EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN
EMPLOYEE
AND
NORWICH PUBLIC UTILITIES
INTRODUCTION

This agreement is made and entered into on this 1? day ofJuly, 2019, the date and time of its execution
notwithstanding, by and between the NORWICH PUBLIC UTILITIES, a municipal utility corporation,
acting herein through its Board of Commissioners, duly authorized, and CHRISTOPHER LAROSE,
an individual who has education, training and experience in local utilities management
and engineering. By executing this Agreement, NPU does hereby employ EMPLOYEE and EMPLOYEE
hereby consents to employment by NPU, in the capacity of the General Manager of NPU pursuant and
subject to the following terms and conditions.

SECTION 1: COMMENCEMENT OF SERVICES

services pursuant to this Agreement shall commence on July 1, 2019 l" Commencement
Date?) and his employment shall continue indefinitely from the Commencement Date, up to and
including December 31, 2022, ("Initial Term") and shall automatically renew for an additional one year
term each January 1 thereafter ("Additional Term"), unless and until terminated in accordance with
Section 9. As of the Commencement Date, EMPLOYEE agrees neither to accept employment nor to
become employed by any other employer until this Agreement has terminated, without the prior
consent of the Board of Commissioners.

SECTION 2: DUTIES AND AUTHORITY

NPU agrees to employ EMPLOYEE as General Manager of Norwich Public Utilities and Sewer Authority as
directed by the NPU to perform the functions and duties specified in the Charter of the City of Norwich,
and, Chapter XII therein, as the same may from time to time be amended (the "Charter") and by
applicable municipal Ordinances, Resolutions, By-Laws and Codes from time to time in effect
("Municipal Laws"), and by such laws of the State of Connecticut as are applicable to the NPU and the
position of its General Manager ("State Law?), and to perform other legally permissible and proper
duties and functions, as more fully described in the job description attached hereto as Exhibit A. The
General Manager shall be subject to the Norwich Code of Ethics. The Charter. the Municipal Laws, the
Code of Ethics and the State Laws are sometimes hereafter collectively referred to as "Applicable Law?.
The General Manager shall be responsible to, and, serve at the pleasure of the Board of Commissioners
of NPU, subject to the terms of this Agreement.

SECTION 3: COMPENSATION

A. Base Salary: NPU agrees to pay EMPLOYEE an annual base salary of Two Hundred and Five
Thousand, Five Hundred Dollars and no Cents retroactive to July 1, 2019, which
annual base salary shall remain in effect, subject to adjustment as provided for in subsection 
below. All sums payable to EMPLOYEE shall be payable in installments in the same manner and
upon the same schedule that all other NPU Department Heads are paid.

B. NPU shall review performance in December of each calendar year, beginning in
December 2019, using the performance evaluation criteria outlined in Section 11 of this
Agreement. base salary shall be increased effective on the first business day in
January following the December review once the Board has made its determination concerning
any increase of salary.

C. There shall also be an incentive compensation component to compensation. NPU
and EMPLOYEE shall jointly develop and establish achievable and extraordinary strategic goals,
along with a payout formula based on achievement of such goals, for the balance of 2019, and
then in December of each calendar year for the following calendar year. Any incentive bonus
earned for a calendar year shall be paid in a lump sum during the January immediately following
the year in which it is earned.

SECTION 4: HEALTH. DISABILITY AND LIFE INSURANCE BENEFITS

A. NPU agrees to provide the same comprehensive medical insurance, life insurance, and short and
long term disability insurance coverage as are from time to time offered or provided to all NPU
Department Heads, all upon the same terms and under the same conditions as such coverage is
offered to the same. Notwithstanding any language to the contrary, NPU agrees to pay the full
premium for all such coverages for EMPLOYEE and EM eligible dependents.

B. EMPLOYEE acknowledges receipt and review of copies of the insurance coverages to be
provided under subsection A, above.

SECTION 5: VACATION. SICK AND OTHER LEAVE

A. EMPLOYEE shall be paid any compensatory time and sick leave accrued as of the
Commencement Date in four equal installments, with the first installment paid in December
2019, and the other three (3) installments paid in December 2020, December 2021, and
December 2022. EMPLOYEE shall not accrue any additional compensatory time after June 30,
2019. in the event EMPLOYEE is terminated for any reason prior to all four installments
being paid, any portion of the accrued compensatory time and sick leave not already paid, shall
be paid at the time of termination.

