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HomeMy WebLinkAbout25-115 Appointing an Interim Town Manager Agreement Raelynn Ferrera 11-12-2025RESOLUTION NO, 25415 11 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE TOWN OF FIRESTONE, COLORADO APPOINTING AN INTERIM TOWN MANAGER AND APPROVING A TEMPORARY ASSIGNMENT AGREEMENT PERTAINING THERETO WHEREAS, the Town of Firestone`s ("Town") Town Manager, A.J. Krieger, has voluntarily resigned that position effective November 5, 2025, which resignation has been accepted by the `I"own Board; and WHEREAS, the Town Board finds it is necessary to appoint an individual to serve as town manager on an interim basis while the Town Board conducts a search and recruitment for a new town manager, and WHEREAS, Martha Raelynn Ferrera has been employed by the Town as the Assistant Town Manager since February ° 2023; and WHEREAS, during the interim period between Mr. Krieger's final day as Town Manager on November 5, 2025, and until a new Town Manager is duly appointed and commences work for the Town, the Town Board desires to appoint Ms. Ferrera as Interim Town Manager to have and perform all duties, responsibilities, functions, and authority of the town manager, and WHEREAS, Ms. Ferrera desires to accept the appointment to serve as Interim Town Manager pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in the "Temporary Assignment Agreement Interim Town Manager" attached to this resolution. NOW, THEREFORE E IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE TOWN OF FIRESTONE, COLORADO: Section 1. The Town Board hereby appoints Martha R.aelynn Ferrera to serve as the Interim Town Manager of the Town of Firestone and to have and perform all duties, responsibilities, functions, and authority of the town manager as set forth in state statutes and the Firestone Municipal Code, such appointment effective and commencing on November 12, 2025, and extending until the first day a duly appointed Town Manager commences work for the "Town; Section 2m The Town Board hereby approves the "Temporary° Assignment Agreement Interim Town Manager" between the Town and Ms. Ferrera in substantially the same form as the copy attached to this resolution, with such with such additions or modifications as the Town Attorney and the Ad Hoe Interim Manager Committee may determine to be necessary and appropriate to protect the interests of the Town or to effectuate the purposes of this Resolution. The Mayor is authorized to execute said agreement on behalf of the town. PASSED AND ADOPTED this) .t` y of 2025, ATT. , T: IS TEMPORARY ASSIGNMENT AGREEMENT (Agreement') is entered into this cay of o by and between MARTHA RAELYNN FERRERA (referred to as `"Ms. Ferrera or the "Interim Town Manager") and the TOWN OF FIRESTONE, COLORADO. a statutory municipality of the State of Colorado (the '"Town'"). The Town and the Interim Town Manager may he collectively referred to herein as the ""Parties." WHEREAS, the Town desires to retain the services of an Interim Town Manage' to temporarily perform the general duties of the Town Manager, pursuant to applicable state laws and as provided in Chapter 2.12 of the Firestone Municipal Code ("Municipal Code, and this Agreement; and WHEREAS, it is the desire of the Town of Firestone Hurd of Trustees ("Town Hoard") to provide certain benefits and establish certain conditions of temporary employment for the Interim Town Manager; and WHEREAS, Ms, Ferrora currently serves as Assistant Town Manager, is qualified to accept the temporary assignment and employment by the Town as Interim Town Manager, and is willing to assume the duties of Interim Town Manager„ and WHEREAS, the Parties wish to set forth the terms governing this temporary assignment.. NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the benefits and obligations of this Agreement. the Parties mutually agree as follows, iIt 1.1Duties. The Town shall employ Ms. For 'era as Interim Town Manager to perform the functions and duties of the Town Manager as specified in state statute, the Municipal Code, this Agreement, as such authority may be amended, and any other applicable laws, ordinances, resolutions or directives promulgated by the Town Hoard. The Interim Town Manager shall perform any legally permissible and proper duties and functions as the Town Board shall from time -to -time assign to her as Interim TownManage' . The Interim Town Manager shall take direction from the Town Hoard, as a whole. Individual Board Members shall not give direst orders to the Interim Town Manager, 1.2 Exclusivity. The Interim Town Manager shall be in the exclusive employ of the Town, and shall neither accept other employment nor become employed by another employer while serving as the Interim Town Manager. 1.3 Present Duties as Assistant Town Manager; Ms. Ferrera`s current duties as Assistant [own Manager are incorporated into her Interim Town Manager responsibilities: Ms; Ferrer a' may at any time for any or no reason assign and delegate all or portions of her present responsibilities and duties of the Assistant Town Manager to one or more qualified 1 Town employees or presently engaged independent contractors with the Town during her performance as Interim Town Manager, as deemed most efficient and effective by her. Such delegation, however, shall be made in writing. In the event of such delegation, Ms. Ferrera shall be necessarily obligated and engaged to supervise and assist the person in the transition and performance of such delegated responsibilities or duties. ��� a :. � - ..