Tuesday, September 02, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *133
DocuSign Envelope ID: 347F6214- 8DOF- 4AA6- 8276- OEBBED580EBC month. CITY shall pay CONSULTANT all uncontested amounts set forth in the CONSULTANTS bill within 30 days after it is received.
2. SCOPE OF SERVICES.
A. CONSULTANT will perform the services and activities set forth in the SCOPE OF SERVICES attached hereto as Exhibit A and incorporated herein by this reference.
If any part of Exhibit A is inconsistent with the terms of this Agreement, the terms of this Agreement shall control.
B. Except as herein otherwise expressly specified to be furnished by CITY, CONSULTANT will, in a professional manner, furnish all of the labor, technical, administrative, professional and other personnel, all supplies and materials, equipment, printing, vehicles, transportation, office space, and facilities necessary or proper to perform and complete the work and provide the professional services required of CONSULTANT by this Agreement.
3. PAYMENTS. For CITY to pay CONSULTANT as specified by this Agreement, CONSULTANT must submit an invoice to CITY which lists the reimbursable costs, the specific tasks performed, and, for work that includes deliverables, the percentage of the task completed during the billing period.
4. TIME OF PERFORMANCE. The services of CONSULTANT are to commence upon receipt of a notice to proceed from CITY and shall continue until all authorized work is completed to CITY' s reasonable satisfaction, in accordance with the schedule incorporated in " Exhibit A," unless extended in writing by CITY.
5. FAMILIARITY WITH WORK. By executing this Agreement, CONSULTANT represents that CONSULTANT has ( a) thoroughly investigated and considered the scope of services to be performed; ( b) carefully considered how the services should be performed; and ( c) understands the facilities, difficulties, and restrictions attending performance of the services under this Agreement.
6. KEY PERSONNEL. CONSULTANT' skey persons assigned to perform work under this Agreement are Ryder Todd Smith, Sara Madsen, Kevork Kurdoghlian, Noelle Feaster and other members of CONSULTANT' steam as needed. CONSULTANT shall not assign another person to be in charge of the work contemplated by this Agreement without the prior written authorization of CITY.
7. TERM OF AGREEMENT. The term of this Agreement shall commence upon execution by both parties and shall expire on August 15, 2026, unless earlier termination occurs under Section 11 of this Agreement or extended in writing by both parties. The parties may agree to extend by two additional one- year periods, at the city' s sole discretion, upon consultant' ssuccessful demonstration of exemplary contract performance. Any extensions shall be approved in writing in advance by both parties.
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DocuSign Envelope ID: 347F6214- 8DOF- 4AA6- 8276- OEBBED580EBC
8. CHANGES. CITY may order changes in the services within the general scope of this Agreement, consisting of additions, deletions, or other revisions, and the contract sum and the contract time will be adjusted accordingly. All such changes must be authorized in writing, executed by CONSULTANT and CITY. The cost or credit to CITY resulting from changes in the services will be determined in accordance with written agreement between the parties.
9. TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER. CONSULTANT will provide CITY with a Taxpayer Identification Number.
10. PERMITS AND LICENSES. CONSULTANT will obtain and maintain during the term of this Agreement all permits, licenses, and certificates that may be required by local, state and federal laws in connection with the performance of services under this Agreement, including a business license as specified in Title VI, Chapter 2 of the Lomita Municipal Code.
11. Laws and Regulations; Employee/ Labor Certification. CONSULTANT shall keep itself fully informed of and in compliance with all local, state and federal laws, rules and regulations in any manner affecting the performance of the Project or the Services, including all Cal/ OSHA requirements, and shall give all notices required by law.
CONSULTANT shall be liable for all violations of such laws and regulations in connection with the Services and this Agreement. All violations of such laws and regulations shall be grounds for CITY to terminate the Agreement for cause.
12. TERMINATION.
A. Except as otherwise provided, CITY may terminate this Agreement at any time with or without cause with a 10 -day notice. Notice of termination shall be in writing.
B. CONSULTANT may terminate this Agreement. Notice will be in writing at least 30 days before the effective termination date.
C. In the event of such termination, CONSULTANT shall cease services as of the date of termination, all finished or unfinished documents, data, drawings, maps, and other materials prepared by CONSULTANT shall, at CITY' s option, become CITY' s
property, and CONSULTANT will receive just and equitable compensation for any work satisfactorily completed up to the effective date of notice of termination.
D. Should the Agreement be terminated pursuant to this Section, CITY may procure on its own terms services similar to those terminated.
13. INDEMNIFICATION.
A. CONSULTANT shall indemnify, defend with counsel approved by CITY, and hold harmless CITY, its officers, officials, employees and volunteers from and against all liability, loss, damage, expense, cost ( including without limitation reasonable attorneys fees, expert fees and all other costs and fees of litigation) of every nature arising out of or in connection with CONSULTANT' s
Tuesday, September 02, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *135
DocuSign Envelope ID: 347F6214- 800E- 4AA6- 8276- OEBBED580EBC performance of work hereunder or its failure to comply with any of its obligations contained in this AGREEMENT, regardless of CITY' Spassive negligence, but excepting such loss or damage which is caused by the sole active negligence or willful misconduct of CITY. Should CITY in its sole discretion find CONSULTANT' Slegal counsel unacceptable, then CONSULTANT shall reimburse CITY its costs of defense, including without limitation reasonable attorneys fees, expert fees and all other costs and fees of litigation.
CONSULTANT shall promptly pay any final judgment rendered against CITY and its officers, officials, employees and volunteers) covered by this indemnity obligation. It is expressly understood and agreed that the foregoing provisions are intended to be as broad and inclusive as is permitted by the law of the State of California and will survive termination of this Agreement.
B. The requirements as to the types and limits of insurance coverage to be maintained by CONSULTANT as required by Section 17, and any approval of said insurance by CITY, are not intended to and will not in any manner limit or qualify the liabilities and obligations otherwise assumed by CONSULTANT pursuant to this Agreement, including, without limitation, to the provisions concerning indemnification.
14. ASSIGNABILITY. This Agreement is for CONSULTANT' sprofessional services.
CONSULTANT' s
attempts to assign the benefits or burdens of this Agreement without CITY' swritten approval are prohibited and will be null and void.
15. INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT. CITY and CONSULTANT agree that CONSULTANT will act as an independent CONSULTANT and will have control of all work and the manner in which is it performed. CONSULTANT will be free to contract for similar service to be performed for other employers while under contract with CITY. CONSULTANT is not an agent or employee of CITY and is not entitled to participate in any pension plan, insurance, bonus or similar benefits CITY provides for its employees. Any provision in this Agreement that may appear to give CITY the right to direct CONSULTANT as to the details of doing the work or to exercise a measure of control over the work means that CONSULTANT will follow the direction of the CITY as to end results of the work only.
16. AUDIT OF RECORDS.
A. CONSULTANT agrees that CITY, or designee, has the right to review, obtain, and copy all records pertaining to the performance of this Agreement.
CONSULTANT agrees to provide CITY, or designee, with any relevant information requested and will permit CITY, or designee, access to its premises, upon reasonable notice, during normal business hours for the purpose of interviewing employees and inspecting and copying such books, records, accounts, and other material that may be relevant to a matter under investigation for the purpose of determining compliance with this Agreement.
CONSULTANT further agrees to maintain such records for a period of three ( 3) years following final payment under this Agreement.
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DocuSign Envelope ID: 347F6214- 8DOF- 4AA6- 8276- OEBBED580EBC B. CONSULTANT will keep all books, records, accounts and documents pertaining to this Agreement separate from other activities unrelated to this Agreement.
17. CORRECTIVE MEASURES. CONSULTANT will promptly implement any corrective measures required by CITY regarding the requirements and obligations of this Agreement. CONSULTANT will be given a reasonable amount of time as determined by CITY to implement said corrective measures. Failure of CONSULTANT to implement required corrective measures shall result in immediate termination of this Agreement.
18. INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS.
A. CONSULTANT, at CONSULTANT' sown cost and expense, shall procure and maintain, for the duration of the contract, the following insurance policies:
1. Workers Compensation Insurance as required by law. CONSULTANT shall require all subconsultants similarly to provide such compensation insurance for their respective employees. Any notice of cancellation or non -renewal of all Workers' Compensation policies must be received by CITY at least thirty 30) days prior to such change. The insurer shall agree to waive all rights of subrogation against CITY, its officers, agents, employees, and volunteers for losses arising from work performed by CONSULTANT for CITY.
2. General Liability Coverage. CONSULTANT shall maintain commercial general liability insurance in an amount of not less than two million dollars 2, 000,00) per occurrence for bodily injury, personal injury, and property damage. If a commercial general liability insurance form or other form with a general aggregate limit is used, either the general aggregate limit shall apply separately to the work to be performed under this Agreement or the general aggregate limit shall be at least twice the required occurrence limit.
3. Automobile Liability Coverage. CONSULTANT shall maintain automobile liability insurance covering bodily injury and property damage for all activities of CONSULTANT arising out of or in connection with the work to be performed under this Agreement, in an amount of not less than one million dollars ($ 1, 000,00) combined single limit for each occurrence.
Automobile coverage shall be at least as broad as Insurance Services Office Automobile Liability form CA 0001 covering any auto ( Code 1), or if Consultant has no owned autos, hired ( code 8) and non -owned autos ( Code 9).
4. Professional Liability Coverage. CONSULTANT shall maintain professional errors and omissions liability insurance for protection against claims alleging negligent acts, errors, or omissions which may arise from
CONSULTANT' S
operations under this Agreement, whether such
operations be by CONSULTANT or by its employees, subconsultants, or
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DocuSign Envelope ID: 347F6214- 8DOF- 4AA6- 8276- OEBBED580EBC subconsultants. The amount of this insurance shall not be less than two million dollars ($ 2, 000,00) on a claims - made annual aggregate basis, or a combined single -limit -per -occurrence basis. When coverage is provided on a " claims made basis," CONSULTANT will continue to renew the insurance for a period of three ( 3) years after this Agreement expires or is terminated.
Such insurance will have the same coverage and limits as the policy that was in effect during the term of this Agreement and will cover CONSULTANT for all claims made by CITY arising out of any errors or omissions of CONSULTANT, or its officers, employees or agents during the time this Agreement was in effect.
B. Endorsements. Each general liability, automobile liability and professional liability insurance policy shall be issued by a financially responsible insurance company or companies admitted and authorized to do business in the State of California, or which is approved in writing by CITY, and shall be endorsed as follows. CONSULTANT also agrees to require all CONSULTANTs, and subconsultants to do likewise.
1. "The CITY, its elected or appointed officers, officials, employees, agents, and volunteers are to be covered as additional insureds with respect to liability arising out of work performed by or on behalf of the CONSULTANT, including materials, parts, or equipment furnished in connection with such work or operations."
2. This policy shall be considered primary insurance as respects CITY, its elected or appointed officers, officials, employees, agents, and volunteers.
Any insurance maintained by CITY, including any self -insured retention CITY may have, shall be considered excess insurance only and shall not contribute with this policy.
3. This insurance shall act for each insured and additional insured as though a separate policy had been written for each, except with respect to the limits of liability of the insuring company.
4. The insurer waives all rights of subrogation against CITY, its elected or appointed officers, officials, employees, or agents.
5. Any failure to comply with reporting provisions of the policies shall not affect coverage provided to CITY, its elected or appointed officers, officials, employees, agents, or volunteers.
6. The insurance provided by this policy shall not be suspended, voided, canceled, or reduced in coverage or in limits except after thirty ( 30) days' written notice has been received by CITY.
C. CONSULTANT agrees to provide immediate notice to CITY of any claim or loss against CONSULTANT arising out of the work performed under this agreement.
CITY assumes no obligation or liability by such notice, but has the right (but not
Tuesday, September 02, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *138
DocuSign Envelope ID: 347F6214- 8D0E- 4AA6- 8276- OEBBED580EBC the duty) to monitor the handling of any such claim or claims if they are likely to involve CITY.
D. Any deductibles or self -insured retentions must be declared to and approved by CITY. At CITY' s option, CONSULTANT shall demonstrate financial capability for payment of such deductibles or self -insured retentions.
E. CONSULTANT shall provide certificates of insurance with original endorsements to CITY as evidence of the insurance coverage required herein.
Certificates of such insurance shall be filed with CITY on or before commencement of performance of this Agreement. Current certification of insurance shall be kept on file with CITY at all times during the term of this Agreement.
F. Failure on the part of CONSULTANT to procure or maintain required insurance shall constitute a material breach of contract under which CITY may terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 11 above.
G. The commercial general and automobile liability policies required by this Agreement shall allow CITY, as additional insured, to satisfy the self -insured retention (" SIR") and/ or deductible of the policy in lieu of the CONSULTANT as the named insured) should CONSULTANT fail to pay the SIR or deductible requirements. The amount of the SIR or deductible shall be subject to the approval of the City Attorney and the Finance Director. CONSULTANT understands and agrees that satisfaction of this requirement is an express condition precedent to the effectiveness of this Agreement. Failure by CONSULTANT as primary insured to pay its SIR or deductible constitutes a material breach of this Agreement. Should CITY pay the SIR or deductible on CONSULTANT' Sbehalf upon CONSULTANT' Sfailure or refusal to do so in order to secure defense and indemnification as an additional insured under the policy, CITY may include such amounts as damages in any action against CONSULTANT for breach of this Agreement in addition to any other damages incurred by CITY due to the breach.
19. USE OF OTHER CONSULTANTS. CONSULTANT must obtain CITY' s prior written approval to use any CONSULTANTs while performing any portion of this Agreement. Such approval must include approval of the proposed CONSULTANT and the terms of compensation.
20. FINAL PAYMENT ACCEPTANCE CONSTITUTES RELEASE. The acceptance by the CONSULTANT of the final payment made under this Agreement shall operate as and be a release of CITY from all claims and liabilities for compensation to the CONSULTANT for anything done, furnished or relating to the CONSULTANT' S work or services. Acceptance of payment shall be any negotiation of CITY' Scheck or the failure to make a written extra compensation claim within ten ( 10) calendar days of the receipt of that check. However, approval or payment by CITY shall not constitute, nor be deemed, a release of the responsibility and liability of CONSULTANT, its employees, sub- CONSULTANTs
Tuesday, September 02, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *139
DocuSign Envelope ID: 347F6214- 8DOF- 4AA6- 8276- OEBBED580EBC and agents for the accuracy and competency of the information provided and/ or work performed; nor shall such approval or payment be deemed to be an assumption of such responsibility or liability by CITY for any defect or error in the work prepared by CONSULTANT, its employees, sub- CONSULTANTs and agents.
21. CORRECTIONS. In addition to the above indemnification obligations, the CONSULTANT shall correct, at its expense, all errors in the work which may be disclosed during CITY' S review of CONSULTANT' Sreport or plans. Should the CONSULTANT fail to make such correction in a reasonably timely manner, such correction shall be made by CITY, and the cost thereof shall be charged to CONSULTANT. In addition to all other available remedies, CITY may deduct the cost of such correction from any retention amount held by CITY or may withhold payment otherwise owed CONSULTANT under this Agreement up to the amount of the cost of correction.