B. Beginning on July 1, 2019, EMPLOYEE shall be entitled to accrue twelve (12) clays annual sick
leave {accrued at the rate of one (1) sick day per month) to a maximum of 120 days. Effective
on the Commencement Date, EMPLOYEE shall be entitled to four weeks of already accrued,
but unused, 2019 vacation leave. Effective January 1, 2020, EMPLOYEE shall be entitled to

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accrue six (6) weeks of vacation leave each calendar year {fully accrued at the start of each
calendar year). Unused vacation leave can be accrued to a maximum of six weeks, all in
accordance with policies in effect for Department Heads. In the event EMPLOYEE
takes less than 24 hours of sick leave time during a calendar year, he shall be paid one thousand
dollars (51,000), minus lawful tax deductions, in a lump sum in the January following the end of
such calendar year. EMPLOYEE shall also be entitled to accrue such other leave as NPU may
from time to time offer to all NPU Department Heads on the same terms so offered.

C. In the event employment is terminated, for any reason, EMPLOYEE shall be
entitled to any additional compensation for any accrued but unused sick leave and vacation
leave in accordance with Paragraph 10, herein.

D. EMPLOYEE shall be entitled to eleven (11) holidays per year, on the dates upon which all other
NPU employees have holiday leave.
SECTION 6: VEHICLE ALLOWANCE

In addition to all other payments and compensation due to EMPLOYEE, NPU agrees to pay to EMPLOYEE
a vehicle allowance of $500 per month.

SECTION 7: RETIREMENT

 

A. In addition to EMPLOYEE's base annual salary and all other compensation and bene?ts payable to
EMPLOYEE under this Agreement, EMPLOYEE shall be a member of the City of Norwich Employees'
Retirement Fund and contribute Eight and one-half per cent of his annual base salary. EMPLOYEE
shall also be a member of the City of Norwich Employee Section 45? Plan and NPU agrees to execute all
necessary agreements with respect to Section 457 deferred compensation plants) for EMPLOYEE's
participation in said supplementary retirement planis}. The parties shall fully disclose to each other the
financial impact of any amendment to the terms of EM retirement benefit by way of such
Section 457 planis), andfor changes in the City of Norwich Employees? Retirement Fund.

B. Following termination for any reason on or after August 18, 2022 EMPLOYEE shall
receive the insurance retirement benefits as described in the Council of the City of Norwich Ordinance
No. 1350 entitled, ORDINANCE GRANTING CERTAIN RETIREE MEDICAL INSURANCE BENEFITS TO
NON-BARGAINING UNIT DEPARTMENT HEADS (attached as Exhibit B.)

SECTION B: PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT AND GENERAL EXPENSES

A. NPU agrees to pay for and/or to reimburse EMPLOYEE for such professional dues and
subscriptions as are reasonable and necessary to be incurred by EMPLOYEE for continuation and
full participation in such national, regional, state, and local associations and organizations as are
necessary and desirable for EMPLOYEE's professional participation, growth, and advancement,
and for the good of NPU.

B. NPU also agrees to pay for andfor to reimburse EMPLOYEE for such costs of transportation,
registration, subsistence and other related expenses as EMPLOYEE may reasonably incur for

professional development of EMPLOYEE and to pursue and attend necessary official functions
for NPU in accordance with travel policies. The events to be paid for under this section
shall include, but not be limited to events sponsored by national, regional, state, and local
government utility groups and committees in which EMPLOYEE serves as a member, or
representative of NPU.

C. NPU also agrees to pay for andlor to reimburse EMPLOYEE for such tuition, travel registration,
subsistence and other related expenses as EMPLOYEE may reasonably incur for short courses,
institutes and seminars that are necessary for professional knowledge and
development and for the good of NPU in accordance with travel policies.

D. NPU recognizes that certain other expenses not covered above are also likely to be reasonably
incurred by EMPLOYEE in the course of his employment and agrees to reimburse or to pay said
general expenses pursuant to such procedures as the parties may mutually agree upon.