�� � � - - � �_ � - ,, •- �r-� ,��� _ i ♦ e .rya � � � - - � M � _ • � a_ . � * I" - SI *4 *_ $_ I • � ter. - .• � �'♦ s _ - � . �t- . � . IL � •. . � # � .Ili . r .. � ,. � r I (i) Any violation of the Municipal Code of Conduct/Code of Ethics, as may be amended, or Colorado ethic laws applicable to local government employees, or (ii) Any breach of the terms of this Agreement by Ms. Ferrera; or (iii) Any failure to obtain, and maintain, a security clearance pursuant to the Federal Bureau of Investigation's "Criminal Justice Information System Security Policy" that would allow unaccompanied, roaming access to all secure areas of the Police Department (which requires a national finger- print records check through the Colorado Bureau of Investigation); or (iv) Injury to the economic or ethical welfare of the Town by Ms. Ferrera's misconduct or inattention to her duties and responsibilities under this Agreement, including engaging in any activity that the Town Board, in its sole discretion, determines creates a substantial and legally recognized conflict of interest with the Town, a breach of the public trust as defined by Title 24, Article 18, of the Colorado Revised Statutes, or objectively and reasonably creates the appearance of moral turpitude; or (v) Any violation of a term of the Town's employee handbook or other employment policies; or (vi) Engaging in any of the following forms of misconduct: a. conviction of any felony or any other illegal act involving moral turpitude, fraudulent conduct, or personal gain to the Interim Town Manager; b. conviction of any felony; or c theft of Town property or public funds, or material misuse of any assets of the Town; or d, insubordination, nonfeasance, misfeasance, or malfeasance in the performance of duties as such terms are defined and interpreted by Colorado law; or the use of controlled substances on Town premises,or appearing on such premises while intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol or drugs not prescribed by a physician; any illegal use of any controlled substance; or illegal gambling on Town's premises. If the Interim Town Manager's employment is terminated by the Town for cause, Ms. Ferrera shall be entitled to receive only the salary and associated benefits as outlined in Section 3 through the date of termination. C Commencement of Employment of New Town Manager, This Agreement shall be deemed terminated in its entirety without further action of the Parties upon the date of commencement of employment of a person appointed by the Town Board to serve as the chief executive officer and Town Manager for the Town, In such 9 event, Ms. Ferrera shall cooperate and assist the Town in the transition of her duties to the appointed Town Manager and shall be eligible for and may elect to resume her position as Town Assistant Town Manager. D Resignation of Appointment Ms. Ferrera may voluntarily resign her appointment as Interim Town Manager at any time for any or no reason upon written notice delivered to the Town Board provided that: (i) the effective date of such resignation is not less than ten (10) business days following delivery of such notice. Between notice and the effective date of resignation, Ms. Ferrera shall cooperate and assist in the transition of her duties to another person designated by the Town Board to assume the interim duties of Ms. Ferrera, Upon the effective date of such resignation this Agreement shall be deemed terminated in its entirety without further action of the Parties Ms. Ferrera shall be eligible for restoration to and may elect to resume her former position as Assistant Town Manager. E. Resignation of Town Employment., Ms. Ferrera may voluntarily resign all employment in all capacities with the Town at any time. Upon such resignation, this Agreement shall be deemed terminated in its entirety without further action of the Parties. F. D sability. In the event of disability of Ms. Ferrera, the Town Board may elect, in its sole discretion, to release Ms. Ferrera from employment hereunder and may thereafter terminate this Agreement without need for further action by the Parties upon such date of incapacity. `"Disability" means Ms. Ferrera's physical or mental incapacity resulting in Ms Ferrera being unable to perform the duties, with or without reasonable accommodation, for any consecutive six-month period if the disability is work -related or three month period if other than work -related, or for any six non-consecutive months in any consecutive twelve-month period due to a work - related injury or any three non-consecutive months in any consecutive twelve month period due to an injury or condition that is not work -related. Any question as to the existence of the Disability of Ms. Ferrera as to which Ms. Ferrera and Town cannot agree shall be determined in writing by a qualified independent physician as appointed by Town and Ms. Ferrera (or Ms. Ferrera's representative). The determination of Disability in writing made to the Town and Ms. Ferrera by the qualified independent physician shall be final and conclusive for all purposes of this Interim Agreement. Nothing in this provision or Agreement shall be construed as a waiver of Ms, Ferrera's rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act, where applicable. Effect of Agreement Termination and Resumption