SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF VERNON AND TRIPEPI SMITH & ASSOCIATES, INC. FOR STRATEGIC MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS
COVER PAGE
Contractor:
Responsible Principal of Contractor:
Notice Information - Contractor:
Notice Information - City:
Commencement Date:
Termination Date:
Consideration:
Records Retention Period
Tripepi Smith & Associates, Inc.
Ryder Todd Smith, Co-Founder & President
Tripepi Smith & Associates, Inc.
27702 Crown Valley Parkway, Suite #D4-139
Ladera Ranch, CA 92694
Attention: Ryder Todd Smith, President
Telephone: (626) 536-2173
Email: [email protected]
City of Vernon
4305 Santa Fe Avenue
Vernon, CA 90058
Attention: Brian Saeki, City Administrator
Telephone: (323) 583-8811 ext. 228 Email:
[email protected]
October 6, 2026
October 5, 2027 (with option to extend for
two additional one-year terms)
Total not to exceed $150,000 (includes all
applicable sales tax); and more particularly
described in Exhibit B
Three (3) years, pursuant to Section 11.20
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SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF VERNON AND TRIPEPI SMITH & ASSOCIATES, INC. FOR STRATEGIC MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS This Agreement is made between the City of Vernon, a California charter City and California municipal corporation (“City”), and Tripepi Smith & Associates, Inc., a California corporation (“Contractor”).
The City and Contractor agree as follows:
1.0 EMPLOYMENT OF CONTRACTOR. City agrees to engage Contractor to perform the services as hereinafter set forth as authorized by the City Council on October 6, 2026.
2.0 SCOPE OF SERVICES.
2.1 Contractor shall perform all work necessary to complete the services set forth in the City’s Request for Proposals issued on or about June 10, 2026, and titled RFP for Strategic Marketing and Communications, and Contractor's proposal to the City ("Proposal") dated June 29, 2026, Exhibit “A”, a copy which is attached to and incorporated into this Agreement by reference.
2.2 All services shall be performed to the satisfaction of City.
2.3 All services shall be performed in a competent, professional, and satisfactory manner in accordance with the prevailing industry standards for such services.
3.0 PERSONNEL.
3.1 Contractor represents that it employs, or will employ, at its own expense, all personnel required to perform the services under this Agreement.
3.2 Contractor shall not subcontract any services to be performed by it under this Agreement without prior written approval of City.
3.3 All of the services required hereunder will be performed by Contractor or by City approved subcontractors. Contractor, and all personnel engaged in the work, shall be fully qualified and authorized or permitted under State and local law to perform such services and shall be subject to approval by the City.
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4.0 TERM. The term of this Agreement shall commence on October 6, 2026, and it shall continue until October 5, 2027, with an option to extend the Agreement for two additional one-year terms, unless terminated at an earlier date pursuant to the provisions thereof.
5.0 COMPENSATION AND FEES.
5.1 Contractor has established rates for the City of Vernon which are comparable to and do not exceed the best rates offered to other governmental entities in and around Los Angeles County for the same services. For satisfactory and timely performance of the services, the City will pay Contractor in accordance with the payment schedule set forth in Exhibit “B” attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
5.2 Contractor's grand total compensation for the entire term of this Agreement, shall not exceed $150,000 without the prior authorization of the City, as appropriate, and written amendment of this Agreement.
5.3 Contractor shall, at its sole cost and expense, furnish all necessary and incidental labor, material, supplies, facilities, equipment, and transportation which may be required for furnishing services pursuant to this Agreement. Materials shall be of the highest quality. The above Agreement fee shall include all staff time and all clerical, administrative, overhead, insurance, reproduction, telephone, air travel, auto rental, subsistence, and all related costs and expenses.
5.4 City shall reimburse Contractor only for those costs or expenses specifically approved in this Agreement, or specifically approved in writing in advance by City. Unless otherwise approved, such costs shall be limited and include nothing more than the following costs incurred by Contractor:
5.4.1 The actual costs of subcontractors for performance of any of the services that Contractor agrees to render pursuant to this Agreement, which have been approved in advance by City and awarded in accordance with this Agreement.
5.4.2 Approved reproduction charges.
5.4.3 Actual costs and/or other costs and/or payments specifically authorized in advance in writing and incurred by Contractor in the performance of this Agreement.
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5.5 Contractor shall not receive any compensation for extra work performed without the prior written authorization of City. As used herein, “extra work” means any work that is determined by City to be necessary for the proper completion of the Project, but which is not included within the Scope of Services and which the parties did not reasonably anticipate would be necessary at the time of execution of this Agreement. Compensation for any authorized extra work shall be paid in accordance with the payment schedule as set forth in Exhibit “B,” if the extra work has been approved by the City.
5.6 Licenses, Permits, Fees, and Assessments. Contractor shall obtain, at Contractor’s sole cost and expense, such licenses, permits, and approvals as may be required by law for the performance of the services required by this Agreement.
Contractor shall have the sole obligation to pay for any fees, assessments, and taxes, plus applicable penalties and interest, which may be imposed by law and which arise from or are necessary for the performance of the Services by this Agreement.
6.0 PAYMENT.
6.1 As scheduled services are completed, Contractor shall submit to the City an invoice for the services completed, authorized expenses, and authorized extra work actually performed or incurred according to said schedule.
6.2 Each such invoice shall state the basis for the amount invoiced, including a detailed description of the services completed, the number of hours spent, reimbursable expenses incurred and any extra work performed.
6.3 Contractor shall also submit a progress report with each invoice that describes in reasonable detail the services and the extra work, if any, performed in the immediately preceding calendar month.
6.4 Contractor understands and agrees that invoices which lack sufficient detail to measure performance will be returned and not processed for payment.
6.5 City will pay Contractor the amount invoiced within thirty (30) days after the City approves the invoice.
6.6 Payment of such invoices shall be payment in full for all services, authorized costs, and authorized extra work covered by that invoice.
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7.0 CITY'S RESPONSIBILITY. City shall cooperate with Contractor as may be reasonably necessary for Contractor to perform its services; and will give any required decisions as promptly as practicable so as to avoid unreasonable delay in the progress of Contractor's services.
8.0 COORDINATION OF SERVICES. Contractor agrees to work closely with City staff in the performance of Services and shall be available to City’s staff, consultants, and other staff at all reasonable times.
