HomeMy WebLinkAbout4.2 Motion to authorize changes to the Village of Mount Prospect/Michael J. Cassady Village Manager Employment AgreementSubject
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Motion to authorize changes to the Village of Mount Prospect/Michael J.
Cassady Village Manager Employment Agreement
February 6, 2024 - REGULAR MEETING OF THE MOUNT
PROSPECT VILLAGE BOARD
MAYORS REPORT
Action Item
Village Manager Michael Cassady was appointed in September of 2015. The Village has an
employment agreement with the Village Manager, which was last approved on February 7,
2023. As part of the annual evaluation process, the Manager, Mayor and Board of Trustees
develop performance goals and objectives for the coming year. The evaluation was held on
January 9, 2024. The majority of the Board expressed appreciation for progress made on
goals and leadership provided by the Manager. Some of the highlights include:
* Effective stewardship of Village finances that supported a 4.8 percent reduction in the real
estate property tax levy in 2023. The Village is in an excellent financial position.
* Permanent elimination of the vehicle sticker fee program, something requested by Village
stakeholders for several years.
* Successful negotiations of a collective bargaining agreement with Public Works union staff,
which builds in health insurance cost containment savings of $500,000 over the five year term
of the agreement.
* Enhanced staffing in Police Departrment to 89 sworn officers from 86. Created a three-
person Special Response Team to advance violent crime interdiction and prevention activities.
Installed Flock cameras on key corridors.
* Leveraged CDBG and TIF funding to support new Euclid School Soccer Pitch and
playground and pedestrian path improvements at Lions Park and Lions Park School.
* Negotiated redevelopment agreements to incentivize new restaurants in DTMP, including
Lady Dahlia Tequila Bar, Whiskey Hill Brewing Co., Salerno's Pizza, and Mia's Cantina. Other
new restaurants recently approved and opening soon include The Prospect at 20 West and the
Mount Prospect Public House. These new investments in DTMP create new scale and vibe
and will lead to additional new restaurants and entertainment uses to come later in 2024.
* Provided positive support to a highly talented Leadership Team who made significant
progress to targets for action in the Village Strategic Plan.
Discussion
The employment agreement has been modified to include new base compensation from
$275,000 to $293,000 (6.5 percent). A performance bonus of $30,000 has been included for
achievement of goals and performance objectives. The bonus in 2023 was $30,000. Deferred
compensation is being adjusted from 5.0 percent to 6.5 percent. The term of the agreement is
extended from December 31, 2027 to December 31, 2028.
Alternatives
1. Approve the Employment Agreement.
2. Discretion of the Mayor and Village Board of Trustees.
Staff Recommendation
Discretion of the Mayor and Village Board of Trustees.
Attachments
1. 1-31-24 - Cassady 2024 Employment Agreement- FINAL 1 (003)
VILLAGE OF MOUNT PROSPECT/ MICHAEL J. CASSADY VILLAGE MANAGER
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (hereinafter referred to as "Agreement") made and
entered into this 6th day of February, 2024, by and between the VILLAGE OF MOUNT
PROSPECT, an Illinois municipal corporation located in Cook County, Illinois (hereinafter
referred to as "VILLAGE"), and Michael J. Cassady (hereinafter referred to as "MANAGER").
WHEREAS, the VILLAGE desires to continue to retain MANAGER as the Village
Manager of the VILLAGE and the MANAGER desires to continue to be employed by the
VILLAGE, pursuant to the covenants, terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement; and,
WHEREAS, the MANAGER hereby accepts such continued employment and
engagement, and covenants hereby to continue to perform the functions and duties of the Village
Manager specified in the Municipal Code of the VILLAGE and in Article V of the Illinois
Municipal Code (65 ILCS 5/1 1-1 et seq.), and in accordance with all applicable Ordinances and
Statutes, and to perform such other legally permissible and proper duties and functions as the
Village Board shall from time to time assign; and,
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants herein
contained, the Parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Duties. The Village hereby agrees to continue to employ MANAGER on the terins
and conditions set forth herein, to perform the functions and duties specified in the applicable
Statutes and Ordinances and to perform other legally perinissible and proper duties and functions
as the Mount Prospect Village Board ('Board") shall from time -to -time assign. The Parties agree
that the terms of this Agreement will supersede the terms and agreements of the parties that were
in effect pursuant to the Employment Agreement that was entered into by these parties on or about
September 15, 2015 and as amended in 2018, 2022 and 2023 (the "Original Agreement").
2. Term of Employment. The Term of Employment, as used in this Agreement, shall
be that period of time commencing January 1, 2022 and continuing through and including
December 31, 2028 unless terminated sooner subject to the Village's obligations in Paragraphs
#19 and #20 below and/or as otherwise required by law.
