documentation: (i) was publicly known at the time it
was provided or has subsequently become publicly known other than by a breach of this
Agreement; (ii) was rightfully in CONSULTANT’s possession free of any obligation of
confidence prior to receipt of Confidential Information; (iii) is rightfully obtained by
CONSULTANT from a third party without breach of any confidentiality obligation; (iv) is
independently developed by employees of CONSULTANT without any use of or access to the
Confidential Information; or (v) CONSULTANT has written consent to disclose signed by an
authorized representative of CITY.
28.3. Notwithstanding the foregoing, CONSULTANT may disclose Confidential
Information to the extent required by order of a court of competent jurisdiction or governmental
body, provided that CONSULTANT will notify CITY in writing of such order immediately upon
receipt and prior to any such disclosure (unless CONSULTANT is prohibited by law from doing
so), to give CITY an opportunity to oppose or otherwise respond to such order.
28.4. CONSULTANT will notify City promptly upon learning of any breach in
the security of its systems or unauthorized disclosure of, or access to, Confidential Information in
its possession or control, and if such Confidential Information consists of Personal Information,
CONSULTANT will provide information to CITY sufficient to meet the notice requirements of
Civil Code Section 1798 et seq., as applicable, as amended from time to time.
28.5. Prior to or upon termination or expiration of this Agreement,
CONSULTANT will honor any request from the CITY to return or securely destroy all copies of
Confidential Information. All Confidential Information is and will remain the property of the CITY
and nothing contained in this Agreement grants or confers any rights to such Confidential
Information on CONSULTANT.
28.6. If selected in Section 30 (Exhibits), this Agreement is also subject to the
terms and conditions of the Information Privacy Policy and Cybersecurity Terms and Conditions.
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SECTION 29. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS.
29.1. This Agreement will be governed by California law, without regard to its
conflict of law provisions.
29.2. In the event that an action is brought, the parties agree that trial of such
action will be vested exclusively in the state courts of California in the County of Santa Clara,
State of California.
29.3. The prevailing party in any action brought to enforce the provisions of this
Agreement may recover its reasonable costs and attorneys’ fees expended in connection with that
action. The prevailing party shall be entitled to recover an amount equal to the fair market value
of legal services provided by attorneys employed by it as well as any attorneys’ fees paid to third
parties.
29.4. This Agreement, including all exhibits, constitutes the entire and integrated
agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement, and supersedes
all prior agreements, negotiations, representations, statements and undertakings, either oral or
written. This Agreement may be amended only by a written instrument, which is signed by the
authorized representatives of the parties and approved as required under Palo Alto Municipal
Code, as amended from time to time.
29.5. If a court of competent jurisdiction finds or rules that any provision of this
Agreement is void or unenforceable, the unaffected provisions of this Agreement will remain in
full force and effect.
29.6. In the event of a conflict between the terms of this Agreement and the
exhibits hereto (per Section 30) or CONSULTANT’s proposal (if any), the Agreement shall
control. In the event of a conflict between the exhibits hereto and CONSULTANT’s proposal (if
any), the exhibits shall control.
29.7. The provisions of all checked boxes in this Agreement shall apply to this
Agreement; the provisions of any unchecked boxes shall not apply to this Agreement.
29.8. All section headings contained in this Agreement are for convenience and
reference only and are not intended to define or limit the scope of any provision of this Agreement.
29.9. This Agreement may be signed in multiple counterparts, which, when
executed by the authorized representatives of the parties, shall together constitute a single binding
agreement.
SECTION 30. EXHIBITS. Each of the following exhibits, if the check box for such exhibit is
selected below, is hereby attached and incorporated into this Agreement by reference as though
fully set forth herein:
EXHIBIT A: SCOPE OF SERVICES
EXHIBIT B: SCHEDULE OF PERFORMANCE
City of Palo Alto Professional Services
Contract No. C22185281 Rev. Dec.15, 2020
Page 11 of 19
EXHIBIT C: COMPENSATION
EXHIBIT C-1: SCHEDULE OF RATES
EXHIBIT D: INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
THIS AGREEMENT IS NOT COMPLETE UNLESS ALL SELECTED EXHIBITS
ARE ATTACHED.
City of Palo Alto Professional Services
Contract No. C22185281 Rev. Dec.15, 2020
Page 12 of 19
CONTRACT No. C22185281 SIGNATURE PAGE
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have by their duly authorized representatives
executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.
