HomeMy WebLinkAboutRalph Andersen & Associates 1.12.2026Professional Services Agreement
Ralph Andersen & Associates
12/29/25
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
This Agreement is made by and between the TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS (TOWN), and
RALPH ANDERSEN & ASSOCIATES (CONSULTANT). Hereinafter, individually referred to as
the party, or collectively as the parties.
A. Engagement: TOWN agrees to engage CONSULTANT to perform the services
described below, the project described as an executive recruitment for a City Manager
position (the WORK).
B. Services: CONSULTANT agrees to perform certain services necessary for the
completion of the WORK, as described in detail in CONSULTANT’s proposal
attached as Exhibit A (the PROPOSAL) which services shall include but not be limited
to the following:
a. Review Project Management Approach
b. Develop Position Profile
c. Develop Advertising Campaign and Recruitment Brochure
d. Recruit Candidates
e. Screen Candidates
f. Conduct Personal Interviews
g. Conduct Public Record Search
h. Provide Search Report with Group of Top Candidates
i. Assist with Coordination of Selection Process
j. Facilitate Final Interviews
k. Conduct Detailed Reference Checks
l. Assist with Negotiations
m. Provide Complete Administrative Assistance as described in the proposal
dated December 11, 2025.
n. Potential subsequent recruitment (subject to Town payment of direct
expenses)
C. Project Timing: CONSULTANT shall complete the WORK in no more than one-
hundred and twenty days (120) from the date of execution of this Agreement, as
further set forth in the PROPOSAL.
D. Relationship: CONSULTANT is an independent contractor and is not to be
considered an agent or employee of TOWN.
E. Compensation:
i. As full compensation for CONSULTANT to perform the WORK hereunder,
TOWN shall pay CONSULTANT the fixed amount of Thirty-Thousand
Dollars ($30,000) (referred to as “FIXED FEE”). This FIXED FEE includes
all expenses and time for services by the CONSULTANT and for Fred Wilson
to attend one on-site meeting at TOWN’s place of business for finalist
interviews.
Professional Services Agreement
Ralph Andersen & Associates
12/29/25
ii. In the event TOWN elects to require additional services of CONSULTANT
in addition to those described in the PROPOSAL, CONSULTANT shall be
compensated at a rate agreed upon in writing.
iii. CONSULTANT shall not be entitled to reimbursement for expenses from
TOWN, unless such expenses are outside of the scope of the PROPOSAL
and authorized in writing by TOWN.
iv. Any candidate travel expenses will be the responsibility of TOWN.
F.Hours Tracking: Hours spent on all services necessary to carry out the WORK shall
be documented and CONSULTANT shall provide a report every two-weeks,
following the start of the WORK, of the hours spent by each CONSULTANT
employee or agent.
G. Guarantee: If the City Manager resigns or is dismissed for cause within a one-year
period after appointment to TOWN, CONSULTANT shall conduct another search
free of all professional services charges. The TOWN would be responsible for
reimbursement of all reasonable expenses directly incurred by CONSULTANT.
H.Method of Payment: CONSULTANT will invoice TOWN for the FIXED FEE in
four installments, as follows and as further described in the PROPOSAL:
i. Following kick-off and finalization of recruitment brochure - $7,500
ii. After the candidate recruitment closing date - $7,500
iii. After finalist interviews - $7,500
iv. Upon placement of a city manager - $7,500
Invoices shall be submitted to the following TOWN individual or department:
Invoicing/Billing Contact (TOWN):
Steve Mattas, City Attorney
Town of Los Altos Hills
steve.mattas@redwoodpubliclaw.com
I. Term: The term of this Agreement shall commence upon full execution of this
Agreement, at which time CONSULTANT shall begin the WORK and shall continue
until the Work is completed. Completion of the Work is defined as the TOWN’s offer
being accepted by the selected candidate. Any Guarantee and Indemnity terms as
described herein shall continue beyond the term of this Agreement.
J.Termination: This Agreement may be terminated; (a) by either party at any time for
failure of the other party to comply with the terms and conditions of this Agreement;
(b) by either party upon 10 days’ prior written notice to the other party; or (c) upon
mutual written agreement of both parties. In the event of termination,
CONSULTANT shall stop work immediately and shall be entitled to applicable
installments of the FIXED FEES for the WORK completed prior to the date of
termination.