3. Base Salary. The VILLAGE will pay the MANAGER for his services rendered
pursuant to this Agreement an annual Base Salary of Two Hundred and Ninety -Three Thousand
Dollars ($293,000) payable in equal installments at the same time as other employees of the
VILLAGE are paid during the term of his employment pursuant to this Agreement, retroactive and
effective January 1, 2024.
4. Lump Sum Bonus. The VILLAGE agrees to pay the MANAGER a one-time
lump sum performance bonus equal to Thirty Thousand Dollars ($30,000) to compensate
MANAGER for meeting and exceeding the goals that were established for him during the term of
the Original Agreement.
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5. Disability, Health, and Life Insurance.
A. The MANAGER shall be covered by the same health insurance, dental
insurance, life insurance, accident and sickness disability plans on the same
basis and to the same extent as such coverage is made available to other
similarly situated employees of the VILLAGE in the position of Department
Head.
B. The VILLAGE agrees to pay hospitalization, surgical and comprehensive
medical insurance for the MANAGER and his dependents and to pay the
premiums thereon equal to that which is provided all other similarly situated
VILLAGE employees employed in the position of Department Head.
C. MANAGER is responsible for any portion of the premium costs, deductible
amounts or other costs involved in maintaining coverage in these benefit
plans as required of all other similarly situated VILLAGE employees
employed in the position of Department Head.
D. The VILLAGE also agrees to reimburse MANAGER for the premium costs
he actually incurs to maintain his coverage in the life insurance policy with
State Farm Insurance Company in such amounts and subject to the same
terms and conditions that were in effect as of July 28, 2016 (Policy: LF -
2096 -3150). The approximate cost of the expense that will be incurred by
the VILLAGE pursuant to this Paragraph #5(D) is equal to Three Thousand,
Nine Hundred Dollars and 00/100 Dollars ($3,900) per calendar year as of
the effective date of this Agreement. MANAGER agrees and acknowledges
that he is responsible for the payment of any taxes and submission of proof
of payment of the premium costs as a condition of his receipt of
reimbursement under this Paragraph #5(D).
6. Vacation/Sick Leave/Personal Days.
A. MANAGER shall earn and accrue and have credited to his personal account
paid vacation days, sick leave, and personal days in the maximum amount
as available to other Department Heads employed by the VILLAGE
effective January 1, 2018, subject to the remaining provisions of such
benefit programs and Village policies.
B. Beginning calendar year 2022, MANAGER will receive twenty-eight (28)
days of paid vacation time off available and subject to the remaining
provisions of the VILLAGE policies.
C. MANAGER also will receive paid personal time off equal to five (5) days
per year, and sick days equal to twelve (12) days per calendar year.
D. The Parties agree and acknowledge that, pursuant to VILLAGE policy,
Personal and Sick Leave benefits are earned on a pro -rata basis throughout
the year and therefore the entire amount of the Personal and Sick Leave
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benefits will not be fully earned by MANAGER until and unless he remains
employed through December 31 of each calendar year.
E. The Parties agree and acknowledge that MANAGER will receive payment
at one hundred percent (100%) of all earned and unused sick time remaining
as of his Separation Date. The Village will take appropriate steps to amend
the Policy and/or RHS plan documents if necessary to effectuate this portion
of the Agreement.
7. Additional Fringe Benefits. In addition, all paid holiday, leave of absence rights
other fringe benefits and working conditions as they now exist or hereafter may be changed by the
Board shall also continue to apply to the MANAGER as they would to Department Heads of the
VILLAGE, except as otherwise provided for herein.
8. Retirement Benefits. MANAGER shall be covered and governed by the same
retirement system, the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund ("IMRF") as other non-public safety
Village employees in the position of Department Head. Calculations for retirement contributions
shall include all compensation normally reported to the Internal Revenue Service by Employer,
except as otherwise provided by IMRF regulations.
9. Deferred Compensation. The VILLAGE also will pay an additional amount of
six and one-half percent (6.5%) of MANAGER' s annualized Base Salary into a deferred
compensation plan for MANAGER (on a pro -rata basis for the remainder of current fiscal year),
subject to the remaining terms and conditions of the deferred compensation plan in effect for
employees of the VILLAGE.
10. Exclusivity. During the Term of this Agreement, MANAGER shall not directly or
indirectly perform any work or services for compensation or otherwise for any other governmental
body, business entity or other employer (including self-employment as a consultant, employee or
otherwise) without the prior written authorization of the Board.