CITY OF PALO ALTO
____________________________
City Manager
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
__________________________
City Attorney or designee
CONSULTANT
MUNICIPAL RESOURCE GROUP, LLC
Officer 1
By:
Name:
Title:
Officer 2 (Required for Corp. or LLC)
By:
Name:
Title:
City of Palo Alto Professional Services
Contract No. C22185281 Rev. Dec.15, 2020
Page 13 of 19
EXHIBIT A
SCOPE OF SERVICES
CONSULTANT shall provide the Services detailed in this Exhibit A, entitled “SCOPE OF
SERVICES”.
Project Introduction:
CITY is seeking to engage a consultant working directly for the City Council to facilitate the
annual performance evaluations and compensation adjustment process for its four Council
appointed officials (CAO’s), City Manager, City Attorney, City Clerk and City Auditor.
Project Background:
The City Manager, City Clerk, City Attorney and City Auditor are appointed directly by the City
Council and, as such, are reviewed by the City Council on an annual basis in accordance with
their individual employment agreements. Such review is necessary in order for Council members
to ensure the efficiency of the appointed offices, to provide general feedback on their
performance, to set goals for the coming year, and to identify areas of improvement. It is also
necessary to review compensation to ensure that the positions are paid appropriately in
comparison to the market and their performances.
SCOPE OF WORK
CONSULTANT shall use an established approach to Performance Evaluation Processes. Based
on a standard practice, CONSULTANT will incorporate Palo Alto’s requests to include
additional elements or minimize the process to meet expediated timelines and needs.
CONSULTANT shall provide summary to identify areas of successful and for professional
development. CONSULTANT to facilitate a discussion between Council and the Appointed
Officials with actionable items to enhance organizational leadership. A 360-degree evaluation
requesting input from departmental managers will be conducted as part of this process for the
City Auditor and City Clerk. The process will also include Appointed Officials to provide a self-
assessment in an effort to summarize accomplishments and specify progress on established
goals.
A. Preparation of Questionnaire:
Working with the Council CAO Committee (four members of the City Council) and the CAO’s,
Consultant will prepare a questionnaire to be used for interviews. The questionnaires will be
distributed to Council Members to fill out a week in advance of their scheduled
interview/meeting with the Consultant. The questionnaires shall be designed to be a tool to
summarize Council Members’ estimation of the CAO’s attainment of specific goals, as well as
their performance in general areas such as communication; key relationships between the CAO
and the Council, staff, public, CITY committees and commissions and other government
agencies; as appropriate; specific work priorities such as budget, public relations, program
management and employee relations; as well as general comment on the CAO’s performance of
their duties.
City of Palo Alto Professional Services
Contract No. C22185281 Rev. Dec.15, 2020
Page 14 of 19
B. Conduct Interviews, Prepare Report, Facilitate Discussion, Prepare Summary:
CONSULTANT will interview each of the (9) Council Members individually, using the
interview questionnaire to gather input and evaluation of CAO performance. CONSULTANT
will also interview each CAO to gather their estimation of their performance, achievements and
ability to meet their established goals and performance objectives. CONSULTANT will
consolidate information from all interviews and prepare a written evaluation/report, which will
first be reviewed with the Council CAO Committee and then presented to the entire Council in
closed session. After presentation of the evaluation/reports, CONSULTANT will facilitate
Council discussion of the results of the interviews and input. CONSULTANT will then facilitate
discussion of the evaluation report between each CAO and the Council.
C. Review Options for Compensation:
Prior to conducting the above performance evaluations, the CONSULTANT will research salary
survey information and comparisons with salaries in surrounding agencies for each of the CAO
positions and review survey results with the CITY’s Human Resource Director. The
CONSULTANT will use this information to work with the Council CAO Committee on
compensation options to be proposed to the Council and CAO’s.
After facilitating the performance evaluation meetings with the Council, CONSULTANT will
meet with each CAO to de-brief on Council discussion, and to discuss compensation
considerations. The Council CAO Committee will make its salary adjustment recommendations
to the full Council. The CONSULTANT will be available as a resource at the meeting with the
full Council. The CONSULTANT will also be available as a resource for the Council CAO
Committee in its negotiations with individual CAO’s. The CONSULTANT will prepare a
complete file for each of the evaluations, including compensation recommendations and actions,
for the permanent CITY record.