Professional Services Agreement
Ralph Andersen & Associates
12/29/25
K. Indemnification, Defense and Hold Harmless: To the fullest extent permitted by law,
CONSULTANT shall indemnify, defend with counsel approved by the TOWN, and
hold harmless the TOWN, its officials, officers, employees, agents, and volunteers
(collectively, “Indemnitees”) from and against any and all causes of action, losses,
liability, claims, suits, actions, damages, expenses and costs ((including without
limitation, attorney’s fees, and costs and fees of litigation) (collectively, “Liability”) of
every nature arising out of or in connection with CONSULTANT’s performance of
the WORK under this Agreement, or its failure to comply with any of its obligations
contained in this Agreement, or its failure to comply with any applicable law or
regulation. The foregoing obligation of CONSULTANT shall not apply when (1) the
injury, loss of life, damage to property, or violation of law arises solely from the gross
negligence or willful misconduct of the TOWN, its officers, officials, employees,
agents, or volunteers and (2) the actions of CONSULTANT or its employees,
subcontractor, or agents have contributed in no part to the injury, loss of life, damage
to property, or violation of law. The duty of CONSULTANT to indemnify and hold
harmless includes the duty to defend as set forth in Section 2778 of the California Civil
Code. With respect to third party claims against CONSULTANT, CONSULTANT
waives any and all rights of any type to express or implied indemnity against the
Indemnitees.
L. Miscellaneous:
a. The entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter
hereunder is contained in this Agreement.
b. Neither this Agreement nor any rights or obligations hereunder shall be
assigned or delegated by CONSULTANT without the prior written consent
of TOWN.
c. This Agreement shall be modified only by written agreement duly executed by
TOWN and CONSULTANT.
d. Should any of the provisions hereunder be found to be invalid, void or
voidable by a court, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and
effect.
e. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the
laws of the State of California and any legal challenge shall be venued in the
court of competent jurisdiction in the County of Santa Clara.
f. All notices required or permitted under this Agreement shall be deemed to
have been given if and when deposited in the United States mail, properly
stamped and addressed to the party for whom intended at such party's address
listed below, or when delivered personally to such party. A party may change
its address for notice hereunder by giving written notice to the other party.
Wherefore, the parties have entered into this Agreement as of the later of the dates stated below.
[SIGNATURES ON FOLLOWING PAGE]
Professional Services Agreement
Ralph Andersen & Associates
12/29/25
Approved:
Dated: RALPH ANDERSEN & ASSOCIATES
By: _____________________________
Heather Renschler
Title: President/CEO
5800 Stanford Ranch Road, #410
Rocklin, CA 95765
Dated: TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS
By: _____________________________
Rajiv Bhateja
Title: Mayor
Approved as to Form
By: _____________________________
Steve Mattas
Title: City Attorney
13/01/26
Steve Mattas (Jan 13, 2026 12:02:03 PST)
Rajiv Bhateja (Jan 13, 2026 14:20:14 PST)
Rajiv Bhateja13/01/26
5800 Stanford Ranch Road
Suite 410
Rocklin, California 95765
916.630.4900
w w w . r a l p h a n d e r s e n . c o m
December 11, 2025
Mayor Kavita Tankha and
Members of the City Council
Town of Los Altos Hills
26379 Fremont Road
Los Altos Hills, California 94022
Via Email to Ali Wolf, Assistant City Attorney at alexandra.wolf@redwoodpubliclaw.com
RE: Proposal - City Manager Recruitment Services
Dear Mayor Tankha and Members of the City Council:
We are pleased to submit this Proposal to recruit for the position of City Manager for the Town of
Los Altos Hills. We will facilitate this recruitment process and value to the entire recruitment and
selection process.
As a former City Manager with over 30+ years of experience, including 20 years serving as a City
Manager in different communities, Mr. Wilson is highly qualified to lead this search. He is available
to start the project and attend on-site client meetings, as necessary. Mr. Wilson has completed over
35 City Manager recruitments with Ralph Andersen & Associates, primarily focused in California.
Our proposal outlines the firm’s experience in conducting City Manager recruitments, the
methodology/work plan and timeline to accomplish the search tasks, and the cost to conduct a
comprehensive search process. If selected, Mr. Wilson will be available to begin work on this project
within 10 days (or sooner) after the Town provides a contract or an official notice to proceed.
Additionally, we are providing sample work product as follows: Sample Recruitment Brochures for
City Manager recruitments conducted for the City of Gilroy and the City of South Pasadena. We are
also providing a sample Candidate Screening Interview Questionnaire and Sample Candidate
Report, including a sample reference summary.