11. Regular Hours of Work. It is recognized that MANAGER must devote a great
deal of his time outside normal office hours to the business of the VILLAGE and therefore
MANAGER will be allowed to vary his regular working hours in the office on a reasonable basis
as he shall deem appropriate and consistent with his remaining obligations to the Village.
12. Taxes. All salary, benefits, reimbursements, and other payments to MANAGER
under this Agreement shall be subject to all applicable payroll and withholding taxes and
deductions required by law. The MANAGER agrees that he shall be responsible for paying any
and all of the MANAGER's share of federal, state and local taxes.
13. Automobile Allowance. The MANAGER's duties require that he shall have a
means and mode of transportation available for business purposes. Accordingly, at the option of
the Board, the VILLAGE will provide MANAGER an Automobile Allowance subject to the
remaining provisions of this Paragraph. MANAGER's Automobile Allowance shall be in the
amount of Five Hundred and 00/100 Dollars ($500.00) per full calendar month during the Term
of this Agreement, exclusive of gasoline pursuant to Paragraph #17. Said Automobile Allowance
is intended to provide for MANAGER's costs to own and operate a vehicle and as such,
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MANAGER will not be eligible for reimbursement for maintenance or per mile rate allowances in
effect from time to time under Internal Revenue Service regulations. MANAGER shall carry all
necessary liability, property damage and comprehensive insurance for all of the vehicle(s) for
which the Automobile Allowance is used or provided. Upon request, the MANAGER will
promptly provide the VILLAGE proof that said vehicle(s) is/are properly insured and that
MANAGER possesses a valid driver's license and is otherwise authorized to operate the motorized
vehicle for which he receives payment under this Paragraph of the Agreement.
As an alternative, and in lieu of providing MANAGER the Automobile allowance
referenced earlier in this Paragraph #13, the VILLAGE has the option to continue to provide
MANAGER with the use of a VILLAGE -owned vehicle for his business and reasonable personal
use while employed by the VILLAGE pursuant to this Agreement. MANAGER's rights and
obligations while using this vehicle (including access to the then applicable resources of the
VILLAGE's Public Works vehicle maintenance division and applicable vehicle insurance
policies) will be the same or similar to the rights and obligations of other employees of the
VILLAGE who obtain this benefit. The Parties agree that, during such periods in which
MANAGER has access to a VILLAGE owned vehicle pursuant to this subparagraph, he will not
be eligible for an Automobile Allowance. Additionally, the Parties agree that MANAGER will be
responsible for any tax related consequences involved in his receipt of the handling of the
benefit(s) and privilege(s) referenced in this paragraph, as required by law.
14. Cellular Communication Device. The VILLAGE shall provide MANAGER with
a cellular telephone/communication device as necessary for MANAGER's performance of his job
and to maintain communication with the Board. MANAGER is authorized to use the cellular
telephone device for his exclusive and reasonable personal use during the term of his employment
under this Agreement. The Parties agree and acknowledge that the cellular telephone device will
remain the property of the VILLAGE and all communications and records are subject to inspection
as necessary pursuant to Village policy and as otherwise may be required by law.
15. Performance Evaluation/Base Salary Adiustment. Generally on an annual basis
during the Term of this Agreement, the VILLAGE agrees to periodically evaluate the performance
of the MANAGER to determine the extent to which the MANAGER has satisfactorily completed
or exceeded the goals and objectives mutually agreed to between the Parties. The VILLAGE agrees
to give periodic consideration to the amount of MANAGER's base salary for potential upward
adjustment(s) and/or a potential bonus payment from time to time in such amount(s) and to such
extent as the Village President and VILLAGE Board may determine in their sole and exclusive
discretion.
16. Performance Goals and Objectives. Generally on an annual basis, the Board and
the MANAGER shall meet to discuss and define such goals and performance objectives that they
determine necessary for the proper operation of the Village and in the attainment of the Village's
policy objectives. The Board shall further establish a relative priority among those various goals
and objectives, and it is agreed that the goals and objectives will be generally attainable within the
time limitations specified and the annual operating and capital budgets and appropriations
provided by the Board.
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17. General Expenses. The VILLAGE recognizes that certain expenses of a non -
personal and generally job -affiliated nature will be incurred by the MANAGER during the course
of his employment, and covenants hereby that it shall reimburse or pay such expenses.
Accordingly, the VILLAGE is authorized hereby to disburse such monies upon his receipt of
expense or petty cash vouchers, receipts, statements, or personal affidavits duly executed and given
him by the MANAGER. The MANAGER shall provide, on a monthly basis, an Expense Report
detailing all expenses incurred for said period, including the nature of the expense and purpose
thereof.
