West Covina council appoints Mylan Marrakich as city manager after debate over degree waiver

The West Covina City Council voted to appoint Mylan Marrakich as the city's next city manager, approving an employment agreement that includes an annual base salary and a contractual waiver of the usual college‑degree requirement for this appointment. The council approved the package by roll call after a sustained exchange about disclosure and procedure.

Councilwoman Diaz moved to approve the employment agreement and Mayor Lopez Villatto seconded the motion. The city attorney explained that the contract language waiving the educational requirement applies only to Marrakich and does not change the job specification for future hires. Councilmember Gutierrez said the waiver raised transparency concerns because the council had discussed the issue at length and some members believed the public had been told one thing while the contract recitals said another; Gutierrez voted no. Councilmembers Wu, Diaz, Mayor Pro Tem Contos and Mayor Lopez Villatto voted in favor; the motion passed.

The council swore in Marrakich immediately following the vote in a brief ceremony led by a Superior Court judge. Several councilmembers praised Marrakich’s work ethic and leadership during his time as acting city manager, while others emphasized the need for procedural clarity when waiving job requirements.

City Attorney guidance: the attorney advised that the body may waive the job specification for a single appointment through the agreement and that the waiver can be revisited and reinstated for subsequent hires unless the council changes the job specification itself.

Next steps: Marrakich assumed the duties and was sworn in the same evening. Councilmembers urged staff to ensure that future personnel waivers and contract language are clearly presented to the public and recorded in the minutes.

Vote: The motion to approve the employment agreement and appoint Marrakich passed on roll call (Aye: Wu, Diaz, Contos, Mayor; No: Gutierrez).