E. NPU acknowledges the value of having EMPLOYEE participate and be directly involved in local
civic clubs or organizations. Accordingly, NPU also agrees to pay for or reimburse EMPLOYEE the
reasonable membership fees and/or clues required to enable EMPLOYEE to become an active
member in such local civic groups or organizations.

F. NPU shall provide EMPLOYEE with a computer, software, fax/modem, cell phone, personal data
assistant emergency scanner and such other devices and equipment as may from time to
time be reasonable required for EMPLOYEE to maintain communication and to perform as
General Manager.

ION 9: TERMINATION
This Agreement may be terminated as follows:

At any time by mutual written consent of the Parties. In the event of termination pursuant
to this subsection, EMPLOYEE shall be entitled to Severance as set forth in Section 10.

At any time by EMPLOYEE, for any reason, upon sixty (60} calendar days advance notice to
NPU.

At any time by NPU by a notice of non?renewal for any reason provided to EMPLOYEE and,
he shall be entitled to Severance as set forth in Section 10.

At any time by NPU for Cause, provided that EMPLOYEE shall receive written notice of the
intention of the Board of Commissioners to remove him, containing a clear statement of the
grounds for such removal and of the time and place, not less than ten (10} days after the
date of notice, at which EMPLOYEE shall be given an opportunity to be heard thereon. After
such hearing, which shall be public at the option of the general manager and at which

EMPLOYEE may be represented by counsel, the action of the Board of Commissioners by at
least three affirmative votes in public session shall be final. From the date of notice until
final action EMPLOYEE shall be suspended with or without pay as the Board?s noti?cation
shall provide. In the event of a Cause termination pursuant to this sub-section, which is
resolved by a negotiated termination agreement, EMPLOYEE shall be entitled to Severance
as set forth in Section 10.

For purposes of this Agreement, "Cause? shall be defined as: dishonesty; conviction
of a felony; illegal conduct related to performance of the job; gross negligence; willful
misconduct; the habitual neglect of duties; or failure to consistently perform the duties
and responsibilities of the General Manager?sjob description which negatively impacts
business purposes, provided EMPLOYEE has ?rst been advised of any such failure
and given a reasonable period to cure any concerns, but fails to do so.

SECTION 10: SEVERANCE

In the event of a termination of EMPLOYEE pursuant to Section Section Bic), or Section with a
negotiated termination agreement entitling EMPLOYEE to severance, Employee shall receive the
following compensation:

lal

(bl

(Cl

id)

If pursuant to Section EM current salary pursuant to this Agreement and any
addendum to the Agreement, for a period of six months, plus continuation of all medical
benefits for EMPLOYEE and EM dependents for the same period for which salary is to
be paid to EMPLOYEE. EMPLOYEE shall also be paid for any accrued, but unused sick leave and
vacation leave.

If pursuant to Section Qlc), current salary pursuant to this Agreement and any
addendum to this Agreement, for a period of: six (6) months if notice of non?renewal occurs at
least six (6) months prior to the expiration of the initial Term or any Additional Term, or eight 
months if notice of non-renewal occurs less than six months prior to the expiration of the Initial
Term or any Additional Term; plus continuation of all medical bene?ts for EMPLOYEE and
dependents for the same period for which salary is to be paid to EMPLOYEE.
EMPLOYEE shall also be paid for any accrued, but unused sick leave and vacation leave.

If pursuant to Section Bid), Cause termination with a negotiated agreement, with any severance
and bene?t continuation as agreed by the parties. EMPLOYEE shall, however, be paid for any
accrued, but unused sick leave and vacation leave.

If pursuant to Section 9(dl, Cause termination, without a negotiated agreement, after notice of
allegations and Loudermill meeting, there shall be no severance pay, and no further medical or
insurance coverages paid by EMPLOYER, but EMPLOYEE shall be paid for any accrued, but
unused sick leave and vacation leave.

The Assistant General Manager Step 4 position will remain vacant in the NPU organization chart through
December 31, 2022 and any Additional Term, and EMPLOYEE shall be allowed to return to that position

at the same seniority he would have earned but for his appointment as General Manager, without any
prejudice, if he is terminated under Sections 9 (3), lb), or Section 9(d} for Cause, which is resolved by
a negotiated termination agreement. In the event of a return to the Assistant General Manager Step 4
position under this provision, EMPLOYEE shall not be paid out any accrued, but unused sick leave and
vacation leave he may have at that time, but shall instead retain and be able to use any such time
following his transfer back to the Assistant General Manager Step 4 position.

