Jack & Susan Simpson, 16707 Gerritt Avenue, Cerritos, CA 90703 O | 562/926-0800 M | 562/896-5424 M | 310/418-1035
www.trackdownmanagement.net | [email protected] | [email protected]
City Manager Newsletter By
TRACKDOWN MANAGEMENT
"Providing thread to help stitch together the fabric of the City Management Community"
May, 2017 Special Page | 1 Volume No. 10: Issue No. 10
California Contract Cities Association Executive
Director Marcel Rodarte’s professional staff shown
here at the annual installation banquet at the
organization’s 58th Annual Municipal Seminar. Left to
right are: Dianne Guevara, Intern; Cristina Shore,
Management Analyst; Kelli Lofing, Executive
Assistant; and Ilissa Gold, Legislative Analyst. The
success of the event is largely due to the hard work
of the Executive Board, Marcel and this group.
California Contract Cities Association’s
58th Annual Municipal Seminar
By Jack A. Simpson
On November 20, 1957 representatives of the
cities of Lakewood, Bellflower, Duarte, La
Puente, Norwalk, Paramount, Rolling Hills and
Santa Fe Springs gathered together to establish
the California Contract Cities Association. The
organization was founded as a support group
for cities that utilize the “contracting out” service
delivery system that was originally developed by
the City of Lakewood. Lakewood incorporated
in 1954 using the “contract cities” technique.
The “Lakewood Plan” allowed many
communities to incorporate that would
otherwise have been unable to budget for in-
house full-time staffed public services.
Contracting out is a way to provide quality
services cost-effectively. The “Lakewood Plan” is
recognized nationwide.
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City Manager Newsletter By Trackdown Management Page 2 May, 2017 Special
borah Collins began her working career in Sausalito as an Administrative Assistant with
an information technology and services firm in 1983. In 1984 she went to work as a
software support technician for an on-line software systems company in Chico. She
joined the Chico city staff in 1994 as Community Services Officer (CSO), and in 2001
she took a Management Analyst with the Chico Police Department. In 2009 she
moved to the City Manager's Office in a Management Analyst post. Deborah
earned a BA in social work from California State University, Chico, and an MS in law
from Champlain College.
La Cañada Flintridge Mayor Michael Davitt was
installed as the 2017-2018 President of the California
Contract Cities Association at the group’s
58th Annual Municipal Seminar in Indian Wells.
California Contract Cities Association’s
58th Annual Municipal Seminar
Malibu Mayor Lou La Monte served as the 2016-
2017 President of the California Contract Cities
Association (CCCA). He and his wife Laraine
moved to Malibu in 1991. Lou has been a
producer and director in the film and television
industry for more than 35-years. He was with the
CBS Television Network for more than a decade,
and he formed his own production company
where he continued his association with CBS,
while also working with ABC. He produced and
directed one-hour specials, documentaries and
sports assignments. Lou has produced and
directed more than 3,000 commercials. In 2010
Lou was elected to the Malibu City Council. He
was selected to serve on the CCCA Executive
Board in 2012.
During Lou’s term as President the association
added five new member cities, including:
Beverly Hills, Eastvale, Glendale, Hermosa Beach
and Manhattan Beach. This brings the
membership to 73 member cities representing a
population of more than 7.5 million people. Lou
was the 58th CCCA President. Roy Reynolds of
Norwalk and Jim Van Horn of Artesia both
served two one-year terms.
http://www.wolfhousing.com/
Former City Administrator Wesley Wolf, Founder
Telephone No. 213-744-0437Wolf
& Company Inc., founded in
1993, is a municipal
consulting/financial advisory
firm that provides services to State and local
governments and not-for-profit corporations in the
areas of municipal finance.
Veteran investment banker and
municipal finance consultant
Manny De Dios has joined
Wolf & Company Inc.
http://www.stifel.com/
Stifel is ready to serve public agency financial
needs. Stifel's Stephen Heaney, Managing Director,
Public Finance is a former member of
the CCMF Board, and serves on the
Board of Advisors for the USC Sol Price
School of Public Policy. Jose Vera is
active in Southern California city
organizations. Among the professionals
on the Northern California Stifel team are
Ralph Holmes, Eric McKean, Roberto Ruiz and
James Cervantes.
Malibu Mayor Lou La Monte
City Manager Newsletter By Trackdown Management Page 3 May, 2017 Special
borah Collins began her working career in Sausalito as an Administrative Assistant with
an information technology and services firm in 1983. In 1984 she went to work as a
software support technician for an on-line software systems company in Chico. She
joined the Chico city staff in 1994 as Community Services Officer (CSO), and in 2001
she took a Management Analyst with the Chico Police Department. In 2009 she
moved to the City Manager's Office in a Management Analyst post. Deborah
earned a BA in social work from California State University, Chico, and an MS in law
from Champlain College.
http://www.tripepismith.com/
Tripepi Smith & Associates fields a professional team
that brings a strong background in pursuit of new
and innovative approaches and skills in marketing,
technology and public affairs. The firm also offers
workshops in communications training. Contact
Ryder Smith or one of his colleagues at 626-536-2173
Ryder Todd Smith, Founder and
President of Tripepi Smith &
Associates Ryder serves on the Board of the
Rose Institute of State and Local
Government at Claremont
McKenna College.
Driving innovation in public agency
communications, Tripepi Smith & Associates is proud
to promote collaborative government, and proud
to have participated at the 58th Annual Municipal
Seminar of the California Contract Cities Association
Anthony Gonsalves of
Joe A. Gonsalves & Son
addresses those
gathered for the 2017
annual CCCA Seminar.