9.0 INDEMNITY. Contractor agrees to indemnify City, its officers, elected officials, employees and agents against, and will hold and save each of them harmless from, any and all actions, suits, claims, damages to persons or property, losses, costs, penalties, obligations, errors, omissions or liabilities (herein “claims or liabilities”), including but not limited to professional negligence, that may be asserted or claimed by any person, firm or entity arising out of or in connection with the work, operations or activities of Contractor, its agents, employees, subcontractors, or invitees, provided for herein, or arising from the acts or omissions of Contractor hereunder, or arising from Contractor’s performance of or failure to perform any term, provision, covenant or condition of this Agreement, except to the extent such claims or liabilities arise from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of City, its officers, elected officials, agents or employees.
10.0 INSURANCE. Contractor shall procure and maintain for the duration of the Agreement insurance against claims for injuries to persons or damage to property that may arise from or in connection with the performance of the work hereunder by the Contractor, its agents, representative, or employees. The policies shall state that they afford primary coverage.
10.1 Automobile Liability Insurance – Primary insurance coverage shall be written on ISO Business Auto coverage form for all owned, hired, and non-owned automobiles or any auto. The policy shall have a combined single limit of not less than one million dollars ($1,000,000). If Contractor is transporting one or more non-employee passengers in the performance of the services, the automobile liability policy shall have a combined single limit of two million dollars ($2,000,000). If Contractor owns no autos, a Tripepi Smith & Associates, Inc.
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hired, non-owned auto endorsement to the General Liability policy is acceptable.
10.1.1 Contractor agrees to subrogate automobile liability resulting from performance under this agreement by agreeing to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless, the City, and its respective employees, agents, and City Council from and against all claims, liabilities, suits, losses, damages, injuries and expenses, including all costs and reasonable attorney’s fees (“Claims”), which are attributable to any act or omission by the Contractor under the performance of the services.
The City of Vernon, its directors, commissioners, officers, employees, agents, and volunteers must be endorsed on the policy as additional insureds and, under the Contractors’ policy, there shall be a waiver of subrogation, and the policy shall be primary and non-contributory and will not seek contribution from the City’s insurance.
10.2 Commercial General Liability Insurance – Contractor shall carry General Liability Insurance covering all operations performed by or on behalf of the Contractor providing coverage for bodily injury and property damage with a single limit of not less than one million dollars ($1,000,000) per occurrence and two million dollars ($2,000,000) general aggregate limit written on an Insurance Services Office (ISO) Comprehensive General Liability "occurrence" Form CG 00 01 or its equivalent for coverage on an occurrence basis. The City of Vernon, its directors, commissioners, officers, employees, agents, and volunteers must be endorsed on the policy as additional insureds with respect to liability arising out of the Contractor's performance of this Agreement. The additional insured coverage under the Contractor’s policy shall be primary and noncontributory and will not seek contribution from the City’s insurance. The policy shall be endorsed to include a waiver of subrogation.
10.2.1 If Contractor intends to employ other contractors as part of the services rendered, the City must approve and will establish the appropriate insurance requirements.
10.2.2 Contractor agrees to subrogate General Liability resulting from performance under this agreement by agreeing to defend, indemnify, Tripepi Smith & Associates, Inc.
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and hold harmless, the City, and its respective employees, agents, and City Council from and against all claims, liabilities, suits, losses, damages, injuries and expenses, including all costs and reasonable attorney’s fees (“Claims”), which are attributable to any act or omission by the Contractor under the performance of the services.
10.3 Professional Errors and Omissions Coverage in a sum of not less than one million dollars ($1,000,000), where such risk is applicable. Applicable aggregate must be identified and claims history provided to determine amounts remaining under the aggregates. Contractor shall maintain such coverage for at least one (1) year after the termination of this agreement.
10.4 Umbrella Liability Insurance – An umbrella (over primary) may be used to comply with limits or other primary coverage requirements. When used, the umbrella policy shall apply to bodily injury/property damage and personal injury/advertising injury and shall include a “dropdown” provision providing primary coverage for any liability not covered by the primary policy. The umbrella policy shall have no additional exclusion or coverage difference from the primary policy. The coverage shall also apply to automobile liability.
10.5 Workers’ Compensation/Employers Liability - Contractor shall comply with the applicable sections of the California Labor Code concerning workers' compensation for injuries on the job. Compliance is accomplished in one of the following manners:
10.5.1 Provide a copy of the permissive self-insurance certificate approved by the State of California; or
10.5.2 Secure and maintain in force a policy of workers' compensation insurance with statutory limits and Employer's Liability Insurance with a limit of one million dollars ($1,000,000) per accident. The policy shall be endorsed to waive all rights of subrogation against City, its directors, commissioners, officers, employees, and volunteers for losses arising from performance of this Agreement or
10.5.3 If Contractor has no employees, it may certify or warrant to the City that it does not currently have any employees or individuals who are Tripepi Smith & Associates, Inc.
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defined as “employees” under the Labor Code, and the requirement for Workers’ Compensation coverage will be waived by completing the waiver form provided by the City.
10.6 If Contractor maintains broader coverage and/or higher limits than the minimums shown above, City requires and shall be entitled to the broader coverage and/or the higher limits maintained by the Contractor. Any available insurance proceeds in excess of the specified minimum limits of insurance and coverage shall be available to the City.
10.7 Each insurance policy included in this clause shall be endorsed to state that coverage shall not be cancelled except after thirty (30) days prior written notice to City.
10.8 Insurance shall be placed with insurers with an A.M. Best rating of no less than A-VIII. Any self-insured retention or deductible in excess of $25,000 must be approved in advance by the City. Any policies written on a claims-based basis must include a minimum of a 3-year tail.
10.9 Prior to the commencement of performance, Contractor shall furnish City with a certificate of insurance for each policy. Each certificate is to be signed by a person authorized by that insurer to evidence coverage on its behalf. The certificate(s) must be in a form approved by City. City may require complete, certified copies of any or all policies upon request.
10.10 Failure to maintain required insurance at all times shall constitute a default and material breach. In such event, Contractor shall immediately notify City and cease all performance under this Agreement until further directed by the City. In the absence of satisfactory insurance coverage, City may, at its option: (a) procure insurance with collection rights for premiums, attorney's fees, and costs against Contractor by way of set-off or recoupment from sums due to Contractor, at City's option; (b) immediately terminate this Agreement and seek damages from the Agreement resulting from said breach; or (c) self-insure the risk, with all damages and costs incurred, by judgment, settlement or otherwise, including attorney's fees and costs, being collectible from Contractor, by way of set-off or recoupment from any sums due to Contractor.