SECTION 11: PERFORMANCE EVALUATION

A. EMPLOYEE shall receive a performance evaluation each December, beginning in December 2019.
The metrics Used to evaluate EMPLOYEE shall be: effective leadership with the Board; effective
leadership with NPU staff; effective leadership with the ratepayers and community; and (4)
performance in meeting the requirements of the job description. Specific criteria to measure each
metric shall be agreed to by EMPLOYEE and NPU for the balance of 2019 and then each December for
the following calendar year. Each component shall be measured on a scale of 1-5 and be weighted 25%.
The percentage andfor dollar amount of any salary increase shall be determined by the NPU Board of
Commissioners in its sole discretion.

B. Subject to subsection below, NPU and EMPLOYEE agree that, subject to the public disclosure
requirement of applicable state and federal laws no portion of any written evaluations shall be
public information or shared in part or in whole with the public nor shall the same become part of
EMPLOYEE's employment file as maintained by NPU except upon the mutual agreement of the parties.
NPU represents that it has reasonably concluded that the evaluation procedure currently contemplated
will allow it to retain such evaluation in confidence as herein agreed without violation of FOI and,
provided the procedure as finalized and instituted will reasonably likewise comply. NPU will reasonably
defend at the initial administrative hearing level any proceeding brought to compel disclosure.
EMPLOYEE expressly acknowledges and agrees that the obligations of NPU hereunder shall terminate
upon a contrary ruling by such administrative body or tribunal.

C. Subsection 3 of this Section 11 notwithstanding, either party may use or disclose such
evaluations to the public or enter the same into evidence in any contested public proceeding, or in any
lawsuit or administrative action brought upon or relating to this Agreement or relating to 
employment with NPU. Upon such disclosure or use, or in the event such evaluations become public
other than by improper action or failure to take action on the part of NPU, whether deliberate or
negligent, Section 118 shall become null, void and of no further effect unless otherwise agreed in writing
by the parties.

SECTION 12: HOURS OF WORK

It is recognized that EMPLOYEE must devote substantial time outside the normal office hours on
business for NPU, and to that end EMPLOYEE shall be allowed to establish for himself an appropriate
work schedule. The position of General Manager is exempt from any overtime andfor premium pay
and, shall not receive or be entitled to receive any terms of union contracts. Despite any
language to the contrary, EMPLOYEE shall be paid as follows during a Utility Emergency declared by the
Governor of Connecticut or one that is FEMA reimbursed, or when work is performed to assist another
utility under a storm mutual aid pact: time and one-half for all hours worked, except that double time

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shall be paid for all vvork performed on a Sunday, or beyond 16 hours in a day. Double time, once paid,
shall continue to be paid until EMPLOYEE obtains 8 hours of continuous rest.

SECTION 13: INDEMNIFICATION

NPU shall defend, save harmless and indemnify EMPLOYEE against any tort, liability claim, damages
claim, or other such legal or administrative action arising out of any alleged act or omission occurring in
the performance of duties for NPU to the extent provided to all NPU Department Heads
andfor as required by Applicable Law. NPU, in its sole discretion, and without consent of EMPLOYEE,
shall retain the right to compromise and settle any such claim or action, or may elect to defend against
such claim or action and proceed to judgment, but shall hold EMPLOYEE harmless and indemnify
EMPLOYEE from any such compromises, settlement or judgment.

ION 14: NOTICES

In addition to any different notice required pursuant to the Charter or Municipal Law, the notices
required under this Agreement shall be given by depositing in the custody of the United States Postal
Service, postage prepaid. The date of delivery to the USPS shall be deemed the date of the notice, as
follows:

A. NPU: Norwich Public Utilities Commission, 16 S. Golden Street, Norwich, CT 06360
B. EMPLOYEE: 100 Morgan Road, Salem, CT 06420

15: GENERAL PROVISIONS

A. Integration. This Agreement sets forth and establishes the entire understanding between NPU
and EMPLOYEE relating to the employment of EMPLOYEE by NPU. Any prior discussions or
representations by or between the parties are merged into, and otherwise rendered null and
void, by this Agreement. The parties may, by a mutual written agreement signed by both
parties, amend any provision of this Agreement during its term. However, no oral agreement or
course of conduct shall be effective to amend its terms, nor shall it create a ratification of the
oral agreement andfor course of conduct nor constitute a waiver of any terms of this
Agreement.