22. NON -APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS. Payments to be made to CONSULTANT by CITY for services preformed within the current fiscal year are within the current fiscal budget and within an available, unexhausted fund. In the event that CITY does not appropriate sufficient funds for payment of CONSULTANT' Sservices beyond the current fiscal year, the Agreement shall cover payment for CONSULTANT' Sonly to the conclusion of the last fiscal year in which CITY appropriates sufficient funds and shall automatically terminate at the conclusion of such fiscal year.
23. NOTICES. All communications to either party by the other party will be deemed made when received by such party at its respective name and address as follows:
CITY CONSULTANT
City of Lomita
24300 Narbonne Avenue
Lomita, CA 90717
ATTN: City Manager
Tripepi Smith & Associates,
Inc.
PO Box 52152
Irvine, CA 92619
ryder@tripepismith. com
ATTN: Ryder Todd Smith
Any such written communications by mail will be conclusively deemed to have been received by the addressee upon deposit thereof in the United States Mail, postage prepaid and properly addressed as noted above. In all other instances, notices will be deemed given at the time of actual delivery. Changes may be made in the names or addresses of persons to whom notices are to be given by giving notice in the manner prescribed in this paragraph. Courtesy copies of notices may be sent via electronic mail, provided that the original notice is deposited in the U. S. mail or personally delivered as specified in this Section.
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DocuSign Envelope ID: 347F6214- 8DOF- 4AA6- 8276- OEBBED580EBC
24. SOLICITATION. CONSULTANT maintains and warrants that it has not employed nor retained any company or person, other than CONSULTANT' s bona fide employee, to solicit or secure this Agreement. Further, CONSULTANT warrants that it has not paid nor has it agreed to pay any company or person, other than CONSULTANT' sbona fide employee, any fee, commission, percentage, brokerage fee, gift or other consideration contingent upon or resulting from the award or making of this Agreement. Should CONSULTANT breach or violate this warranty, CITY may rescind this Agreement without liability.
25. THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES. This Agreement and every provision herein is generally for the exclusive benefit of CONSULTANT and CITY and not for the benefit of any other party. There will be no incidental or other beneficiaries of any of CONSULTANT' sor CITY' s obligations under this Agreement.
26. INTERPRETATION. This Agreement was drafted in, and will be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California, and exclusive venue for any action involving this agreement will be in Los Angeles County.
27. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement, and its Attachments, sets forth the entire understanding of the parties. There are no other understandings, terms or other agreements expressed or implied, oral or written.
28. RULES OF CONSTRUCTION. Each Party had the opportunity to independently review this Agreement with legal counsel. Accordingly, this Agreement will be construed simply, as a whole, and in accordance with its fair meaning; it will not be interpreted strictly for or against either Party.
29. AUTHORITY/ MODIFICATION. The Parties represent and warrant that all necessary action has been taken by the Parties to authorize the undersigned to execute this Agreement and to engage in the actions described herein. This Agreement may be modified by written amendment with signatures of all parties to this Agreement. CITY' s
city administrator, or designee, may execute any such
amendment on behalf of CITY.
30. ACCEPTANCE OF FACSIMILE OR ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES. The Parties agree that this Agreement will be considered signed when the signature of a party is delivered by facsimile transmission, scanned and delivered via electronic mail, or delivered using digital signature technology approved by CITY. Such facsimile or electronic signatures will be treated in all respects as having the same effect as an original signature.
31. FORCE MAJEURE. Should performance of this Agreement be impossible due to fire, flood, explosion, war, embargo, government action, civil or military authority, the natural elements, or other similar causes beyond the Parties' control, then the Agreement will immediately terminate without obligation of either party to the other.
32. TIME IS OF ESSENCE. Time is of the essence to comply with dates and schedules to be provided.
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DocuSign Envelope ID: 347F6214- 8DOF- 4AA6- 8276- OEBBED58OEBC
33. ATTORNEY' SFEES. The parties hereto acknowledge and agree that each will bear his or its own costs, expenses and attorneys' fees arising out of and/ or connected with the negotiation, drafting and execution of the Agreement, and all matters arising out of or connected therewith except that, in the event any action is brought by any party hereto to enforce this Agreement, the prevailing party in such action shall be entitled to reasonable attorneys' fees and costs in addition to all other relief to which that party or those parties may be entitled.
34. STATEMENT OF EXPERIENCE. By executing this Agreement, CONSULTANT represents that it has demonstrated trustworthiness and possesses the quality, fitness and capacity to perform the Agreement in a manner satisfactory to CITY.
CONSULTANT represents that its financial resources, surety and insurance experience, service experience, completion ability, personnel, current workload, experience in dealing with private CONSULTANTs, and experience in dealing with public agencies all suggest that CONSULTANT is capable of performing the proposed contract and has a demonstrated capacity to deal fairly and effectively with and to satisfy a public agency.
35. DISCLOSURE REQUIRED. ( CITY and CONSULTANT initials required at one of the following paragraphs)
By their respective initials next to this paragraph, CITY and CONSULTANT hereby acknowledge that CONSULTANT is a " CONSULTANT" for the purposes of the California Political Reform Act because CONSULTANT' Sduties would require him or her to make one or more of the governmental decisions set forth in Fair Political Practices Commission Regulation 18700. 3(a)( 2) or otherwise serves in a staff capacity for which disclosure would otherwise be required were CONSULTANT employed by CITY. CONSULTANT hereby acknowledges his or her assuming - office, annual, and leaving -office financial reporting obligations under the California Political Reform Act and the CITY' S Conflict of Interest Code and agrees to comply with those obligations at his or her expense. Prior to CONSULTANT commencing services hereunder, the City' s Manager shall prepare and deliver to disclosure
CONSULTANT
obligations
a memorandum
in accordance
detailing
with the CITY' S
the extent
Conflict
of
of Interest
CONSULTANT' S
Code.
City Initials
CONSULTANT Initials
OR
By their initials next to this paragraph, CITY and CONSULTANT hereby acknowledge that CONSULTANT is not a " CONSULTANT" for the purpose of the California Political Reform Act because CONSULTANT' Sduties and responsibilities are not within the scope of the definition of CONSULTANT in Fair Political Practice Commission Regulation 18700. 3(a)( 2) and is otherwise not serving in staff capacity in accordance with CITY' S Conflict of Interest Code.
Tuesday, September 02, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *142
DocuSign Envelope ID: 347F6214- 8DOF- 4AA6- 8276- OEBBED580EBC City Initials rs
CONSULTANT Initials le
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties hereto have executed this contract the day and year first hereinabove written.
CITY OF LOMITA
Ryan Sm o%, City ages
ATTES
tL.Ctili/
r
athle: n Horn Gr- gy,
Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Trey , City Attorney
CONSULTANT
rblitx t kL smii%,
By: Ryder Todd Smith, President
731642614
Taxpayer ID No.
Tuesday, September 02, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *143
RFP response submitted for:
CITY OF LOMITA
General Communications Support
Submitted: July 12, 2023
By: Ryder Todd Smith, Co-Founder & President
Sara Madsen, Senior Business Analyst
Exhibit A
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City of Lomita / General Communications / Version 3.0
2 TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................................ 3 DECLARATIONS ................................................................................................................................................ 4 COMPANY OVERVIEW ..................................................................................................................................... 4 PROPOSED SCOPE OF RETAINER ................................................................................................................... 11 ESTIMATED COST OF ENGAGEMENT ............................................................................................................. 13 APPENDIX: RESUMES ..................................................................................................................................... 18 Tuesday, September 02, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *145
City of Lomita / General Communications / Version 3.0
3 INTRODUCTION
Thank you for the opportunity to continue our relationship with the City of Lomita as its trusted partner in communications. As your partner for public outreach and engagement for the past four years, our team is wellpositioned to help advance the City’ s strategic communications goals and objectives. This new agreement will combine three different agreements we currently have open with the City of Lomita, including general communications support, website content management and technical support, and City Council and Commission meeting audio/ visual broadcasting support.
Tripepi Smith is a unique firm. Our mix of technical prowess and policy competency results in the advantages outlined below. In addition to our demonstrated experience and solid references, these four advantages differentiate Tripepi Smith from other firms.
1. No other public affairs firm in California ( that we can find) has the certifications in social media and digital platforms that Tripepi Smith has. These certifications evidence our superior understanding of these platforms.
2. The breadth of Tripepi Smith’ s team— from policy to photography and videography— is rare. This provides a cohesive, single team that simplifies management for your staff and ensures delivery of a consistent, quality produc t.
3. Tripepi Smith’ s work with dozens of public agencies and municipal partners positions our team to communicate about the spectrum of issues known to local governments. Moreover, team members understand how to relate these issues to all stakeholders, including City staff, City council members, residents, businesses and other public agencies.
4. Though we have a set number of hours proposed in our contract, Tripepi Smith is available to our clients 24 hours per day. There is no “ bad time” to call or email us, and our response will be immediate and engaged on the issue at hand.
We appreciate this opportunity to continue to serve the Lomita community and look forward to collaborating with the City on its communications efforts.
Tripepi Smith’ s proposal price is valid for ninety ( 90) days after submission to you via email.
Regards,
Ryder Todd Smith
Co-Founder & President
Tripepi Smith
ryder@tripepismith. com • ( 626) 536- 2173 • Fax: ( 949) 679- 8371 PO Box 52152, Irvine, CA 92619
Ryder is the contact person throughout the proposal evaluation period.
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City of Lomita / General Communications / Version 3.0
4 COMPANY OVERVIEW
A Public Affairs Firm that Understands Local Government Tripepi Smith excels at public affairs. We work in a complex environment where successful communications go hand-in-hand with marketing and technical expertise. As a full-service marketing and creative services firm, Tripepi Smith delivers content and design tailored for local government, public agencies, nonprofits and private companies— each strongly represented in our client list.
Grounded in Civic Affairs
Co-Founder and CFO Nicole Tripepi Smith is a second-generation civic affairs professional (her father was a city manager for 28 years), and Co-Founder and President Ryder Todd Smith brings over a decade of public agency marketing and communications experience to the table.
Implementing Strategy and Engaging Audiences
Tripepi Smith recognizes the important interplay of public affairs and design. It’s about presenting ideas that advance communities and public institutions. An important corollary to this is providing the creative services that can build materials to engage audiences and make ideas resonate. Tripepi Smith’s multi-faceted design team enables us to reach these goals and lead effective creative strategy.
Strategic
Tripepi Smith is a provider of technology, communications and public affairs services. We leverage our skills and experiences in each of these areas to deliver efficient, technologically driven communication solutions that reflect our deep understanding of local government. Our team
has a strong record of working with public agencies, joint powers authorities and not-for-profit organizations throughout California to better engage and connect with their stakeholders and community.
solutions that reflect our
deep understanding of local
government.”
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5 Creative
Tripepi Smith’s creative professionals have worked with public and private clients on imagery, colors and graphic design in an array of projects. Our firm offers creative services that address not only traditional media such as print, websites, logo design and advertising but also non-traditional marketing services around email campaigns, social media, blogging, SEO, video production and more.
This integrated approach to content development makes the process more efficient and more effective for clients.
Content x Distribution = IMPACT
Tripepi Smith was born in the digital era and brings
significant technical skills to the table. Members of our team carry technical certifications in Hootsuite Social Media Marketing, Facebook Blueprint, Google
Advertising, Google Analytics and Twitter Flight School, among others. We take digital seriously and recognize
how critical it is to not only develop great visuals and messaging, but to ensure the audiences we want to
reach actually see that content. Without content
distribution there is no IMPACT.
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City of Lomita / General Communications / Version 3.0
6 Client Roster
Tripepi Smith has been selected to work with over 60 local government agencies to help with their communications. We can provide you with contacts at any of these clients and are confident you will find them to be quite happy with our services. City or city-related clients we are actively supporting are bolded.
California City Management
Foundation
City of Aliso Viejo
City of American Canyon
City of Azusa
City of Bellflower
City of Burlingame
City of Claremont
City of Coronado
City of) Culver City
City of Cupertino
City of) Daly City
City of Danville
City of Duarte
City of El Cerrito
City of Fountain Valley
City of Foster City
City of Fullerton
City of Gilroy
City of Grover Beach
City of Hawaiian Gardens
City of Huntington Beach
City of Indian Wells
City of Industry
City of Irvine
City of La Cañada Flintridge
City of La Palma
City of La Puente
City of La Verne
City of Lake Forest
City of Laguna Hills
City of Laguna Niguel
City of Lancaster
City of Livermore
City of Lomita
City of Lynwood
City of Manhattan Beach
City of Manteca
City of Martinez
City of Millbrae
City of Morgan Hill
City of Murrieta
City of Napa
City of Norwalk
City of Orange
City of Orinda
City of Palm Desert
City of Palmdale
City of Paramount
City of Pismo Beach
City of Placentia
City of Pomona
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
City of Rancho Mirage
City of Riverbank
City of Rolling Hills Estates
City of Santa Ana
City of Santa Clarita
City of Santa Cruz
City of Santa Paula
City of Saratoga
City of Stanton
City of South Gate
City of Tracy
City of Vallejo
City of Vista
City of Walnut
City of) Yuba City
Town of Windsor
County of Merced
County of Fresno
County of Sonoma
County of Santa Barbara
County of Kings
California Contract Cities Association
CalChoice Energy CCA
California Joint Powers Insurance
Authority
Citrus Heights Water District
Claremont McKenna College
Costa Mesa Sanitary District
El Toro Water District
Independent Cities Association
Independent Cities
Finance Authority
Inland Empire Utilities Agency
Institute for Local Government
League of California Cities
Municipal Management Association
of
Northern California
Municipal Management Association
of
Southern California
Orange County City
Manager Association
Orange County
Sanitation District
Palmdale Water District
Rowland Water District
San Gabriel Valley City
Managers’ Association
South Orange County Wastewater
Authority
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7 Local Government Affiliation and Support
Tripepi Smith is firmly committed to the local government world and actively supports the local government association and professional staff who make cities work. Our sponsorship and affiliation with professional industry groups includes:
California City Management
Foundation
California Association of Public
Information Officials
League of California Cities
California Contract Cities
Association
Independent Cities Association
Orange County City Manager
Association
Cal-ICMA
San Gabriel Valley City
Managers’ Association
Municipal Management Association
of Northern California
Municipal Management Association
of Southern California
Institute for Local Government
University of Southern California
City/ County Management
Fellowship
California Special District
Association
Work Samples
We encourage you to see all the work we have done for clients through our online portfolio at https:// www.tripepismith.com/ work
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8 Team Tripepi Smith
Tripepi Smith’s team of 54 communications experts offers the right professionals for the job while being small enough to be nimble and responsive. Tripepi Smith has a spectrum of experience and skills that allows us to apply the appropriate resource to the appropriate tasks to both execute faster and reduce engagement costs. These skills vary by both years of experience and core hard skills (graphic design, videography, writing, and social media, for examples). At Tripepi Smith, experienced directors and analysts drive strategy and implement messaging with support from two in-house accredited public relations professionals. Government affairs experts and policy wonks innovate for our dozens of municipal clients. Fourteen creative professionals generate compelling branding, websites, design, social media, photography and video. The result: we have an ability to tell a complete story across mediums all within our one team.