City of Palo Alto Professional Services
Contract No. C22185281 Rev. Dec.15, 2020
Page 15 of 19
EXHIBIT B
SCHEDULE OF PERFORMANCE
CONSULTANT shall perform the Services so as to complete each milestone within the number
of days/weeks specified below. The time to complete each milestone may be increased or
decreased by mutual written agreement of the Project Managers for CONSULTANT and CITY so
long as all work is completed within the term of the Agreement. CONSULTANT shall provide a
detailed schedule of work consistent with the schedule below within 2 weeks of receipt of the
notice to proceed (“NTP”) from the CITY.
Milestones Number of Days/Weeks (as specified below)
1. CITY CAO Evaluation Process Estimated 135 Hours
2. Conduct in=person or telephonic
interviews
Estimated 32 Hours
3. Update the compensation comparison
information and provide an overview of
City of Palo Alto Professional Services
Contract No. C22185281 Rev. Dec.15, 2020
Page 16 of 19
EXHIBIT C
COMPENSATION
CITY agrees to compensate CONSULTANT for the Services performed in accordance with the
terms and conditions of this Agreement, including Services, any specified reimbursable expenses,
and Additional Services (if any, per Section 4 of the Agreement), based on the hourly rate schedule
attached as Exhibit C-1.
The compensation to be paid to CONSULTANT under this Agreement for all Services, any
specified reimbursable expenses, and Additional Services (if any, per Section 4), shall not exceed
the amount(s) stated in Section 4 of this Agreement. CONSULTANT agrees to complete all
Services, any specified reimbursable expenses, and Additional Services (if any, per Section 4),
within this/these amount(s). Any work performed or expenses incurred for which payment would
result in a total exceeding the maximum amount of compensation set forth in this Agreement shall
be at no cost to the CITY.
REIMBURSABLE EXPENSES
CONSULTANT’S ordinary business expenses, such as administrative, overhead,
administrative support time/overtime, information systems, software and hardware,
photocopying, telecommunications (telephone, internet), in-house printing, insurance and
other ordinary business expenses, are included within the scope of payment for Services and
are not reimbursable expenses hereunder.
Reimbursable expenses, if any are specified as reimbursable under this section, will be
reimbursed at actual cost. The expenses (by type, e.g. travel) for which CONSULTANT will
be reimbursed are: NONE up to the not-to-exceed amount of: $0.00.
City of Palo Alto Professional Services
Contract No. C22185281 Rev. Dec.15, 2020
Page 17 of 19
EXHIBIT C-1
SCHEDULE OF RATES
CONSULTANT’s schedule of rates is as follows:
CONSULTANT will provide the complete evaluation process for a total annual cost of $51,200
per year. CONSULTANT will invoice for actual hours to provide flexibility in the direct report
process and any modified approach taken in the Evaluation Process.
Appointed Officials Evaluation and 360 Process compensation shall not exceed for the
following:
City Manager - $11,000
City Attorney - $11,000
City Clerk - $14,600
City Auditor - $14,600
If the City should request services outside of the scope of work, CONSULTANT will obtain
approval from CITY before beginning additional work. Additional service will be invoiced at
$300 per hour.
City of Palo Alto Professional Services
Contract No. C22185281 Rev. Dec.15, 2020
Page 18 of 19
EXHIBIT D
INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
CONSULTANTS TO THE CITY OF PALO ALTO (CITY), AT THEIR SOLE EXPENSE, SHALL FOR THE TERM OF THE
CONTRACT OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN INSURANCE IN THE AMOUNTS FOR THE COVERAGE SPECIFIED BELOW,
AFFORDED BY COMPANIES WITH AM BEST’S KEY RATING OF A-:VII, OR HIGHER, LICENSED OR
AUTHORIZED TO TRANSACT INSURANCE BUSINESS IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA.
AWARD IS CONTINGENT ON COMPLIANCE WITH CITY’S INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS AS SPECIFIED HEREIN.
REQUIRED TYPE OF COVERAGE REQUIREMENT
MINIMUM LIMITS
EACH
OCCURRENCE AGGREGATE
YES
YES
WORKER’S COMPENSATION
EMPLOYER’S LIABILITY
STATUTORY
STATUTORY STATUTORY STATUTORY
YES
GENERAL LIABILITY, INCLUDING
PERSONAL INJURY, BROAD FORM
PROPERTY DAMAGE BLANKET
CONTRACTUAL, AND FIRE LEGAL
LIABILITY
BODILY INJURY
PROPERTY DAMAGE
BODILY INJURY & PROPERTY
DAMAGE COMBINED.