B. Binding Effect. Upon execution by EMPLOYEE AND NPU, this Agreement shall be binding on
NPU and EMPLOYEE as well as their heirs, assigns, executors, personal representatives and
successors in interest.

C. Severability. The invalidity or partial invalidity of any portion of this Agreement will not affect
the validity of any other provision. In the event that any provision of this Agreement is held to
be invalid, the remaining provisions shall be deemed to be in full force and effect as if they have
been executed by both parties subsequent to the expungement or judicial modi?cation of the
invalid provision.

D. EMPLOYEE may not assign this Agreement in whole or in part.

E. No Waiver, No Ratification Defense. Any failure by NPU or EMPLOYEE to insist on the strict
performance by the other party of any of the provisions andfor terms of this Agreement will not
be deemed to be a waiver of, andlor compliance with, any of the provisions and/or terms
herein. Notwithstanding any such failure, NPU or EMPLOYEE will have the right, thereafter, and
with written notice to the other party, to insist on strict performance of all the provisions and/or
terms herein. Any failure by NPU or EMPLOYEE shall not give rise to a claim of ratification by
either party as to actions, taken or not taken.

F. This Agreement shall be interpreted and shall be governed by the laws of the State of
Connecticut.

G. All matters concerning the offering of this Agreement, including but not limited to, the
Agreement, modifications andfor amendments, compensation and benefits, performance
evaluations, and allowances and business and professional expenses must be approved by the
Board of Commissioners with at least three affirmative votes in public session.

H. A copy of the Certification of Charter Compliance signed by the City Attorney is attached hereto
as Exhibit C.

IN WITNESS HEREOF, the parties hereto, after due consideration, have duly executed and delivered this
Agreement of their own free act and deed on the date herein indicated.

 

  

EMPLOYEE: NORWICH PUBLIC UTILITIES:
Christopher LaRose Robert Stalev, 

   

Norwich Public Utilities Commission

7/23/ 

Date Date

EXHIBIT A

JOB DESCRIPTION

EX l?libltdi'

GENERAL MANAGER
Primarv Functions:

Reporting directly to the City ot?Notwieh Board ol'l?uhlic Utilities? Commissioners
(Commissioners). anti the Sewer Authority ot'the City ol?Norwich (Sewer Authority). leads and
is responsible for all operations ol'the City of'Norwich Public Utilities (N PU) and the Sewer
Authority. which include the Customer Service. Electric. Gas. Water. Sewer. Administration.
Engineering. and Business Development Divisions; including all Human Resources functions in
conjunction with the City ol?Norwieh Director t" Personnel.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities:

I Strongly advocates for the customers and tantpayersfowners oi?the NPU. within and
outside the City oi?Norwieh.

I Assures ellieient and reliable gas. electric. water. and sewer system services lior current
and future needs.

I Consistently provides necessary andfor requested information to the Commissioners and
Sewer Authority.

I Leads the development o?t?proposed and Sewer Authority policies [or review and
approval by the Commissioners and Sewer Authority. Leads the implementation t"
adopted policies.

I Leads the development. updating. and monitoring ofthe 5-year and 2-year plans.
and the annual budget.

I Sets pertiirmanee expectations. and leads the performance oi?all Division Managers and
the Personnel Coordinator.

I Assures ef?cient. quality NPU organization. stalling. and training.

I Coordinates and promotes Economic Development and Job Creation Programs for NPU.
and participates in local. regional. and statewide Economic Development Organizations
and Programs.

I Leads the development and re?nement ot'the and Sewer Authority?s services and
products.

I Provides the point oi'contact for the development ot?thc Commissioners? and Sewer
Authority?s Agenda material.

I At the direction ol'the Chairman ol'the Board ol'Puhlie Utilities' Commissioners. sets
dates and agendas for Regular and Special Meetings.