California Contract Cities Association’s
58th Annual Municipal Seminar
We left home on Wednesday, May 10, 2017 to
drive to Indian Wells to attend the 58th Annual
Municipal Seminar of the California Contract
Cities Association. We have been attending the
annual seminars since former Temple City Mayor
and City Council Member Jack Tyrell was
President (1966-1967). Though we do not play in
the annual golf tournament, which traditionally
is held early Thursday morning, we enjoy joining
the golfers prior to tee-off to say “Hello” and wish
them well. In recent years former Norwalk Mayor
and City Council Member Cheri Kelley, a CCCA
past President (2003-2004), joins us. Since many
seminar participants who play in the annual golf
event arrive on Wednesday, special dinner get-
togethers have been planned as a social kick-
off to the seminar. This year we were thoughtfully
invited to attend a dinner at the Indian Wells
home of Anthony and Evelyn Gonsalves. The
cost of the dinner is split among a number of
sponsors, and provides a get-together that
allows an excellent opportunity for interaction
and meeting new attendees.
http://www.civicbusinessjournal.com/company/joe-
a-gonsalves-son/
The firm was founded by the late former California
State Assembly Member Joe A. Gonsalves.
Anthony D. Gonsalves serves as a
member of the CCMF Board of
Directors. Anthony, Jason Gonsalves
and Paul Gonsalves are expert
municipal lobbyists. The firm represents
about 50-cities, and has become a
key player in legislation about city government. Joe
Gonsalves said, "Lobbyist are like parachutes; you
don't need them often but when you do they had
better work."
Call Joe A. Gonsalves & Son at: 916-441-0597
City Manager Newsletter By Trackdown Management Page 4 May, 2017 Special
borah Collins began her working career in Sausalito as an Administrative Assistant with
an information technology and services firm in 1983. In 1984 she went to work as a
software support technician for an on-line software systems company in Chico. She
joined the Chico city staff in 1994 as Community Services Officer (CSO), and in 2001
she took a Management Analyst with the Chico Police Department. In 2009 she
moved to the City Manager's Office in a Management Analyst post. Deborah
earned a BA in social work from California State University, Chico, and an MS in law
from Champlain College.
Trackdown Posse Roster:
Executive Level:
Wade McKinney, Indian Wells CM & President of CCMF Michael J. Sedell, Retired Simi Valley City Manager Larry F. Pennell, Interim City Manager, St. Helena
Marcia Raines, Millbrae City Manager
Posse: Gregory Korduner, Retired City Manager
Howard Chambers, Lakewood Lyle Defenbaugh, CalTrust
Ernie Garcia, Retired Norwalk City Manager Joe Tanner, Retired City Manager
Dave Carmany, La Puente City Manager Ken Bayless, Retired, Greater L.A. Vector Control District
Kevin O’Rourke, KOLGS/PARS Richard Ramirez, Retired City Manager, American Canyon
Vern Lawson, Lancaster Don Penman, Retired City Manager, Arcadia Anthony Gonsalves, Joe A. Gonsalves & Son
Gary K. & Mary Jo Sloan, Retired La Mirada City Manager Anthony R. Ybarra, Retired South El Monte
Sam Olivito, California Contract Cities Association Jack Lam, Retired Rancho Cucamonga City Manager
Gary Chicots, Retired City Manager Anthony Lopez, Retired City Manager
Dr. Bill Mathis, Mathis Group Roy Pederson, ICMA Past-President Troy Butzlaff, City Manager, Azusa Dale Geldert, Retired CDF Director
Rita Geldert, Retired Vista City Manager Gary Milliman, Brookings, Oregon
Doug Dunlap, Retired City Manager, Pomona Robert Dickey, Former CM & retired DPW, South Gate
Clay Curtin, Menlo Park Jim Lewis, Pismo Beach City Manager
Kevin Duggan, ICMA & retired City Manager Charles G. "Guy" Huffaker, Retired City Manager
Rod B. Butler, Port Hueneme City Manager Ray Harris, Retired Public Official
Jason Gonsalves, Joe A. Gonsalves & Son Paul Gonsalves, Joe A. Gonsalves & Son
John C. Bolan, Cheyenne River Ranch John F. Shirey, Sacramento City Manager
Glenn Southard, Retired City Manager, Indio & Claremont Paul Philips, City Manager, City of Industry
Ray B. Taylor, City Manager, Westlake Village Chris Freeland, City Manager, West Covina
Lee C. McDougal, Retired Montclair City Manager Douglas N. La Belle, Retired Chino Hills City Manager Ray Silver, Retired City Manager, Past Pres. CM/LCC
John P. Thompson, Retired City Manager, Vacaville Denise Ovrom, HdL Companies
Richard D. Rowe, Retired City Manager Ronald Kiedrowski, Retired City Manager
Susan Simpson, In-N-Out Burger
b
Former Norwalk Mayor and Council Member
Cheri Kelley, a CCCA past President (2003-2004).
California Contract Cities Association’s
58th Annual Municipal Seminar
As my wife Susan usually does, I requested a
room close to the elevator. At my age my knees
are not what they used to be. The young man at
the hotel registration desk handed me a room
key with a huge smile. He said the room over-
looks the pool, and I would like it. I then set out
on a hike to the room. It turned out to be the
longest walk to a room in that hotel that I have
ever taken. Lesson No. 1 for me: Don’t check in
without Susan. They always seem to want to take
good care of her requests. Lesson No. 2: Beware
of hotel registration clerks with big smiles as they
hand you a room key.
“Strength in Numbers” was the theme of the 48th
Annual Municipal Seminar of the California Contract
Cities Association, May 11-14, 2017 at the
Renaissance Indian Well Resort & Spa. Nowhere to
be found was the name “Esmeralda,” which
previously was in the name of the hotel. Although,
the same excellent Marriott service continues.