$1,000,000
$1,000,000
$1,000,000
$1,000,000
$1,000,000
$1,000,000
YES
AUTOMOBILE LIABILITY,
INCLUDING ALL OWNED, HIRED,
NON-OWNED
BODILY INJURY
- EACH PERSON
- EACH OCCURRENCE
PROPERTY DAMAGE
BODILY INJURY AND PROPERTY
DAMAGE, COMBINED
$1,000,000
$1,000,000
$1,000,000
$1,000,000
$1,000,000
$1,000,000
$1,000,000
$1,000,000
$1,000,000
$1,000,000
YES
PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY,
INCLUDING, ERRORS AND
OMISSIONS, MALPRACTICE (WHEN
APPLICABLE), AND NEGLIGENT
PERFORMANCE
ALL DAMAGES $1,000,000
YES
THE CITY OF PALO ALTO IS TO BE NAMED AS AN ADDITIONAL INSURED: CONSULTANT, AT ITS SOLE COST
AND EXPENSE, SHALL OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN, IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE TERM
OF ANY RESULTANT AGREEMENT, THE INSURANCE COVERAGE HEREIN DESCRIBED, INSURING NOT ONLY
CONSULTANT AND ITS SUBCONSULTANTS, IF ANY, BUT ALSO, WITH
COMPENSATION, EMPLOYER’S LIABILITY AND PROFESSIONAL INSURANCE, NAMING AS ADDITIONAL
INSUREDS CITY, ITS COUNCIL MEMBERS, OFFICERS, AGENTS, AND EMPLOYEES.
I. INSURANCE COVERAGE MUST INCLUDE:
A. A CONTRACTUAL LIABILITY ENDORSEMENT PROVIDING INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR
CONSULTANT’S AGREEMENT TO INDEMNIFY CITY.
II. THE CONSULTANT MUST SUBMIT CERTIFICATES(S) OF INSURANCE EVIDENCING REQUIRED COVERAGE
AT THE FOLLOWING URL: HTTPS://WWW.PLANETBIDS.COM/PORTAL/PORTAL.CFM?COMPANYID=25569
III. ENDORSEMENT PROVISIONS WITH RESPECT TO THE INSURANCE AFFORDED TO ADDITIONAL
INSUREDS:
A. PRIMARY COVERAGE
WITH RESPECT TO CLAIMS ARISING OUT OF THE OPERATIONS OF THE NAMED INSURED,
INSURANCE AS AFFORDED BY THIS POLICY IS PRIMARY AND IS NOT ADDITIONAL TO OR
CONTRIBUTING WITH ANY OTHER INSURANCE CARRIED BY OR FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE
ADDITIONAL INSUREDS.
City of Palo Alto Professional Services
Contract No. C22185281 Rev. Dec.15, 2020
Page 19 of 19
B. CROSS LIABILITY
THE NAMING OF MORE THAN ONE PERSON, FIRM, OR CORPORATION AS INSUREDS UNDER
THE POLICY SHALL NOT, FOR THAT REASON ALONE, EXTINGUISH ANY RIGHTS OF THE
INSURED AGAINST ANOTHER, BUT THIS ENDORSEMENT, AND THE NAMING OF MULTIPLE
INSUREDS, SHALL NOT INCREASE THE TOTAL LIABILITY OF THE COMPANY UNDER THIS
POLICY.
C. NOTICE OF CANCELLATION
1. IF THE POLICY IS CANCELED BEFORE ITS EXPIRATION DATE FOR ANY REASON
OTHER THAN THE NON-PAYMENT OF PREMIUM, THE CONSULTANT SHALL PROVIDE
CITY AT LEAST A THIRTY (30) DAY WRITTEN NOTICE BEFORE THE EFFECTIVE DATE
OF CANCELLATION.
2. IF THE POLICY IS CANCELED BEFORE ITS EXPIRATION DATE FOR THE NON-PAYMENT
OF PREMIUM, THE CONSULTANT SHALL PROVIDE CITY AT LEAST A TEN (10) DAY
WRITTEN NOTICE BEFORE THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF CANCELLATION.
EVIDENCE OF INSURANCE AND OTHER RELATED NOTICES ARE REQUIRED TO BE FILED WITH THE
CITY OF PALO ALTO.
DRAFT 2024 CAO Evaluation Timeline
Date Date / Time if Meeting Required Action
5/23
Dan send CAO’s brief update on the tentative
2024 Evaluation process.
5/29 process (review timeline and questions for
6/18 (if needed) Consent Calendar item for full Council to
confirm process and timeline
7/13
evaluation.
