I.B. CITY MANAGER LEAVING FOR NEW JOB IN SAN CLEMENTE

Andy Hall will take same position in Orange County city

Imperial Beach City Manager Andy Hall is resigning and is expected to begin a new job in the same role next month in San Clemente.

The Orange County municipality’s City Council last week unanimously approved a three-year employment contract with him, which becomes effective Feb. 20, according to the agreement.

“I’m really looking forward to this,” said Hall during the City Council meeting. In a recent statement, he said his wife is from Orange County and they both have family in the area.

“I also look forward to my future time in (Imperial Beach), not as an employee, but rather just spending time in one of the most awesome places in the world,” said Hall.

During the San Clemente council meeting’s public comment period, some people raised concern over Hall taking on a larger city. San Clemente’s 64,000 population is more than double that of Imperial Beach’s population.

Hall, 56, said he has had experience with both large and small organizations. He served as city manager for Riverside County’s Cathedral

City and as assistant city manager in Draper City, Utah. Since August 2013, he has worked with the South County city to address issues such as the Tijuana sewage spill, welcoming more businesses and improving public safety and recreational opportunities.

“If he could do this job for free, he would do it,” said Erika Cortez-martinez, Imperial Beach’s chief administrative officer.

In Imperial Beach, Hall had been earning a base pay of about $230,000, plus benefits. His San Clemente role will come with a starting salary of $270,000, plus benefits, a $600 monthly car allowance and a ninemonth severance package.

The Imperial Beach City Council is expected to consider a replacement at a future meeting. Hall leaves behind Cortez-martinez and Deputy City Manager Tyler Foltz.

Mayor Paloma Aguirre said “there is a deep bench in (Imperial Beach)” upon Hall’s absence and “talented staff members will step forward.”

“While I am so supportive of his continued professional development and an opportunity to be closer to his family, I will miss working closely with Andy as I have four years as a member of the City Council and in my new role as mayor,” added Aguirre.