1 TO: City Council
FROM: Andrew Vialpando, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Lina Hernandez, Assistant City Manager
MEETING DATE: February 3, 2026
SUBJECT: Professional Services Agreement with Janet Slinkard Graphic Design for Design, Layout and Print Services
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Approve a Professional Services Agreement with Janet Slinkard Graphic Design to provide design, layout, and print services for the creation of the Lomita Quarterly Newsletter for a three-year term ending February 28, 2029, with the option to extend for two one-year terms for $28,180 for year one, $29,025 for year two, $29,896 for year three for a total the three year term not to exceed $87,101; and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement.
BACKGROUND
At its meeting on August 19, 2025, the City Council received a presentation on the Communications Platform Assessment commissioned by the City. Prepared by the City’s communications consultant Tripepi Smith & Associates, the Assessment further identified opportunities to expand outreach, improve consistency across platforms, align messaging with community expectations and ensure Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance.
Key communication strategies from the Assessment include the redesign of the templates for the bi-weekly digital and quarterly hardcopy newsletter to improve layout, content structure, branding, and accessibility.
DISCUSSION
The City has always contracted with a graphic designer to develop the Lomita Quarterly Newsletter. The City’s long-time graphic designer just retired, prompting staff to explore replacement contractors with expertise with WCAG 2.1 AA Standards for ADA
CITY OF LOMITA
CITY COUNCIL REPORT
Item No. 7e
2 compliance. These standards are the recognized, legally binding web accessibility guidelines that ensure digital content is perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust for users with disabilities.
Staff reached out to surrounding cities to obtain referrals for graphic designers that are experienced with municipal communications and publications. As many cities no longer produce hardcopy newsletters due to cost considerations and the shift toward online information access, few qualified designers were identified. Staff interviewed the two graphic designers who submitted proposals and determined that Janet Slinkard is the most qualified based on the City’s needs.
Janet Slinkard has 27 years of experience in graphic design, digital production, and creative leadership, ensuring transparent communication, smooth production, and each newsletter meets municipal and ADA standards without sacrificing design quality.
Should the City Council approve, staff will collaborate with Tripepi Smith and Janet Slinkard to redesign an ADA compliant newsletter template, beginning with the Summer 2026 edition. Postage and mailing costs are handled separately.
FISCAL IMPACT
There are enough funds in the 100-730-5410 advertising budget in the Recreation Department. Services for the creation of the Lomita Quarterly Newsletter with Janet Slinkard for a three-year term ending February 28, 2029, with the option to extend for two one-year terms for $28,180 for year one, $29,025 for year two, $29,896 for year three for a total the three year term not to exceed $87,101. Postage and mailing costs are handled separately.
VISION, MISSION, VALUES, AND STRATEGIC OUTCOMES
The City’s Vision, Mission, and Values set the standard for the organization, establish priorities, uniformity and guidelines; and provide the framework for policy decision making. The Strategic Outcomes were implemented to provide a pathway to achieving the City’s Vision. This item aligns with Strategic Outcome No. 3: Community Engagement & Communications - Building trust through open, inclusive communication.
OPTIONS
1. Approve recommended action.
3 ATTACHMENTS
1. Professional Services Agreement with Janet Slinkard Graphic Design with proposal (Exhibit A)
Prepared by: Approved by:
_______________________ ______________________
Lina Hernandez Andrew Vialpando
Assistant City Manager City Manager