Our firm operates in a virtual office environment. Being virtual allows us to engage the right talent at the right time, and it enables us to operate more efficiently to save money for clients. That said, the team—composed of policy wonks, creative message developers, technology gurus and graphic and fine artists—is centered in Southern California, with representatives in Texas, Arizona and New Mexico.
KEY PERSONNEL
It is anticipated that Business Analyst Kevork Kurdoghlian will be the team lead for the proposed engagement.
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9 services. Sara Madsen will handle account management and be available as needed for strategic direction and support. The full Tripepi Smith team, which is large and growing, will also be available to provide specific support throughout the engagement as needed.
Learn more about the Key Personnel in the Resume section of this proposal.) Team Member Role Description
Sara Madsen
Senior Business
Analyst
Sara Madsen has a skill set that is simultaneously wide and deep, ranging from graphic design to website development to account and project management; she is one of Tripepi Smith' s most trusted ' Swiss Army knives.' With a formal education in marketing and environmental sustainability from San Diego State University, Sara brings technical prowess and creative savvy to the clients she serves. Her work as a Senior Business Analyst includes providing key account management support and project leadership, while concurrently delivering on a variety of creative projects.
Her clients include City of Laguna Hills, City of Lomita, City of Paramount, City of Orange, City of Yucca Valley, City of Blythe, Clean Energy Alliance, CalChoice, Pomona Choice Ener gy, Palmdale Energy, Pivot Charter Schools, California Urban Forest Council, Renne Public Law Group and TS Talent Solutions.
Sara is certified in Google Analytics and is a Constant Contact Certified Solutions Provider and Hootsuite Social Marketing Professional. She has also completed the Public Policy Making Academy II at the University of California, Irvine and the Executive Education Forum for Local Leaders at the University of Southern California.
Kevork Kurdoghlian
Business Analyst
Kevork Kurdoghlian is a concise communicator with experience in the journalism, public relations and local government industries. He brings insights from each of those experiences to provide holistic solutions for clients. He developed a passion for public service as a Youth Council member for his hometown of La Cañada Flintridge. As a young reporter, he was assigned to the city hall beat for a local newspaper, taking a greater interest in local government. Consequently, he decided to study public administration at the University of Southern California, where he was a City/ County Management Fellow. As a public relations professional serving charter public schools, Kevork sharpened his skills in content development, internal communications, and graphic design, while developing skills in media relations and digital marketing.
Kevork is a certified Hootsuite Social Marketing Professional. He also holds certifications in launching and supporting Twitter Ads campaigns from Twitter Flight School and social listening and developing Boolean searches from Meltwater Academy. His client s include the City of Westlake Village, City of Baldwin Park, HdL Companies, Culver City Transportation Department, City of Fontana, City of Renton and Pivot Charter Schools.
Noelle Feaster
Junior Business
Analyst
Noelle is a highly creative individual that brings a plethora of experience to the Tripepi Smith team. She graduated from California State Polytechnic University of Pomona, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations. Her undergraduate knowledge of graphic design, professional writing and public relations launched her to further enhancement of her marketing skills through her internship with Caltrans. Upon graduation, she began her internship with the City of Yorba Linda introducing her to the communications side of local government. She gained experience with managing city social media, writing monthly e-newsletters and planning events. Tripepi Smith provides the perfect place for her two interests of communications and local government to collide.
Noelle is a certified Hootsuite Social Marketing Professional.
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10 Services Offered
Strategy, Marketing, Communications
Strategic development, research, surveys,
messaging
Social media management
Web and social media strategy,
optimization (SEO), metrics
Web hosting and support
Email campaigns
Relations (media, stakeholders, public,
government)
Support and training for events,
presentations and virtual gatherings
Google AdWords, LinkedIn and Facebook
advertising
Creative Services
Full-service graphic design for digital, print
and outdoor
Brand and logo development
Content generation, writing and editorial
Output services (digital distribution, print
management, mail management)
Photography, illustration and information
graphics
Video and animation
Web design and implementation
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11 PROPOSED SCOPE OF RETAINER
Bi-Weekly Check-In Calls & Content Planning
To coordinate our efforts with City Staff and sustain momentum on projects, Tripepi Smith will schedule a recurring, one-hour bi-weekly phone call that will include a City-designated lead for our engagement. These weekly calls will help drive content planning for various communications channels, including website articles, press releases and social media posts and stories. Call content will focus on story plans, new issues or concerns that need to be communicated, identification of major themes or ideas to address in the coming weeks, review of recent media mentions and social media comments and sharing of communication opportunities uncovered from scanning city council agendas. This will be a working call during which Tripepi Smith will manage an agenda and provide notes for each call.
After each call, the client will receive an action summary email about decisions made on the phone call and related action steps. We will produce work, such as press releases and article drafts, in a shared workspace where the City can see our progress in real time and provide instant feedback as needed.
These tools allow for enhanced collaboration and expedite the production process.
News Articles
Tripepi Smith will draft up to two (2) news articles for use in the “ Latest News” section of the website, social media and newsletters which are typically up to five hundred (500) words in length, per month.
The City would direct the allocation of stories with Tripepi Smith’s suggestions, making internal subject matter experts available to aid the development of the stories when needed. Additionally, this assumes the City would provide a media and external agencies notification list for use by Tripepi Smith where a press release scenario is desired. The City would also facilitate timely approval of quotes in the release when connected with City Staff or City Councilmembers.
Social Media Management
Content Creation: Social media content creation involves: planning, fact-checking, sourcing graphics, grammar checking and scheduling the post. Tripepi Smith will create up to fifteen (15) posts over the course of a quarter and distribute them on up to five (5) platforms (e.g. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Nextdoor).
Monitoring: Tripepi Smith will continue social media monitoring on the City’s Facebook page and designated Facebook groups/ pages one day per week. Staff will raise flagged posts to staff and configure a plan of action. When appropriate, Tripepi Smith is available to draft responses, which will require fact-checking and guidance from the City.
Additional: Our work also includes optimizing social media accounts to boost performance and keeping up to date on the latest social media platform updates and options. Boosted posts and targeted ads are also helpful in disseminating information to community members, and Tripepi Smith is fully capable of running and tracking these paid campaigns (fees to be agreed upon and paid by the City).
Bi-Annual Communications Strategy & Calendar Planning Sessions The main goal during these two-hour meetings is that each department identifies key communication opportunities and wins to celebrate in the next 6-12 months. We document all this into a shared spreadsheet/ editorial calendar that can then serve as a roadmap for the organization to track communications opportunities–or to hand off to the communications team to execute. The exercise breaks down barriers between departments and often helps senior staff recognize communications opportunities they were simply unaware of before. The process also includes Tripepi Smith preparing and giving a presentation that covers notable communications wins to review what has worked well.
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12 of the upcoming communication priorities. Additionally, Tripepi Smith will curate a content calendar with staff that can be shared with media contacts.
Unlimited Website Content and Technical Updates
Tripepi Smith will perform unlimited website content and technical updates for the City of Lomita and Lomita Water websites. Both websites’ annual hosting fees will also be covered under this retainer.
Ad Hoc Work (if needed)
If the need arises for any additional ad hoc services, Tripepi Smith is ready to provide those services and is providing our hourly rates for the full array of our resources to support City communication efforts. Examples of these ad hoc projects include but are not limited to video production, photography services, virtual meetings/ events, website support and content management for City website and a wide array of graphic design and branding services.
City Meeting A/V Support and Cable Channel Content Management Tripepi Smith provides expertise in council meeting video production. We deliver high -level A/ V technical expertise and full-scale, multi-camera event production with livestreaming and cablecasting capabilities. We handle everything from mixing, operating and scheduling recordings. Our team can also review your existing video equipment and suggest pathways to improve efficiency and quality.
Tripepi Smith is ready to help ensure your next meeting is accessible to all of your constituents.
Content Writing for Benzene and Skypark Geotracker Updates Tripepi Smith will draft a condensed, easy to understand snippet of updates as they are published to the Benzene and Skypark Geotracker websites. This is meant to make this complex, technical information easy to understand for residents and other stakeholders. Benzene and Skypark Geotracker updates will be posted to the Lomita Water and City of Lomita websites respectively.
Video Production
This is the era of video, and every agency has the opportunity to have their own TV station. By enlisting the Tripepi Smith video team, you can elevate your image, showcase the personalities of your organization, and distill complex information into content that is easy to understand and optimized for various channels. Video services include State of the City videos, animated explainer videos, interviews, livestreams, public service announcements, event promotion and recap videos, marketing/ promotional videos, drone footage and more.
Photography
Photos capture the moments that matter and tell a story that words can sometimes never match.
Tripepi Smith’s team of professional photographers and pro -level equipment delivers an array of photography needs. Our services include stock photography, headshot and portrait photography, aerial imagery and event photography.
Graphic Design
In today’s stream of media, it can be challenging to make local government messaging stand out. So it’s more important than ever to design materials that are attractive and interesting, and reflect the professionalism and importance of the content.
Our creative experts design across the board, from the simplest postcard to entire rebrands. Working with various agencies everyday leaves our designers as experts in local government messaging. So not only do they make materials look great, but also understand how to configure content to make it engaging, informative and effective.
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13 ESTIMATED COST OF ENGAGEMENT
Deliverable Quantity/ Notes
Project Management Leverages Senior Business Analyst, Business Analyst and Junior Business Analyst
Conduct bi-weekly client check- in calls, provide check- in call recap outlining action items and deadlines, advise on media relations and strategy
Max. of 60 minutes per call
MONTHLY TOTAL TASK COST $ 1,951. 00
Social Media Management Leverages Junior Business Analyst with support from Senior Business Analyst
Create and publish social media post content.
Monitor the City’ s Facebook page and designated
Facebook groups/ pages seven days a week in the
morning and evening.
15 posts/ quarter
Social media graphic design included
Monitoring 1 day a week for 30 minutes
MONTHLY TOTAL TASK COST $ 1,274. 00
News Articles Leverages Junior Business Analyst
with support from Business Analyst with media relations expertise Create and publish website news articles.
Council Agenda Review to mine opportunities for
articles.
2 press release or news article per month
MONTHLY TOTAL TASK COST $ 1,210. 00
Bi-annual Strategic Communications Planning Leverages Senior Business Analyst, Business Analyst and Junior Business Analysts
Bi-annual meeting with Dept. heads to plan next year of communication opportunities
1 meeting every 6 months
Max. of 2 hours per meeting
Keeping centralized “ Content Calendar” updated
throughout the year for staff’ s reference
Via Google Sheets
MONTHLY TOTAL TASK COST $ 499.00
Website Management and Hosting Leverages a Junior Business Analyst Website content updates and technical support for the
City of Lomita and Lomita Water websites. Annual
hosting fees included.
Annual hosting fees for two websites ( City and Lomita Water) Tech and content support for both websites ( City and Lomita Water)
MONTHLY TOTAL TASK COST $ 1,858. 00
TOTAL MONTHLY RETAINER COST $ 6,792. 00
ANNUAL RETAINER COST $ 81,504.00
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14 RATES AND BILLING
Hourly - Standard Hourly - Retainer
Principal $ 350 $ 295
Director $ 240 $ 215
Art/ Creative Director $ 240 $ 215
Senior Business Analyst $ 190 $ 165
Business Analyst $ 130 $ 110
Junior Business Analyst $ 105 $ 90
Senior Videographer/ Animator $ 190 $ 165
Senior Photographer $ 160 $ 135
Videographer/ Photographer $ 120 $ 100
Senior Graphic Designer $ 175 $ 145
Graphic Designer $ 120 $ 100
Junior Graphic Designer $ 105 $ 90
Web Developer $ 195 $ 165
Drone Operator $ 195 $ 165
Council Chamber A/ V Operator $ 105 $ 90
Retainer Agreements
Many Tripepi Smith clients have a fixed baseline of work they need done every month, and then they layer in time & materials work on top of that. These clients, when their retainers exceed $6,750 a month, can have access to our reduced Hourly – Retainer rates noted above.
Billing
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.
For Retainer work, we invoice at mid-month. For Ad Hoc work, we invoice at the end of each month for that month’s services. Terms are NET 30 days.
If Tripepi Smith is requested to be onsite, we will invoice for travel time at half rate of the resource’s Standard Rate. Travel costs will be reimbursed when agreed upon by the client.
Annual Increase
Tripepi Smith will increase the hourly rates and retainer fees for all resources by five percent (5%) or the national BLS Consumer Price Index — whichever is higher — each year on the anniversary of the contract, starting on the first anniversary of any contract when the contract duration is longer than one year. Otherwise, new rates will be negotiated with each new contract renewal period.
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15 Other Costs
Because Tripepi Smith offers a broad set of services, including extensive content production, we have some other content production-related fees that may come up during the course of our engagement that we want to tell you about.
Equipment Fees
Tripepi Smith offers some services that require equipment, such as drone operations and video production. As such, in those cases, the following rates apply:
Title Half Day Full Day
Video Equipment $ 400 $ 600
Drone Equipment N/A $ 500
600 for a full day of video equipment use ( includes full set of video equipment). Full day is defined as a shoot lasting four ( 4) or more hours. $ 400 for a half day of video equipment use. Half day is defined as anything up to four hours of video production. All such expenses will be authorized by the organization prior to fee being assessed. 500/ day drone fee applies and is not inclusive of the drone operator time ( Drone Operator rate).
Print & Advertising Fees
Title Client Pays Directly Client Reimburses TS
Print costs, digital promotion, media placement No Fees 10% Print Costs: 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. Tripepi Smith typically has the printer bill the client directly for work. Tripepi Smith makes no money on print services and has no economic interest in the selected print vendor other than ensuring quality and fair pricing for our clients. If Tripepi Smith is asked to pay the bill for the client, we will apply a 10% agency fee to the reimbursement expense.
Digital Advertising: Tripepi Smith is a Google Partner and Constant Contact Solution Provider and has Facebook Certified staff. We consider digital platforms to be a cornerstone element of any outreach strategy; often this comes with digital advertising fees. Tripepi Smith typically uses a client’s credit card to cover such fees, and those fees are impossible to estimate at this time without our firm being engaged in the work with the team. If a Tripepi Smith credit card is used to run the advertising campaign, then we will charge an additional 10% agency fee on all advertising charges to compensate for the administrative overhead.