We are proud of how we market and represent our clients. All of the design and graphics of our
marketing material are done in-house, so we can control the quality and production timing. To see
samples of our recruitment brochures and learn how we market our clients digitally, please visit the
Career Opportunities page of our website at www.ralphandersen.com.
Should you need any clarification, please feel free to call Mr. Wilson at (916) 630-4900 (office) or
(714) 421-3258 (cell). Additionally, I am also available to respond to any questions, as needed. I am
best reached at (916) 804-2885 (cell).
Thank you very much for your consideration of this proposal.
Respectfully Submitted,
Heather Renschler
President/CEO
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Qualifications of the Firm
Executive Summary
Attracting top talent has never been more complex and Ralph Andersen & Associates is highly
qualified to assist Town of Los Altos Hills with recruiting its new City Manager. We have conducted
more successful executive recruitments than any other recruitment firm since 1972. From helping
the City Council create a competency-based interview framework for the new City Manager, including
assessing candidates and attracting top human capital, our search professionals offer an
unparalleled depth of experience, national reach, and knowledge.
The Town has requested our proposal to assist in the identification and recruitment of a highly
qualified group of candidates for the new City Manager. In particular, the Town is seeking a firm with
a strong national presence and professional experience to clearly assess the Town’s needs and
formulate a strategy to deliver results.
At Ralph Andersen & Associates, we believe that gaining a complete understanding of our client’s
specific objectives and priorities is essential prior to launching any search assignment. This process
includes the identification and incorporation of a variety of vital details such as the candidate’s
desired skills and experience as well as the critical “soft skills” related to temperament, personality,
management philosophy, and other factors that will ultimately determine the candidate’s “fit” with the
organization.
We begin each search by working closely with the Town’s leadership, stakeholders, staff, and, if
desired, the community to ensure a complete picture of the desired candidate pool is developed. Our
team-oriented approach, matched with this 360-degree perspective, means we ensure that a
complete understanding of the organization’s mission and culture translates into those specific traits
and characteristics necessary to ensure the selected candidate is successful in the position.
We understand that the Town expects aggressive, personalized outreach to identify a diverse and
highly qualified applicant pool and a selection process that includes comprehensive candidate
reports based on thorough reference and background checks. We will begin with the desired
characteristics and build a recruitment strategy that is tailored to meet the Town’s specific needs.
The resulting outreach and advertising campaign will incorporate the extensive use of personal
outreach to recruit a highly qualified group of candidates.
Ralph Andersen & Associates serves a nationwide clientele focused on local government and
maintains a virtual presence with its consultants and staffing located in California and in other states
throughout the nation. The firm’s mailing address is 5800 Stanford Ranch Road, Suite 410, Rocklin,
California 95765; phone number (916) 630-4900; Email: info@ralphandersen.com.
The principal of the firm is Ms. Heather Renschler, President/CEO. Ms. Renschler is legally able to
bind the firm.
The primary contact for this recruitment will be:
Mr. Fred Wilson, Senior Consultant
Ralph Andersen & Associates
Office: (916) 630-4900
Cell: (714) 421-3258
Email: fred@ralphandersen.com
Why Choose Ralph Andersen & Associates?
Ralph Andersen & Associates, a California Corporation, has been providing executive search and
management consulting services since 1972. As such, the executive recruitment techniques used
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by Ralph Andersen & Associates have been developed and used successfully with hundreds of
clients for more than 53 years.
With Ralph Andersen & Associates, there is an entire team behind every recruitment. Our firm
takes a multi-disciplined, team approach to executive search. Successful outreach relies heavily on
person-to-person contact to identify outstanding potential candidates and, in the evaluation phase,
to gain a complete understanding of the background, experience, and management style of the top
candidates. By drawing on the combined expertise of our associates and our network of professional
contacts, we address outreach from a wide variety of perspectives and find unique ways to identify
and recruit the best and brightest.
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Project Staffing
The reputation of the search firm and personal commitment of the recruiters define the difference
between the success and failure of any given recruitment. Ralph Andersen & Associates’ search
professionals are acknowledged leaders in the field and possess a broad range of skills and
experience in the areas of local government management, executive search, and related disciplines.
The Town of Los Altos Hills will have Mr. Fred Wilson, Senior Consultant of Ralph Andersen &
Associates, as the Project Director on this engagement. Mr. Wilson will have all the resources and
full support of our firm fully dedicated to ensuring the highest quality outcome during this important
recruitment process.
