Parlier council records 3-0 votes to end city attorney contract, approve special counsel

Parlier City Council returned from a closed session on June 13 and recorded two reportable actions: a 3-0 vote with two members absent to terminate services with the city attorney and a 3-0 vote with two absent to approve a contract with special counsel.

The meeting opened at Parlier City Hall and included a public-comment period limited to matters on the closed-session agenda. An unidentified commenter handed a letter to the dais and said the council had removed the city attorney, named in public comment as “Neil,” with only three votes. The commenter asserted that removing a contracted employee requires four votes and called the action a violation of the Brown Act.

Sandra Alvarez, who identified herself during public comment, echoed that claim and pressed the council for records and a description of how the replacement attorney was vetted. Alvarez said she had “verification and proof in black and white” and referenced a December 28, 2023 news article she said quoted Council members Juanita Molina and Kathy Salorio. “You guys keep violating the Brown Act,” Alvarez said during her remarks.

An official identified in the transcript as “Chief” responded after the closed session by announcing the reportable actions. The official said, “Unanimous vote 3-0 with 2 absent to terminate services with city attorney,” and announced a separate, unanimous 3-0 vote with two absent to approve a contract with special counsel. The transcript does not list a motion text, the names of the council members who voted, or any second to the motions.

The public commenters’ assertion that a four-vote threshold is required for removal of contracted staff was raised during public comment but not confirmed on the record; the transcript contains the allegation and the council’s recorded 3-0 votes. The council did not provide an on-the-record explanation in open session for the votes taken in closed session; the official who spoke said the closed-session personnel matters were confidential and could not be discussed in public.

The record in the transcript shows Mayor Amel Beltran and Mayor Pro Tem Sabrina Rodriguez were absent; Council members Juanita Molina, Diego Garza, and Kathy Salorio were recorded present. City Clerk Dorothy Garza and Treasurer Michelle Lopez were also noted during roll call. The transcript lists the closed-session agenda under Government Code section 54957 for public employee discipline/dismissal and for public employee appointment (special counsel).

Next steps were not stated in the transcript. The meeting concluded with the presiding official adjourning the session.