Mr. Tree is looking to stiff the citizens of Twentynine Palms just in case a new Council decides they need to replace him. The existing contract with Michael Tree forces the city to pay 6 months of his salary if he is fired or replaced. He is asking for a change in his contract that will boost it to a full year (12 months) of pay to get rid of him. Don’t you wish you had a deal like that with your boss?

CITY OF 29 PALMS
AGENDA REPORT
DATE: February 26, 2010
TO: CITY COUNCIL
FROM: PATRICK MUÑOZ, CITY ATTORNEY

SUBJECT: FIFTH AMENDMENT TO EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT FOR CITY MANAGER MICHAEL TREE
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Approve the Fifth Amendment to the Employment Contract for City Manager Michael
Tree.
BACKGROUND:
On May 9, 2006, the City Council approved an employment contract with Mr. Tree to serve as City Manager (“Contract”). The Council is being asked to amend the Contract bearing in mind the Council’s recent favorable evaluation of Mr. Tree’s service and performance.
DISCUSSION:
Mr. Tree asks that his Contract be modified such that his severance pay is increased  from six (6) months to twelve (12) months and that his cell phone allowance be  increased from One Hundred Firfty Dollars ($150) to One Hundred Seventy Five Dollars  ($175). Our office has prepared a contract amendment reflecting these changes which is attached for your consideration and approval.
ATTACHED DOCUMENTS:
a. Fifth Amendment to the Employment Contract Between the City of 29 Palms and Michael Tree
Reviewed By:
DH __
CM _x_
CA _