The city manager signed a retainer agreement with Tripepi Smith and Associates, Inc., on Oct. 15, 2023, for “Communications Support.” A copy of the contract is available on the city website. Reader tips lead the Sun to the document. City Manager Jill Ingram chose the monthly retainer option. The city manager and Seal Beach department heads are authorized to approve contracts up to a certain amount without City Council approval. The city manager’s maximum amount to approve a contract is $40,232.
The agreement was for a retainer for $6,525 a month. Above the city manager’s signature was text that specifically limited the service to the maximum amount of money the city manager is allowed to authorize.
The city manager gives a quarterly report on contracts approved by the city manager or city department heads.
According to Assistant City Manager Patrick Gallegos, the contract with Tripepi Smith will be included in the report for the quarter Oct. 1 to Dec. 31, 2023, and put on the City Council agenda in January/February.
Assistant City Manager Patrick Gallegos pointed out in a recent email, that the report covered the period from July to September. The contract was signed in mid-October. (See below for more details.)
“In an effort to further increase transparency, the City Manager provides a quarterly report to the City Council that identifies all contracts executed by the City Manager. The City Manager has the authority to approve and execute contracts up to the amount of $40,232,” according to the Nov. 13 document submitted by City Clerk Gloria Harper.
The first City Council meeting held after the contract was signed took place on Oct. 23. A review of City Council agendas for both closed and open sessions from Oct. 23 to Dec. 11 found no reference to Tripepi Smith and Associates, Inc., or to hiring for communications support services.
The proposal was submitted to Seal Beach on Aug. 2, 2023.
“Tripepi Smith is a force multiplyer for the communications operations in cities across California,” according to the proposal cover letter, signed by Ryder Todd Smith, co-founder and president of Tripepi Smith.
According to the cost proposal page, Tripepi Smith would:
• Make bi-weekly check in calls.
• “Create and publish social media post content.”
• “Monitor social media and respond to comments.”
• “Produce regular report on key performance metrics and external communication channels: social media, email, etc.”
• “Create and publish press releases and/or website news articles. Relationship with local media,” according to the document.
• Hold “quarterly meeting with Dept. heads to plan next year of communication opportunities,” according to the document.
“Time at Tripepi Smith is billed in 15-minute increments—i.e. we invoice our time in the following examples: 1.25, .75, 4 or 6.5 hours. Payment terms are Net 30 days,” according to the proposal.
According to the proposal, Tripepi Smith will increase the hourly rates and retainer fees annually at 5% or the national BLS Consumer Price Index, whichever is higher, on the anniversary of the contract, starting on the first anniversary of a contract for longer than a year.
“Otherwise, new rates will be negotiated with each new contract renewal period,” according to the proposal.
“Tripepi Smith is happy to use a printer of the client’s choosing for print production work, or to recommend a printer with whom we have experience,” according to the proposal.
“City Manager Ingram recognized the need for additional expertise and capacity to effectively support the City Council’s ongoing strategic plan objectives related to public outreach and engagement,” wrote Assistant City Manager Patrick Gallegos in a Jan. 2 email.
“Our current public information team works diligently, but the complexity of some initiatives, coupled with limited staffing, necessitated strategic external support. Hiring a qualified consultant allows us to access specialized skills and experience, ensuring high-quality communication and reaching a wider audience with key messages,” Gallegos wrote.
“Our primary goal is not to influence public opinion in any particular direction. Instead, we aim to provide accurate, transparent, and timely information to foster informed public dialogue and understanding of City initiatives,” Gallegos wrote.
“While the consultant will help us refine our messaging and reach various demographics more effectively, the content remains focused on factual information and clear explanations of City policies and projects,” Gallegos wrote.
“We understand the importance of public awareness and open communication. By collaborating with Tripepi Smith, the City reinforces our commitment to these values, allowing us to better serve our community by effectively communicating City developments and engaging with residents in meaningful ways,” Gallegos wrote.
On Jan. 9, the city issued a press release announcing what the press release described as the city’s partnership with Tripepi Smith and Associates, Inc.
“Committed to open dialogue and transparency, the City of Seal Beach has embarked on a fresh and long-term approach to improving its focus on public communication, prioritizing increased engagement and accessibility through new social media channels and a revitalized newsletter,” the press release said in part. “This partnership extends beyond setting up social media profiles. Tripepi Smith is assisting the City in defining clear, consistent messaging policies and guidelines that embraces and reflects the unique brand and voice of Seal Beach.”
