STAFF REPORT
City of Lancaster
CC 12
8/12/2025
TN
Date:August 12, 2025
To: Mayor Parris and City Council Members
From: Trolis Niebla, City Manager
Subject:Professional Services Agreement – Frydman Counsel Recommendations:
1. It is recommended that the City Council approve the Professional Services Agreement with Frydman Counsel in an amount not to exceed $125,000.00, and authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to sign all documents.
2. Approve an appropriation of $125,000.00 from General Fund Balance to 10110000.5710
3. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to execute any additional amendments to the Agreement deemed necessary to complete the project in a form approved by the City Attorney.
4. Find that this item is not a project pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
G.C. Section 84308: No
Fiscal Impact:
Please appropriate $125,000 from General Fund Balance into Account Number 10110000.5710.
Background:
Since July 2024, Frydman Counsel and the City of Lancaster have collaborated to empower City executive staff with the knowledge, skills, and resilience in order to lead the City effectively.
In addition to their ongoing efforts, Frydman Counsel has been instrumental in providing strategic implementation for the City of Lancaster employees through in person, one on one coaching sessions, as well as delivering a strategic plan.
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The City Manager's Office is requesting to approve a Professional Services Agreement with Frydman Counsel in a not to exceed amount of $125,000.00 for specific proposals focusing on the following services until November 28, 2025:
Conduct focused meetings with City leadership to clarify top goals, identify operational gaps, and ensure all initiatives reflect the priorities of Lancaster residents. Define clear, future focused priorities for the 2025–2026 fiscal year. Align departmental efforts with high impact, citywide objectives; such as public safety, economic vitality, and community wellbeing.
Launch forward thinking initiatives, including the Innovation Commission and a comprehensive Citywide AI Strategy.
Streamline executive leadership meetings by clarifying roles, reducing redundancies, and strengthening team cohesion.
Engage extensively with Directors of each City department to optimize systems, improve efficiency, and ensure strategic alignment across all levels of municipal operations. Meet with local community leaders who are committed to advancing Lancaster’s future, ensuring their voices are heard and their goals are reflected in the City’s action plans. Align City representatives and committee members with department directors to codesign a streamlined, cost efficient rollout of major initiatives, maximizing public impact while minimizing the use of City funds.
This engagement will include both large format meetings with City Directors to drive strategic planning and alignment, as well as frequent individual sessions with all pertinent stakeholders, including department heads, community leaders, and key City representatives. These meetings will focus on optimizing performance, resolving implementation challenges, and ensuring that every initiative reflects a unified, community centered vision.
TN/hb
Attachment:
Professional Services Agreement