SOLANA BEACH — As the city works to replace retiring City Manager David Ott, council members approved an agreement that will allow Ott to continue in his job as an interim employee for six months beginning Jan. 1.
The contract can be extended twice for up to 180 days each, meaning Ott could remain in the position until the middle of 2012.
At the Sept. 22 meeting, Ott announced that after seven years he was stepping down as Dec. 30. At the time he said he “would be happy to help” the city during the transition process.
The move to extend his contract is expected to save the city approximately $84,000 because Ott will not receive retirement, medical or dental benefits.
Under the new contract, Ott will be paid $78 an hour. He will also receive a monthly car and cell phone allowance of $450 and $50, respectively.
As an at-will employee, Ott cannot accrue any other benefits generally available to city employees, such as paid vacation and sick time.
According to the staff report, the council is “unanimous in its desire to continue working” with Ott because of his “unique knowledge and experience working” with the city and its ongoing projects.
The new contract was approved as part of the consent calendar during the Oct. 13 meeting. Items listed on the consent calendar are adopted in a single action unless pulled for discussion prior to the vote by a member of the public or City Council. No such request was made.
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