City Council Agenda Report
Meeting Date: May 5, 2026
From: Su Tan, Director of Human Resources
Department: Human Resources
Submitted by: Lisette Grizzelle, Human Resources Manager Subject
Appointment of Lilia Hernandez as Deputy City Administrator Recommendation
Adopt Resolution No. 2026-019 appointing Lilia Hernandez to serve as the Deputy City Administrator of the City of Vernon effective May 6, 2026, and approving and authorizing the execution of a related at-will employment agreement.
Background
Recruitment Process
The Human Resources Department conducted a promotional recruitment to fill the vacant Deputy City Administrator position. The recruitment period to fill this vacancy began on March 30, 2026, and ran through April 8, 2026. Two application packets were received. Following an in-depth review of the application packets, both candidates were deemed qualified and were invited to participate in a selection panel interview process on April 13, 2026. The selection panel consisted of six department heads and the City Administrator. The City Administrator has recommended the appointment of Lilia Hernandez to serve as the Deputy City Administrator for the City of Vernon.
At-Will Employment Agreement
The At-Will Employment Agreement for Deputy City Administrator has been presented to Ms.
Hernandez and is included as Exhibit B to Resolution No. 2026-019. The agreement establishes an effective start date of May 6, 2026, and a starting salary of $17,253 per month, plus all benefits provided to executive personnel.
The proposed agreement is consistent with other City of Vernon executive employment agreements, albeit with the following exception:
• Added language to Section 6B indicating a newly appointed City Administrator may not terminate Employee without cause during the first twelve (12) months after his/her appointment by City Council.
Candidate Summary
Lilia Hernandez has approximately 12 years of experience working in the City of Vernon City Administration Department in professional and management level positions ranging from Executive Assistant to the City Administrator to her current role as Assistant to the City Administrator. Ms. Hernandez holds a Bachelor’s Degree in History from the University of California, Los Angeles. Ms. Hernandez is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from California State University, Northridge.
Given Ms. Hernandez’s qualifications and considerable experience in City Administration, she is well suited to meet the needs of the City and assist the City Administrator in planning and managing operations and priorities.
At its regular City Council meeting on May 5, 2026, prior to taking final action to approve this resolution, the City Council received an oral report summarizing the recommended appointment and compensation, in accordance with Government Code Section 54953(d)(3).
Fiscal Impact
The fiscal impact is estimated at $9,320 for the remaining Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26. The Deputy City Administrator position was approved in the adopted FY 2025-26 budget and is currently vacant. Additionally, the Assistant to the City Administrator will be defunded from the budget for the upcoming year.
Attachments
1. Resolution No. 2026-019 – Deputy City Administrator