Malibu council ratifies interim city manager; public raises questions about pre‑ratification contract signatures

The Malibu City Council on May 27 ratified the appointment and employment agreement for Candace Bond as interim city manager, resolving a procedural concern that arose after technical problems forced continuation of an earlier meeting where the appointment was first made.

Staff said Ambassador Candace Bond has been a Malibu resident for more than 30 years and has a long record of public service and international experience; the council’s ratification makes the May appointment effective and addresses questions about the legal effect of actions taken after the earlier meeting was disrupted by audio/visual problems.

“Ambassador Bond has already put her relationships and experience to work advocating for the city,” a staff summary said; speakers from multiple public agencies and law enforcement also praised the cooperation that allowed Pacific Coast Highway to reopen and the use of extra law‑enforcement resources over Memorial Day weekend.

Several members of the public used the public‑comment period to challenge the timing of one or more contracts that Bear said were signed before the contract ratification was complete. One speaker, Anne Kaye, noted she could not find a signed employment agreement in the public records and said a private security contract discussed in the consent calendar appeared to have been signed while Bond’s appointment was still pending. Another commenter raised the price and procurement process for the security contract and urged additional procurement steps.

The council amended staff language from “confirm” to “ratify” to make clear the action would reach back to the earlier appointment date and cure any potential procedural defect. Council discussion noted that ratification is a legal mechanism that can render a previously defective but otherwise authorized act effective as of the original date. The council then voted to ratify Bond’s employment agreement and to welcome her as interim city manager.

What’s next: Staff will file the ratified agreement in the public record and address any records questions raised during public comment. The council also approved a contract for supplemental security services on a consent item; public speakers requested further review of procurement options and price comparisons, and staff said they would provide the requested documentation.

Ending: The ratification places the appointment and any associated actions on a clearer legal footing; public commenters asked for more transparency on a recent security contract and for staff to supply procurement details.