Fred Wilson, Project Director
Mr. Wilson, Senior Consultant with Ralph Andersen & Associates, brings
more than 35 years of experience as a local government executive,
including 21 years serving as City Manager in two California cities. Working
in full-service cities, he brings a strong background in identifying and
recruiting top quality executive staff. His skills in identifying, recruiting, and
retaining high quality employees and talent management, coupled with
succession planning, have contributed significantly to the successes of
those organizations. This experience gives Mr. Wilson a unique
perspective to identifying high quality candidates that “fit” the organization.
Since joining Ralph Andersen & Associates, Mr. Wilson has completed
many successful recruitments and brings a vast network of contacts throughout the region. He has
successfully completed searches for executives and professionals for local government
organizations including City Managers, Community Development Directors, Public Works Directors,
Finance Directors, and other General Managers.
Mr. Wilson’s clients have found his knowledge of city management, experience working with City
Council members, and expertise in recruitment and selection an asset.
As a long-tenured local government executive, Mr. Wilson has extensive experience in all aspects
of governance including organizational development, succession planning, municipal finance,
community development, information technology, and general management. His experience
includes serving in multiple leadership roles in various organizations including the League of
California Cities and has been active on various advisory boards throughout his career.
Mr. Wilson holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Urban Planning from Cal Poly Pomona, and a
Master’s degree in Public Administration from California State University, Northridge.
Mr. Wilson may be reached at (916) 630-4900 or directly on his cell at (714) 421-3258 or via email
at fred@ralphandersen.com.
Paraprofessional and Support Staff
Paraprofessionals, graphics, and support staff will provide administrative support to the consultant
team on recruitment assignments. These may include Ms. Diana Haussmann, Ms. Christen
Sanchez, Ms. Hannah Jones, and Ms. Karen AllGood.
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Relevant Experience
Ralph Andersen & Associates conducts a wide array of searches in the public sector. Our experience
spans populations of all sizes, from the largest in the country to small and mid -size municipalities.
While we have a strong focus in California, we also conduct recruitments on a national scale.
Expansive network of City Manager Searches – We have one of the strongest track records of
conducting City Manager searches. The following listing represents contracts that were awarded to
Ralph Andersen & Associates and staffed by a member of our search team from 2020 to Present.
Searched conducted by Mr. Wilson are noted with an *.
• Artesia, CA – City Manager (2022) and (2024) *
• Barstow, CA – City Administrator (2021) *
• Calabasas, CA – City Manager (2021)
• California City, CA – City Manager (2022) *
• Calistoga, CA – Assistant City Manager (2024)
• Carpinteria – City Manager (2023) *
• Cerritos, CA – City Manager (2023) *
• Colma, CA – City Manager (2023)
• Commerce, CA – City Manager (Partial Search) (2024) *
• Compton, CA – City Manager (2022 & 2024) *
• Coronado, CA
Assistant City Manager (2022)
City Manager (2021)
Deputy City Manager (Current Search)
• Costa Mesa, CA – Assistant City Manager (2023) *
• Cypress, CA – City Manager (Current Search) *
• Eastvale, CA – City Manager (2022) *
• El Segundo, CA – City Manager (2022)
• Emeryville, CA – City Manager (2022) *
• Encinitas, CA – City Manager (2020)
• Fairfax, CA – Town Manager (2021)
• Foster City, CA – City Manager (2022) *
• Gilroy, CA – City Administrator (Current Search) * (Sample Attached)
• Goleta, CA
Assistant City Manager (2024)
City Manager (2022)
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• Grand Terrace, CA – City Manager (2021) *
• Gustine, CA – City Manager (2022) *
• Highland, CA – City Manager (2024) *
• La Palma, CA – City Manager (2020 & 2025) *
• La Verne, CA – City Manager (2022) *
• Laguna Beach, CA – City Manager (2024) *
• Loma Linda, CA – Assistant City Manager (2025) *
• Los Altos, CA – City Manager (2021) *
• Los Banos, CA – City Manager (2025) *
• Mill Valley, CA – City Manager (2020 & 2022)
• Modesto, CA – Deputy City Manager (2022 & 2023)
• Montebello, CA – City Manager (2023) *
• Nevada City, CA – City Manager (2022 & Current Search)
• Norco, CA – City Manager (2022) *
• Oakland, CA – City Administrator (2020 & 2023)
• Ojai, CA – City Manager (2024)
• Palm Desert, CA – City Manager (2021)
• Palm Springs, CA – Assistant City Manager (2021)
• Palos Verdes Estates, CA – City Manager (2023)
• Pismo Beach, CA – City Manager (2023) *
• Riverside, CA – City Manager (2022) *
• San Bernardino, CA – City Manager (2025) *
• Santa Monica, CA – City Manager (2021)
• Sierra Madre, CA – City Manager (2021) *
• Stockton, CA – Deputy City Manager II (Two Placements) (2020)
• Solvang, CA – City Manager (2023) *
• South Pasadena, CA – City Manager (2025) * (Sample Attached)
• Upland, CA – City Manager (2021) *
• Watsonville, CA – City Manager (2024) *
• West Hollywood, CA – City Manager (2025)
• Whittier, CA – City Manager (2025) *
• Yorba Linda, CA – City Manager (2025) *
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Work Plan
Summary of Our Search Process
The successful search process relies heavily on person-to-person contact to identify outstanding
potential candidates and, in the evaluation phase, to gain a complete understanding of the
background, experience, and management style of the top candidates. The executive recruitment
techniques used by Ralph Andersen & Associates have been developed and used successfully with
hundreds of clients for more than 53 years.
