La Palma council unanimously approves Michael Egan as interim city manager

The La Palma City Council voted unanimously to approve a contract with Michael Egan to serve as interim city manager while the council conducts a search for a permanent city manager.

City staff said the council interviewed several candidates and would likely complete a search in roughly five months; the contract with Egan includes an option to keep him on through the end of the calendar year if the council needs additional time. Staff noted CalPERS rules for retired annuitants are being addressed in the contract and said the city attorney drafted the agreement and had reviewed it with Mr. Egan.

Mayor Pro Tem Nitesh Patel spoke in support of hiring Egan, saying, “My thought process is we're glad to have, Mike agree to come on as a interim city manager because your experience, your knowledge will help us and guide us through this process.” The council then moved to approve the contract (motion by Mayor Pro Tem Nitesh Patel, second by Council Member Debbie Baker). The roll call vote recorded five yes votes from Council Member Debbie Baker, Council Member Keo Conklin, Council Member V. Patel, Mayor Pro Tem Nitesh Patel and Mayor Waldman; the motion carried.

The contract and accompanying discussion noted the city will proceed with a permanent recruitment while Mr. Egan serves in the interim. The meeting record shows the council had earlier announced closed-session items related to labor negotiations and recruitment; the chair said there was no reportable action from those closed-session items.

The council adjourned after taking the action.