The general manager for a large-scale homeowners association in Northern California has been selected to become Solvang’s next city manager.

For Monday night’s City Council meeting, the agenda includes approval of a contract with Randolph “Randy” Murphy, who has served as Hidden Valley Lake Association’s leader for nearly four years. 

He has more than 30 years of management experience, including more than 20 years in the public sector, listing 11 jobs on his resumé since 2001 but only one two-year stint as city administrator.

The top job in Solvang has been vacant since Xenia Bradford resigned abruptly in late September and was paid $250,000. The announcement claimed “both parties came to an amicable agreement to pursue different paths.”

The council is expected to approve a three-year employment contract Monday night, according to the agenda. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. in the council chambers at Solvang City Hall, 1644 Oak St.

Documents show that Murphy will be paid $190,000 annually with future increases similar to those given to other management employees. 

He also will receive a standard benefits package, including health insurance, retirement, a $1,000 monthly housing allowance, a $350 monthly car allowance and a $50 monthly cellphone allowance. He also will be allotted up to $5,000 for moving expenses.

The contract called for Murphy to receive an annual performance evaluation, which could earn him a performance bonus up to $15,000.

If he’s terminated, the contract calls for the city to pay Murphy six months of salary plus six months of health insurance premiums. 

He will begin his new job in late April.

As the Hidden Valley Lake Association general manager, he has directed operations and maintenance of a 3,300-lot homeowners association, which includes a private security force, an 18-hole championship golf course, a lake and other amenities. 

Before that, Murphy spent a year as Feather River Recreation and Park District general manager from March 2018 to March 2019, according to his resumé.

He was interim director of public works for the City of Benicia from October 2017 to March 2018.

Additionally, he was interim administrative services director for the town of Windsor for a few months in 2017 and interim director of operations for the San Mateo County Harbor District for a few months in 2016.

Murphy served as city administrator for Oroville from August 2013 to March 2015. The Chico Enterprise-Record reported that Murphy was fired on a 5-2 vote after a performance review behind closed doors.

Before that, he was assistant city manager for the City of Tulare in the San Joaquin Valley from November 2012 to June 2013.

He also was Willdan’s interim deputy director of public works from January 2012 to November 2012.

His longer stints occurred more than a decade ago. 

Murphy worked as deputy director of planning and public works for Glenn County from May 2007 to July 2011.

He was a management analyst for the Salem Police Department from June 2006 to May 2007.

He also worked for a public works b business manager for Tuolomne County from 2001 to 2006.

Murphy earned his bachelor’s degree in business management and a master’s degree in public administration from Golden Gate University. 

The City Council hired Ralph Andersen & Associates to spearhead the search for a new city manager. 

The firm conducted the search that led to the hiring of Scott Wolfe in Buellton in 2019.

Solvang’s city manager hired from elsewhere ended up leaving after five months.