Council approves extension of Tripepi communications contract after heated debate, 3–2

The Palmdale City Council approved, by a 3–2 vote, a second amendment to the city’s contract with Tripepi Smith and Associates to extend communications, public information and creative services and add $2,600,000 for two one‑year extension options (for a five‑year not‑to‑exceed total of $5,500,000).

Stella Devinek, the city's communications manager, summarized the recommendation and introduced Tripepi representatives. Devinek told the council the original three‑year agreement included two one‑year extension options and staff was recommending exercising both to extend service through December 2028.

Several councilmembers questioned the size of the proposed amendment and compared Palmdale's annual spend with neighboring Lancaster's contract, which was cited by one member as roughly half of Palmdale's per‑year cost. One councilmember asked, “Why such a huge contract for Tripepi here in Palmdale?” and recommended issuing an RFP to ensure competitive pricing.

Ryder Smith, speaking for Tripepi, said the firm's work for Palmdale runs on a time‑and‑materials basis and that the Palmdale scope of work is larger than Lancaster's engagement; he said the firm provides an equivalent of seven full‑time staff and a pool of part‑time contributors for large projects. Devinek added that Tripepi bills with granular Excel time logs and contract oversight is performed by city staff.

Supporters of the amendment pointed to award‑winning city events and improved web and media services since the firm's engagement. Detractors urged further analysis of deliverables and recommended either an RFP or a shorter term to allow public comparison.

Council backed the amendment by a 3–2 margin. Councilmembers who voted no said the increase and contract history justified putting the work out to bid or producing clearer performance metrics; those who voted yes said the service is integral to current city functions and that termination clauses and 30–60 day outs provide program flexibility.

Next steps: contract administration remains with the communications department; staff will provide billing detail on request and the contract includes a 30–60 day notice clause renunciable without penalty.