**Goal: alignment for self-eval/proposed
goals. Parameters – bullets via
☒ 7/18 evaluations and interview questions in
7/30 – 8/9
Mayor & (1 Dan to conduct interviews with Mayor and
Council Members in a manner that meets
their time and location requirements to
gather their input and experiences with the
three appointees.
Dan is available for in-person interviews or
call/zoom
Council input for Goals. Red line edits from
CAO’s due 8/27.
9/4 N/A evaluations, goals, salary information to
Mayor & City Council via closed session
9/10 N/A evaluation, goals, salary information from
9/16 & 9/23
Closed sessions to discuss and finalize CAO
evaluations. (Shikada on 9/16, Stump/An Yun
☐TBD N/A Following approval from the CAO’s, MRG
routes final docs via DocuSign for Mayor.
☐TBD MRG and CAO’s
* XXXXX/Doreen to schedule 30 min meeting
DRAFT 5/28/24
QUESTIONS TO DRIVE THE PALO ALTO CAO EVALUATION PROCESS –
Council would like the appointed officials to respond to some specific questions in the self-
evaluation, which will help focus the Council interviews and final evaluation:
a. What is your overall assessment of the state of the Palo Alto organization? What
are your, and the organization’s, areas of strength and key achievements in the
last fiscal year, particularly as called out in Council-identified priorities?
b. What do you see as areas of concern or vulnerability (to include organization-
wide and department-specific comments, but not personnel-specific).
c. How are your direct reports performing? (for example: productivity, morale,
collaboration, communication, recruitment, etc.).
d. What are your observations on the organization’s fiscal health (strengths and
risks).
e. Are there regional, state, or national issues/trends that the City should be paying
attention to?
f. What is your characterization of the effectiveness of Appointed Official/Elected
Official relationships (availability, responsiveness, communication, etc.)
g. What are your specific priorities for the coming year?
h. What do you need from the Council in the next fiscal year and beyond to be
successful?
i. What else would you like to share with the Council?
Item No. 1 Page 1 of 2
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Council Appointed Officers
At Places Memo
From: Pat Burt, Council Member
Meeting Date: June 14, 2024
Item Number: 1
Report #:2406-3171
TITLE
Draft updated VTA policy for the performance reviews of Board Appointed Officers:
DISCUSSION
To provide timely, consistent and meaningful evaluation the Board adopts the following policy:
In keeping with its fiduciary responsibility to ensure the efficient operation of VTA, the Board of
Directors will perform an annual evaluation of the performance of the general manager and the general
counsel based upon the following:
• The evaluation of the General Manager and the General Counsel will be conducted annually by
the Governance and Audit Committee at their November meeting. 8 Page 2 of 2
• The Committee will request the General Manager and the General Counsel provide a
confidential, written self-assessment of their performance for the year. This report to be
provided prior to the November meeting.
• The Chair or his/her designee will solicit input from each Director, and where appropriate
Alternate and Ex Officio Directors, currently serving in that capacity, prior to the November
meeting.
• The Chair or his/her designee will present the results of this input to the Governance and
Audit Committee in Closed Session at its November meeting.
• Following discussion in Closed Session, the Committee will provide a confidential
recommendation to the full Board of their findings regarding performance and those
performance objectives they determine.
• The Board of Directors at its November meeting, in Closed Session, will discuss the report of
the Governance and Audit Committee and determine its evaluation of the performance of both
positions.
• Following this discussion, the Board of Directors, in Closed Session, will discuss the evaluation
with the General Manager and General Counsel separately.
Item No. 1 Page 2 of 2
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• Upon completion of this discussion, the Chair will appoint a subcommittee, consisting of a
minimum of three Directors, so long as the members do not constitute a quorum of a VTA
legislative body, to negotiate any compensation and/or direct any performance issues with the
General Manager and the General Counsel.
• The goal is to complete the negotiations of the employment contract amendments for the
General Manager and the General Counsel in advance of the December Board meeting so that it
may be placed on the December Board meeting agenda for discussion and action.
• All actions that affect the employment contract or compensation of the General Manager and
General Counsel will be performed in Open Session at a Regular or Special Board Meeting.
ALTERNATIVES: The Board may modify or change any of the steps in the above recommended
procedure, develop a different procedure or continue with an ad hoc approach
APPROVED BY:
Pat Burt, Council Member