Council approved amendments to employment agreements for three council‑appointed officers after discussion and public comment. The council voted to authorize a 3% merit increase for the city manager and a 3% merit increase for the city attorney (the attorney requested the increase be taken as a deferred compensation contribution to a deferred 401(a) vehicle so it would not increase CalPERS reporting). The city clerk’s salary was adjusted to bring the position to market median.

Public commenters expressed concern about retroactive raises and pointed to perceived gaps in responsiveness on city projects, slow follow‑up on daylighting curbs and contract management. Supporters on the dais argued the increases reflect performance and are necessary to retain top talent in a complex city organization. The motion to approve the contract amendments passed 6‑0‑1 with one council member absent.

The staff report said evaluations and merit actions were completed in closed session and the council confirmed there are no automatic cost‑of‑living adjustments for the officers; these are merit increases only. Council asked staff to continue oversight of contracts and to follow up on public concerns about staff responsiveness and contract enforcement.