STAFF REPORT
City of Lancaster
CC 5
08/11/26
TN
Date: August 11, 2026
To: Mayor Parris and City Council Members
From: Trolis Niebla, City Manager
Subject: Award of Professional Services Agreement with Frydman Counsel, Inc. – Regional Energy Strategy, FPH2 Coordination & Project Implementation Recommendations:
1. Approve a Professional Services Agreement with Frydman Counsel, Inc., for Regional Energy Strategy, FPH2 Coordination & Project Implementation, in an amount not to exceed $185,000.00, and authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to execute all related documents;
2. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to execute any necessary amendments to the Agreement, in a form approved by the City Attorney, provided the total contract amount does not exceed the approved not-to-exceed amount; and
3. Determine that this action is not a project pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
G.C. Section 84308: No
Fiscal Impact:
The total fiscal impact of this action is $185,000.00. All costs are fixed-fee, inclusive, and shall not exceed the amount identified in the Agreement unless amended in writing by mutual agreement of the parties. Funding will be provided from Account Number 10110000.5710. 1 8
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Background:
The City of Lancaster continues to advance regional energy initiatives that promote innovation, economic development, and long-term sustainability. As these initiatives expand in scope and complexity, the City seeks experienced strategic advisory support to strengthen coordination among City departments, FPH2, public agencies, industry partners, and other key stakeholders while ensuring effective implementation and executive oversight.
Frydman Counsel, Inc., led by Shanit Frydman, Esq., provides strategic advisory and implementation management services focused on advancing regional energy initiatives. The proposed agreement includes executive coordination, project implementation oversight, performance monitoring, stakeholder engagement, and strategic communications designed to improve accountability, remove implementation barriers, and accelerate execution of the City's highest-priority energy initiatives. These services will support Lancaster's continued leadership in responsible energy innovation while strengthening governance, organizational coordination, and long-term project success.
Attachments:
1. Proposal – Frydman Counsel, Inc. Regional Energy Strategy, FPH2 Coordination & Project Implementation
2. Draft Professional Services Agreement