of Duties as Assistant Town Manager. A. In the event this Agreement is terminated, and Ms. Ferrera is both eligible to be restored and does resume duties as the Assistant Town Manager in accordance with this Agreement, then (i) Ms. Ferrera shall resume all duties, salary, benefits, and responsibilities then -existing as Assistant Town Manager immediately prior to the time of her appointment to the position of Interim Town Manager, provided, however, that amendments, changes, decreases, or increases in any benefits accruing to all other similarly situated executive level personnel Is shall be effective as to the position of Assistant Town Manager and Ms, Ferrera: (ii) Ms, Ferrera's compensation shall be adjusted back to her Assistant Town Manager salary in effect immediately prior to the Effective Date, (iii) Ms. Ferrera will be subject to the provisions contained in the Town's personnel policies, with all benefits existing thereunder as of the date M. Ferrera is restored to the Assistant Town Manager position, subject to all applicable leave accrual rates that were in effect for M. Ferrera immediately prior to the Effective date. (iv) Ms. Ferrera shall receive merit pay adjustment for the salary of the position of Assistant Town Manager effective upon resumption of her duties as Assistant Town Manager, which adjustment shall be equal to the highest merit pay increaseawarded to the members of senior staff. B The Town shall not consider any errors, omissions, or deficiencies in Ms. Ferrera performance, as Interim Town Manager in any subsequent review or evaluation of Ms. Ferrera's performance as Assistant Town Manager except to such extent that any error, omission, or deficiency was found to violate the Municipal Code of Conduct/Code of Ethics, as may be amended. 3.1 Compensation, During the period of service as Interim Town Manager, Ms. Ferrera shall continue to receive the same pay and benefits associated with her current position as Assistant Town Manager. In addition, and in consideration of the performance of duties as Interim Town Manager, the Town shall compensate the Interim Town Manager as total compensation as follows: A An additional monthly compensation payment in the amount of $1,500lmonth for services rendered pursuant to this Agreementpayable in like time and manner as other Town employee compensation. This monthly incentive shall be in effect beginning on the Effective Date and remain in effect for the term of this Agreement unless modified by mutual written agreement of the Parties. B. An bonus payment of $5,00000 for services rendered pursuant to this Agreement, to be paid in a lump sum at the next payroll period occurring after the effective date of termination.. Such payment shall be subject to all applicable deductions and withholdings. C. Full -Time. The position of Interim Town Manager is an exempt position under the provision of the Fair Labor Standards Act. As such, the Interim Town Manager shall not be bound by the record keeping or overtime provisions of the Act and shall not earn overtime pay or compensatory time. 3.2 Benefits. . Ms. Ferrera shall retain all accrued retirement benefits, paid time off, and other leave earned as Assistant Town Manager through the Effective Date. As Interim Town 5 Manager, she will continue to accrue paid time off at the rate specified in the Firestone Employee Handbook, including applicable accrual and carryover limits. She will also continue to receive insurance benefits, paid holidays, and other leave provided to exempt executive -level employees under the Employee Handbook. The Town will continue mandatory PERA retirement contributions in accordance with M. Ferrera's tenure and the Employee Handbook but will not contribute to her voluntary PERA 457 plan. A General Business Expenses, The Town shall reimburse Ms. Ferrera for her actually incurred and documented reasonable business expenses of a directly job - related nature (documented in accordance with Town policies for reimbursement of expenses) to the extent funds are budgeted by the Town Board, including reasonable and necessary travel and subsistence expenses, which are mutually determined necessary for the Interim Town Manager to adequately pursue official and other functions for the Town. B. Dues and Subscriptions. The Town shall budget and pay for reasonable professional dues and subscriptions of the Interim Town Manager in CML, ICMA, CCMA, or other professional organizations, which assist Ms. Ferrera in performing her duties as the Interim Town Manager and maintaining business relationships beneficial to the Town's interests. 4.1 Maims Challenging Town Law, Ordinance, ule, or Policy/Procedure, In the event any claim is asserted by a third -party against the Interim Town Manager in her official capacity alleging that any law, statute, ordinance, rule or approved Town policy or procedure is unlawful, unconstitutional or otherwise improper, then: A. The Town may, at its sole discretion, decide how to defend, to not defend, to settle, to confess, to compromise, or to otherwise direct the manner in which such claim is addressed; and B. The Interim Town Manager shall reasonably cooperate with the Town in any Town defense of such claim; and C. To the extent authorized by law and without waiving the provisions of the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act, the Town shall indemnify and hold the Interim Town Manager harmless for any