City Manager Newsletter By Trackdown Management Page 5 May, 2017 Special
borah Collins began her working career in Sausalito as an Administrative Assistant with
an information technology and services firm in 1983. In 1984 she went to work as a
software support technician for an on-line software systems company in Chico. She
joined the Chico city staff in 1994 as Community Services Officer (CSO), and in 2001
she took a Management Analyst with the Chico Police Department. In 2009 she
moved to the City Manager's Office in a Management Analyst post. Deborah
earned a BA in social work from California State University, Chico, and an MS in law
from Champlain College.
https://www.munienvironmental.com/about-us/
MuniEnvironmental, LLC (Muni Environmental) is a
team of educated and experienced professionals
providing consulting expertise in the Solid Waste,
Recycling and Storm water Industries.
Jeff Duhamel, CEO/Principal
Consultant
Morgan McCarthy, Storm
water expert
Telephone No. 562-432-3700
MuniEnvironmental, LLC, is a team of educated and
experienced professionals providing consulting
expertise in the Solid Waste, Recycling and
Stormwater Industries. The firm provides consulting
services to cities and other governmental agencies
attempting to implement mandated regulatory
requirements.
www.keenan.com
Keenan is an industry leader in insurance, employee
benefits and financial solutions for public agencies.
Keenan cares about city management.
Executive Vice President Steve Gedestad is a
Member of the California City Management
Foundation (CCMF) Board of Trustees.
Corporate Office Telephone No. 310-212-3344
KeenanDirect knows about affordable health
insurance plans. Keenan associates are certified
insurance agents who understand health insurance
coverage options for individuals, families and small
businesses. KeenanDirect provides sound guidance
and direction.
California Contract Cities Association’s
58th Annual Municipal Seminar
Wednesday evenings dinner was a very nice
affair with an amazing group of attendees. I
arrived at the Gonsalves home about the same
time as Indians Wells City Manager Wade
McKinney, the current President of the California
City Management Foundation (CCMF). I was
pleased to have the opportunity to greet
Anthony Gonsalves, Jason’s twin brother, an am
honored that he referred to me as “Uncle Jack.”
Retired Los Angeles County Supervisor Don
Knabe was among the dinner guests; as was
former City Managers Frank Tripepi and Bob
Dickey, and retired CCCA Executive Director
Sam Olivito and his wife Sharon.
Veteran Lakewood City Manager Howard
Chambers, who has announced that he is
retiring, and the Lakewood Deputy City
Manager Carol Flynn Jacoby were there. Some
of the other City Managers we noted were:
Rosemead City Manager Bill Manis; Malibu City
Manager Reva Feldman; Hawaiian Gardens
City Manager Ernie Hernandez; Duarte City
Manager Darrell George and Deputy City
Manager Karen Herrera; Claremont City
Manager Tony Ramos; Norwalk City Manager
Mike Egan; CCCA Executive Director Marcel
Rodarte and his staff members Kelli Lofing,
Cristina Shore, and Ilissa Gold; Indian Wells City
Manager Wade McKinney and Assistant to the
City Manager Peter Castro; Ken Striplin, the
Santa Clarita City Manager and the CCMF Vice
President; and many others.
It was an honor to be seated at a table with
Anthony and Evelyn Gonsalves, Indian Wells
Mayor Richard Balocco, Sam Olivito and former
Mayor and Council Member Dave Spence of La
Cañada Flintridge. Sadly, Dave passed away
after returning home following the seminar.
City Manager Newsletter By Trackdown Management Page 6 May, 2017 Special
borah Collins began her working career in Sausalito as an Administrative Assistant with
an information technology and services firm in 1983. In 1984 she went to work as a
software support technician for an on-line software systems company in Chico. She
joined the Chico city staff in 1994 as Community Services Officer (CSO), and in 2001
she took a Management Analyst with the Chico Police Department. In 2009 she
moved to the City Manager's Office in a Management Analyst post. Deborah
earned a BA in social work from California State University, Chico, and an MS in law
from Champlain College.
www.brandywinedev.com
Former City Manager Jim Barisic founded
Brandywine in 1994. Jim and his three sons
Brett Whitehead, Mark Whitehead and David Barisic
direct Brandywine Homes. Projects are now selling in
Anaheim, Arcadia, Monrovia, Norwalk, Torrance,
Yorba Linda, coming soon are projects in Yorba
Linda, and Whittier.
Call Brandywine at 949-296-2400
Housing industry veterans Brian M. Geis and
Eric E. Everhart have joined the Brandywine team.
They will oversee due diligence, entitlements and
project management.
Brandywine Homes Corporate Office
16580 Aston Street, Irvine, California 92606
Telephone: 949-296-2400 Fax: 949-296-2420
http://muniservices.com/
1
MuniServices, LLC, services
including revenue discovery, audit,
collections, and information
services to protect public agency
revenues. Doug Jensen, Senior
Vice President, Client Services, is
the West contact at 559-271-6800. Fran Mancia,
Vice President of Government Relations, can be
reached at 559-288-7296. Fran serves on the Board
of Trustees of the California City Management
Foundation (CCMF).
California Contract Cities Association’s
58th Annual Municipal Seminar
On Thursday, many of the seminar attendees
who were unable to participate at the annual
golf tournament began arriving. We saw Mayor
Pro Tem Ray Dunton of the Bellflower City
Council, and Industry City Manager Paul Philips
at breakfast.
With people arriving, we visited the central
lounge area to meet them. We ran into former
City Managers Andy Takata and Frank Tripepi,
along with Ryder Smith of Tripepi Smith and
Associates. Marc Mitchell of Cerrell Associates
came by, and Wes Wolf of Wolf & Company
visited, as did Morgan McCarthy of
MuniEnvironmental. Bellflower City Manager Jeff
Stewart and Adelanto Interim City Manager
Mike Milhiser dropped by too. It was good to
have the opportunity to talk with Mike Busch of
Urban Futures Inc. While we were there Danny
Kim of Nixon Peabody LLP stopped by too.