11.0 GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS.
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11.1 INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR.
11.1.1 It is understood that in the performance of the services herein provided for, Contractor shall be, and is, an independent contractor, and is not an agent, officer or employee of City and shall furnish such services in its own manner and method except as required by this Agreement, or any applicable statute, rule, or regulation.
Further, Contractor has and shall retain the right to exercise full control over the employment, direction, compensation and discharge of all persons employed by Contractor in the performance of the services hereunder. City assumes no liability for Contractor’s actions and performance, nor assumes responsibility for taxes, bonds, payments, or other commitments, implied or explicit, by or for Contractor. Contractor shall be solely responsible for, and shall indemnify, defend and save City harmless from all matters relating to the payment of its employees, subcontractors and independent contractors, including compliance with social security, withholding and all other wages, salaries, benefits, taxes, exactions, and regulations of any nature whatsoever.
11.1.2 Contractor acknowledges that Contractor and any
subcontractors, agents or employees employed by Contractor shall not, under any circumstances, be considered employees of the City, and that they shall not be entitled to any of the benefits or rights afforded employees of City, including, but not limited to, sick leave, vacation leave, holiday pay, Public Employees Retirement System benefits, or health, life, dental, long-term disability or workers' compensation insurance benefits.
11.2 CONTRACTOR NOT AGENT. Except as the City may authorize in writing, Contractor and its subcontractors shall have no authority, express or implied, to act on behalf of or bind the City in any capacity whatsoever as agents or otherwise.
11.3 OWNERSHIP OF WORK. All documents and materials furnished by the City to Contractor shall remain the property of the City and shall be returned to the City upon termination of this Agreement. All reports, drawings, plans, specifications, computer tapes, floppy disks and printouts, studies, memoranda, computation sheets, and other documents prepared by Contractor in furtherance of the work shall be the sole property of City and shall be delivered to City whenever requested at no additional cost to the City. Contractor shall keep such documents and materials on file and available for Tripepi Smith & Associates, Inc.
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audit by the City for at least three (3) years after completion or earlier termination of this Agreement. Contractor may make duplicate copies of such materials and documents for its own files or for such other purposes as may be authorized in writing by the City.
11.4 CORRECTION OF WORK. Contractor shall promptly correct any defective, inaccurate or incomplete tasks, deliverables, goods, services and other work, without additional cost to the City. The performance or acceptance of services furnished by Contractor shall not relieve the Contractor from the obligation to correct subsequently discovered defects, inaccuracy, or incompleteness.
11.5 RESPONSIBILITY FOR ERRORS. Contractor shall be responsible for its work and results under this Agreement. Contractor, when requested, shall furnish clarification and/or explanation as may be required by the City, regarding any services rendered under this Agreement at no additional cost to City. In the event that an error or omission attributable to Contractor occurs, then Contractor shall, at no cost to City, provide all necessary design drawings, estimates and other Contractor professional services necessary to rectify and correct the matter to the sole satisfaction of City and to participate in any meeting required with regard to the correction.
11.6 WAIVER. The City's waiver of any term, condition, breach, or default of this Agreement shall not be considered to be a waiver of any other term, condition, default or breach, nor of a subsequent breach of the one waived. The delay or failure of either party at any time to require performance or compliance by the other of any of its obligations or agreements shall in no way be deemed a waiver of those rights to require such performance or compliance. No waiver of any provision of this Agreement shall be effective unless in writing and executed by a duly authorized representative of the party against whom enforcement of a waiver is sought.
11.7 SUCCESSORS. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, and shall be binding upon, the parties hereto and their respective heirs, successors, and/or assigns.
11.8 NO ASSIGNMENT. Contractor shall not assign or transfer this Agreement or any rights hereunder without the prior written consent of the City and approval by the City Attorney, which may be withheld in the City's sole discretion. Any Tripepi Smith & Associates, Inc.
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unauthorized assignment or transfer shall be null and void and shall constitute a material breach by the Contractor of its obligations under this Agreement. No assignment shall release the original parties from their obligations or otherwise constitute a novation.
11.9 COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS. Contractor shall comply with all Federal, State, County and City laws, ordinances, rules and regulations, which are, as amended from time to time, incorporated herein and applicable to the performance hereof. Violation of any law material to performance of this Agreement shall entitle the City to terminate the Agreement and otherwise pursue its remedies. Further, if the Contractor performs any work knowing it to be contrary to such laws, rules, and regulations Contractor shall be solely responsible for all costs arising therefrom.
11.10 ATTORNEY'S FEES. If any action at law or in equity is brought to enforce or interpret the terms of this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to reasonable attorney's fees, costs, and necessary disbursements in addition to any other relief to which such party may be entitled.
11.11 INTERPRETATION.
11.11.1 Applicable Law. This Agreement shall be deemed an agreement and shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California. Contractor agrees that the State and Federal courts which sit in the State of California shall have exclusive jurisdiction over all controversies and disputes arising hereunder, and submits to the jurisdiction thereof.
11.11.2 Entire Agreement. This Agreement, including any exhibits attached hereto, constitutes the entire agreement and understanding between the parties regarding its subject matter and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous negotiations, representations, understandings, correspondence, documentation, and agreements (written or oral).
11.11.3 Written Amendment. This Agreement may only be
changed by written amendment executed by Contractor and the City Administrator or other authorized representative of the City, subject to any requisite authorization by the City Council. Any oral representations or modifications concerning this Agreement shall be of no force or effect.
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11.11.4 Severability. If any provision in this Agreement is held by any court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal, void, or unenforceable, such portion shall be deemed severed from this Agreement, and the remaining provisions shall nevertheless continue in full force and effect as fully as though such invalid, illegal, or unenforceable portion had never been part of this Agreement.
11.11.5 Order of Precedence. In case of conflict between the terms of this Agreement and the terms contained in any document attached as an Exhibit or otherwise incorporated by reference, the terms of this Agreement shall strictly prevail.
The terms of the City’s Request for Proposals shall control over the Contractor’s Proposal.
11.11.6 Construction. In the event an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises with respect to this Agreement, this Agreement shall be construed as if drafted jointly by the parties and in accordance with its fair meaning. There shall be no presumption or burden of proof favoring or disfavoring any party by virtue of the authorship of any of the provisions of this Agreement.
11.12 TIME OF ESSENCE. Time is strictly of the essence of this agreement and each and every covenant, term, and provision hereof.
