Baldwin Park council approves public works director hire and upholds staff recommendation on claim

The Baldwin Park City Council on April 16 approved an employment agreement for Daniel Padilla as the city’s Director of Public Works and, after two motions, voted to approve staff’s recommendation on a separate agenda item identified as item 6.

The council approved Padilla’s employment agreement by roll call. City staff presented the proposed compensation as $16,133.06 per month, or $193,596.77 per year, at step 4 of a five‑step salary scale. The agreement lists a tentative start date of May 12. Council member votes on the motion were recorded as yes by Council members Ayala, Estrada, Lozano, Mayor Pro Tem Damian and Mayor Avila; the motion carried.

Item 6 drew separate votes. Council member Ayala moved to reject staff’s recommendation and instead accept the claim listed on item 6; that motion received a second and the roll call recorded Ayala voting yes, Council member Estrada voting no, Council member Verano voting yes and Mayor Pro Tem Damian voting no; the mayor announced the motion failed. A subsequent motion was made to approve item 6 as recommended by staff. In that vote the roll call recorded Council member Ayala voting no, Council member Estrada yes, Council member Lozano no, Mayor Pro Tem Damian yes and Mayor Avila yes; the motion passed on that second vote.

No additional details about the claim subject of item 6 were provided during the public meeting beyond the recorded motions and the restricted statement noted in the agenda; the city attorney reported the council had met in closed session earlier in the evening on an anticipated litigation matter and on the appointment of the city attorney and said no reportable action was taken on those closed‑session items.

The council also approved routine finance and housing authority consent items through the evening’s consent calendars.