18. Professional Development. The VILLAGE will pay for the reasonable travel and
subsistence expenses of the MANAGER to pursue necessary official and other functions for the
VILLAGE including his attendance at one National conference and one State conference per fiscal
year. The VILLAGE also will pay MANAGER for the membership fees involved in the
participation in approved job-related professional associations. Reimbursement for MANAGER's
attendance at additional professional conferences will be budget dependent.
19. Termination. The Term of MANAGER's employment with the VILLAGE and
the VILLAGE's obligation(s) under this Agreement shall terminate immediately upon:
A. The death of the MANAGER; or the permanent or long tern disability of
MANAGER such that MANAGER becomes unable to perform his essential
job functions and duties for the VILLAGE (either with or without a
reasonable accommodation) due to sickness, accident, injury or mental
capacity which is reasonably expected to continue or does continue for a
period of four (4) consecutive months or sixteen (16) consecutive weeks (if
longer); or,
B. Resignation by the MANAGER. Nothing in this Agreement shall prevent,
limit, or otherwise interfere with the right of the MANAGER to resign at
any time from his position with the VILLAGE, subject only to sixty (60)
days' notice to this VILLAGE and subject to the provisions set forth in this
Agreement (or such alternate lesser time agreed to by the Parties); or,
C. Termination of the services of the MANAGER by the Village Board.
Nothing in this Agreement shall prevent, limit, or otherwise interfere with
the right of the Village Board to terminate the services of the MANAGER
at any time without hearing, with or without cause, and with notice, subject
only the provisions set forth in this Agreement.
20. Severance Pay Upon Termination. Except as provided otherwise in this
Agreement, in the event the services of the MANAGER are terminated by the Board without
"Cause", during the Term of Employment:
A. The VILLAGE shall provide MANAGER with six (6) months of advance
notice of termination or severance pay in the amount of six (6) months of
base salary in lieu of six (6) months of advance notice.
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B. Further, in the event that the Board terminates the Services of the
MANAGER without "Cause" during the Term of Employment, the
VILLAGE shall, at its cost, provide the Manager with continuing health
insurance benefits under the same terms and conditions as provided while
the MANAGER was employed under this Agreement, which health
insurance benefits shall remain in effect only until the MANAGER is hired
by another employer that provides the MANAGER with health insurance
benefits as follows: (i) if the BOARD decides to provide the MANAGER
severance pay in lieu of providing six (6) months advance notice of
termination, the VILLAGE shall provide the MANAGER with a minimum
of twelve (12) months of health insurance benefits from the date of
termination or (ii) if the BOARD decides to provide the MANAGER six (6)
months advance notice of termination in lieu of providing severance pay,
the VILLAGE shall provide the MANAGER with a maximum of six (6)
months of health insurance benefits from the date of termination.
C. For purposes of this Agreement, "Cause" means (i) commission by the
MANAGER of misfeasance or malfeasance in office, fraud,
misappropriation or embezzlement involving property of the VILLAGE, or
any other intentional wrongful acts which involve personal gain to the
MANAGER; or (ii) commission by the MANAGER of a felony; or (iii)
MANAGER's failure to comply with his obligations to relocate to the
VILLAGE pursuant to this Agreement; or (iv) commission by the
MANAGER of any activity or conduct which could or is reasonably likely
to bring dishonor or disrepute to the position of MANAGER or to the
VILLAGE, including but not limited to theft, dishonesty, or conviction of a
crime involving drug abuse or moral turpitude. Any misfeasance that is fully
cured by the MANAGER within thirty (30) days of the MANAGER's being
given notice of such by the Village President shall not be deemed to be
"Cause" for the purposes of this Agreement. The MANAGER shall have no
ability, however, to cure any of the other acts enumerated as constituting
"Cause" in this paragraph.
D. The Parties also agree that the VILLAGE shall have "Cause" to terminate
this Agreement and no obligation to provide notice or pay severance to the
MANAGER in the event the employment relationship of the MANAGER
and this Agreement is terminated by the MANAGER due to Resignation
and/or due to the triggering of the events referenced above in Paragraphs
#19(A) or (B).
E. If MANAGER is entitled to receive any severance payment under this
Agreement, MANAGER agrees to execute and fully comply with the terms
of a release agreement releasing the VILLAGE, including all elected
officials, employees and representatives in any and all capacities
(collectively referred to as the "VILLAGE Releasees") from any and all
causes of action, claims and demands which MANAGER may have against
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the VILLAGE Releases to the fullest extent of the law through the time of
execution of that release agreement.
