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Fillmore council approves 3-year contract with Four Leaf for part‑time code enforcement services, up to $200,000
Summary
The City Council authorized a three‑year contract with Four Leaf Inc. to provide part‑time code enforcement services, including system setup, procedures review and enforcement visits. The contract is not to exceed $200,000 over three years; the council budgeted $120,000 for the current fiscal year.
The Fillmore City Council on Aug. 12 authorized a three‑year consulting agreement with Four Leaf Inc. to provide part‑time code‑enforcement services, authorize the acting city manager to execute the agreement and set a three‑year not‑to‑exceed contract amount of $200,000.
Staff background: Planning staff told the council the city has operated without a dedicated code‑enforcement officer for more than a year, with planning and legal staff handling complaints in addition to their other duties. The city issued a request for proposals and recommended Four Leaf as the most qualified consultant for a part‑time contract. Staff said the workload does not currently justify a full‑time city employee and that Four Leaf will initially focus on establishing a records and case‑tracking system, reviewing city procedures and handling enforcement tasks the city lacks bandwidth to manage.
Scope and operations: Four Leaf’s work will include proactive “windshield” inspections for obvious health and safety matters, handling complaint investigations and pursuing abatement of illegal street‑vendor activity, including off‑hours outreach coordinated with police when needed. Planning staff said Four Leaf previously assisted neighboring cities and is experienced in street‑vendor enforcement and related code matters.
Cost and council action: The contract was approved as a three‑year, hourly‑rate agreement not to exceed $200,000. Staff told the council $120,000 is budgeted for the current fiscal year. The council voted to authorize the acting city manager to execute the contract.
Why it matters: City leaders said reinstating a dedicated code‑enforcement presence will reduce response times, standardize complaint processing and help staff maintain public safety and neighborhood standards. Council members also requested that consultants carry out routine windshield surveys while avoiding an impression of adversarial enforcement; staff indicated Four Leaf will coordinate outreach and notifications.
Ending: Four Leaf’s code‑enforcement manager, Alejandra Molina, introduced herself at the council meeting and said the firm will work with city staff to streamline procedures and begin case work. The council provided no further modifications to the recommended contract at the Aug. 12 meeting.