• Developing a comprehensive position profile based upon information obtained in various
meetings with the City Council, Human Resources staff, and other designated Town staff
and stakeholders.
• Reviewing current compensation and recommending changes based upon market and
competitive conditions, if desired by the Town.
• Extensive personal outreach, via telephone and through internet technology, to qualified
candidates throughout California, the Western Region, and selectively beyond, if desired.
• A marketing strategy that uses selected advertising to supplement the extensive candidate
identification process, uses the Internet and social media, and also uses our already
established professional contacts throughout the region.
• A screening process that narrows the field of candidates to those that most closely match
the needs of the Town and is based on screening interviews with the top candidates.
Candidates’ education, experience, and credentials are matched to the criteria established
in the position profile.
• Delivering a product in the form of a search report that recommends a top group of
candidates and provides the Town with detailed information about their backgrounds and
experience.
• Conduct final background and verifications, including references, on the top candidate.
• Assist in negotiations of offer of employment.
• Close out the search and notify all candidates not selected.
Ralph Andersen & Associates has an outstanding reputation for being thorough and professional in
the approach it takes in recruitment. Each candidate’s match with the position is based on the
individual’s own set of professional experiences, management style, education and credentials, and
overall fit with the organization and executive leadership.
Search Work Plan
This section describes the usual steps in the search for a new City Manager for the Town of Los
Altos Hills. This recruitment will be under the direction of Mr. Fred Wilson, Project Director/Search
Consultant.
Task 1 – Review Project Management Approach
The Project Director, Mr. Wilson, will begin work on this project within 10 days (or sooner) after the
Town provides a contract or, alternatively, an official notice to proceed. The first task will include
established individual and/or group meetings with the City Council, Human Resources, or key Town
staff, as appropriate, to finalize the recruiting and selection process (preference to be done using
Zoom Video Technologies application). This will include discussion of the project management for
this search, review of the work plan, confirmation of timing, and communication methods. Working
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collaboratively with the City Council, Human Resources, and key Town staff, this task will result in a
more definitive timetable.
As part of our overall approach to this project, the Project Director will deliver regular updates
(typically done orally) throughout each stage of the search. In addition, Mr. Wilson will be highly
accessible and responsive to client requests and inquiries.
Task 2 – Develop Position Profile
The position profile for the City Manager is the guide for the entire search process. The development
of the profile includes the collection of technical information and recruitment criteria.
Technical Information
Mr. Wilson will conduct video meetings with the City Council, Human Resources, key staff
members, and others as directed by the Town to gain an understanding of the experience
and professional background requirements desired in the City Manager. These meetings
will also help the Project Director gain an understanding of the work environment and the
issues facing the Town of Los Altos Hills. In-person meetings can be arranged with sufficient
advance notice.
Recruitment Criteria
The recruitment criteria are those personal and professional characteristics and
experiences desired in the City Manager. The criteria should reflect the goals and priorities
of the Town of Los Altos Hills.
Subsequent to the development and adoption of the candidate profile, the technical
information and recruitment criteria will be documented in an information brochure prepared
by Ralph Andersen & Associates. The brochure will be reviewed by the Town in draft format,
revised as appropriate, and published for use throughout the search.
Optional Service (Community Survey) – The City Council may desire obtaining input from
the Community on the qualities they would like to see in the new City Manager. To facilitate
Community input, the Project Director can conduct an on-line survey. Additionally, our
process can allow for email comments to Ralph Andersen & Associates relative to the
desired qualities of the next City Manager. See Cost Section for more details on pricing.