21. Property of the Village. All business plans, financial data, reports, memoranda,
correspondence and all other documents pertaining to the current or prospective business of the
VILLAGE are and shall at all times remain the property of the VILLAGE. The MANAGER
covenants that, upon the termination of the Term of Employment, the MANAGER shall not retain,
and shall return to the VILLAGE, all documents (in any form) pertaining to the current or
prospective business activities of the VILLAGE. The MANAGER also covenants that, upon the
termination of the Term of Employment, he shall return all clothing, computer equipment or
devices, emergency gear and other items of VILLAGE property that were made available to him
during his employment.
22. Indemnification. In addition to that required under state and local law, the
VILLAGE shall defend, save harmless and indemnify MANAGER against any tort, professional
liability or demand or other legal action, arising out of an alleged act or omission occurred in the
performance of MANAGER's duties as Village Manager in accordance with this Agreement, other
than those arising from MANAGER's own negligence or knowing or willful misconduct. If
applicable, the VILLAGE will have the right to compromise and settle any such claim or suit and
pay the amount of any settlement or judgment rendered thereon.
23. Confidentiality. The MANAGER acknowledges that the MANAGER will have
access to confidential information (hereinafter referred to as "Confidential Information") which is
not generally known outside the VILLAGE. Confidential Information shall not include public
documents or information which would otherwise constitute Confidential Information, but which
has become public other than through a breach of this Agreement or other improper means. Said
confidentiality shall be subject to any applicable exception of the state or federal Freedom of
Information Act.
24. Burden and Benefit. This Agreement shall be binding upon, and shall inure to the
benefit of the Parties, and their respective heirs, personal and legal representatives, successors, and
assigns. The failure of either Party to exercise any right, power or remedy given to it under this
Agreement, or to insist upon strict compliance with the terms hereof, shall not constitute a waiver
of the terms and conditions of this Agreement with respect to any other or subsequent breach, nor
a waiver by any Party of its or his rights at any time to require exact and strict compliance with all
of the terms of this Agreement. The rights or remedies under this Agreement are cumulative to any
other rights or remedies which may be granted by law.
25. Notice Provisions. Any notice required to be given hereunder shall be deemed
given, if in writing and sent by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, United States
postage prepaid, to the last known residence, in the case of the MANAGER, and to the Village
Clerk with a copy to the Village President at Village Hall, 50 S. Emerson Street, Mount Prospect,
Illinois 60056, in the case of VILLAGE. Alternatively, notices required per this Agreement may
be personally served in the same manner as is applicable to civil judicial practice.
26. Entire Agreement. This Agreement contains the entire agreement and
understanding by and between the Parties with respect to the employment referred to herein, and
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no representations, promises, agreements or understandings, written or oral, not herein contained
shall be of any force or effect. No change or modification hereof shall be valid or binding unless
the same is in writing and signed by the Parties. No waiver of any provision of this Agreement
shall be valid unless the same is in writing and signed by the Party against whom such waiver is
sought to be enforced; moreover, no valid waiver of any provision of this Agreement at any time
shall be deemed a valid waiver of such provision at any other time. The terms of this Agreement
supersede the terms set forth in all prior Employment Agreements (and amendment(s)) related
to Employee's employment relationship with the Village.
27. Governing Law and Venue. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance
with the laws of the State of Illinois. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of
this Agreement shall not invalidate any other provision. If any provision of this Agreement is
capable of two constructions, one of which would render the provision invalid and the other
of which would make the provision valid, then the provision shall have the meaning which
renders it valid. Further, as of the time of execution of this Agreement, the terms of 5 ILCS
415/10 were inapplicable to the Village by virtue of its home rule powers. In the unlikely
event a court ruling issued after the execution of this Agreement determines that 5 ILCS
415/10 applies, the notice period referenced in Section #20 will be construed as a cap of 20
weeks of severance and/or no severance if MANAGER is terminated formisconduct.
28. The Parties agree that, for the purpose of any litigation or proceeding regarding
the terms and conditions of this Agreement, venue shall be proper in Cook County, Illinois. The
Parties agree to voluntary submit to the jurisdiction of the courts for any suchproceeding.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the VILLAGE OF MOUNT PROSPECT, at a
properly convened public meeting and pursuant to authority provided by law, have hereby
approved this Agreement by the Village Board, authorizing the execution of said Agreement
by the VILLAGE President with an attestation by the Village Clerk, and that Michael J.
Cassady has voluntarily executed this Agreement and that the Parties hereto have entered their
hands and seals the day and year first above written.
VILLAGE OF MOUNT PROSPECT VILLAGE MANAGER
Paul Hoefert, Mayor
Karen M. Agoranos, Village Clerk
Michael J. Cassady