Media Placement: Purchase fees for advertising media space is not included on Tripepi Smith advertising proposals. Usually, clients contract directly with media, but in the event Tripepi Smith covers these fees, then we will charge an additional 10% agency fee on all advertising charges to compensate for the administrative overhead.
Tripepi Smith Partnership Discounts
Tripepi Smith has financial interest in certain related entities. These partnerships allow Tripepi Smith to offer clients extra media reach or additional services at partner pricing. Partnerships include:
PublicCEO
digital news about public affairs, reaching over 10,000 California government executives https:// www.publicceo.com
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16 Civic Business Journal
digital interest stories about the people in local government https:// www.civicbusinessjournal. com
FlashVote
planning, implementing, measuring civic surveys
https:// www. flashvote. com
TS Talent Solutions
talent search services for local government and related agencies https:// tstalentsolutions. com
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17 References
Contact Description
City of Paramount
John Moreno
City Manager
562.220.2225
jmoreno@paramountcity. com
Communication and public outreach for
environmental initiatives and other
general City communications. Includes
website management, social media
content development, graphic design
support, and other content development
Pivot Charter School
Jayna Gaskell
Executive Director
530. 550. 7616
jgaskell@pivotcharter. org
Online advertising campaigns, social
media management, collateral
development, web content and
maintenance, photography and
videography, print advertising
California City Management Foundation
Ken Pulskamp
Executive Director
661. 510. 0888
ken@cacitymanagers. org
Communications planning, membership
support, website design, website support,
graphic design, event staffing, event
planning, photography, videography,
program management
Clean Energy Alliance
Barbara Boswell
CEO
661. 510. 0425
bboswell@thecleanenergyalliance. org
Originate brand ( brand statement,
tagline, logo design, brand guidelines),
communications support retainer
City of Tracy
Barbara Harb
EDFP, Economic Development Analyst
209. 831. 6491
Barbara. harb@cityoftracy. org
Message development, audience
identification, graphic design, and digital
advertising campaign management
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18 APPENDIX: RESUMES
SARA MADSEN
TRIPEPI SMITH – SENIOR BUSINESS ANALYST/ SENIOR GRAPHIC ARTIST 08/ 22 – PRESENT Manage account strategy, budget, analytics, logistics, and direct staff in execution of communication initiatives.
Serve as project manager lead across multiple clients; execute project management tasks and ensure deliverables are completed efficiently and meet and exceed client quality expectations
Manage creative strategy and execute graphic design on assignments such as logo development, infographic design, print and digital design Manage website design process, content transfer, modification and maintenance Produce and distribute newsletters, press releases, social media and website content TRIPEPI SMITH – BUSINESS ANALYST/ GRAPHIC ARTIST 01/ 21 – 08/ 22 TRIPEPI SMITH – JUNIOR BUSINESS ANALYST/ GRAPHIC ARTIST 07/ 18 – 12/ 20
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science in Marketing, Concentration: Integrated Marketing Communications, Minor in Sustainability – San Diego State University – San Diego, CA – Cum Laude
Associate of Arts in Visual Communications – Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising – Los Angeles, CA – Magna Cum Laude
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
UCI Public Policy Making Academy II 03/ 20
CAPIO “ Facebook and Instagram for Government” Workshop 12/ 19 USC Executive Education Forum for Policy and Administration 10/ 19
CERTIFICATIONS
Hootsuite Social Marketing 06/ 19
Google Analytics 06/ 22
Constant Contact Certified Solutions Provider 07/ 22
SOFTWARE
Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign
and Lightroom
ArcGIS StoryMaps
Constant Contact and Mailchimp
Hootsuite
Microsoft Office
WordPress
Canva
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19 KEVORK KURDOGHLIAN
TRIPEPI SMITH – BUSINESS ANALYST 09/ 21 – PRESENT
Produce press releases, thought leadership articles, video scripts and newsletter articles Manage media relations, projects and social media platforms Conduct market research to provide client insights
THE SANTA CLARITA VALLEY SIGNAL – POLITICS AND GOVERNM ENT REPORTER 03/ 21 – 09/ 21 Wrote informative stories about topics in local, state and federal government Developed story ideas based on strong relationships with the community, elected officials and city staff Captured photos for stories and created digital content for the news website and social media platforms LARSON COMMUNICATIONS – ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE 09/ 19 – 03/ 21 Produced social media assets and video content that facilitated high follower engagement Executed proactive communications campaigns, writing press releases and conducting media outreach Designed graphics and edited video for social media and created layouts for reports and flyers CITY OF GLENDALE – MANAGEMENT INTERN 07/ 17 – 08/ 19
Developed and managed digital content for city platforms, including city website and microsites, newsletters and social media accounts Led city website content process optimization to improve workflow and user experience Composed scripts for and co- hosted a public- access television show and hosted a technology podcast SAN MARINO TRIBUNE – ASSISTANT EDITOR, NEWS 04/ 16 – 07/ 17 Organized social media calendars and campaign concepts
Authored news articles, press releases and media alerts on behalf of the Orange County Chapter Provided social and print media support for all annual events
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science – University of California, Los Angeles – Los Angeles, CA Master of Public Administration – University of Southern California – Los Angeles, CA
CERTIFICATIONS
Hootsuite Social Marketing 09/ 21
Meltwater Academy 10/ 21
Twitter Flight School 03/ 22
SOFTWARE
Adobe Premiere Pro
Adobe InDesign
Adobe Spark
Microsoft Office
WordPress
Canva
Google Suite
MailChimp
Instapage
NOELLE FEASTER
TRIPEPI SMITH – JUNIOR BUSINESS ANALYST 1/ 23 – PRESENT Conduct market research to provide client insights
Manage social media and respond to public questions
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20 Write stories and press releases for the firm’ s website and city clients PUBLIC RELATIONS INTERN – CITY OF YORBA LINDA 6/ 21 – 12/ 22 Managed and created detailed and engaging written and visual content for the City’ s social media channels Wrote and published monthly City e-newsletter publications for residents Prepared letters, databases, surveys, reports and presentations for internal and external outreach purposes ASSISTANT TO EXECUTIVE SECRETARY – CITY OF YORBA LINDA 6/ 21 – 12/ 22 Received professional mentorship from the city manager’ s executive secretary Acted as executive secretary and conducted research, scheduling, customer service and communication with city council members for the city manager
SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT CREATOR – EVFREE CHURCH DIAMOND BAR 06/ 20 – 02/ 22 Designed social media assets, digital bulletins and printed signage for the exterior of the church Assisted in rebrand and modernization of the church’ s style with updated logos, colors, watermarks and merchandise Presented weekly demonstrations to enhance design techniques and refine skills PUBLIC AFFAIRS INTERN - CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 05/ 19 – 12/ 19 Managed social media accounts and prioritized disseminating Orange County traffic updates to the public Designed and distributed fact sheets and infographics for upcoming transportation projects Planned groundbreaking and ribbon- cutting events for traffic improvement projects
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science in Communications, Public Relations – California State Polytechnic University, Pomona – Pomona, CA
CERTIFICATIONS
Hootsuite Social Marketing 01/ 21
Hootsuite Platform Certification 01/ 22
SOFTWARE
Google Suite
Adobe Suite
WordPress
Microsoft Office
Canva
Shopify
CSS
JavaScript
HTML
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Docusign Envelope ID: 23C4A57E- 5484- 4539- 8ECF- D9051979A32A Agree No 2025- 30 First Amendment to Agreement between
Tripepi Smith & Associates and the City of Lomita
for General Communications Support
This First Amendment to the Agreement is made and entered into by and between the City of Lomita, a general law city and municipal corporation (" City") and Tripepi Smith & Associates, Inc., a California corporation ("Consultant"). The City and Contractor mutually agree to amend the existing Agreement entered into on August 15, 2023 as follows:
RECITALS
A. On August 15, 2023, the City entered into an Agreement with Consultant for General Communications Support ("Agreement") through August 15, 2026.
B. The City and Contractor now desire to amend the Agreement to increase the original contract amount under the Agreement ("First Amendment").
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of their mutual promises, obligations and covenants hereinafter contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Section 1.C - Consideration and Compensation. The City and the Consultant agree to amend Section 1.C of the Agreement, "Consideration and Compensation," such that the total compensation for the term of the Agreement shall not exceed $175,000.00 on an annual basis forConsultant's services, unless otherwise specified by written amendment to the Agreement.
2. All terms, conditions, and other provisions of the Agreement, including all exhibits, not affected by this First Amendment shall remain in full force and effect.
3. The parties agree that this First Amendment will be considered signed when the signature of a party is delivered by facsimile transmission or scanned and delivered via electronic mail. Such facsimile or electronic mail copies will be treated in all respects as having the same effectas an original signature.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this First Amendment on the 10th day of July 2025, at Lomita, California.
City of Lomita
By a',;\, Jnw u4r k
Andrew Vialpando, City Manager
Attest:
Kathleen Horn Gregory, CMC, City Clerk
Tripepi Smith & Associates, Inc.
By fit& S ifl
Ryder Todd Smith, President
Approved as to Form:
Trevor Rusin, City Attorney
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CONTRACT FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
BETWEEN
THE CITY OF LOMITA AND TRIPEPI SMITH & ASSOCIATES, INC.
This AGREEMENT for General Communications Support is entered into this 2nd day of September 2025, by and between the CITY OF LOMITA, a general law city and municipal corporation (“CITY”) and TRIPEPI SMITH & ASSOCIATES, INC., a California corporation (“CONSULTANT”).
R E C I T A L S
A. CITY does not have the personnel able and/or available to perform the services required under this agreement.
B. Therefore, CITY desires to contract out for General Communications Support.
C. CONSULTANT warrants to CITY that it has the qualifications, experience and facilities to perform properly and timely the services under this Agreement.
D. CITY desires to contract with CONSULTANT to perform the services as described in Exhibit A of this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, based on the foregoing recitals, CITY and CONSULTANT agree as follows:
1. CONSIDERATION AND COMPENSATION.
A. As partial consideration, CONSULTANT agrees to perform the work listed in the SCOPE OF SERVICES, attached as Exhibit A;
B. As additional consideration, CONSULTANT and CITY agree to abide by the terms and conditions contained in this Agreement;
C. As additional consideration, CITY agrees to pay CONSULTANT for Communications and Public Information Consulting Services for a three-year term of $147,710 for the first year, plus a one-time fee of $2,970 for redesign services, plus a 10% contingency of $15,068 for unexpected costs, for a total amount not to exceed $165,748 in year one; $179,220 plus a 10% contingency of $17,922 for unexpected costs for year two; and $184,597 plus a 10% contingency of $18,459 for unexpected costs in year three, for an amount not to exceed $197,142 and $203,056 for years two and three, respectively;, unless otherwise authorized by written amendment to this Agreement.
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D.
E. No additional compensation shall be paid for any other expenses incurred, unless first approved by the City Manager or his designee.
F. CONSULTANT shall submit to CITY, by not later than the 10th day of each month, its bill for services itemizing the fees and costs incurred during the previous month. CITY shall pay CONSULTANT all uncontested amounts set forth in the CONSULTANT'S bill within 30 days after it is received.
2. SCOPE OF SERVICES.
A. CONSULTANT will perform the services and activities set forth in the SCOPE OF SERVICES attached hereto as Exhibit A and incorporated herein by this reference.
If any part of Exhibit A is inconsistent with the terms of this Agreement, the terms of this Agreement shall control.
B. Except as herein otherwise expressly specified to be furnished by CITY, CONSULTANT will, in a professional manner, furnish all of the labor, technical, administrative, professional and other personnel, all supplies and materials, equipment, printing, vehicles, transportation, office space, and facilities necessary or proper to perform and complete the work and provide the professional services required of CONSULTANT by this Agreement.
3. PAYMENTS. For CITY to pay CONSULTANT as specified by this Agreement, CONSULTANT must submit an invoice to CITY which lists the reimbursable costs, the specific tasks performed, and, for work that includes deliverables, the percentage of the task completed during the billing period.
4. TIME OF PERFORMANCE. The services of CONSULTANT are to commence upon receipt of a notice to proceed from CITY and shall continue until all authorized work is completed to CITY’s reasonable satisfaction, in accordance with the schedule incorporated in “Exhibit A,” unless extended in writing by CITY.
5. FAMILIARITY WITH WORK. By executing this Agreement, CONSULTANT represents that CONSULTANT has (a) thoroughly investigated and considered the scope of services to be performed; (b) carefully considered how the services should be performed; and (c) understands the facilities, difficulties, and restrictions attending performance of the services under this Agreement.
6. KEY PERSONNEL. CONSULTANT’s key persons assigned to perform work under this Agreement are Ryder Todd Smith, Sara Madsen, Barbara Beran, Devin Antonio, Emma Totaro, and other members of CONSULTANT’s team as needed.
CONSULTANT shall not assign another person to be in charge of the work contemplated by this Agreement without the prior written authorization of CITY.
7. TERM OF AGREEMENT. The term of this Agreement shall commence upon execution by both parties and shall expire on June 30, 2028 with two (2) one-year Tuesday, September 02, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *166
extension options, unless earlier termination occurs under Section 11 of this Agreement or extended in writing by both parties. The parties may agree to extend by two additional one-year periods, at the city’s sole discretion, upon consultant’s successful demonstration of exemplary contract performance. Any extensions shall be approved in writing in advance by both parties.
2. CHANGES. CITY may order changes in the services within the general scope of this Agreement, consisting of additions, deletions, or other revisions, and the contract sum and the contract time will be adjusted accordingly. All such changes must be authorized in writing, executed by CONSULTANT and CITY. The cost or credit to CITY resulting from changes in the services will be determined in accordance with written agreement between the parties.
3. TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER. CONSULTANT will provide CITY with a Taxpayer Identification Number.
4. PERMITS AND LICENSES. CONSULTANT will obtain and maintain during the term of this Agreement all permits, licenses, and certificates that may be required by local, state and federal laws in connection with the performance of services under this Agreement, including a business license as specified in Title VI, Chapter 2 of the Lomita Municipal Code.
5. Laws and Regulations; Employee/Labor Certification. CONSULTANT shall keep itself fully informed of and in compliance with all local, state and federal laws, rules and regulations in any manner affecting the performance of the Project or the Services, including all Cal/OSHA requirements, and shall give all notices required by law.
CONSULTANT shall be liable for all violations of such laws and regulations in connection with the Services and this Agreement. All violations of such laws and regulations shall be grounds for CITY to terminate the Agreement for cause.
6. TERMINATION.
A. Except as otherwise provided, CITY may terminate this Agreement at any time with or without cause with a 10-day notice. Notice of termination shall be in writing.
B. CONSULTANT may terminate this Agreement. Notice will be in writing at least 30 days before the effective termination date.
C. In the event of such termination, CONSULTANT shall cease services as of the date of termination, all finished or unfinished documents, data, drawings, maps, and other materials prepared by CONSULTANT shall, at CITY’s option, become CITY’s property, and CONSULTANT will receive just and equitable compensation for any work satisfactorily completed up to the effective date of notice of termination.
