Public Works Director Nets $130,655 In Forced Retirement

Besides the hefty severance package that Glenn Roberts is taking home for his final two months with the city, the director of public works will depart with a yearly retirement of at least $84,671. 

And depending on how long he worked before coming to Palo Alto 18 years ago, his golden years could be more lucrative. Roberts is expected to leave the city with a final salary of $174,221. The city is mandated under a retirement plan to pay 2.7 percent of that paycheck for each year Roberts worked for the city once he retires on Dec. 30. Any previous employment will add to the package.

Roberts' departure—or forced retirement—was hastened last week after the city learned he was considering a lawsuit against the city. The council met in closed session late Monday to discuss the possible suit and elected to settle with Roberts, instead of waste money in a court battle. Roberts is set to receive $133,655 on Jan. 7. 

In a statement Tuesday morning, City Manager James Keene said Roberts' severance package fits the norm.

"The six-months severance pay in this agreement is similar to the standard built into contracts for other department directors on the city's executive leadership team," he said. 

He also said the agreement was not spurred by legal action.

"In response to some reports, I want to make it clear that this agreement is not the result of a claim filed by Glenn Roberts," said Keene.

The council announced the details of the agreement shortly after midnight. Mayor Pat Burt said Roberts was immediately placed on administrative leave. According to the agreement, he will not conduct any work for the city before his formal retirement, and he will also receive a proclamation from the city "consistent with proclamations issued for other employees who have retired from city service in good standing."

Monday's closed session was added to the council agenda after city staff learned of "significant exposure to litigation" from Roberts. City officials, however, have been tight-lipped about the feud, and the agreement states only that "a dispute has arisen between City and Roberts regarding the continuance of Roberts' employment with the city."

Keene is expected to temporarily fill the vacancy within two weeks and follow up with a full-fledged recruitment process, Communications Manager Linda Clerkson said.

Keene also praised Roberts' tenure with Palo Alto.

"Glenn Roberts has a long career of public service and has served this city for 18 years," he said Tuesday. "I would like to acknowledge him for his years of service to the city of Palo Alto and wish him the best in this next phase in his life."