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Willows council renews Paxton inspection contract after debate over 30‑day termination clause
Summary
At its Feb. 11 meeting, the City of Willows Council voted 5‑0 to renew a professional services agreement with Paxton Family Inspection Services for building inspections and code enforcement; councilors discussed whether the contract’s 30‑day termination clause leaves sufficient time to secure a replacement contractor.
The City of Willows City Council voted 5‑0 on Feb. 11 to renew a professional services agreement with Paxton Family Inspection Services for building inspection and code‑enforcement work.
Council member Bridal pulled the consent item for discussion to ask whether the contract’s 30‑day cancellation provision would give the city enough time to find a replacement if Paxton terminated the agreement. “I just noticed in reading it that it’s a 30 day cancellation period for either the city or Paxton Family,” Bridal said. “If Paxton were to cancel, is 30 days sufficient time for us to find someone else to do our building services?”
City staff responded that short‑term coverage is feasible and that an existing contract with Coastland includes language allowing Coastland to provide inspection services on an as‑needed basis. “We’ve got so within the Coastland contract language too, we’ve got services that can be provided by Coastland on an as needed basis,” a staff member said. Staff described the interim response as subject to Coastland’s availability and noted that some services could be reduced during any transition.
Council members and staff outlined procurement timing if a permanent replacement became necessary: advertising in a local paper for 10 days, a typical 2–3 week turnaround for proposals, followed by a 3–4 week review period for selection, though one council member estimated the full process could take closer to 60 days. After discussion, councilors said they were comfortable retaining the 30‑day cancellation clause and beginning advertisement immediately if Paxton were to end the contract.
A roll call vote recorded Mayor Hudson, Vice Mayor Thomas, Council member Hanson, Council member Bridal and Council member Busby voting in favor; the motion carried 5‑0.
The renewed agreement remains in effect with the 30‑day termination provision. City staff noted they would use contract provisions with Coastland and immediate advertisement if needed to limit service gaps.
Votes at a glance: Motion to renew contract with Paxton Family Inspection Services — approved, 5‑0.
Ending: The council approved the Paxton renewal as part of the consent calendar after the short discussion; staff will rely on Coastland and, if necessary, immediate advertisement to prevent extended gaps in inspection services.