D. Should the Agreement be terminated pursuant to this Section, CITY may procure on its own terms services similar to those terminated.
7. INDEMNIFICATION.
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A. CONSULTANT shall indemnify, defend with counsel approved by CITY, and hold harmless CITY, its officers, officials, employees and volunteers from and against all liability, loss, damage, expense, cost (including without limitation reasonable attorneys fees, expert fees and all other costs and fees of litigation) of every nature arising out of or in connection with CONSULTANT's performance of work hereunder or its failure to comply with any of its obligations contained in this AGREEMENT, regardless of CITY’S passive negligence, but excepting such loss or damage which is caused by the sole active negligence or willful misconduct of CITY. Should CITY in its sole discretion find CONSULTANT’S legal counsel unacceptable, then CONSULTANT shall reimburse CITY its costs of defense, including without limitation reasonable attorneys fees, expert fees and all other costs and fees of litigation.
CONSULTANT shall promptly pay any final judgment rendered against CITY (and its officers, officials, employees and volunteers) covered by this indemnity obligation. It is expressly understood and agreed that the foregoing provisions are intended to be as broad and inclusive as is permitted by the law of the State of California and will survive termination of this Agreement.
B. The requirements as to the types and limits of insurance coverage to be maintained by CONSULTANT as required by Section 17, and any approval of said insurance by CITY, are not intended to and will not in any manner limit or qualify the liabilities and obligations otherwise assumed by CONSULTANT pursuant to this Agreement, including, without limitation, to the provisions concerning indemnification.
14. ASSIGNABILITY. This Agreement is for CONSULTANT’s professional services.
CONSULTANT’s attempts to assign the benefits or burdens of this Agreement without CITY’s written approval are prohibited and will be null and void.
15. INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT. CITY and CONSULTANT agree that CONSULTANT will act as an independent CONSULTANT and will have control of all work and the manner in which is it performed. CONSULTANT will be free to contract for similar service to be performed for other employers while under contract with CITY. CONSULTANT is not an agent or employee of CITY and is not entitled to participate in any pension plan, insurance, bonus or similar benefits CITY provides for its employees. Any provision in this Agreement that may appear to give CITY the right to direct CONSULTANT as to the details of doing the work or to exercise a measure of control over the work means that CONSULTANT will follow the direction of the CITY as to end results of the work only.
16. AUDIT OF RECORDS.
A. CONSULTANT agrees that CITY, or designee, has the right to review, obtain, and copy all records pertaining to the performance of this Agreement.
CONSULTANT agrees to provide CITY, or designee, with any relevant information requested and will permit CITY, or designee, access to its premises, upon reasonable notice, during normal business hours for the Tuesday, September 02, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *168
purpose of interviewing employees and inspecting and copying such books, records, accounts, and other material that may be relevant to a matter under investigation for the purpose of determining compliance with this Agreement.
CONSULTANT further agrees to maintain such records for a period of three (3) years following final payment under this Agreement.
B. CONSULTANT will keep all books, records, accounts and documents pertaining to this Agreement separate from other activities unrelated to this Agreement.
17. CORRECTIVE MEASURES. CONSULTANT will promptly implement any corrective measures required by CITY regarding the requirements and obligations of this Agreement. CONSULTANT will be given a reasonable amount of time as determined by CITY to implement said corrective measures. Failure of CONSULTANT to implement required corrective measures shall result in immediate termination of this Agreement.
18. INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS.
A. CONSULTANT, at CONSULTANT’s own cost and expense, shall procure and maintain, for the duration of the contract, the following insurance policies:
1. Workers Compensation Insurance as required by law. CONSULTANT shall require all subconsultants similarly to provide such compensation insurance for their respective employees. Any notice of cancellation or non-renewal of all Workers’ Compensation policies must be received by CITY at least thirty (30) days prior to such change. The insurer shall agree to waive all rights of subrogation against CITY, its officers, agents, employees, and volunteers for losses arising from work performed by CONSULTANT for CITY.
2. General Liability Coverage. CONSULTANT shall maintain commercial general liability insurance in an amount of not less than two million dollars ($2,000,000) per occurrence for bodily injury, personal injury, and property damage. If a commercial general liability insurance form or other form with a general aggregate limit is used, either the general aggregate limit shall apply separately to the work to be performed under this Agreement or the general aggregate limit shall be at least twice the required occurrence limit.
3. Automobile Liability Coverage. CONSULTANT shall maintain automobile liability insurance covering bodily injury and property damage for all activities of CONSULTANT arising out of or in connection with the work to be performed under this Agreement, in an amount of not less than one million dollars ($1,000,000) combined single limit for each occurrence.
Automobile coverage shall be at least as broad as Insurance Services Office Automobile Liability form CA 0001 covering any auto (Code 1), or if Consultant has no owned autos, hired (code 8) and non-owned autos (Code 9).
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4. Professional Liability Coverage. CONSULTANT shall maintain professional errors and omissions liability insurance for protection against claims alleging negligent acts, errors, or omissions which may arise from CONSULTANT’S operations under this Agreement, whether such operations be by CONSULTANT or by its employees, subconsultants, or subconsultants. The amount of this insurance shall not be less than two million dollars ($2,000,000) on a claims-made annual aggregate basis, or a combined single-limit-per-occurrence basis. When coverage is provided on a “claims made basis,” CONSULTANT will continue to renew the insurance for a period of three (3) years after this Agreement expires or is terminated.
Such insurance will have the same coverage and limits as the policy that was in effect during the term of this Agreement and will cover CONSULTANT for all claims made by CITY arising out of any errors or omissions of CONSULTANT, or its officers, employees or agents during the time this Agreement was in effect.
B. Endorsements. Each general liability, automobile liability and professional liability insurance policy shall be issued by a financially responsible insurance company or companies admitted and authorized to do business in the State of California, or which is approved in writing by CITY, and shall be endorsed as follows. CONSULTANT also agrees to require all CONSULTANTs, and subconsultants to do likewise.
1. “The CITY, its elected or appointed officers, officials, employees, agents, and volunteers are to be covered as additional insureds with respect to liability arising out of work performed by or on behalf of the CONSULTANT, including materials, parts, or equipment furnished in connection with such work or operations.”
2. This policy shall be considered primary insurance as respects CITY, its elected or appointed officers, officials, employees, agents, and volunteers.
Any insurance maintained by CITY, including any self-insured retention CITY may have, shall be considered excess insurance only and shall not contribute with this policy.
3. This insurance shall act for each insured and additional insured as though a separate policy had been written for each, except with respect to the limits of liability of the insuring company.
4. The insurer waives all rights of subrogation against CITY, its elected or appointed officers, officials, employees, or agents.
5. Any failure to comply with reporting provisions of the policies shall not affect coverage provided to CITY, its elected or appointed officers, officials, employees, agents, or volunteers.
6. The insurance provided by this policy shall not be suspended, voided, Tuesday, September 02, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *170
canceled, or reduced in coverage or in limits except after thirty (30) days’ written notice has been received by CITY.
C. CONSULTANT agrees to provide immediate notice to CITY of any claim or loss against CONSULTANT arising out of the work performed under this agreement.
CITY assumes no obligation or liability by such notice, but has the right (but not the duty) to monitor the handling of any such claim or claims if they are likely to involve CITY.
D. Any deductibles or self-insured retentions must be declared to and approved by CITY. At CITY’s option, CONSULTANT shall demonstrate financial capability for payment of such deductibles or self-insured retentions.
E. CONSULTANT shall provide certificates of insurance with original endorsements to CITY as evidence of the insurance coverage required herein.
Certificates of such insurance shall be filed with CITY on or before commencement of performance of this Agreement. Current certification of insurance shall be kept on file with CITY at all times during the term of this Agreement.
F. Failure on the part of CONSULTANT to procure or maintain required insurance shall constitute a material breach of contract under which CITY may terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 11 above.
G. The commercial general and automobile liability policies required by this Agreement shall allow CITY, as additional insured, to satisfy the self-insured retention (“SIR”) and/or deductible of the policy in lieu of the CONSULTANT (as the named insured) should CONSULTANT fail to pay the SIR or deductible requirements. The amount of the SIR or deductible shall be subject to the approval of the City Attorney and the Finance Director. CONSULTANT understands and agrees that satisfaction of this requirement is an express condition precedent to the effectiveness of this Agreement. Failure by CONSULTANT as primary insured to pay its SIR or deductible constitutes a material breach of this Agreement. Should CITY pay the SIR or deductible on CONSULTANT’S behalf upon CONSULTANT’S failure or refusal to do so in order to secure defense and indemnification as an additional insured under the policy, CITY may include such amounts as damages in any action against CONSULTANT for breach of this Agreement in addition to any other damages incurred by CITY due to the breach.
19. USE OF OTHER CONSULTANTS. CONSULTANT must obtain CITY’s prior written approval to use any CONSULTANTs while performing any portion of this Agreement. Such approval must include approval of the proposed CONSULTANT and the terms of compensation.
20. FINAL PAYMENT ACCEPTANCE CONSTITUTES RELEASE. The acceptance by the CONSULTANT of the final payment made under this Agreement shall operate as and be a release of CITY from all claims and liabilities for compensation Tuesday, September 02, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *171
to the CONSULTANT for anything done, furnished or relating to the CONSULTANT’S work or services. Acceptance of payment shall be any negotiation of CITY’S check or the failure to make a written extra compensation claim within ten (10) calendar days of the receipt of that check. However, approval or payment by CITY shall not constitute, nor be deemed, a release of the responsibility and liability of CONSULTANT, its employees, sub-CONSULTANTs and agents for the accuracy and competency of the information provided and/or work performed; nor shall such approval or payment be deemed to be an assumption of such responsibility or liability by CITY for any defect or error in the work prepared by CONSULTANT, its employees, sub-CONSULTANTs and agents.
8. CORRECTIONS. In addition to the above indemnification obligations, the CONSULTANT shall correct, at its expense, all errors in the work which may be disclosed during CITY’S review of CONSULTANT’S report or plans. Should the CONSULTANT fail to make such correction in a reasonably timely manner, such correction shall be made by CITY, and the cost thereof shall be charged to CONSULTANT. In addition to all other available remedies, CITY may deduct the cost of such correction from any retention amount held by CITY or may withhold payment otherwise owed CONSULTANT under this Agreement up to the amount of the cost of correction.
9. NON-APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS. Payments to be made to CONSULTANT by CITY for services preformed within the current fiscal year are within the current fiscal budget and within an available, unexhausted fund. In the event that CITY does not appropriate sufficient funds for payment of CONSULTANT’S services beyond the current fiscal year, the Agreement shall cover payment for CONSULTANT’S only to the conclusion of the last fiscal year in which CITY appropriates sufficient funds and shall automatically terminate at the conclusion of such fiscal year.
10. NOTICES. All communications to either party by the other party will be deemed made when received by such party at its respective name and address as follows:
CITY CONSULTANT
City of Lomita
24300 Narbonne Avenue
Lomita, CA 90717
ATTN: City Manager
Tripepi Smith & Associates,
Inc.
PO Box 52152
Irvine, CA 92619
[email protected]
ATTN: Ryder Todd Smith
Any such written communications by mail will be conclusively deemed to have been received by the addressee upon deposit thereof in the United States Mail, postage prepaid and properly addressed as noted above. In all other instances, notices will be deemed given at the time of actual delivery. Changes may be made in the names Tuesday, September 02, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *172
or addresses of persons to whom notices are to be given by giving notice in the manner prescribed in this paragraph. Courtesy copies of notices may be sent via electronic mail, provided that the original notice is deposited in the U.S. mail or personally delivered as specified in this Section.
24. SOLICITATION. CONSULTANT maintains and warrants that it has not employed nor retained any company or person, other than CONSULTANT’s bona fide employee, to solicit or secure this Agreement. Further, CONSULTANT warrants that it has not paid nor has it agreed to pay any company or person, other than CONSULTANT’s bona fide employee, any fee, commission, percentage, brokerage fee, gift or other consideration contingent upon or resulting from the award or making of this Agreement. Should CONSULTANT breach or violate this warranty, CITY may rescind this Agreement without liability.
25. THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES. This Agreement and every provision herein is generally for the exclusive benefit of CONSULTANT and CITY and not for the benefit of any other party. There will be no incidental or other beneficiaries of any of CONSULTANT’s or CITY’s obligations under this Agreement.
26. INTERPRETATION. This Agreement was drafted in, and will be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California, and exclusive venue for any action involving this agreement will be in Los Angeles County.
27. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement, and its Attachments, sets forth the entire understanding of the parties. There are no other understandings, terms or other agreements expressed or implied, oral or written.
28. RULES OF CONSTRUCTION. Each Party had the opportunity to independently review this Agreement with legal counsel. Accordingly, this Agreement will be construed simply, as a whole, and in accordance with its fair meaning; it will not be interpreted strictly for or against either Party.
29. AUTHORITY/MODIFICATION. The Parties represent and warrant that all necessary action has been taken by the Parties to authorize the undersigned to execute this Agreement and to engage in the actions described herein. This Agreement may be modified by written amendment with signatures of all parties to this Agreement. CITY’s city administrator, or designee, may execute any such amendment on behalf of CITY.
30. ACCEPTANCE OF FACSIMILE OR ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES. The Parties agree that this Agreement will be considered signed when the signature of a party is delivered by facsimile transmission, scanned and delivered via electronic mail, or delivered using digital signature technology approved by CITY. Such facsimile or electronic signatures will be treated in all respects as having the same effect as an original signature.
31. FORCE MAJEURE. Should performance of this Agreement be impossible due to fire, flood, explosion, war, embargo, government action, civil or military authority, Tuesday, September 02, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *173
the natural elements, or other similar causes beyond the Parties’ control, then the Agreement will immediately terminate without obligation of either party to the other.
32. TIME IS OF ESSENCE. Time is of the essence to comply with dates and schedules to be provided.
33. ATTORNEY’S FEES. The parties hereto acknowledge and agree that each will bear his or its own costs, expenses and attorneys' fees arising out of and/or connected with the negotiation, drafting and execution of the Agreement, and all matters arising out of or connected therewith except that, in the event any action is brought by any party hereto to enforce this Agreement, the prevailing party in such action shall be entitled to reasonable attorneys' fees and costs in addition to all other relief to which that party or those parties may be entitled.
34. STATEMENT OF EXPERIENCE. By executing this Agreement, CONSULTANT represents that it has demonstrated trustworthiness and possesses the quality, fitness and capacity to perform the Agreement in a manner satisfactory to CITY.
CONSULTANT represents that its financial resources, surety and insurance experience, service experience, completion ability, personnel, current workload, experience in dealing with private CONSULTANTs, and experience in dealing with public agencies all suggest that CONSULTANT is capable of performing the proposed contract and has a demonstrated capacity to deal fairly and effectively with and to satisfy a public agency.