11.13 AUTHORITY OF CONTRACTOR. The Contractor hereby represents and warrants to the City that the Contractor has the right, power, legal capacity, and authority to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement, and its execution of this Agreement has been duly authorized.
11.14 ARBITRATION OF DISPUTES. Any dispute for under $25,000 arising out of or relating to the negotiation, construction, performance, non-performance, breach, or any other aspect of this Agreement, shall be settled by binding arbitration in accordance with the Commercial Rules of the American Arbitration Association at Los Angeles, California and judgment upon the award rendered by the Arbitrators may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. The City does not waive its right to object to the timeliness or sufficiency of any claim filed or required to be filed against the City and reserves the right to conduct full discovery.
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11.15 NOTICES. Any notice or demand to be given by one party to the other must be given in writing and by personal delivery or prepaid first-class, registered or certified mail, addressed as follows. Notice simply to the City of Vernon or any other City department is not adequate notice.
If to the City:
City of Vernon
Attention: Brian Saeki, City Administrator
4305 Santa Fe Avenue
Vernon, CA 90058
If to the Contractor:
Tripepi Smith & Associates
Attention: Ryder Todd Smith, Co-Founder & President
27702 Crown Valley Parkway, Suite #D4-139
Ladera Ranch, CA 92694
Any such notice shall be deemed to have been given upon delivery, if personally delivered, or, if mailed, upon receipt, or upon expiration of three (3) business days from the date of posting, whichever is earlier. Either party may change the address at which it desires to receive notice upon giving written notice of such request to the other party.
11.16 NO THIRD PARTY RIGHTS. This Agreement is entered into for the sole benefit of City and Contractor and no other parties are intended to be direct or incidental beneficiaries of this Agreement and no third party shall have any right or remedy in, under, or to this Agreement.
11.17 TERMINATION FOR CONVENIENCE (Without Cause). City may terminate this Agreement in whole or in part at any time, for any cause or without cause, upon fifteen (15) calendar days' written notice to Contractor. If the Agreement is thus terminated by City for reasons other than Contractor's failure to perform its obligations, City shall pay Contractor a prorated amount based on the services satisfactorily completed and accepted prior to the effective date of termination. Such payment shall be Contractor's exclusive remedy for termination without cause.
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11.18 DEFAULT. In the event either party materially defaults in its obligations hereunder, the other party may declare a default and terminate this Agreement by written notice to the defaulting party. The notice shall specify the basis for the default. The Agreement shall terminate unless such default is cured before the effective date of termination stated in such notice, which date shall be no sooner than ten (10) days after the date of the notice. In case of default by Contractor, the City reserves the right to procure the goods or services from other sources and to hold the Contractor responsible for any excess costs occasioned to the City thereby. Contractor shall not be held accountable for additional costs incurred due to delay or default as a result of Force Majeure. Contractor must notify the City immediately upon knowing that non-performance or delay will apply to this Agreement as a result of Force Majeure. At that time Contractor is to submit in writing a Recovery Plan for this Agreement. If the Recovery Plan is not acceptable to the City or not received within 10 days of the necessary notification of Force Majeure default, then the City may cancel this order in its entirety at no cost to the City, owing only for goods and services completed to that point.
11.19 TERMINATION FOR CAUSE. Termination for cause shall relieve the terminating party of further liability or responsibility under this Agreement, including the payment of money, except for payment for services satisfactorily and timely performed prior to the service of the notice of termination, and except for reimbursement of (1) any payments made by the City for service not subsequently performed in a timely and satisfactory manner, and (2) costs incurred by the City in obtaining substitute performance. If this Agreement is terminated as provided herein, City may require, at no additional cost to City, that Contractor provide all finished or unfinished documents, data, and other information of any kind prepared by Contractor in connection with the performance of Services under this Agreement. Contractor shall be required to provide such document and other information within fifteen (15) days of the request.
11.19.1 Additional Services. In the event this Agreement is terminated in whole or in part as provided herein, City may procure, upon such terms and in such manner as it may determine appropriate, services similar to those terminated.
11.20 MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION OF RECORDS.
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The City, or its authorized auditors or representatives, shall have access to and the right to audit and reproduce any of the Contractor's records to the extent the City deems necessary to insure it is receiving all money to which it is entitled under the Agreement and/or is paying only the amounts to which Contractor is properly entitled under the Agreement or for other purposes relating to the Agreement.
The Contractor shall maintain and preserve all such records for a period of at least three (3) years after termination of the Agreement.
The Contractor shall maintain all such records in the City of Vernon.
If not, the Contractor shall, upon request, promptly deliver the records to the City of Vernon or reimburse the City for all reasonable and extra costs incurred in conducting the audit at a location other than the City of Vernon, including, but not limited to, such additional (out of the City) expenses for personnel, salaries, private auditors, travel, lodging, meals, and overhead.
11.21 CONFLICT. Contractor hereby represents, warrants, and certifies that no member, officer, or employee of the Contractor is a director, officer, or employee of the City of Vernon, or a member of any of its boards, commissions, or committees, except to the extent permitted by law.
11.22 HEADINGS. Paragraphs and subparagraph headings contained in this Agreement are included solely for convenience and are not intended to modify, explain or to be a full or accurate description of the content thereof and shall not in any way affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
11.23 ENFORCEMENT OF WAGE AND HOUR LAWS. Eight hours labor constitutes a legal day's work. The Contractor, or subcontractor, if any, shall forfeit twenty-five dollars ($25) for each worker employed in the execution of this Agreement by the respective Contractor or subcontractor for each calendar day during which the worker is required or permitted to work more than 8 hours in any one calendar day and 40 hours in any one calendar week in violation of the provisions of Sections 1810 through 1815 of the California Labor Code as a penalty paid to the City; provided, however, work performed by employees of contractors in excess of 8 hours per day, and 40 hours during Tripepi Smith & Associates, Inc.
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any one week, shall be permitted upon compensation for all hours worked in excess of 8 hours per day at not less than 1½ times the basic rate of pay.
11.24 EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY PRACTICES. Contractor certifies and represents that, during the performance of this Agreement, it and any other parties with whom it may subcontract shall adhere to equal employment opportunity practices to assure that applicants, employees and recipients of service are treated equally and are not discriminated against because of their race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, sex, age, medical condition, sexual orientation or marital status. Contractor further certifies that it will not maintain any segregated facilities.
Contractor further agrees to comply with The Equal Employment Opportunity Practices provisions as set forth in Exhibit “C”.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement as of the Commencement Date stated on the cover page.
