Council appoints Maria Moreno as director of Recreation and Community Services; salary and severance summarized

The Baldwin Park City Council voted 5‑0 to approve an employment agreement appointing Maria Moreno as director of Recreation and Community Services. Staff said Moreno will officially assume the title Monday, Sept. 15, 2025.

City staff introduced the appointment and described Moreno’s tenure with the department. The city attorney summarized contract terms on the record as required by state law: monthly compensation for the position was stated as $15,329.98 per month, and the agreement provides for three months’ base salary as severance in the event of termination without cause. Staff said other benefits align with executive team members and that the position is at‑will. The city manager and multiple council members offered public congratulations; council members noted Moreno is the first female director of the department and cited her decades of service to Baldwin Park.

Why it matters: The appointment places an experienced, long‑tenured department official in the lead role of a department responsible for parks, recreation programs and community services including food distributions, homeless services and other social programs. The salary and severance terms were summarized on the record in compliance with government‑code disclosure rules.

Votes and next steps: The motion to approve the agreement passed 5‑0. Moreno addressed the council and thanked staff, her family and the community; staff will finalize administrative steps to effect the change in title and compensation by the stated start date.