35. DISCLOSURE REQUIRED. (CITY and CONSULTANT initials required at one of the following paragraphs)
By their respective initials next to this paragraph, CITY and CONSULTANT hereby acknowledge that CONSULTANT is a “CONSULTANT” for the purposes of the California Political Reform Act because CONSULTANT’S duties would require him or her to make one or more of the governmental decisions set forth in Fair Political Practices Commission Regulation 18700.3(a)(2) or otherwise serves in a staff capacity for which disclosure would otherwise be required were CONSULTANT employed by CITY. CONSULTANT hereby acknowledges his or her assumingoffice, annual, and leaving-office financial reporting obligations under the California Political Reform Act and the CITY’S Conflict of Interest Code and agrees to comply with those obligations at his or her expense. Prior to CONSULTANT commencing services hereunder, the City’s Manager shall prepare and deliver to CONSULTANT a memorandum detailing the extent of CONSULTANT’S disclosure obligations in accordance with the CITY’S Conflict of Interest Code.
City Initials ______
CONSULTANT Initials ______
OR
By their initials next to this paragraph, CITY and CONSULTANT hereby acknowledge that CONSULTANT is not a “CONSULTANT” for the purpose of the Tuesday, September 02, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *174
California Political Reform Act because CONSULTANT’S duties and responsibilities are not within the scope of the definition of CONSULTANT in Fair Political Practice Commission Regulation 18700.3(a)(2) and is otherwise not serving in staff capacity in accordance with CITY’S Conflict of Interest Code.
City Initials ______
CONSULTANT Initials ______
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties hereto have executed this contract the day and year first hereinabove written.
CITY OF LOMITA CONSULTANT
Andrew Vialpando City Manager By: Ryder Todd Smith, President ATTEST:
Kathleen Horn Gregory, City
Clerk
Taxpayer ID No.
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Trevor Rusin, City Attorney
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General Communications Support
City of Lomita
August 25, 2025
By: Ryder Todd Smith
Co-founder & Principal
Tripepi Smith & Associates
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Table of Contents
COVER LETTER................................................................................3 ABOUT TRIPEPI SMITH ...................................................................4 TRIPEPI SMITH TEAM....................................................................11 SCOPE OF SERVICES....................................................................15 COST PROPOSAL ..........................................................................19 APPENDIX A: RESUMES ...............................................................25 Tuesday, September 02, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *177
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COVER LETTER
Thank you for the opportunity to present Tripepi Smith’s proposal for continued communications support. Since 2016, it has been our privilege to work alongside the City of Lomita to strengthen its outreach, elevate its brand, and keep residents informed and engaged. As the City continues to invest in key infrastructure, public safety, and community enhancement efforts, maintaining a cohesive, modern communications strategy is more important than ever.
This proposal outlines how Tripepi Smith can continue to serve as an extension of Lomita’s team, delivering strategic communications support across a wide range of topics and platforms. Our goal is to build on the strong foundation already in place, while supporting the City in evolving its communications to meet new challenges and opportunities.
Tripepi Smith brings a unique depth of experience in the public sector, having partnered with more than 200 local agencies across California. Our 75-member team includes specialists in writing, graphic design, social media, video production, media relations, and more—allowing us to assign the right talent for the job while ensuring cost-effective and timely delivery.
Every member of our team works exclusively with public agencies, which means we understand the nuances of local government and the importance of clear, consistent messaging. Whether it’s promoting a new capital project, responding to a crisis, or helping residents understand City services, we bring the skills and experience to support Lomita’s communications objectives with professionalism, creativity, and heart.
We’re proud of the partnership we’ve built with the City of Lomita over the past eight years, and we look forward to the opportunity to continue that relationship. Thank you for considering Tripepi Smith.
Authorization
I affirm that I have the legal authorization to bind Tripepi Smith into agreements with the City of Lomita and to make the statements below on behalf of the firm. This proposal is valid for 90 days from the date of submission.
Regards,
Ryder Todd Smith
Co-Founder & President, Tripepi Smith & Associates, Inc.
[email protected] • (626) 536-2173 • PO Box 52152, Irvine, CA 92619 [email protected] is our preferred point of contact throughout the evaluation process.
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ABOUT TRIPEPI SMITH
A Public Affairs Firm that Understands Local Government Tripepi Smith excels in public affairs and marketing. Founded in 2000 and incorporated as a California corporation in 2002, the company is headquartered in Orange County, California, with staff throughout the western United States. We work in a complex environment where successful communications go hand-in-hand with marketing and technical expertise. As a full-service marketing and creative services firm, Tripepi Smith offers the right professionals for the job while being small enough to be nimble and responsive. Our team offers a broad spectrum of experience and skills that allows us to apply the appropriate resource to the appropriate tasks; this allows us to execute work faster and reduce engagement costs.
Tripepi Smith's team comprises over 75 full-time professionals experienced in local government. Our staff includes former municipal employees with backgrounds in creative services, public information and city management, as well as seasoned directors, analysts and practice area specialists. Accredited public relations (APR) professionals guide effective messaging while policy wonks provide counsel on public affairs. TS Creatives fashion compelling branding, websites, print and digital design, social media, photography and videography. We employ multiple FAA-certified drone pilots and operate a full-scale video production studio with extensive event and broadcast experience.
The Result: We can tell a complete story across mediums, all within our one team.
Firm Structure and Financial Matters
Tripepi Smith was founded in 2000 and incorporated in 2002 as a California S Corporation. The firm has two corporate officers, who are also the co-founders with equal ownership of the business:
Co-Founder & President Ryder Todd Smith
Chief Financial Officer Nicole Smith
Ryder and Nicole have signing authority to bind Tripepi Smith into agreements with clients. Tripepi Smith has generated a profit every year it has been in operation. We have never had a legal claim filed against us and have never failed to fulfill a contract commitment.
In addition to the President/CEO and CFO, multiple principals and directors oversee the day-to-day operations of a team of analysts, graphic designers, photographers and videographers. All Tripepi Smith employees report directly to the President. Please refer to our Org Chart for full details.
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Grounded in Civic Affairs
CFO Nicole Tripepi Smith is a second-generation civic-affairs professional (her father was a city manager for 28 years). President Ryder Todd Smith brings over 20 years of public agency marketing and communications experience to the table.
Office Locations
Since early 2017, Tripepi Smith has operated in a completely virtual office environment. Being virtual enhances operational resilience and grants us access to a flexible and diverse workforce. The team — composed of policy wonks, creative message developers, broadcast specialists, videography experts, technology gurus and graphic artists — resides throughout Arizona, California, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington, with a majority based in California.
Contact Information
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (626) 536-2173
Mail: PO Box 52152, Irvine, CA 92619
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Our Services
Tripepi Smith operates at the intersection of marketing, technology and public affairs. We excel in each of these areas, but the true power lies in our ability to seamlessly integrate them. This holistic approach allows us to craft impactful solutions for our clients. Tripepi Smith can provide the following services as-needed:
Strategy, Marketing, Communications
• Strategic development, research,
surveys, messaging
• Social media management
• Web and social media strategy,
optimization (SEO), metrics
• Web hosting, support and content
management
• Email campaigns
• Relations (media, stakeholders, public,
government)
• Support and training for events,
presentations and virtual gatherings
• Digital, print, radio, out-of-home
advertising
• Staff training (media, social media,
photo, brand implementation)
Creative Services
• Full-service graphic design for digital,
print and outdoor
• Brand and logo development
• Content creation (writing, editorial,
thought leadership)
• Output services (digital distribution,
print management, mail management)
• Illustration and information graphics
• Photography
• Videography, broadcasting,
podcasting, drone
• Council chamber video production
• Event production, technical support
• Animation and motion graphics
• Web design and implementation
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Partial Client Roster
We have a network of 200+ satisfied clients in the local government space. We are happy to connect you with contacts at our client agencies who can share their experience working with Tripepi Smith.
California City Management
Foundation
City of Aliso Viejo
City of American Canyon
City of Atascadero
City of Azusa
City of Baldwin Park
City of Bellflower
City of Benicia
City of Burlingame
City of Claremont
City of Coronado
(City of) Culver City
City of Cupertino
(City of) Daly City
City of Danville
City of Duarte
City of El Cerrito
City of Fountain Valley
City of Foster City
City of Fullerton
City of Gilroy
City of Grover Beach
City of Hawaiian Gardens
City of Hayward
City of Huntington Beach
City of Hercules
City of Indian Wells
City of Industry
City of Irvine
City of La Cañada Flintridge
City of La Palma
City of La Puente
City of La Verne
City of Lake Forest
City of Lakeport
City of Laguna Hills
City of Laguna Niguel
City of Lancaster
City of Livermore
City of Lomita
City of Lynwood
City of Malibu
City of Manhattan Beach
City of Manteca
City of Martinez
City of Menifee
City of Millbrae
City of Morgan Hill
City of Murrieta
City of Napa
City of Norwalk
City of Orange
City of Orinda
City of Pacifica
City of Palm Desert
City of Palmdale
City of Paramount
City of Pismo Beach
City of Placentia
City of Pomona
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
City of Rancho Mirage
City of Riverbank
City of Rolling Hills Estates
City of San Clemente
City of San Leandro
City of Santa Ana
City of Santa Clarita
City of Santa Paula
City of Saratoga
City of Stanton
City of South Gate
City of South Pasadena
City of Tracy
Costa Mesa Sanitary District
West County Wastewater District
Del Paso Manor Water District
Independent Cities Association
Independent Cities Finance Authority
Institute for Local Government
League of California Cities
Municipal Management Association
of Northern California
Municipal Management Association
of Southern California
Orange County City Manager
Association
San Gabriel Valley City Managers’
Association
Claremont McKenna College
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Local Government Affiliation & Support
Tripepi Smith is a longstanding partner to these institutions, the majority of which have entrusted us with supporting their communications.
California City
Management Foundation
Municipal Management Association
of Southern California
California Association
of Public Information Officials
Institute for
Local Government
League of California Cities University of Southern California City/County Management Fellowship
California Contract
Cities Association
California Special
District Association
Independent Cities
Association
Texas Association of Municipal
Information Officers
Orange County City
Manager Association
Texas City
Management Association
International City/County
Management Association
Texas Municipal
League
Cal-ICMA Texas Women’s
Leadership Institute
San Gabriel Valley
City Managers’ Association
Urban Management Assistants
of North Texas
Municipal Management Association
of Northern California
Washington City/County
Management Association
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Axioms We Live By
Introduction
In our work with over 200 local government agencies on external communications since our incorporation in 2002, we have identified many patterns, observations and insights. As a result we have developed some axioms (AKA sayings or mottos) when it comes to thinking about external-facing communications. These are just a few that we find universally true.
Content X Distribution = Impact
The audience must see your content to be impacted by it.
Tripepi Smith was born in the digital era. We take digital seriously and recognize how critical it is to not only develop great visuals and messaging, but to ensure the audiences we want to reach actually see that content.
“Content x Distribution = IMPACT” is how we illustrate the point: What good is content if you aren’t properly promoting, distributing or sharing it? On the other hand, what good is distribution if the content fails to engage your audience positively? We use this principle to guide a comprehensive distribution strategy that ensures we reach our target audiences.
If you don’t publish
information first, someone
else will–and they may not
care about the facts.
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In this age of smartphones and voice-activated virtual assistants, we are used to being able to access news and information at our fingertips. When your community cannot easily find information — such as a controversial policy decision, a new housing development or a political scandal — they may resort to finding "the facts" on their own. This is especially true for crisis communications: the longer you wait to address the crisis, the more time you are giving to others to fill that void with their own research and/or opinions.
So, we strive to get your information out there first, even if it is a "holding message" such as "we are aware of the situation and will use our official channels to share more info soon." By publishing information on your agency's website or some other centralized location, you, your agency leadership and your supporters will be able to easily debunk misinformation with verifiable facts and talking points.
Only a small percentage of
the population understands
local government the way we do.
The 3% includes local government professionals like you and consultants like us–the select few who wake up daily thinking about the complexities facing public policy and municipal management. We have our own language in local government: terms, phrases and especially acronyms. Most of the population may have little exposure to or interest in local government. They just want their utilities to work, no potholes, low crime and other securities provided by their local governments that enable a high quality of life.
So, when we speak with the 97% through public outreach, we ensure our language is accessible and understandable. This mitigates any risk of alienating them; moreover, it enables an ability to build relationships and engender trust.
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TRIPEPI SMITH TEAM
Organization Chart
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Project Staff
The Account Manager (bio below) will closely monitor the quality of work product before Tripepi Smith delivers it to you for review/approval. Should any key personnel become unavailable during our engagement, Tripepi Smith will quickly substitute with other Tripepi Smith resources who have commensurate experience, knowledge and/or skill sets.
You can learn more about our individual backgrounds and qualifications at www.TripepiSmith.com/Our-Team. Please see resumes of key personnel in Appendix A.
The core project team will have dedicated availability to support the engagement, including capacity to provide support under urgent notice and/or time constraints. Tripepi Smith is a collaborative firm with many skill sets available. Any Tripepi Smith staff member may be brought onto the engagement to help with our efforts.
Sara Madsen
Director
Location: San Clemente, CA | Role: Account Manager
Sara Madsen has a skill set that is simultaneously wide and deep, ranging from graphic design to website development to project management; she is one of Tripepi Smith’s most trusted “Swiss Army knives.” With a formal education in marketing and environmental sustainability from San Diego State University, Sara brings technical prowess and creative savvy to the clients she serves. Her work as a Director includes providing key account management support and project leadership, while concurrently delivering on a variety of creative projects.
Her clients include the cities of Bellflower, Laguna Beach, Lomita, Paramount and Yorba Linda, as well as the California Choice Energy Authority, Clean Energy Alliance, California Community Choice Association, Lancaster Energy and Pomona Choice Energy.
Sara is certified as a Google Analytics, Constant Contact Certified Solutions Provider and Hootsuite Social Marketing Professional. She has also completed the Public Policy Making Academy II at the University of California, Irvine and the Executive Education Forum for Local Leaders at the University of Southern California.
Barbara Beran
Senior Business Analyst
Location: Palm Springs, CA | Role: Senior Project Manager Barbara Beran is a dynamic and results-driven public relations professional with more than a decade of experience in executing tailored communications strategies. She has a background in media relations, crisis management and event planning across nonprofit, water, transportation, government and Tuesday, September 02, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *187
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healthcare sectors. She graduated from San Diego State University, with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Media Studies. She has a proven track record in building brand awareness, strategic partnerships and managing highprofile client accounts. She is passionate about effective communication and dedicated to making a positive impact.
Devin Antonio
Business Analyst
Location: Dana Point, CA | Role: Communications Project Manager Devin Antonio is a driven and creative individual with a background in photography, social media management, brand partnerships and customer relations. She graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration – Marketing. Throughout college, she gained experience with content development, market research and writing where she found her passion in storytelling. She enhanced her photography and marketing skills through freelancing and her marketing internship. As a Business Analyst, Devin is inspired to help her clients with marketing to communicate creatively and informationally.