City of Vernon, a California charter City
and California municipal corporation
By: ____________________________
Brian Saeki, City Administrator
Tripepi Smith & Associates, Inc., a
California corporation
By:
Name:
Title:
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Genoveva Rocha, City Clerk
By:
Name:
Title:
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_______________________________
Zaynah Moussa-Milward,
City Attorney
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EXHIBIT A
CONTRACTOR'S PROPOSAL
STRATEGIC MARKETING AND
COMMUNICATIONS
City of Vernon
June 29, 2026
By: Ryder Todd Smith
Co-founder & Principal
Tripepi Smith & Associates
Single Source Communications
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Table of Contents
COVER LETTER............................................................................. 3 INTRODUCTION............................................................................. 4 GENERAL SCOPE OF WORK ....................................................... 5 WORK PLAN.................................................................................. 7 FEES AND COSTS........................................................................11 ABILITY TO PERFORM.................................................................17 AFFIDAVIT OF NON-COLLUSION................................................21 ATTACHMENT A: RESUMES .......................................................22 ATTACHMENT B: ORGANIZATIONAL CHART............................25 Single Source Communications
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COVER LETTER
Thank you for the opportunity to present Tripepi Smith’s communication support offerings to the City of Vernon. This proposal outlines our understanding of your vision to elevate Vernon's brand identity, our approach to executing strategic marketing and communications, PIO and crisis response services, our cost proposal and more.
No other California-based communications firm has the public agency client depth and diversity that Tripepi Smith offers. We gain insights from the breadth of our work and share that knowledge with our 250+ public agency clients, yielding key advantages that are well-suited to support Vernon's current evolution:
• A Deep Understanding of SELA Nuances and Local Issues: Tripepi Smith’s work with over 250 public agencies — including strong, ongoing relationships with Southeast Los Angeles and Gateway cities — allows us to translate practical field experience into outreach strategies tailored to their unique circumstances.
Moreover, we are known for our mastery of the art of local government communications. We make civic matters relatable and engaging for stakeholders, from constituents to elected officials to legislators and more. From wildfires to recovery, land use to ballot measures, emergency response to housing, and infrastructure to economic development, we are industry experts across a wide range of complex local issues and initiatives.
• Breadth of Expertise: The breadth of Tripepi Smith’s team (from strategic communication planning and social media management to videography, Spanish translation, and graphic design) is rare. We have the in-house capability to tell Vernon's complete story across all media platforms to elevate your image as a vibrant place to live and work.
• 24/7 Access and Proactive Crisis Response: Tripepi Smith is available to our clients 24/7. When crisis or emergency situations arise, there is no “bad time” to call or email us, and our response will be immediate and engaged on the issue at hand.
While Tripepi Smith has in-house Spanish translation capabilities, we may subcontract with a vendor for languages other than Spanish. In such cases, we are happy to coordinate with your preferred vendor(s), if you have established relationships, or recommend vendors based on your specific needs and budget.
Engaging constituents and telling your agency’s story is not a simple matter. It takes work, consistency, innovation and creativity to make an impact. We are confident that Single Source Communications
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our dedication and proven track record make us the right partner for the City of Vernon. Thank you for considering us in this endeavor.
Authorization
I affirm that I have the legal authorization to bind Tripepi Smith into agreements with the City of Vernon 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 • 27702 Crown Valley Parkway, D4#139, Ladera Ranch, CA, 92694
INTRODUCTION
Tripepi Smith is pleased to present this proposal to provide proactive Strategic Marketing and Communications, Media Advisory/PIO Services and Crisis Response to the City of Vernon. We recognize that Vernon is at an exciting moment in its nearly 120-year history. We are fully prepared to augment the efforts of the City Administration team to design, create and deploy strategic messaging that promotes positive news about the City across multiple platforms.
Assignment Understanding
We understand that the City of Vernon is actively evolving from its "Exclusively Industrial" roots into a model city for good governance with more balanced land uses.
As the City works to attract clean commerce, mixed-use residential developments and stand-alone retail, there is a distinct need to elevate its image and broadly communicate its fresh brand identity, culminating in the adoption of a new logo in 2025. Our assignment is to proactively position Vernon as a healthy, vibrant and desirable place to live and work. This requires targeted engagement with a diverse audience, including businesses, developers, residents and regional partners across the Southeast Los Angeles (SELA) and Gateway cities. We must effectively highlight Vernon's unique full-service capabilities. The City also requires a nimble partner capable of managing day-to-day media relations and quick crisis communications support.
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Quality Assurance
Tripepi Smith abides by a rigorous procedure of internal review before work product or invoices ever make it to clients for review. Principals, Directors and Senior Business Analysts are all in the upper echelon of the workflow, responsible for final quality assurance of work produced by their peers. Tripepi Smith sets clear deadlines with clients to ensure expectations are met. Every team member holds each other accountable so that deliverables are produced in the most efficient manner possible.
Real-time financials are accessible 24/7 to the team, providing the most accurate insight to adhere to a budget.
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
For projects requiring continued efforts, Tripepi Smith will schedule a recurring, weekly, bi-weekly or monthly call(s) that will include designated lead(s) for our engagement. These calls will generally focus on trends, new issues or concerns that need to be communicated to us, identification of major themes or ideas to address in the coming weeks, a general review of city staff, tools in place and platforms that we need access to in order to effectively jump into and call to action.
GENERAL SCOPE OF WORK
Tripepi Smith understands that the City of Vernon is seeking a qualified partner to elevate its brand identity, highlight its positive trajectory and effectively communicate its evolution into a balanced, vibrant community. Our team envisions the scope of work across the three service areas as follows:
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Strategic Marketing & Communications
Our approach in this area focuses on executing comprehensive strategies that enhance brand visibility, engage diverse stakeholders and support the City's goals for clean commerce and residential growth. We perceive this scope to include:
• Conducting a comprehensive communications assessment and creating a citywide strategic communications plan.
• Managing the City’s social media accounts, which entails crafting posts, publishing, monitoring and boosting posts.
• Updating website content and creating digital content. • Providing written and verbal translation services in Spanish. We will coordinate Korean translation services, as well as Spanish and Korean interpretation for meetings.
• Producing high-quality visual assets such as photography, aerial imagery and videography.
• Training City staff on communication best practices.
• Facilitating community meetings.
• Reporting on engagement metrics.
Media Advisory/PIO Services
We envision this service area as a proactive effort to build and maintain public trust by consistently highlighting Vernon’s core values of community, industry, service and good governance. The scope includes:
• Handling day-to-day media relations, such as drafting press releases, statements and responding to media inquiries.
