Victorville council approves housing and safety contracts, raises city manager pay and backs California anniversary events

The Victorville City Council on Sept. 2 approved a set of contracts and budget changes intended to expand rapid rehousing services, add pedestrian safety devices at school crosswalks, secure unarmed security services and formalize veterinary services for the city’s animal adoption center. The council also approved a 5% salary increase for City Manager Keith Metzler and voted to light City Hall in California’s colors for the state’s 175th anniversary.

The council adopted staff recommendations to award two consultant agreements under the state’s Encampment Resolution Fund (ERF-3) for rapid rehousing: a 24-month agreement with Family Assistance Program not to exceed $959,920 and a 24-month agreement with Victor Valley Family Resource Center not to exceed $200,000. City planner Alex Hategui was identified as the author of the ERF-3 item. The motion to approve the contracts was moved by Councilmember Godin and seconded by Councilmember Irving; the vote was unanimous.

Why it matters: the ERF-3 award is part of a larger $6.4 million-state grant the city received in late 2024; staff said about $2.3 million of that award was budgeted for rapid rehousing services. City staff described the rapid rehousing work as covering rental subsidies, security deposits, landlord incentives, housing search assistance and referrals to community-based supports.

The council also approved Resolution No.…