Twice-delayed performance evaluation delivered in closed-door executive session, despite absence of Council Member Spelman
The Austin City Council adjourned today for a closed-door executive session to tackle five posted agenda items—not the least of which was to evaluate the performance of and consider the compensation and benefits for City Manager Marc Ott.
Four hours and 20 minutes later the council reconvened in open session. After quickly disposing of two other agenda items, Mayor Lee Leffingwell called on Mayor Pro Tem Sheryl Cole.
Cole said, “I just wanted to say that we did in executive session take up Item Number 70, with respect to the compensation and benefits of the city manager, and we look forward to his continued service.”
That was the entire discussion of Marc Ott’s performance evaluation. Cole’s statement lasted a mere 12 seconds.
To see the Channel 6 video click here, then scroll down and click on Item 70.
Ott has received just one pay raise since appointed city manager in January 2008. That 3 percent boost was awarded last August.
Ott’s evaluation was previously posted for action June 28 and again on August 2 but was not taken up at those meetings.
The June 28 meeting was the last one before the City Council took off for the month of July, and had a jam-packed agenda that took the proceedings into the wee hours of June 29.
The scheduled August 2 evaluation was postponed at the request of Council Member Bill Spelman.
Spelman, who is recovering from surgery last Friday for a pancreatic tumor, did not request further delay of the city manager’s evaluation.
As The Austin Bulldog reported August 1, as part of Ott’s background investigation, the city manager’s base salary is $249,268.
He also draws $50,620 in additional compensation in the form of deferred compensation, executive allowance, automobile allowance, cell phone allowance, Social Security taxes, Medicare taxes, and out-of-pocket expenses for an annual physical examination.
If terminated, Ott would be entitled to severance pay totaling more than $431,000.
Other Bulldog coverage of Marc Ott:
The Marc Ott-Fort Worth Connection: Ott’s hire as city manager recommended by subordinate who Ott hired as Austin assistant city manager, August 14, 2012
City Manager’s Annual Review Postponed: Marc Ott’s Performance Review Now Set for August 16, August 2, 2012
City Manager Faces Crucial Annual Review: Bulldog Background Investigation Comes as Marc Ott’s Performance Gets Council Scrutiny, August 1, 2012
Employee E-Communication Policy Drafts Show Each Revision Weakened Rules: Policy That Was Nearly Compliant on First Draft Crippled by Changes, September 13, 2011
Council Work Sessions Stir Concern Over Tying Up Staff for Two Meetings: City Manager Presents Summary of Options for Council Consideration, February 15, 2011
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