While dropping by the golf tournament awards
reception, I chatted a bit to John Kelly of Red
Devil Fireworks, and Paramount City Manager
John Moreno and Assistant City Manager Kevin
Chun.
Thursday evening I attended dinner at Kobe’s
Japanese Steak House in Rancho Mirage hosted
by CR&R Environmental Services. General
Manager Dan Stepanian and consultant John
Telesio were among the guests that also
included: Frank Tripepi of Willdan; Scott Collins
of The Col lins Group; and Brian Hews, publisher
of the Los Cerritos Community Newspaper
Group.
“Baseball is a game of averages, but
over a short period of time, to have a
little luck going is not a bad thing.”
--Bill Buckner
City Manager Newsletter By Trackdown Management Page 7 May, 2017 Special
borah Collins began her working career in Sausalito as an Administrative Assistant with
an information technology and services firm in 1983. In 1984 she went to work as a
software support technician for an on-line software systems company in Chico. She
joined the Chico city staff in 1994 as Community Services Officer (CSO), and in 2001
she took a Management Analyst with the Chico Police Department. In 2009 she
moved to the City Manager's Office in a Management Analyst post. Deborah
earned a BA in social work from California State University, Chico, and an MS in law
from Champlain College.
California Contract Cities Association’s
58th Annual Municipal Seminar
Indian Wells Mayor Richard Balocco welcomed
the “contract cities” to his community and
wished them the very best for a successful
seminar. SCAG President Margaret Finlay,
Duarte Mayor and past CCCA President (2004-
2005); Metro Board Chair John Fasana;
Glendale Council Member Ara Najarian; and
Move LA Executive Director Denny Zane served
as a panel on Session No. 1 addressed “Measure
M and Beyond.”
Prior to the session we had the occasion to chat
with former City Manager Henry Garcia. Henry
and his wife have established a successful
performance management consulting business.
For the first session I sat at a table that included
Walnut City Manager Rob Wishner and Director
of Administrative Services Karen Ogawa; and
Industry City Manager Paul Philips.
Following a time for networking, Session No. 2
was a presentation about city innovation, digital
ideas and applications. During the networking
time, among others, we ran into: Fran Mancia of
MuniServices; Larry Kosmont the founder of the
Kosmont Companies; and City Managers Mike
Egan, Norwalk; Charlie Honeycutt, Signal Hill;
Tony Ramos, Claremont; John Moreno,
Paramount; Troy Butzlaff, Azusa; Bill Rawlings,
Artesia; and Rene Bobadillo, Pico Rivera.
Francisco Contreras, West Hollywood, and Ted
Ross, Los Angeles, told the “Tale of 2 Cities”
regarding innovation efforts. I sat behind Dan
Koops of the Bellflower City Council and Jim
Edwards of the Cerritos City Council. La Puente
City Manager David Carmany joined me at the
session. Other we noted there included: CCCA
past Presidents Diane Martinez of Paramount
and Steve Tye of Diamond Bar.
http://www.kosmont.com/
Founded in 1986 by former City Manager
Larry J. Kosmont, Kosmont Companies has earned a
nationally reputation and is recognized as expert in
real estate, financial advisory and economic
development services. The Kosmont firms are
committed to bringing public, private, and non-
profit organizations together to help communities
flourish. Larry has made presentations to many State
and National organizations.
Mailing Address: 1601 N. Sepulveda Blvd., #382,
Manhattan Beach, California 90266
Telephone: 424-297-1070 Fax 424-286-4632
http://rwglaw.com/
Offices in Los Angeles, Orange County,
San Francisco and Temecula.
RW&G is committed to excellence in the legal
profession. Roxanne Diaz, Steven L. Dorsey, Kevin
Ennis, Gregory W. Stepanicich, Patrick “Kit”Bobko,
Serita Young and Craig Steele are among the City
Attorneys on the RW&G staff.
Call telephone No. 213-626-8484.
“Everything looks nicer when
you win. The girls are prettier. The
cigars taste better. The trees are
greener.” ---Billy Martin
City Manager Newsletter By Trackdown Management Page 8 May, 2017 Special
borah Collins began her working career in Sausalito as an Administrative Assistant with
an information technology and services firm in 1983. In 1984 she went to work as a
software support technician for an on-line software systems company in Chico. She
joined the Chico city staff in 1994 as Community Services Officer (CSO), and in 2001
she took a Management Analyst with the Chico Police Department. In 2009 she
moved to the City Manager's Office in a Management Analyst post. Deborah
earned a BA in social work from California State University, Chico, and an MS in law
from Champlain College.
Please Visit EKA at www.ekapr.com
or call at 213-741-1500.
Englander Knabe & Allen is the fastest growing
public affairs firm in Southern California. EKA’s
partners Harvey Englander, Matt Knabe, Marcus
Allen, Eric Rose and Jeff McConnell provide
strategic counsel. They are expert in local
government issues, from land use to public safety,
and they help build public/private partnerships.
Matt Knabe is the Managing Partner. Matt is a graduate
of Pepperdine University, and was a 4-year member of the
Men’s Varsity Golf Team.
California Contract Cities Association’s
58th Annual Municipal Seminar
Please understand that we saw many folks
during each of the days we were there, and
many people multiple times. We are trying to
develop an interesting narrative so we have
mentioned folks along the way. Otherwise we
would only have a simple boring list. At least,
that is our thinking; right or wrong! We most
assuredly missed some folks who deserved
recognition and acknowledgement. Please
except our apologies if you are one of those we
missed.
The Answer:
One of California’s
best Classic Rock
bands: The Answer
visited California
country singer
Casey Simpson in
Nashville where she
is working.
http://www.hdlcompanies.com/
Telephone No. 909-861-4335.
HdL was founded in 1983 by former City Manager
Robert "Bob" Hinderliter, who successfully
championed legislation allowing independent
verification of State Board of Equalization records.