• Drafting and publishing articles or Op-Eds for internal and external publications to promote City achievements.
• Monitoring media for anticipated issues and developing strategic PR work plans to address the City's long-term and immediate needs.
• Providing media training for City officials and staff, and developing a media relations policy.
• Coordinating publicity for City-sponsored events and reporting directly to the City Administrator and/or City Council.
Crisis Response
We understand that effective crisis response requires careful, unified communication to safeguard the City's reputation during challenging events. We perceive this scope to entail:
• Anticipating emerging threats by monitoring traditional and social media sentiment.
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• Developing tailored crisis management plans and stabilizing the City's messaging swiftly before misinformation spreads.
• Coordinating statements for City management, staff and elected officials in collaboration with City staff and legal.
• Disseminating messaging efficiently across the most effective communication channels.
• Crafting a crisis communications plan that addresses response protocols for online engagement.
WORK PLAN
Tripepi Smith has experience in all facets of the City of Vernon’s requests. We will accomplish these on-call needs through an array of services, which may include, but are not limited to, the following services:
Strategic Marketing & Communications
Effective communication and informed participation are key to the successful delivery of City services. From policy education to capital improvement projects, Tripepi Smith offers comprehensive strategic marketing and communications support to achieve your agency's outreach and engagement goals for any initiative. Through a dedicated strategy tailored to your target audience, our team can help you leverage a robust toolset to garner interest and participation.
Our strategic marketing and communications services include:
• Creating and executing strategic
and crisis communications plans
• Developing talking points
• Developing and distributing
internal and external surveys
• Developing and managing a
dedicated website
• Executing phone and email
outreach
• Engaging stakeholders in focus
groups
• Placing digital and print
advertisements
• Writing and distributing public
service announcements
The following are descriptors of a full array of services that are available to the City of Vernon.
Communications Assessment and Strategic Communications Plan One of Tripepi Smith's specialties is a service we call a “Communications Assessment,” an objective review of everything a public agency is doing to communicate with its external audiences: residents, businesses, local media, etc. It is Single Source Communications
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an opportunity to document a “point in time” summary of current strategies, policies, processes and best practices to determine whether there are opportunities for improvement. The resulting report is an expansive audit of the agency's departmental communications efforts, including staff methodology, platforms used, challenges to overcome, and Tripepi Smith’s customized recommendations to improve the impact of communications. Tripepi Smith will produce a maximum of two drafts of a report: a first draft and a final draft. Tripepi Smith will present its objective findings and customized recommendations to the agency's Executive Team or governing body.
Social Media Management
• Content Creation: Social media content creation involves: planning, factchecking, 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 can monitor Vernon’s social media site 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 can also include 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).
Webpage Content Management Support
Tripepi Smith provides a dedicated team of website specialists to manage content for your website to ensure it remains current. Our services include:
• Responsive Support: Available seven days a week via email, phone or text.
Standard updates are completed within 24 hours, with immediate execution for urgent requests.
• Ease of Access: Skip the ticketing systems and phone queues. Connect directly with our web experts for instant results.
• Expert Management: We handle technical publishing across leading government CMS platforms (CivicPlus, Granicus, WordPress, etc.), freeing your staff to focus on core operations.
• Compliance Guidance: We can train your team on ADA accessibility best practices to minimize legal risks.
• Content Creation: We offer supplemental professional writing services to draft or refine your web copy as needed.
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Please note: While Tripepi Smith will implement best practices for ADA compliance, we cannot assure that the agency’s existing site(s) are fully ADA compliant upon beginning our work. Therefore, TS cannot take on liability for the overall ADA compliance of any agency website.
Translation & Accessibility
Our in-house team excels in Spanish translations for written documents, presentations and video content, ensuring clear communication with diverse audiences. For translations in other languages or media accessibility to those with hearing and visual impairments, we can either recommend qualified translation and accessibility vendors or subcontract with your preferred vendor. We're happy to collaborate with vendors you already have established relationships with.
Graphic Design
Whether print or digital, 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.
Photography & Videography Support
Our team includes nearly 10 full-time videographers, with diverse expertise in various domains, offering a comprehensive range of photo and video services, including full video production, post-production, aerial drone footage, portraiture and animated videos. Our team is highly skilled in every aspect of photo and video production, from planning and shooting to editing and final delivery. Photography and Videography sessions would be broken down into the following three phases:
1. Pre-Production: Identifying key messages, goals, shot list, define interviews, questions and other important details.
2. Production: This is where we execute our work onsite at the locations identified in pre-production, capture any necessary audio, obtain interviews, capture b-roll and more.
3. Post-Production: This is where our work consists of editing photography or video footage, editing photos captured, clean up audio, balance color correction.
We send a review file where you can provide feedback and edits.
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 Single Source Communications
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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.
Public Workshops
Tripepi Smith can facilitate a comprehensive public engagement process to gather valuable feedback on your initiatives. This process can include in-person workshops, targeted focus groups, and/or town halls. These meetings will ensure you receive a well-rounded perspective from key stakeholders and diverse community voices. We'll partner with your staff to manage all aspects of the engagement process, including participant recruitment, coordination, facilitation and analysis.
Media Advisory/PIO Services
Press Releases, News Articles, Media Advisories and Public Addresses Our team is seasoned in crafting compelling press releases, news articles, media advisories and public statements to amplify the City's story and establish thought leadership. 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. We can also identify media contacts, collaborate with staff to expand the media list and ensure we reach diverse media.
Media Intelligence and Metrics Reporting
Our media intelligence services blend our in-house expertise with the advanced software of Meltwater, an enterprise-class, comprehensive media monitoring solution that streamlines media monitoring, reporting, analytics and more for a number of benefits:
• Powerful Monitoring: Tracks everything being said about your agency online. • Stay Ahead of Crises: Identify and address potential issues before they snowball, protecting your reputation and minimizing disruption. • Tailored to You: Ditch generic reports and metrics, instead receive insights tailored to your goals.
• Smarter Decisions: Make informed choices based on data, not guesswork.
Media Inquiry Policy
A Media Inquiry Policy outlines the procedures for engaging with your media representatives, ensuring consistent and effective communication. Having this policy in place ensures that all your staff and elected officials are on the same page regarding when and how to respond to media inquiries. The Tripepi Smith team will set aside time to speak with key stakeholders who have dealt with media inquiries in Single Source Communications
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the past. We will discuss current practices, your collective understanding of local/regional media's expectations of whom to contact in what situations, and how your agency's leadership would like to funnel media inquiries in the future. We will take these observations and decisions, wrapping them into a Media Inquiry Policy for leadership to review and adopt.