Task 3 – Outreach and Recruiting
This task is among the most important of the entire search. It is the focus of the activities of the
Project Director and includes specific outreach and recruiting activities briefly described below.
Outreach
An accelerated outreach and advertising campaign will be developed. It will include the
placement of ads in publications such as Western City Magazine, International City/County
Management Association (ICMA), and other professional publications. Specific Internet
sites related to government will be used as a method of extending the specific outreach in
a short period of time.
Additionally, the advertisement and the full text of the position profile (the recruitment
brochure) will be placed on Ralph Andersen & Associates’ website, which is accessed by a
large number of qualified candidates. This method of outreach to potential applicants
provides a confidential source that is monitored by many key level executives on an on-
going basis.
Candidate Identification
Ralph Andersen & Associates will use their extensive contacts to focus the recruiting effort.
In making these contacts, the Project Director will target those individuals who meet the
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criteria set by the Town. Each of the candidates identified through the recruiting efforts will
be sent an information brochure. Candidates will also be contacted directly to discuss the
position and to solicit their interest in being considered.
Both the outreach and recruiting activities will result in applications and resumes from
interested candidates. As they are received, resumes will be acknowledged, and candidates
will be advised of the general timing of the search process. The following tasks involve the
actual selection process, once all resumes have been received.
Task 4 – Candidate Evaluation
This task will be conducted following the application closing date. It includes the following specific
activities:
Screening
All of the applications will be carefully reviewed. Those that meet the recruitment criteria
and minimum qualifications will be identified and subject to a more detailed evaluation. This
evaluation will include consideration of such factors as professional experience, and size
and complexity of the candidate’s current organization as compared to the candidate profile.
Preliminary Research and Internet Review
The research staff of Ralph Andersen & Associates, under the direction of the Project
Director, will conduct preliminary research and internet review for those candidates
identified as the most qualified as a result of the screening process. This level of research
will be done on a limited number of candidates to learn more about each candidate’s public
profile and related information that is available on the internet.
Preliminary Interviews via Video Technology
The Project Director will conduct preliminary interviews with the top group of candidates
identified through the screening and preliminary research and Internet review processes.
The interviews are extensive and designed to gain additional information about the
candidates’ experience, management style, and “fit” with the recruitment criteria. Interviews
will be conducted using video technology.
The screening portion of the candidate evaluation process typically reduces a field of
applicants to approximately four (4) to six (6) individuals. Those individuals will be reviewed
with the Town prior to proceeding with the individual interviews.
Task 5 – Search Report
After completing Task 4, all documentation will be supplied to the Town electronically. No hard copies
will be supplied to the Town for any phase of this search engagement. Mr. Wilson will prepare
detailed information for review including resumes uploaded to a file sharing system (i.e., OneDrive
or ShareFile). Mr. Wilson will conduct a video conference call or in-person meeting with the City
Council or other designated representative to review the search report on the top candidates. The
report divides all of the candidates into four groups including 1) the top group of candidates that are
recommended to be interviewed via video by the City Council; 2) a backup group to the first group;
3) no further consideration group; and 4) lacks minimum qualifications. The search report will include
candidate resumes and cover letters. The results of preliminary media research will be included. This
meeting will result in a confirmed group of top candidates for the Town to further consider.
Important to note, we typically do not conduct references on all of the finalist candidates. The more
standard process is to do a partial background on the top 2-3 candidates with various verifications,
internet search, and limited references (outside of c urrent employer). References for current
employers are often not released by candidates until the final stage of the search process when they
are assured of being the candidate of choice. Verifications such as credit check, DMV Report, and
civil/criminal are typically conducted once a contingent offer is made to the selected candidate unless
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the finalist candidate(s) gives explicit approval and sign a release to proceed. Education checks are
conducted before the slate of candidates interviews with the City Council.
The results of the Search Report will be a confirmed group of finalist candidates that the City Council
will interview.
Task 6 – Selection
The final selection process will vary depending upon the desires of the City Council. The typical
services provided by Ralph Andersen & Associates in the selection process are described briefly
below:
• Mr. Wilson will coordinate the selection process for the finalist group of candidates . This
includes handling logistical matters with candidates and with the Town.
• Ralph Andersen & Associates will prepare an electronic interview booklet (uploaded to a
file sharing program such as OneDrive or ShareFile) that includes the resume, cover letter,
and preliminary media research for each candidate. In addition, this electronic information
will contain suggested questions and areas for discussion based upon the recruitment
criteria. Electronic copies of the interview booklet will be provided in advance of the
candidate interviews. No hard copies of material will be provided. Should the Town desire
hard copies, it will be the responsibility of the Town to produce and distribute all hard copy
materials needed.