HdL expanded and improved with the help of a
partnership with former City Manager
Lloyd de Llamas, the firm’s Executive Chairman.
Andy Nickerson is the President of the firm.
HdL Companies offers diverse services that include:
allocation audits, economic analysis and program
software regarding Sales Tax, and Property Tax,
Economics. Veteran Walnut Creek City Manager
Ken Nordhoff, a past John H. Nail Award winner, has
joined the HdL Team.
http://www.nortonrosefulbright.com
Norton Rose Fulbright is
a full-service legal firm
with experts in banking
and finance, public
finance and
environmental service. Russell C. Trice and Donald L.
Hunt are among those available in the firm's Los
Angeles office. Both are Partners, and Don is the
head of the Los Angeles Public Law and
Administration Group.
Call Don at 215-892-9316
Call Russ at 213-892-9317
CCCA Past President (2006-
2007), former West Hollywood
Mayor and Council Member,
Los Angeles County Assessor
Jeffrey Prang at the 2017 CCCA
Municipal Seminar in
Indian Wells.
City Manager Newsletter By Trackdown Management Page 9 May, 2017 Special
borah Collins began her working career in Sausalito as an Administrative Assistant with
an information technology and services firm in 1983. In 1984 she went to work as a
software support technician for an on-line software systems company in Chico. She
joined the Chico city staff in 1994 as Community Services Officer (CSO), and in 2001
she took a Management Analyst with the Chico Police Department. In 2009 she
moved to the City Manager's Office in a Management Analyst post. Deborah
earned a BA in social work from California State University, Chico, and an MS in law
from Champlain College.
California Contract Cities Association’s
58th Annual Municipal Seminar
Prior to the Friday luncheon session where State
Senators Tony Mendoza and Ricardo Lara
reported to those assembled, we had the
opportunity to chat with retired Rosemead
Assistant City Manager Don Wagner. Don is
working as an Associate for The Collins Group.
He said that he is working on a deal to refurbish
locomotives for reuse. There are many efforts
out there that will produce positive effects on
the environment.
On the way to finding a luncheon table we had
occasion to see City Attorney Roxanne Diaz of
Richards Watson Gershon, City Attorney in
Hidden Hills, Indio and Norwalk; and City
Managers Jim DeStefano, Diamond Bar, Bill
Rawlings, Artesia, and Doug Prichard of Rolling
Hills Estates. At our Friday luncheon table was
Wes Wolf; veteran City Attorney Michael B.
Montgomery; Kevin Ennis of Richards Watson
and Gershon, who serves as City Attorney in
Moorpark and Calimesa; past CCCA Presidents
Sally Flowers (2007-2008), Artesia Mayor Pro Tem,
and Cheri Kelley (2003-2004), former Norwalk
Mayor and Council Member; veteran Walnut
City Council Member Robert Pacheco; and
some Lawndale officials.
http://www.parsinfo.org/
PARS provides retirement services designed
specifically for each public agency's unique needs
aiming to provide superior employee benefits while
improving management effectiveness, reducing
costs, and simplifying administration.
Call 800-540-6369
Seen here in the Exhibit area between seminar
sessions are Azusa City Manager Troy Butzlaff,
Wes Wolf of Wolf and Company, and City Manager
Bryan Cook of Temple City.
http://caltrust.org/
Any California local agency; may participate in
CALTRUST. Maximize market interest return and
maintain maximum liquidity and security. These
investments are not with the State Treasurer. CALTRUST
is governed by local government treasurers and
investment officers. Contact Lyle Defenbaugh or
Erin Carthen: 916-440-4890 (Lyle) & 916-440-4888 (Erin)
http://www.nwfg.com/
Newcomb Williams
Financial Group (NWFG)
is a woman-owned
investment banking firm
providing underwriting
and financial advisory
services to public agencies, and non-profit
corporations. Pam Newcomb, Janees Williams and
William D'Allaird are among the firm's professionals.
Please call them at: 760-860-0222
City Manager Newsletter By Trackdown Management Page 10 May, 2017 Special
borah Collins began her working career in Sausalito as an Administrative Assistant with
an information technology and services firm in 1983. In 1984 she went to work as a
software support technician for an on-line software systems company in Chico. She
joined the Chico city staff in 1994 as Community Services Officer (CSO), and in 2001
she took a Management Analyst with the Chico Police Department. In 2009 she
moved to the City Manager's Office in a Management Analyst post. Deborah
earned a BA in social work from California State University, Chico, and an MS in law
from Champlain College.
www.chwlaw.us
Expert Public Agency Legal Services. Committed to
counsel that is helpful, understandable, and fairly
priced. With offices in Los Angeles and
Grass Valley in the Sierra Foothills, CH&W
represents public and private clients
throughout California in municipal law.
Michael Colantuono is Managing
Shareholder. Michael currently serves as
City Attorney for the Cities of Auburn and Grass
Valley. Michael was named the Ronald M. George
Public Lawyer of the Year on September 30, 2010.
Members of the firm serve as City Attorney or
General Counsel in: Auburn, Barstow, Calabasas,
Grass Valley Lakeport, Ojai, Sierra Madre, South
Pasadena and Yountville.
Call telephone No. 530-432-7357 or 213-542-5700.
https://www.hrgreen.com/
For top quality engineering and planning services
contact HR Green's George Wentz or
Roy Stephenson, Manager - Local Government
Services at: 951-212-6927.
California office Telephone: 855-900-4742
HR Green combines engineering and technical
services with business and management expertise
to deliver sustainable success.