Media Empowerment Training
With proper training, your leadership, staff and elected officials can learn to stay on message and enhance their confidence. Our mock interview activity helps build comfort in on-camera situations, enabling participants to deliver relevant, clear and timely messages. The mock press conference activity teaches participants to put together messaging in a short timeframe and practice responding in high-pressure media interactions. Tripepi Smith has developed a curriculum directly related to the experiences and environments that you are likely to encounter. Tripepi Smith would conduct a half-day training session on dates agreed upon by the agency and Tripepi Smith. The session would extend to a full-day experience if there are more than 24 participants (two half-day sessions).
Crisis Response
There may be cases where the City may need advice on stakeholder outreach, communication efforts and public engagement initiatives. While the proposed project team can advise on such matters during regular check-in calls, there may be instances when a separate, longer discussion is needed. Additionally, there may be instances when a serious, emergency issue arises, warranting collaboration among the proposed project team throughout the crisis management period. This includes responding to emergencies through coordinated communications efforts with key external stakeholders. Tripepi Smith will remain available 24/7 to support you through such instances, typically kicking discussions off in a virtual meeting, collaborating in a living workspace and emailing, texting or calling with updates as progress happens.
FEES AND COSTS
We recommend the following scope of services following a Time & Materials (T&M) model that allows you the flexibility to “ramp up” or “ramp down” efforts according to budget and priorities. Tripepi Smith is prepared to provide these services, as needed, at the following recommended NTEs using our hourly rates. We only begin work with your written consent. We can also provide an array of the following services on a monthly retainer basis.
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Deliverable Scope Recommended
NTE
Strategic Marketing & Communications
Check-in Calls Monthly check-in call, up to 30-minutes with senior resource. Call content will focus on
pertinent policy updates, general
opportunity for us to stay connected.
$200/call
Communications
Assessment
Kickoff meeting, 22 virtual interviews up to 1
hour each, research, assessment report
and presentation to City Council and/or
Executive Staff.
$58,330
Strategic
Communications
Plan
Whiteboard session, research, content
development and creation of
comprehensive plan with outreach and
implementation recommendations.
$17,115
Social Media
Management and
Monitoring
Creation and posting of up to 8 social media
posts over the course of one month.
Includes weekly monitoring and responding
to comments.
$2,725/month
Website Content
Management
Ongoing content updates to the City
website. Excludes content creation, website
layout, page or structural changes.
Range based
upon needs:
$710 -
$2,000+
Spanish Translations Translate 500 words of English to Spanish or vice versa
$225
Graphic Design
(excludes print and
mailing fees)
Flyer
Brochure
Banner
Postcard/Door Hanger
Infographics
$1,700
$1,750
$1,560
$1,050
$890
Stock Video Shoot One videographer for a full-day (8 hours) onsite. Includes pre-production, production
and post-production, review, final file
delivery and travel costs.
$5,400
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Deliverable Scope Recommended
NTE
Stock Photoshoot One day photoshoot around various iconic sites in City. Includes shot list development,
coordination, travel, equipment and post
production photo editing.
$3,850
Stock Photoshoot
(with drone)
One day photoshoot as described above,
plus drone photography.
$4,455
Metrics Report Collection of metrics from key City platforms and tools in monthly report. Includes
summary and key observations.
$850/month
Community
Workshop
Planning and facilitation of up to one virtual
town hall or community workshop. Includes
creation of PPT deck and pre-event
coordination meeting with the City.
$6,500 (inperson)
$4,700
(virtual)
Media Advisory/PIO Services
Press Release,
Media Advisory,
Public Statement
Drafting 1 press release, media advisory or
public statement up to 7500 words. Includes
research, drafting and distributing.
$750
Meltwater Media
Monitoring and
Metrics Reporting
Includes up to 3 queries per month, access
to dashboard and any frequency of
newsletter. Delivery of monthly reporting
capturing key performance indicators for
controlled social media platforms and other
digital platforms.
$1,400/month
Media Inquiry Policy Discussions with up to 3 key stakeholders.
Creation of media inquiry policy.
$5,425
Media Empowerment
Training
Half day training (up to 4 hours) in-person
for up to 24 participants.
$15,945
On-Call Strategic &
Crisis
Communications
Advice
Includes 1 hour strategy meeting with a
Director and Senior Business Analyst
followed by a detailed action item list for
both the City and Tripepi Smith.
$640
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Deliverable Scope Recommended
NTE
Crisis Response
On-Call Strategic &
Crisis
Communications
Advice
Includes 1 hour strategy meeting with a
Director and Senior Business Analyst
followed by a detailed action item list for
both the City and Tripepi Smith.
$640
Tripepi Smith remains open to collaborating to narrow the scope of engagement or refine our understanding of the City of Vernon’s needs and will modify our pricing accordingly.
As-Needed Services
Tripepi Smith will apply the following standard hourly rates and related fees for any authorized as-needed (Time & Materials) work. Such work must be clearly authorized in writing before proceeding.
2026-27 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
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2026-27 Hourly Rates Standard Reduced Retainer
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.
• 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.
Annual Increase
Tripepi Smith will increase the hourly rates and retainer fees for all resources by 5% or the national CPI 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.
Retainer Discount
When a client’s retainer exceeds $7,500 per month, they gain access to our reduced retainer rates.
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.
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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
Please note that A/V equipment fees are based on the amount and type of equipment required, with pricing tailored to the specifics of each event.
Music and Video Licensing
Sometimes, the client will want Tripepi Smith to apply music or use stock imagery/video while producing video. In these cases, we will need to apply licensing fees of approximately $100 per song and $200 if we use stock video imagery. This will provide a license for the use of the music and video footage to Tripepi Smith and its clients.
Meltwater Fee
Tripepi Smith offers a standard Meltwater package at a flat rate of $545 per month.
This package includes a newsletter digest (of any frequency), up to three queries, and a monthly dashboard. Custom Meltwater solutions are also available upon request.
Website Hosting Fees
If website hosting services are required, Tripepi Smith will charge a $630 website hosting fee and a $30 Domain Registration and DNS service fee, unless otherwise specified in this proposal. Fees will be billed upon commencement of hosting services, and annually thereafter. Please note the website hosting package is limited to 10 Gigabytes of total storage. Additional storage for the site is available for a fee of $1.70 per gig per month of 10 Gigabytes of storage.