• Mr. Wilson will facilitate the Interviews to assist the Town through the selection process.
This assistance will include an initial orientation, candidate introductions, and facilitation of
discussion of candidates after all interviews have been completed.
• Additionally, verifications will be made on the top two candidates and will include education
verifications, Department of Motor Vehicle check, criminal and civil check, and credit check.
The results of these verifications will be discussed with the Town at the appropriate time.
• Reference checks will be conducted on the top candidate. The results of these reference
checks will be discussed with the City Council at the appropriate time during a closed
session.
• As needed, the Project Director is available to provide assistance to the City Council in the
final selection as may be desired. This assistance may include providing or obtaining any
additional information desired to assist in making the final selection decision.
Task 7 – Negotiation
The Project Director is available to assist the City Council in negotiating a compensation package
with the selected candidate. This includes recommendations on setting compensation levels.
Additionally, if desired by the City Council, Ralph Andersen & Associates will coordinate with the City
Attorney to prepare a draft employment agreement and work with the City Council on the finalization
of this document. As required by the Brown Act, the employment agreement for the new City
Manager will be required to be approved and voted on in a public meeting at a regularly scheduled
City Council meeting.
Task 8 – Close Out
After the Town has reached agreement with the individual selected for the position, the Project
Director will close out the search. These activities will include advising all of the finalist candidates
of the status of the search by telephone.
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Project Timing
We anticipate a timeframe of approximately 90 - 120 days (or less) from the execution of the
agreement between the Town and Ralph Andersen & Associates to when the finalists are presented
for an interview. Negotiation with the top candidate will take an additional week after finalist
interviews.
Importantly, Mr. Wilson has the capacity to focus on this recruitment to meet the timing and
milestones of the process as detailed below.
A brief overview of the recruitment schedule is presented below (schedule does not include transition
time by the Selected Candidate to join the Town).
Task Estimated Week
of Completion
Task 1 – Review Project Management Approach Week One
Task 2 – Develop Position Profile and Recruitment Brochure Week One – Week Two
Task 3 – Outreach and Recruiting Week Two – Seven
Task 4 – Candidate Evaluation
Ongoing Throughout Process
(typically more focused during Week
Six and Week Seven)
Task 5 – Search Report Week Eight – Week Nine
Task 6 – Selection Week Nine - Week Ten
Task 7 – Negotiation Week Ten – Week Eleven
Task 8 – Close Out Week Twelve
Page 12
Deliverable Expectations
Frequency of Progress Updates
The Project Director will provide regular updates (typically done orally) throughout each stage of the
search. In addition, Mr. Wilson will be highly accessible and responsive to client requests and
inquiries.
Target Timeline for Shortlisting
The suggested recruitment window is 30 – 45 days, after which time the screening of applications
and preliminary interviews will be conducted by Ralph Andersen & Associates. Presentation of
candidates to the City Council would occur at week eight (8) or nine (9), or sooner if desired.
Page 13
References
• City of Gilroy, California
Mayor Greg Bozzo
(669) 766-5771
greg.bozzo@cityofgilroy.org
Recruitment: City Administrator
• City of South Pasadena, California
Mayor Janet Braun
(626) 808-5473
jbraun@southpasadenaca.gov
Recruitment: City Manager
• City of Yorba Linda, California
Mayor Janice Lim
(909) 263-6812
jlim@yorbalindaca.gov
Recruitment: City Manager
Page 14
Project Cost
The recruitment effort for a new City Manager for the Town of Los Altos Hills will be a comprehensive
search process with a focus in California and the Western Region. The review of resumes and
qualifications will be conducted on all candidates who submit, giving the Town the ability to select
from a broad field of qualified candidates. The professional services fee to perform this search will
be a fixed fee of $30,000 for recruitment services and all related expenses (not including the
supplemental fee for Community Survey, if implemented).
Exclusive Engagement / All Candidates Processed through Firm – The cost for this engagement
assumes that Ralph Andersen & Associates will be the only Search Firm engaged as a retained
search firm with the Town on all aspects of the process. This also assumes that all candidates, even
if those individuals surfaced by the Town directly, will be included in the firm’s comprehensive
process and not subject to a “shadow” process. Importantly, this allows all candidates to be treated
equally and to work through a well-managed, professionally facilitated process. This also removes
direct contact with an elected official. All interested parties known to the City Council should be
referred to the Project Director for contact, follow-up, and evaluation. A dual system of recruitment is
not advised; if the Council so desires, the firm will decline to proceed. With this approach , we would
not have any change required in this fixed fee arrangement.