HR Green has established a third office in Southern
California at the
Torrance Business Center:
879 West 190th Street, No. 400 Gardena, CA 90248
California Contract Cities Association’s
58th Annual Municipal Seminar
Following the lunch there were concurrent
sessions. Norwalk City Manager Mike Egan; San
Dimas Mayor Curtis Morris, the current Executive
Board Chair for the JPIA; and Karen Bartak
addressed insurance related issues. At the same
time, Ryder Smith, founder of Tripepi Smith &
Associates; and Alice Walton of Ek, Sunkin, Klink
& Bai talked about local government
information systems and crisis communications.
Those we noted at this session included: Debbie
Smith, Executive Director of the Independent
Cities Finance Authority; Pomona City Manager
Linda Lowry; Los Angeles County Assessor Jeff
Prang; and Jennifer Quan, Executive Director for
the Los Angeles County Division of the League
of California Cities; and many others.
Mark Waronek of the Lomita City Council introduces
Alice Walton and Ryder Smith.
Some other folks we saw during and between
sessions include: City Managers Bryan Cook,
Temple City; Blaine Michaelis, San Dimas; Mark
Alexander, La Cañada Flintridge; Ryan Smoot of
Lomita; Chris Freeland, West Covina; and Bill
Manis of Rosemead. Others we noted include:
Bill Pagett, Adel Freij, Lew Gluesing and Mark
Risco of Willdan; Bellflower Assistant to the City
Manager Randi Stover; Kristine Guerrero,
Legislative Director for the Los Angeles County
Division of the League; and many more.
City Manager Newsletter By Trackdown Management Page 11 May, 2017 Special
borah Collins began her working career in Sausalito as an Administrative Assistant with
an information technology and services firm in 1983. In 1984 she went to work as a
software support technician for an on-line software systems company in Chico. She
joined the Chico city staff in 1994 as Community Services Officer (CSO), and in 2001
she took a Management Analyst with the Chico Police Department. In 2009 she
moved to the City Manager's Office in a Management Analyst post. Deborah
earned a BA in social work from California State University, Chico, and an MS in law
from Champlain College.
California Contract Cities Association’s
58th Annual Municipal Seminar
Saturday’s session kicked-off at 8 o’clock in the
morning with lobbyists Duncan McFetridge and
Anthony D. Gonsalves of Joe A. Gonsalves &
Son. Assembly Bill No. 1250 authored by
Assembly Member Reginald Byron Jones-
Sawyer, Sr. of Los Angeles was addressed. This is
anti-contracting out legislation. AB 1250 would
establish substantial roadblocks affect the ability
of cities and counties to contract for services,
regardless of the cost-effectiveness. Time
consuming and expensive cost-benefit analysis
will be required. This bill sets local government
policy from Sacramento, intruding on “home
rule” and local control.
Sessions on marijuana policy, water, financial
forecasting and pension expense, harassment
prevention training, ethics training and criminal
justice issues filled out the rest of Saturday. The
luncheon session on Saturday featured Los
Angeles County Supervisors Kathryn Barger and
Janice Hahn, and Assembly Member Laura
Friedman, who provided a perspective on
influential women in California.
Saturday evening it was time for the annual
installation reception and banquet. Assessor Jeff
Prang presided as Master of Ceremonies, and
Supervisor Kathryn Barger served as the
Installation Officer.
Executive Director Marcel Rodarte and the
CCCA staff did a wonderful job of making
certain that the Association’s planning brought
a meaningful and important educational
seminar, and opportunity to meet and learn
from colleagues and vendors who filled the
exhibit area. The 2017 CCCA Seminar was a
huge success.
http://www.urbanfuturesinc.com/
Michael Busch, CEO
Telephone No. 714-923-3541
Urban Futures, Inc. (UFI) is a full
service municipal consulting firm
serving cities, counties, school districts, special
districts, private higher education and non-profits
since 1972. Urban Futures, Inc. has a broad base of
expertise with highly skilled and experienced
professionals. Its consulting practice includes
strategic planning, financial analysis, management
consulting, utility rate and feasibility studies and
special study services with offices in the cities of
Tustin and Walnut Creek.
Wfis.wellsfargo.com
Wells Fargo has developed sophisticated employee
benefit insurance programs for public entities for
more than 30-years. Wells Fargo Insurance helps
agencies design innovative benefits solutions and
navigate the complex healthcare reforms.
For more information contact Gary Delaney or
Kristin Yokoyama at 310-543-9995
Please understand that we cannot identify
everyone. We wish we could. Again, we
apologize for those we missed.
We genuinely enjoyed talking to old friends and
making new ones. We liked having the
opportunity to talk with Carl Alameda, Director
of Administrative Services for La Canada
Flintridge. Also, “Thank you” to Carl’s boss Mark
Alexander for the USC banner for our
conference badge. We hope you enjoy reading
this account of seminar experience. ***
City Manager Newsletter By Trackdown Management Page 12 May, 2017 Special
borah Collins began her working career in Sausalito as an Administrative Assistant with
an information technology and services firm in 1983. In 1984 she went to work as a
software support technician for an on-line software systems company in Chico. She
joined the Chico city staff in 1994 as Community Services Officer (CSO), and in 2001
she took a Management Analyst with the Chico Police Department. In 2009 she
moved to the City Manager's Office in a Management Analyst post. Deborah
earned a BA in social work from California State University, Chico, and an MS in law
from Champlain College.
Municipal Law
Services
Colantuono
Highsmith
Whatley, PC
www.chwlaw.us
Colantuono, Highsmith & Whatley
After more than a decade of business under the
name Colantuono & Levin, PC, the firm changed its
name to Colantuono, Highsmith & Whatley, PC. The
change marks career milestones for Sandi Levin, Terri
Highsmith and Holly Whatley. The firm's web address
has changed to www.chwlaw.us and the email
addresses have changed to reflect that URL, too. The
change reflects an elevation to shareholder status of
Terri and Holly, and Sandi Levin's departure from the
practice of law to become the full-time Executive
Director of the Los Angeles County Law Library, the
second largest public law library in the United States.