Devin is certified in Hootsuite Social Marketing and Search Engine Optimization through HubSpot Academy.
Emma Totaro
Junior Business Analyst
Location: Glendora, CA | Role: Communications JBA
Emma Totaro is a talented creative writer with a drive to tell stories using her various writing skills. Emma gained countless editing, writing, communication, analysis and research skills at California Baptist University while working toward her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative Writing. During her college career, Emma helped students become better communicators through writing at the university writing center. Furthermore, she honed her editing, communication and research skills as an editorial intern for Penn State University Press. In her endeavors to become more well-versed, she became social media manager for the writing center where she curated content to inform students about the offered services and create a welcoming student community. Emma works to tell the stories of her clients over many platforms to effectively inform the public.
Christina Haverilla
Junior Videographer
Location: Long Beach, CA | Role: Videographer
Christina Haverilla is a passionate and detail-oriented videographer with a background in social media management, video production and photography.
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Arts in Film and Video. During her time in college, she gained a plethora of skills in video, design and overall media. In her experience as a videographer, she has refined her editing skills in the realm of short-form videos crafted for social media platforms and advertisements, as well as longer-form content such as music videos and documentaries.
Christina is certified in Hootsuite Social Media Marketing. She is proficient in Adobe editing software such as Premiere and After Effects, as well as Davinci Resolve Studio.
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SCOPE OF SERVICES
General Communications Support
Effective communication requires a strategic approach built on research, surveys, and well-crafted messaging. From social media management to web strategy and SEO optimization, every digital touchpoint plays a role in audience engagement. Tripepi Smith provides comprehensive support, including web hosting, email campaigns, and media, stakeholder, and government relations. Our expertise extends to digital, print, radio, and out-of-home advertising, ensuring broad and effective outreach. Additionally, we offer training for staff and support for events, presentations, and virtual gatherings to enhance communication efforts and brand consistency. Below is a recommended scope of work, but the City is not limited to these services.
Project Management
Tripepi Smith begins all engagements with a kickoff meeting with the client to: introduce personnel to one another, define Key Performance Indicators (metrics, goals and timelines); review project management processes; and ensure each stakeholder has a full understanding of their responsibilities.
Tripepi Smith primarily uses the following tools to manage projects:
• Google Workspace for email, creating real-time collaborative documents and instant messaging • Zoom or Google Meet for conference calls
• Sprout Social for social media management: posting and monitoring comments/messages • Meltwater for media intelligence and media relations
• Kantata for project/task management, internal project status updates and time entry These tools enable project managers to quickly determine a project’s budget status, review the schedule of tasks, send rapid notifications to the whole team if issues arise and, generally, sustain momentum on our efforts.
Ongoing Strategy Discussions
To coordinate our efforts with staff and sustain momentum on projects, Tripepi Smith will schedule a recurring, one hour bi-weekly phone call that will include a designated lead for our engagement. These calls will help drive content planning for various communications channels. Call content will focus on story plans, new issues or concerns that need to be communicated, identification of major themes or ideas to address in the coming weeks, review of recent media mentions and social media comments and sharing of communication opportunities uncovered from scanning city council agendas. This will be a working call during which Tripepi Smith will manage an agenda and provide notes for each call. After each call, the client will receive an action summary email about decisions made on the phone call and related action steps. We will produce work, such as social media posts and responses, in a shared workspace where you can see progress in real time and provide instant feedback. These tools allow for enhanced collaboration and expedite the production process. Additionally, the team will conduct internal weekly project management via social media audits.
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Social Media Management
• Content Creation: Social media content creation involves planning, fact-checking, sourcing graphics, grammar checking and scheduling the post. Our team has experience producing content across Meta (Facebook and Instagram), Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Nextdoor and others. • Monitoring: Tripepi Smith will monitor Lomita’s social media pages and inboxes seven days a week for customer service opportunities, mainly responding to questions. When we identify an opportunity to respond, we will aim to do so within 24 hours of the comment post time or message receipt time. We will occasionally require fact-checking and guidance from the City for more nuanced responses.
• Additional: Our work also includes optimizing social media accounts to enhance performance and/or take advantage of useful features. "Boosted Posts" and other targeted advertisements are also helpful in disseminating information to community members. Tripepi Smith is fully capable of running and tracking these paid campaigns (fees to be agreed upon and paid by the City.) Monthly Metric & Analytic Report
Each month, Tripepi Smith will provide a summary report of the Key Performance Indicators or KPIs (reach, posts, engagement, etc.) related to your controlled social media sites and other key metrics if available, such as website visits, media mentions and email open/click rates. This will help us evaluate the success of our efforts as well as serve as an ongoing feedback mechanism for gathering valuable insights that can help inform ongoing communication strategy.
News Article/Press Release Writing
Our team is seasoned in crafting compelling press releases and news articles, typically up to 500 words, to amplify Lomita’s story and establish thought leadership. We tailor our work to your desired tone and direction, ensuring consistent execution. Collaboration with your staff might be necessary to ensure subject matter expertise and obtain quote approvals. You can lean on us to manage the entire content creation cycle, from crafting key messages and conducting interviews to drafting content and distributing it to your platforms or the media.
City Council Agenda Scanning/Review
Tripepi Smith understands local government. Combined with expertise in marketing and communications, we identify potential communication opportunities by scanning your public meeting agendas. After all, city council agendas often contain timely items of public interest.
Our team reviews these agendas and discusses them with you during our regular check-in calls. This allows you to focus on your core duties while we empower you with information and recommendations to effectively manage city communications. The goal is to ensure transparency with your constituents.
By keeping them informed about activities and decisions, we help you maintain a strong relationship with the community.
Bi-Annual Strategy Meetings
Tripepi Smith will host bi-annual strategy meetings with key Lomita stakeholders, such as the Executive Team. These meetings bring together leaders throughout the organization to:
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2. Create a plan for outreach in the coming quarters. We typically collaborate on a Content Calendar in a Google Sheet for easy reference on what external communications need to happen in the coming six to 12 months
Talking about communications in local government for almost two hours usually gets everyone’s brains churning about how they can get the word out on that next big program or new event. The nature of our work gives us the ability to probe deeper into city events and programs while still thinking broadly about how to get the word out on them. As we discuss audience perceptions and interests, go over best practices and the reasoning/data to back them up, the conversation about communications becomes more than just a strategy meeting. Staff builds perspective on their role as communicators on behalf of their department and the agency. As a result, they become more invested in outreach.
Website Monthly Technical Support
Tripepi Smith will provide monthly technical support to ensure the City’s website remains secure, functional, and up to date. This includes performing regular plug-in and theme updates, monitoring for technical issues, addressing backend errors, and coordinating with the hosting provider as needed. Our team will also conduct periodic checks to ensure the site is optimized for performance and accessibility.
Unlimited Website Content Support
Tripepi Smith will offer unlimited website content update support, allowing City staff to submit content changes at any time. This includes posting news items, updating event listings, replacing documents, modifying existing pages, and adding new content as requested. Our team ensures timely turnarounds and maintains consistency with the City’s branding and communication priorities.
Cable Channel Content Management
Tripepi Smith will assist with ongoing content support for the City’s cable channel, helping to keep programming timely, relevant, and aligned with City priorities. This includes developing and updating slides, graphics, and messaging for bulletin board content, as well as coordinating with City staff to promote events, public meetings, and key initiatives. Our team will ensure that content remains visually consistent and effectively communicates important information to residents.
Graphic Design
In today’s age of information saturation, it’s more important than ever for local governments to cut through the noise by designing materials that are attractive, interesting and reflective of the message.
Our diverse design team, from seasoned creative directors to detail-oriented technicians, illustrators, color experts and data visualization specialists, ensures we can tackle projects of every scale.
Moreover, we’ve honed an expertise in inspiring action among residents through daily collaboration with a wide range of public agencies. This translates to impactful visuals that grab attention, effectively communicate your message in a clear and engaging way and also inform the public. As public agency engagement specialists, accessibility is a cornerstone of every project that we undertake.
Our graphic design work spans:
• Logos, sub-logos, branding, campaigns
• Brochures, guides, newsletters, reports
• Animated visuals for social media,
video and web
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• PDF, accessibility, ADA compliance
• PPT, presentations, meeting materials
• Stationery, business cards, templates
• Social media, web banners, email
• Infographics, financials, instructions
• Posters, banners, signage
• Conference materials, booths, swag
Photography
With experience spanning a variety of multimedia projects, including videography, photography, drone, event coverage, event production or a combination thereof, Tripepi Smith’s talented in-house photographers understand the impact of photography of your community’s iconic sites.
The old adage, “a picture is worth a thousand words,” rings true, especially for local governments whose communications are most impactful when representing the communities in which they serve.
Our team contains experts in multiple format outputs, which ensures that your photos will be compatible across your distribution platforms. We provide photography services for:
• Portraiture (Studio and environmental)
• Architecture
• Behind-the-Scenes
• Events (Ribbon cuttings, tree lightings,
summer activities, concerts and more)
• Conferences & Networking Events
• Fine Arts Shows/Gatherings
• Graduation Events
• Groundbreaking Ceremonies
• Promotional
• Keynote/Presentation Speakers
• Stock Imagery (Including drone)
Our Approach to Photography
Photography, much like videography, requires deliberate, thorough preparation to achieve a beautiful end result. We organize our process into three phases to deliver high-quality photos and photo shoot experiences for our clients:
• Pre-Production: Our photographer will conduct a pre-photo shoot phone call of up to 30 minutes to review your key goals and objectives for the photos. During this phase, our team might develop a shot list or collaborate with a client to build upon their wish list of shots. We will also coordinate logistics, such as establishing a timeline and method for photo album delivery. • Production: You can expect our photographers to be onsite at least 30 minutes prior to the start of any photo shoot event in order to check in with client leads and review shoot conditions, such as weather and lighting. We may be onsite even earlier for shoots that require supplemental lighting or equipment, such as for headshot photo shoots when we set up a traveling photo studio.
• Post-Production: After a photo shoot, Tripepi Smith’s photographer will spend the following days processing (editing) the images for optimal lighting, color, composition and more. If an occasion requires photos to be available immediately, our photographer can stay onsite and process the photos in real time.
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Event Video Production & Special Projects
Tripepi Smith generally breaks down video production engagements into three phases: Pre-Production, Production and Post-Production. These projects can include videography, photography, drone footage, event coverage or production or a combination thereof. The phases include:
• Pre-Production is focused on identifying the key message and goal of the video and/or photos.
We set time guidelines, expectations, identify shot list and equipment needs, and work with City Staff to ensure shared vision on the final product.
• Production is focused on executing the work on the day of the event, fulfilling the video and/or photo shot list, and ensuring proper camera angles and lighting. This also requires a focus on audio and execution of any special shots such as drone or jib work. If drone work is requested, Drone Operator rate and Drone Equipment fee will apply. • Post-Production work primarily consists of editing video and/or photos, iterations on those edits with clients, audio clean up, lighting/color correction, and final packaging in any format that is requested.
Tripepi Smith is well-versed with the needs of video production in City of Lomita and is prepared to continue capturing and directing events from ground breakings to creating highlight, promotional, or workshop videos for the City.
As a full-service firm, Tripepi Smith is proficient at related work, including multi-media presentations, optimization for digital media, simple and complex animated videos, PowerPoint animations and remote video gatherings. Tripepi Smith also has experience production meetings using the Zoom platform.
Staff for video production projects will depend on the needs and requests for the events or videos requested by the City. For example, a large-scale event that requires a 5-camera setup will require more crew members than a smaller event. The staff listed in this proposal will be the core onsite staff used for video production.
City Council Meeting A/V Support Services
Tripepi Smith provides expertise in council meeting video production. We deliver high-level A/V technical expertise and full-scale, multi-camera event production with livestreaming and cablecasting capabilities. We handle everything from mixing, operating and scheduling recordings. Our team can also review your existing video equipment and suggest pathways to improve efficiency and quality. Tripepi Smith is ready to help ensure your next meeting is accessible to all of your constituents.
COST PROPOSAL
Tripepi Smith proposes to execute this agreement under a monthly retainer structure, providing the City with consistent, ongoing communications support. The agreement period would span three years from September 1, 2025 to June 30, 2028. We propose a not to exceed limit of $512,000 for Years 1-3. The City can extend the engagement for up to one (1) year up to two (2) times for a maximum agreement period of five (5) years. This estimate is based on our hourly rates, which are outlined below, and Tuesday, September 02, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *194
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includes an estimated 3% CPI rate increase each year of the agreement. Actual CPI will be evaluated on June 30 each year of the agreement.
Deliverable Quantity/Notes
Project Management
Conduct bi-weekly client check-in calls, provide
check-in call recap outlining action items,
coordination of project deadlines and QA.
Max. of 60 minutes per call
MONTHLY TOTAL TASK COST $3,425
Social Media Management
Create and publish social media post content.
Monitor the City’s Facebook page and designated
Facebook groups/pages seven days a week in the
morning and evening.
Produce regular report on key performance metrics
for external communication channels: social media,
email, website, etc.
5 posts/week
Monitoring 7 days a week
Monthly metric report
MONTHLY TOTAL TASK COST $5,225
Press Releases/News Articles
Create and publish press releases and/or website
news articles.
City Council agenda scanning for news
opportunities.
2 press release or news article per month
MONTHLY TOTAL TASK COST $1,025
Bi-Annual Onsite Communications Planning
Bi-annual meeting with Dept. heads to plan next
year of communication opportunities.
Keeping centralized “Content Calendar” updated
throughout the year for staff’s reference
1 meeting every 6 months
Max. of 2 hours per meeting
Communications Calendar
MONTHLY TOTAL TASK COST $550
Website Management
Website content updates and technical support for
the City of Lomita and Lomita Water websites.
Tech and content support for both websites (City and Lomita Water)
MONTHLY TOTAL TASK COST $2,240
Cable Channel Content Management
Uploading and scheduling meeting replays, adding
new content, and editing Carousel slide content.
Ongoing updates
MONTHLY TOTAL TASK COST $680
TOTAL MONTHLY RETAINER COST $13,145
Website Hosting
Annual website hosting fees for the City of Lomita
and Lomita Water websites.
$630 per website.
ANNUAL COST $1,260
ANNUAL COST $1,260
City Council and Planning Commission Meeting
A/V Production
Two AV staff members will attend City Council and
Planning Commission meetings.
ANNUAL COST $15,000
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Deliverable Quantity/Notes
TOTAL A/V COST $15,000
NTE
Year 1
10 Months
(September 2025-June 2026)
$147,710
Year 2
(July 2026-June 2027)
$179,220
Year 3
(July 2027-June 2028)
$184,597
TOTAL $511,527
Optional Add Ons
Print Newsletter Redesign and Quarterly Layout
Tripepi Smith will create an updated design for the City’s quarterly print newsletter, including the front and back cover, table of contents, header and footer sections. We anticipate 16 pages per edition that would include City news and Parks & Recreation class information. Tripepi Smith will provide print ready and web-friendly PDF versions and Lomita will handle print and mail management of each edition.