*Note – Expenses included in this fixed fee include such items as advertising, consultant interaction
(anticipated to be done primarily through videoconferencing except for finalist interviews), clerical,
graphic design, research, and long-distance telephone charges. On top candidates, Internet and
Lexis/Nexis searches will be conducted. Additionally, education verifications, DMV check, wants and
warrants, civil and criminal litigation search, and credit check will be conducted on the top two
candidates. Detailed reference checks will be performed on the top candidate.
Additional On-Site Trips – This quotation includes one on-site trip by Mr. Wilson for the finalist
interviews. Should additional on-site visits be requested, travel-related costs, with no markup, will be
billed to the Town. There will not be an extra fee charged for Mr. Wilson’s time to attend on-site
meetings if the request is deemed reasonable and necessary.
Invoicing for Services – Ralph Andersen & Associates will bill the fixed fee to the Town in four
installments as follows:
•Following kick-off and finalization of recruitment brochure - $7,500
•After the closing date - $7,500
•After finalist interviews - $7,500
•Upon placement - $7,500
Progress payments will be due upon receipt .
Brochure – A full-color electronic brochure will be developed for the recruitment of the city manager .
All pictures will be the responsibility of the Town. The Town will also be responsible for ensuring that
there are no copyright restrictions on the photographs supplied to Ralph Andersen & Associates and
that the Town will agree to pay any and all related charges or fines if a copyright violation is incurred
either during the search itself or subsequently.
Optional Service (Community Survey) – Should the Town choose to conduct a Community Survey
with summarized results this would be conducted for an additional $3,800.
Exception – Any candidate travel is the full responsibility of the Town.
Page 15
Standard Hourly Billing Rates
Ralph Andersen & Associates’ standard hourly billing rates are as follows:
• Project Director $225/hr.
• Recruitment Coordinator $80/hr.
• Graphics Designer $75/hr.
• Researcher $60/hr.
• Support Services $50/hr.
Guarantee
Ralph Andersen & Associates offers the industry-standard guarantee on our full search services. If
the City Manager resigns or is dismissed for cause within a one-year period after appointment, we
will conduct another search free of all professional services charges. The Town of Los Altos Hills
would be expected to reimburse all expenses incurred.
If a placement is not made in the first outreach effort, the Consultant will conduct a second outreach
effort with no charge for Professional Services. The Town of Los Altos Hills would be expected to
pay for all incurred expenses.
City Manager Agreement 1.12.2026
Final Audit Report 2026-01-13
Created:2026-01-13
By:Arika Birdsong-Miller (amiller@losaltoshills.ca.gov)
Status:Signed
Transaction ID:CBJCHBCAABAAHGy52lx0_Z3nEIQ6-cmNjmY5J8M7e_0L
"City Manager Agreement 1.12.2026" History
Document created by Arika Birdsong-Miller (amiller@losaltoshills.ca.gov)
2026-01-13 - 7:41:38 PM GMT
Document emailed to Heather Renschler (heather@ralphandersen.com) for signature
2026-01-13 - 7:41:45 PM GMT
Email viewed by Heather Renschler (heather@ralphandersen.com)
2026-01-13 - 7:47:21 PM GMT
Document e-signed by Heather Renschler (heather@ralphandersen.com)
Signature Date: 2026-01-13 - 7:48:13 PM GMT - Time Source: server
Document emailed to Steve Mattas (steve.mattas@redwoodpubliclaw.com) for signature
2026-01-13 - 7:48:15 PM GMT
Email viewed by Steve Mattas (steve.mattas@redwoodpubliclaw.com)
2026-01-13 - 7:57:49 PM GMT
Document e-signed by Steve Mattas (steve.mattas@redwoodpubliclaw.com)
Signature Date: 2026-01-13 - 8:02:03 PM GMT - Time Source: server
Document emailed to Rajiv Bhateja (rajivb@losaltoshills.ca.gov) for signature
2026-01-13 - 8:02:08 PM GMT
Email viewed by Rajiv Bhateja (rajivb@losaltoshills.ca.gov)
2026-01-13 - 8:03:16 PM GMT
Document e-signed by Rajiv Bhateja (rajivb@losaltoshills.ca.gov)
Signature Date: 2026-01-13 - 10:20:14 PM GMT - Time Source: server
Agreement completed.
2026-01-13 - 10:20:14 PM GMT