Colantuono, Highsmith & Whatley, PC Offices:
Penn Valley, California: Telephone: 530-432-7357
Los Angeles, California: Telephone: 213-542-5700
Colantuono, Highsmith & Whatley serves as general
counsel or city attorney in the cities of Auburn,
Barstow, Calabasas, Grass Valley, La Habra Heights,
and Sierra Madre, the Auburn, the Barstow
Redevelopment Agency, the Sierra Madre
Community Redevelopment Agency. The firm serves
as special counsel to local governments throughout
California. Current and recent clients include the
cities of Belmont, Berkeley, Bradbury, Brentwood,
Burbank, Calexico, Cerritos, Chula Vista, Concord,
Culver City, Cupertino, Fremont, Glendale,
Huntington Beach, Lathrop, Livermore, Lodi, Long
Beach, Los Angeles, Marina, Monterey, Morgan Hill,
Mountain View, Newport Beach, Oakland, Oxnard,
Palo Alto, Pasadena, Redding, Redondo Beach,
Redwood City, Richmond, Riverside, San Juan
Batista, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Ana,
Santa Clara, Santa Maria, Santa Rosa, Sausalito, Simi
Valley, South Gate, South Lake Tahoe, Sunnyvale,
Torrance, Tracy, Tulare, Vallejo, Ventura, Vista and
Yuba City; and Marin, Nevada, Riverside, San Benito
and Solano Counties.
Attorneys:
Michael Allderdice 213-542-5718
Leonard P. Aslanian 213-542-5709
Gary B. Bell 530-208-5346 [email protected]
Michael G. Colantuono 213-542-5739 or 530-432-7359
John C. Davidson 530-208-5356 [email protected]
Jon R. di Cristina 530-798-2991 [email protected]
Ryan Thomas Dunn 213-542-5717 [email protected]
David Fleishman 805-466-4711
Aleks R. Giragosian 213-542-5734 [email protected]
Pamela K. Graham 213-542-5702 [email protected]
Teresa L. Highsmith 213-542-5703 [email protected]
Scott H. Howard 213-542-5722 [email protected]
Eduardo Jansen 530-798-2416 [email protected]
Douglas M. Johnson 530-208-5367 [email protected]
Megan S. Knize 213-542-5720 [email protected]
Jennifer L. Pancake 213-542-5708 [email protected]
David J. Ruderman 530-798-2417 [email protected]
Lance W. Shoemaker 213-542-5721 [email protected]
Amy C. Sparrow 213-542-5716 [email protected]
Matthew T. Summers 213-542-5719 [email protected]
Holly O. Whatley 213-542-5704 [email protected]
Laura E. Zagaroli 213-542-5706 [email protected]
Colantuono, Highsmith & Whatley periodically distributes
newsletter that highlight new developments in the law. The
Update on Public Law is available in both printed and
electronic formats. The firms Labor & Employment Update
is only available electronically. Everyone is invited to
Subscribe.
http://www.cllaw.us/index.php?pg=newsletters
City Manager Newsletter By Trackdown Management Page 13 May, 2017 Special
borah Collins began her working career in Sausalito as an Administrative Assistant with
an information technology and services firm in 1983. In 1984 she went to work as a
software support technician for an on-line software systems company in Chico. She
joined the Chico city staff in 1994 as Community Services Officer (CSO), and in 2001
she took a Management Analyst with the Chico Police Department. In 2009 she
moved to the City Manager's Office in a Management Analyst post. Deborah
earned a BA in social work from California State University, Chico, and an MS in law
from Champlain College.
Picking Up the Pieces: Colleen Ferguson is
leaving her position with the City of Santa
Rosa to accept the appointed to serve as
Public Works Director and City Engineer
for the City of Sonoma. Colleen is replacing the
retiring Public Works Director Dan Takasugi. She grew
up in Petaluma, and served as an Intern with that city.
Windsor Town Manager Linda Kelly will retire in
August, 2017. She has served as the Windsor Town
Manager since December, 2012. She previously
worked as the City Manager in Sonoma and as the
Town Manager in Fairfax. Linda also previously held
positions in Atherton, Sunnyvale, Long Beach,
Whittier, and La Puente. She began her career as an
intern in Pasadena. In 2011 she was presented the
ICMA Community Partnership Program
Excellence Award, and a 20-year ICMA
Service Award. Former Riverbank City
Manager Jill Anderson has gotten a
positive review as the City Manager in
Chehalis, Washington where she has
worked for most of the past year. Jill also previously
worked as the Assistant City Manager in Seaside, and
as a Management Coordinator in the City of
Norwalk. Jill earned a Master degree from BIOLA
University in La Mirada. El Cajon Assistant to the City
Manager Brett Channing has been selected to serve
as the Director of Management Services in the City
of Lake Forest working with City Manager Debra Rose
beginning Mary 30, 2017. Brett is a past President of
MMASC (2012-2013). Veteran City Manager Steve
Wright has concluded his “interim” assignment in
Gustine, and Doug Dunford is the new City Manager.
Doug is also the Police Chief so he will be wearing
two hats! Palo Alto Director of Community Services
Rob de Geus has been elevated to the position of
Deputy City Manager. He will work directly with City
Manager James Keene. Rob joined the Palo Alto city
staff 17-years ago as a Recreation Coordinator. Rob
is filling a position that has been vacant since the
departure of former Deputy City Manager Steve
Emslie in 2013. Morro Bay City Manager David
Buckingham announced that his last day in will be
June 26, 2017. David has been the Morro Bay City
Manager for the past three-years. Finance Director
Craig Schmollinger is serving as the Acting City
Manager until a new person is appointed. David is on
paid administrative leave until his last day in June.
