Fresno's economic director is Shafter's new city manager

The Shafter City Council voted unanimously on Tuesday night to appoint a business growth leader as city manager.

Fresno economic director Lance Lippincott was not present at the meeting, but it was reported that he was watching the meeting via Zoom.

Current City Manager Gabriel Gonzalez announced that he would be retiring when his contract expires in March 2025. The council interviewed candidates and selected Lippincott. According to the council report, Lippincott was selected because of his extensive experience in the economic development field, both in the private and public sector. Lippincott is currently the economic development director for the City of Fresno.

Lippincott's contract would begin on Sept. 30, 2024. His base salary will be $210,000 annually, with an additional $400 for a car allowance and $100 for a cell phone. He also will be reimbursed for an amount up to $7,000 for moving expenses. Lippincott will receive the same health/dental benefits provided to all city department heads.

This employment agreement does not contain a fixed term and will continue indefinitely. However, the City Council will have the right to terminate the agreement with or without cause. If termination is without cause, Mr. Lippincott will be entitled to a payment equal to six months salary. That payment is contingent on executing a waiver and release agreement. Finally, the effective date of the employment agreement is contingent on Mr. Lippincott passing the city's standard background checks.

The fiscal impact for the city this calendar year is a savings of approximately $21,620. This amount is the difference between Mr. Lippincott's salary of $210,000 and Gonzalez's current salary of $231,662.

Because of the agreement, according to the city's agreement with Gonzalez, the city will now still be responsible for a payment to Gonzalez of six months' salary, due to an early buyout agreement that was approved at the last council meeting.

Mayor Chad Givens said that the council is very excited about the agreement with Lippincott and are looking forward to working with him in the near future.

In other city action, the council approved a resolution that will move forward on developing an improvement project at the new Shafter Community Skate Park. Earlier in the summer, the ribbon was cut on a new skate park located on East Euclid, next to the Shafter Youth Center. The park includes new skate equipment, lighting and shade.

According to Public Works Director Michael James, the department has been looking into improving the area around the skate park and finding a way to be a better neighbor to the Shafter Youth Center. With the new project, the city would add a restroom facility, as well as dedicated parking spaces and access road for the skate park. "This would alleviate the congestion at the Youth Center and would help the people who use the skate park to staying in the skate park area without having to travel on the CAPK's property at the location. The budget was approved at an amount up to $125,000.