damages, liability, or court awards, including costs and attorney's fees that are or may be awarded as a result of any loss, injury or damage sustained or claimed to have been sustained by any third -party, including but not limited to, any person, firm, partnership, or corporation, in connection with or arising out of such claim challenging a Town law, ordinance, rule; policy, or procedure, 4 2 Indemnification for Claims Within Scope of Employment For any claim not within the scope of Section 4,1 above and the greatest extent required or permitted by law, the Town 0 expressly agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Ms. Ferrera from any and all damages, liability, or court awards, including costs and attorney's fees that are or may be awarded as a result of any loss, injury or damage sustained or claimed to have been sustained by any third -party, including but not limited to, any person, firm, partnership, or corporation, in connection with or arising out of any negligent conduct, error, omission, or act of commission by Ms. Ferrera which conduct, error, omission, or act is in the scope of her duties as the Interim Town Manager. The Town's obligation to indemnify pursuant to this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement and shall be applicable regardless of whether Mss Ferrera remains an employee of the Town. 5.1 No Multiple Year Obligation. Nothing in this Agreement shall create a multiple -fiscal year financial obligation as contemplated and as prohibited by Article X, § 20 of the Colorado Constitution, 5.2 Binding Effect, The Parties agree that this Agreement, by its terms, shall be binding upon the successors, heirs, legal representatives, and assigns. 5,3 No T ird arty Beneficiaries. Nothing contained in this Agreement is intended to or shall create a contractual relationship with, cause of action in favor of, or claim for relief for, any third -party. Absolutely no third -party beneficiaries are intended by this Agreement. Any third -party receiving a benefit from this Agreement is an incidental and unintended beneficiary only. 5.4 Governing Law, Venue, and Enforcement This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted according to the law of the State of Colorado. Venue for any action arising under this Agreement shall be in the appropriate court for Weld County, Colorado. To reduce the cost of dispute resolution and to expedite the resolution of disputes under this Agreement, the Parties hereby waive any and all right either may have to request a jury trial in any civil action relating primarily to the enforcement of this Agreement. The Parties agree that the rule that ambiguities in a contract are to be construed against the drafting party shall not apply to the interpretation of this Agreement. 5.5 Survival of Terms and Conditions, The Parties understand and agree that all terms and, conditions of the Agreement that require continued performance, compliance, or effect beyond the termination date of the Agreement shall survive such termination date and shall be enforceable in the event of a failure to perform or comply. 5.6 Assignment and Release. All or part of the rights, duties, obligations, responsibilities, or benefits set forth in this Agreement shall not be assignable. 5,7 Integration and Amendment, This Agreement represents the entire and integrated agreement between the Town and the Interim Town Manager and supersedes all prior negotiations, representations, or agreements, either written or oral. This Agreement may only be amended by a written instrument, duly executed by each Party. 5.8 everability. Invalidation of any of the provisions of this Agreement or any paragraph, sentence, clause, phrase, or word herein or the application thereof in any given circumstance shall not affect the validity of any other provision of this Agreement. 7 5.9 Notices. Any notice required or permitted by this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been sufficiently given for all purposes if sent by certified mail or registered mail, postage and fees prepaid, addressed to the Party to whom such notice is to be given at the address set forth below or at such other address as has been previously furnished in writing, to the other Party. Such notice shall be deemed to have been given when deposited in the United States Mail properly addressed to the intended recipient: If to the Town: Mayor Town of Firestone 9950 Park Avenue Firestone, Colorado 80504 With Copy to. Town Attorney 13133 E Arapahoe Rd., Suite 100 Centennial, Colorado 80112 If'to the Interim Town Manager: Martha Raelynn Ferrera Town of Firestone 9950 Park Avenue Firestone, Colorado 80504 510 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts. The signatures required for execution may be transmitted by facsimile or electronically (scan and e-mail), and such facsimile or electronic signatureshall be deemed a duplicate original, shall be effective upon receipt, may be admitted in evidence, and shall fully bind the party making such signature. El By. Don cnyac ir.. Mayoi I'P }V TO FORM: For Town Attorney's Office i , * Ferrera STATE OF COLORADO ss COUNTY OF iEL Inc foregoing Temporary Assignment Agreement was acknowledged before me this day of 2i;5 by Martha Raelvnn Ferrera. Witness ny hand and official seal. 0 so STA1. C d T YILA 01 7447 My commission expires: I Nt3tarf iblic {Required for ell contracts pursuant to C.R.s,_§ s --4a- 02(b)(OVJ,j ®*