Walnut Creek has hired a new City Manager. San Luis
Obispo County Administrative Officer Dan Buckshi is
coming to city government as the Walnut Creek City
Manager succeeding veteran City Manager Ken
Nordhoff, who has joined HdL Companies. Assistant
City Manager Fran Robustelli has served as Interim
City Manager. Dan began his working career in the
A great deal of benefit from attending a seminar
comes from the opportunities to meet with
professionals in the city management craft. Here is
Lomita City Manager Ryan Smoot. At 32-years old
Ryan is one of the youngest City Managers in the
California ranks. He previously worked for Villa Park
and the City of Bellflower. We were grateful to have
the opportunity to talk with Ryan after the afternoon
sessions had ended at the 2017 CCCA annual
municipal seminar in Indian Wells. Ryan is one of the
best-of-the-best young California City Managers.
automotive and technology industries. He joined San
Luis Obispo County as an Administrative Analyst in
2002. Redding Assistant City Manager Barry Tippin will
serve as Interim City Manager during the recruitment
process to fill the City Manager position following City
Manager Kurt Starman’s retirement. Barry also works
as the city’s Director of Electric Utility since 2012.
Former Livingston City Manager Jose Ramirez is set to
return to the city as City Manager. The first time in
Livingston Jose served as City Manager between
2011 and 2015. For the past couple of years he has
worked in the private sector for the San Joaquin
Regional Rail Commission. Jose also served as the
City Administrator in Orange Cove between 2000
and 2003, and as City Manager in Firebaugh
between 2003 and 2011.
“How can a guy win a game if you don’t
give him any runs.?” ---Robert “Bo” Belinsky
City Manager Newsletter By Trackdown Management Page 14 May, 2017 Special
borah Collins began her working career in Sausalito as an Administrative Assistant with
an information technology and services firm in 1983. In 1984 she went to work as a
software support technician for an on-line software systems company in Chico. She
joined the Chico city staff in 1994 as Community Services Officer (CSO), and in 2001
she took a Management Analyst with the Chico Police Department. In 2009 she
moved to the City Manager's Office in a Management Analyst post. Deborah
earned a BA in social work from California State University, Chico, and an MS in law
from Champlain College.
Former Walnut City Manager Bob Dickey, Bellflower
City Manager Jeff Stewart, and Wes Wolf of Wolf &
Company at the 2017 CCCA Municipal Seminar.
More Pieces Picked Up: Banning City
Manager Michael Rock is the new City
Manager in the City of Santa Paula.
Mike began his career in 1993 and
worked in public works areas until 2007 when he was
appointed Public Works Director in Fairfax. He was
appointed Fairfax Town Manager in 2008. He then
served as City Manager in Lomita between 2012-
2015. He has been the Banning City Manager since
2015. Jennifer Egan Colacion, daughter of Norwalk
City Manager Mike Egan, was among
those in the 2017 graduating class at
Brandman University, part of the
Chapman University system where she
earned an MPA. Jennifer has worked
with the City of Brea since June, 2013,
starting as a Community Services Senior Leader.
Jennifer took a position in the Brea City Clerk’s office,
and in August, 2015 she became a Program Assistant
in the Community Services Department. Since
February, 2016 Jennifer has worked as a Community
Services Specialist – Art in Public Places in Brea. She
earned a BA from California State University, Long
Beach. Jill Serrano of the San Diego County Sheriff’s
Department has been appointed Assistant Sheriff,
Chief Financial and Administrative Officer (CFAO) for
the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Jill has
been serving as the Chief Financial Officer for the San
Diego County Sheriff’s Department. She earned a BS
and MPA from San Diego State University. Jill is a
mother, cyclist and outdoor enthusiast. Veteran
retired City Manager Cynthia Kurtz was selected to
serve as the Interim City Manager in the City of Santa
Ana. Cynthia is a past President of the City Managers
Department of the League of California Cities (2006-
2007). Cynthia is a former Pasadena City Manager
and CEO of the San Gabriel Valley Economic
Partnership. She also served as the Interim City
Manager in Covina.
Annual Fall Educational Summit
Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa September 30 – October 2, 2017
http://www.contractcities.org/
Marcel Rodarte, CCCA Executive Director
Larry Kosmont has introduced Vien Le has the new
Senior Vice President of Public Finance with Kosmont
Transactions Services. He has more than 16-years of
investment banking and financial advisory
experience. The new Vice President may be
contacted at 310-430-8178. Duarte City Manager
Darrell George has served as City Manager since
2003. He is not an ICMA member. Darrell is a cancer
survivor after fighting non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma as a
patient at the City of Hope. Darrell was aboard the
2017 City of Hope’s float in the Rose Parade as a
cancer survivor. Dr. William Moore has served as an
Associate Professor at California State University,
Long Beach since August, 1998. He earned a BA at
Washington & Jefferson College, an MPA from the
University of Pittsburgh, an MA in economics and a
Ph.D. from the Maxwell School at Syracuse University.
Bill developed good working relationships with
California’s City Managers during his 19-year career
at CSULB. In 1992 Eddie Manfro went to work in
Alhambra as a Personnel Analyst. He became a
Hawthorne Personnel Analyst in October, 1994. In
1998 Eddie became a Human Resources Analyst in
Santa Monica, where he was promoted to Senior
Human Resources Analyst in 1999. Eddie move south
to La Mesa in 2003 to be the Human Resources
Manager. He joined the Westminster city staff in
Orange County in October, 2007 as the Director of
Human Resources and Risk Management. Eddie was
named Westminster Assistant City Manager in 2011
and he was appointed City Manager in July, 2012,
and he continues to serve in that post. Eddie earned
a BA from the University of Redlands, and an MPA
from California State University, Dominguez Hills.
Eddie is an AYSO soccer coach and referee.
2017 Annual Conference & Expo
League of California Cities
September 13-15, 2017 in Sacramento, California