Scope assumes three rounds of revisions per edition. Lomita will provide all written content in word doc format for layout.
Bi-Weekly Digital Newsletter Redesign
As part of the scope, Tripepi Smith will support a redesign of the City’s bi-weekly digital newsletter to enhance readability, improve visual appeal, and increase engagement. The redesign will focus on creating a mobile-friendly, branded template that aligns with the City’s communications goals and incorporates best practices for layout, content structure, and accessibility. Tripepi Smith will also provide guidance on content planning to ensure consistent messaging and better integration with the City’s broader outreach efforts.
Deliverable Quantity/Notes
Bi-Weekly Digital Newsletter Redesign
Create a mobile-friendly, branded template in
Mailchimp that incorporates best practices for
layout, content structure, and accessibility.
ONE-TIME COST $1,705
Quarterly Newsletter Redesign
Create an updated design for the City’s quarterly
print newsletter, including the front and back cover,
table of contents, header and footer sections.
ONE-TIME COST $1,265
Quarterly Newsletter Design & Layout $3,275/quarter
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Deliverable Quantity/Notes
Tripepi Smith will provide print ready and webfriendly PDF versions and Lomita will handle print and mail management of each edition.
ANNUAL COST $13,100
Rates
We will apply the following standard hourly rates and related fees for any authorized work. All work must be clearly authorized in writing before proceeding.
2025-26 Hourly Rates
Standard Reduced
Retainer
Principal $380 $315
Director $265 $225
Art/Creative Director $265 $225
Senior Business Analyst $205 $180
Business Analyst $150 $125
Junior Business Analyst $115 $100
Senior Videographer/Animator $205 $175
Senior Photographer $175 $150
Videographer/Photographer $140 $120
Junior Videographer/Photographer $115 $100
Senior Graphic Designer $195 $165
Graphic Designer $140 $120
Junior Graphic Designer $115 $100
Web Developer $210 $185
Junior Web Developer $115 $100
Drone Operator $205 $180
Council Chamber A/V Operator $115 $100
Invoicing & Payment Terms
At Tripepi Smith, we bill on either a Retainer, Fixed Fee or Time & Materials basis, with each billing type following its own payment schedule. Regardless, terms are Net 30 days. • Fixed Fee work is billed upon defined milestones.
• Time & Materials work is billed in 15-minute increments (i.e. 4.0, 1.25, 6.5 or 0.75 hours) at the end of the month in which work is done.
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• Retainer work is billed on the 15th of each month.
Other Cost Information
Tripepi Smith has related service fees that may come up during our engagement that we want to tell you about.
Annual Increase
Tripepi Smith will increase hourly rates and retainer fees by 3% or by the national BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI), whichever is higher, capped at 5% annually. Adjustments will occur on the contract anniversary date, beginning with the first anniversary of contracts longer than one year. For contracts of one year or less, new rates will be negotiated at each renewal.
Retainer Discount
Clients with a minimum of $7,500 retainer with us have access to the discounted “Retainer Rates” for Time & Materials ad hoc work.
Travel Costs
Travel costs must be pre-authorized and then will be reimbursed by the client for any requested travel to complete a requested scope of work. Travel costs may include airfare, lodging, car rentals and gas.
Additionally, when client work requires that we be onsite, we will invoice for a resource’s travel time at 50% of the resource’s hourly rate.
Equipment Costs
Tripepi Smith offers some services that require equipment, such as drone operations and video production. As such, in those cases, the following rates apply:
Half Day (Under 4 Hours) Full Day (4+ Hours)
Video $450 $650
Drone $550 – Flat Fee
Service Fees
Tripepi Smith prefers that clients pay service providers directly to avoid unnecessary administrative costs. You should also know, however, that we have no economic interest in service providers, unless otherwise specified in this proposal.
If a client asks Tripepi Smith to pay for a service provider bill, we will apply a 10% agency fee to the reimbursement expense. Typical service fees include, but are not limited to: print, mailing, digital advertising, media placements, voiceovers, translations and closed captions.
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Exclusive Access
Tripepi Smith has access to entities that may be relevant to our engagement. These partnerships allow Tripepi Smith to offer clients extra media reach or additional services at partner pricing.
Local Information Network of Knowledge (LINK): www.LocalInfoNetwork.com – A community forum for local government professionals in California to discover and share resources, policies, sample work products, best practices and more.
PublicCEO: www.PublicCEO.com – Digital news about public affairs, reaching over 17,500 California government executives through a daily podcast, job board, video podcast and more.
Civic Business Journal: www.CivicBusinessJournal.com – Digital interest stories on the people, companies and solutions that make local government in California more effective.
FlashVote: www.FlashVote.com – Statistically valid surveying that helps leaders make decisions. • Disclaimer: Tripepi Smith President Ryder Todd Smith is an investor in FlashVote.
Tripepi Smith Talent Solutions: www.TSTalentSolutions.com – A multifaceted recruitment consultancy service, combining local government access with communications to advance talent quests and build culture warriors.
Meltwater: www.TripepiSmith.com/Media-Intelligence – An enterprise-class, comprehensive media monitoring solution that is best combined with Tripepi Smith’s analytics team.
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APPENDIX A: RESUMES
SARA MADSEN
TRIPEPI SMITH – DIRECTOR 04/25 – PRESENT
• Manage account strategy, budget, analytics, logistics and direct staff in execution of communication initiatives
• Serve as project manager lead across multiple clients; execute project management tasks and ensure deliverables are completed efficiently and meet and exceed client quality expectations • Manage creative strategy and execute graphic design on assignments such as logo development, infographic design, print and digital design
• Manage website design process, content transfer, modification and maintenance • Produce and distribute newsletters, press releases, social media and website content TRIPEPI SMITH – SENIOR BUSINESS ANALYST 04/22 – 03/25
TRIPEPI SMITH – BUSINESS ANALYST/GRAPHIC DESIGNER 01/21 – 08/22 TRIPEPI SMITH – JUNIOR BUSINESS ANALYST/GRAPHIC DESIGNER 07/18 – 12/20
EDUCATION
SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY – SAN DIEGO, CA
• Bachelor of Science in Marketing | Concentration in Integrated Marketing Communications | Minor in Sustainability
FASHION INSTITUTE OF DESIGN AND MERCHANDISING – LOS ANGELES, CA • Associate of Arts in Visual Communications
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
• UC Irvine Public Policy Making Academy II...........................................03/20 • California Public Information Officials (CAPIO) “Facebook and Instagram for Government” Workshop...................................................12/19 • USC Executive Education Forum for Policy and Administration............10/19
CERTIFICATIONS
• Constant Contact Certified Solutions Provider.......................................07/22 • Google Analytics ....................................................................................06/22 • Hootsuite Social Marketing ....................................................................06/19
SOFTWARE
• Adobe Creative Suite
• ArcGIS StoryMaps
• Canva
• CivicPlus
• Constant Contact
• Granicus
• Hootsuite
• Mailchimp
• Meta Business Suite
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Sprout Social
• WordPress
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BARBARA BERAN
TRIPEPI SMITH –SENIOR BUSINESS ANALYST 04/25 – PRESENT
• Lead client-facing public affairs and marketing communications projects across local government agencies, providing strategic counsel and ensuring alignment with client goals, budgets and deadlines. • Oversee social media strategy and content for municipalities, including content calendar development, copy review and performance tracking.
• Facilitate client and internal team meetings, manage project timelines and ensure high-quality deliverables. • Guide and mentor team members, providing training on best practices and tools to elevate performance across the agency.
BOEH AGENCY – PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGER 07/24 – 04/25
• Drove strategic public relations and marketing efforts for national and global water and wastewater treatment manufactures, technology experts and representatives, elevating their profiles in highly competitive markets.
• Developed and managed comprehensive industry-specific media lists, ensuring targeted outreach to trade publications, technical journalists and influential voices in water and wastewater sectors. • Conducted advanced market research on global trends and technological advancements in water and wastewater treatment, translating insights into actionable strategies that position clients as thought leaders. • Led proactive media relations by crafting and delivering tailored, impactful pitches that secured high-value placements, strengthening client reputations as innovators in the field. • Established a robust system for monitoring media coverage, ensuring timely reporting of media hits and campaign milestones, demonstrating measurable outcomes and ROI. • Supported integrated campaign efforts, blending traditional PR with digital strategies, including social media, partnerships and thought leadership campaigns, to deliver measurable growth and client satisfaction.
KATZ & ASSOCIATES – ACCOUNT SUPERVISOR 6/21 – 7/24
• Spearheaded communications for high-profile accounts across municipal, water, transportation sectors. • Developed strategic communications plans, branding and messaging frameworks that significantly drove visibility, engagement and client’s success.
• Led and supported the execution of impactful public relations and outreach campaigns across paid, earned, owned and shared media channels. Regularly identified new opportunities for client initiatives. • Developed and distributed press releases, media alerts, pitches, e-newsletters, factsheets, FAQs, collateral material, social media content and more.
• Successfully led planning of special events driving community engagement and media coverage.
EDUCATION
SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY– SAN DIEGO, CA
• Bachelor of Arts in Journalism
CERTIFICATIONS
• Hootsuite Social Marketing ....................................................................05/25 • AI Certificate for Communicators ...........................................................06/24 • Certificate in Public Participation ...........................................................01/24
SOFTWARE
• Adobe Acrobat
• Asana
• Canva
• Constant Contact
• Google Suite
• Mailchimp
• Cision
• MuckRack
• Microsoft Office Suite
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DEVIN ANTONIO
TRIPEPI SMITH – BUSINESS ANALYST 03/25 – PRESENT
• Conduct market research to provide client insights
• Manage social media and respond to public questions
• Write stories and press releases for the firm’s website and city clients • Photography for events, professional headshots and branded stock images TRIPEPI SMITH – JUNIOR BUSINESS ANALYST 06/23 – 03/25
STATE FARM INSURANCE – AGENT TEAM MEMBER 01/20 – 06/23
• Developed and maintained relationships with customers to understand their needs • Identified opportunities to cross-sell and upsell insurance products • Ensured client satisfaction by responding to inquiries and resolving issues in a timely manner ZUM RADIO, INC. – MARKETING INTERN 06/22 – 08/22
• Researched market trends to identify market segments
• Developed and implemented marketing strategies and content • Monitored the effectiveness of campaigns
FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER 01/16 – 12/18
• Photography events, families, products and stock images SYNERGY GLOBAL ENTERTAINMENT – BRAND PARTNERSHIPS 01/16 – 12/18 • Negotiated partnerships with brands for music festivals and artists • Managed existing brand partnerships, implemented activated plans and tracked ROIs • Developed creative content to promote both the music festivals and sponsors
EDUCATION
SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY – SAN DIEGO, CA
• Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, Marketing
CERTIFICATIONS
• Fundamentals of Media Relations .........................................................10/23 • Hootsuite Social Marketing ....................................................................06/23 • Search Engine Optimization – HubSpot Academy ................................01/23 • Property and Casualty Insurance License .............................................01/21
SOFTWARE
• Adobe Photoshop and
Lightroom
• Canva • Microsoft Office Suite
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EMMA TOTARO
TRIPEPI SMITH – JUNIOR BUSINESS ANALYST 05/24 – PRESENT • Conduct market research to provide client insights
• Manage social media and respond to public questions
• Write stories and press releases for the firm’s website and city clients CALIFORNIA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY WRITING CENTER – WRITING COACH 08/22 – 04/24 • Helped students outline, organize and edit papers for clarity and brevity • Worked with other coaches to provide the most useful services and put on academic events • Edited for sentence-level errors and clarity in multiple doctoral dissertations before publication CALIFORNIA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY WRITING CENTER –
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER 09/24 – 04/24
• Brainstormed content ideas to provide information to CBU students about services • Created content on a weekly basis and wrote captions for each post • Collaborated with team members to create a variety of engaging, informative content PENN STATE UNIVERSITY PRESS – EDITORIAL INTERN 06/23 – 08/23 • Identified potential authors for literature series by researching and reviewing biographies and published essays
• Communicated with potential authors to guarantee proposal and manuscript • Reviewed proposals, CVs and manuscripts to ensure the content fit the literature series
EDUCATION
CALIFORNIA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY – RIVERSIDE, CA
• Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative Writing | Minor in Christian Studies
CERTIFICATIONS
• Hootsuite Social Marketing ....................................................................05/24 • Sprout Social..........................................................................................05/24
SOFTWARE
• Canva • Google Suite • Microsoft Office Suite
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CHRISTINA HAVERILLA
TRIPEPI SMITH – JUNIOR VIDEOGRAPHER 04/24 – PRESENT
• Direct full-scale video productions collaborating closely with clients for seamless execution • Provide technical support for live streaming events, ensuring smooth broadcasts on various platforms • Manage council chamber video recordings, including equipment setup, agenda review and post-production • Offer photography services at events, leveraging video production skills to deliver high-quality images MUSIC ARTIST: MICHAEL SANTA CRUZ – FREELANCE
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER 01/24 – PRESENT
• Develop and implement social media marketing strategies to increase brand awareness and drive engagement
• Create and curate compelling content such as posts, images and videos for Instagram and TikTok • Monitor social media trends, audience insights, and competitor activities to inform content strategy
FREELANCE VIDEOGRAPHER
• Plan and coordinate pre-production activities, including location scouting, casting and equipment setup, to ensure smooth execution of shoots while collaborating with the artist to understand the creative vision • Operate video cameras and lighting equipment to capture high-quality footage • Edit raw footage using DaVinci Resolve to create compelling music videos, implementing visual effects and color grading to enhance the overall impact and mood
FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHY 01/24 – PRESENT
• Collaborate with designers and brands to capture high-quality images of their hats and clothing products • Execute photoshoots, ensuring optimal lighting, composition and overall visual appeal • Edit and retouch images using Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom to enhance product presentation TWIST AND TAILOR – VIDEO EDITOR 07/23 – 02/24
• Crafted concise edits of short-form videos tailored for social media, reels, and advertisements on accounts with followings ranging from a couple thousand to nearly 150,000 • Employed DaVinci Resolve to enhance visual quality, correcting exposure, white balance, and color balance issues to achieve a cohesive and professional look across all footage • Utilized editing techniques such as transitions, keyframes, overlays and text animations to enhance visual appeal and convey information succinctly
• Collaborated closely with the Creative Director to understand project objectives and align visual elements with creative visions and brand guidelines
EDUCATION
UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS – PHILADELPHIA, PA
• Bachelor of Arts in Film and Video
CERTIFICATIONS
• Hootsuite Social Media Marketing .........................................................04/24
SOFTWARE
• Adobe Creative Suite • Canva • Davinci Resolve Studio Tuesday, September 02, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *204
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