I Leads compliance ot'the titeilities. policies. anti programs with applicable
regulations and laws.

I Provides tor ongoing. eooperative. and productive liaison with the Norwich City Council
and City Administration: State and Federal Regulatory Agencies; and State and Federal
Legislators.

I Leads both customer and public relations.

I Provides tor the operations ot'thc NPU and Sewer Authority on a sound ?nancial basis.

I Serves as the Commissioners and NPU's liaison with the Connecticut Municipal Electric
Energy Cooperative (C MMEC 

Mallagettlne - i -

. Acts as the representative ot?thc Commission and Sewer Authority in all labor related
matters.

Participates as the Commissioners? and Sewer Authority's representative in all applicable
local. regional. and state-wide economic and civic agencies. committees. and activities.

. Perliorms all other duties as required and authorized by the City ol'Norwich Board ol?
Public lltilities' Commissioners and the Sewer Authority ot?the City l'Noiwich.

Knowledge1 Skills, and Abilities:

Strong commitment to customer focuses. employee excellence. and community service.
Knowledge ot'utility ?nances and accounting procedures.

Knowledge l'thc technical aspects ofN operations.

Knowledge ot?Municipal labor relation issues and procedures.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Ability to act as the NPU contact and spokesperson with the media and of?cials.

Ability to operate with a management style that is collaborative. team building. and uses
employee involvement practices extensively.

Demonstrates management abilities in leading and motivating employees. as well as the ability to
plan. organize. and direct a multi- faceted organization.

Ability to make public presentations in a professional inanncr. and to establish credibility with
customers. employees. and public otlicials.

Ability to lead MW in achieving its mission and goals.
Knowledge ot'both personal and main li'amc computer system operations.
Ability to us a PC prol'iciently.

Knowledge oi'Accounling procedures and policies.

Minimum Quali?cations Education and Experience:

Minimum ten IU) years t'progressive experience in a senior management position in the utility
or related industry.

Experience with technical. ?nancial. administrative. business development and customer service
in the utility industry.

.lnh Ictielill - .. -

Baelteler ui'Arts er Baeheier ef'Seienee Degree in Engineering. Business Administration. Public
Administratinn. or related ?eld is required.

Master?s Degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Public Administration, er related ?eld
is desired.

Physical Demands:
Sit al a desk ur in meetings tier extended periods ut?time.
Operate a eemputer lerminai er mainframe meniter.

Must pessess a valid ("mmeetieut Drivers' License.

aluh ieneral Mnnugerdne

EXHIBIT 

ORDINANCE NO. ORDINANCE GRANTING CERTAIN RETIREE MEDICAL INSURANCE BENEFITS
T0 NDN-BARGAINING UNIT DEPARTMENT 

10

'Exh?nbit? - -

AN ORDINANCE GRANTING CERTAEN RETIRBE HEDICAL 
BENEFITS TO NON-BARGAINING UNIT DEPARTMENT HEADS
Hr IT 0RDA1HED by the touncil for the City of Norwich-

That for non?bargaining unit Department Heads who have been
employed by the City of Norwich for twenty-five (25) years or morn,
including military time, and who retire on or after January I,
1997, in accordance with the City of Norwich Employees Retirement
Fund Pension Plan, the City of Norwich shall pay the full costs of
medical insurance. dental insurance and major medical insurance
premiums for such retiree and fifty percent of such premiums
for the retiree's spouse. After age 65, the City shall pay the
full cost for such retiree and fifty percent oi spouse's
Medicare supplement, over 65 major medical and dental insurance

premiums.

In addItlon, the City of Norwich shall prov1de and pay for the
entire Post or a paid?up Twenty Thousand duller 1110

insurance policy for such retiree.

William G. Tallman
City Manager



EXHIBIT 
CERTIFICATION OF CHARTER COMPLIANCE BY NORWICH CITY ATTORNEY

I have reviewed the foregoing empiovrnent agreement between the NORWICH PUBLIC
UTILITIES AND CHRISTOPHER LARDSE, and it is in compliance with the City of Norwich Charter.

Dated at Norwich, CT Iuly? 2019 

Michael Driscoll
Norwich City Attorney

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