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:
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print, mailing, digital advertising, media placements, voiceovers, translations and closed captions.
ABILITY TO PERFORM
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 allow 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 70 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 FAAcertified drone pilots and operate a full-scale video production studio with extensive event and broadcast experience.
Our Experience in the LA Gateway Cities
Tripepi Smith has established a robust footprint within the Los Angeles Gateway region. Our diverse portfolio of work spans a comprehensive array of tailored services for cities, including:
• Artesia
• Bell
• Bellflower
• Cerritos
• Commerce
• Cudahy
• Downey
• Hawaiian Gardens
• La Habra Heights
• Lynwood
• Maywood
• Norwalk
• Paramount
• Pico Rivera
• Santa Ana
• Signal Hill
• South Gate
• Whittier
Across these communities, we have delivered solutions ranging from high-level strategic communications plans, executive goal-setting initiatives and crisis communications services to hands-on support like website project management, Single Source Communications
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social media management and multimedia production. Whether we are producing high-quality videography and photography for Bellflower, revamping digital and environmental communications for long-term partners like Paramount, or conducting in-depth communication assessments for Downey and Santa Ana, Tripepi Smith remains a dedicated and trusted partner in helping Gateway communities effectively connect with their communities and achieve their outreach goals. We are happy to connect you with contacts at our client agencies who can share their experience.
City of Bellflower
The City of Bellflower began contracting with Tripepi Smith in 2015 to provide fullscale video production and cablecasting services. These services include:
recording and producing City Council Meetings for the City’s Channel 26 on Cablecast/Tightrope systems; scheduling content on Cablecast/Tightrope carousel; providing A/V technical support including equipment upgrades; and producing multiple videos which include capturing interviews, broll and drone footage for multiple City events, including State of the City and Outgoing Mayor events throughout the year. Tripepi Smith captures video and photos for all community events in the City and footage is used to create recap videos or used in promotion videos later in the year. In 2024, the partnership expanded to include general communications support, which included the redesign and continued production of Bellflower City Life magazine.
Reference:
Kristen Smith, Recreation Manager | (562) 804-1424 x2267 | [email protected]
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City of Paramount
Tripepi Smith has maintained a decade-long partnership with the City of Paramount, starting with the delivery of a 70-page communications assessment in 2016.The report documented the details of each department’s efforts with regard to communications and baseline activities, as well as defined the City’s brand both internally and to the outside world. When COVID-19 forced California restaurants to cease indoor dining operations, the City of Paramount entrusted Tripepi Smith to help promote its temporary outdoor dining program: Al Fresco.
Post COVID-19, this program blossomed into shop local program, Explore Paramount. Beginning in 2023, the City tasked Tripepi Smith with an ongoing general communications scope, including: social media management and monitoring, news article writing, dashboard metric reporting, communications strategy planning, and technical and content website support (Paramount Environment Portal and Explore Paramount). Additionally, the City often tasks Tripepi Smith with graphic design, video production and photography projects.
Reference:
John Moreno, City Manager | (562) 220-2022 | [email protected] Single Source Communications
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Project Team
Director Sydni Overly will serve as your Account Manager, leveraging her robust background in local government and public policy to provide high-level strategic direction as needed. Holding a Master of Public Administration and bringing years of hands-on municipal experience — including specialized expertise in intergovernmental relations, community outreach, and crisis communications (backed by FEMA and PRSA certifications) — Sydni offers unparalleled oversight. She will closely monitor the quality of all work products before Tripepi Smith delivers them to you for review and approval.
Business Analyst Morgan Teruel will serve as your dedicated Project Manager, driving day-to-day operations, with support provided by Junior Business Analyst Gillian Magallanes. This core trio operates as a cohesive unit: Sydni, Morgan and Gillian will be directly involved and collaborating all services and deliverables provided.
This key project team will have dedicated availability to support the engagement at every phase, including the capacity and proven crisis-management experience to provide immediate, high-quality support under urgent notice or strict time constraints.
Please see Attachment A for full bios and resumes of key personnel.
Please note: Tripepi Smith is a collaborative firm with many skill sets available. Any additional Tripepi Smith staff member may be brought onto the engagement to help with our efforts. For example, one or more of our nine in-house graphic designers will be utilized to design a robust magazine or one of our videographers will be brought on to capture drone footage. View our team in the Organizational Chart in Attachment B.
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AFFIDAVIT OF NON-COLLUSION
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ATTACHMENT A: RESUMES
SYDNI OVERLY
TRIPEPI SMITH – DIRECTOR 04/25 – PRESENT
• Manage strategies, budgets and staff across several communication projects • Develop communication and outreach plans that align with client goals • Lead crisis communication strategies, including personnel matters and natural disasters • Plan and facilitate public meetings and workshops
• Produce and oversee content development for speeches, social media, websites, newsletters and more
TRIPEPI SMITH – SENIOR BUSINESS ANALYST 12/22 – 03/25
TRIPEPI SMITH – BUSINESS ANALYST 05/21 – 11/22
CITY OF GARDENA – ADMINISTRATIVE AIDE –
EMERGENCY SERVICES COORDINATOR 04/19 – 05/21
• Managed the Emergency Management Program and served as the Emergency Operations Center Coordinator and Public Information Officer for COVID-19 and civil unrest • Supported the Economic Development Manager in policy research and presentations, including cannabis regulations
• Wrote and edited public press releases, speeches and resolutions on behalf of the City Manager and elected officials
CITY OF GARDENA – RECREATION COORDINATOR 11/18 – 04/19
• Organized and managed City fundraisers and events for the Human Services Division • Donation management, community outreach and case management for the Emergency Food and Resource Program
EDUCATION
BOSTON UNIVERSITY – BOSTON, MA
• Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, LONG BEACH – LONG BEACH, CA • Master of Public Administration
CERTIFICATIONS
• Public Relations Society of America (PRSA)
Crisis Communication Certificate Program ............................................10/23 • Hootsuite Social Marketing.....................................................................05/21 • Poynter ACES Certificate in Editing .......................................................08/20 • Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Professional Development Series (PDS)................................................09/19
SOFTWARE
• Canva
• CivicPlus
• Hootsuite
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Sprout Social
• WordPress
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MORGAN TERUEL
TRIPEPI SMITH – BUSINESS ANALYST 01/25 – PRESENT
• Manage client accounts, day-to-day operations, meetings and external relationships • Develop and tailor strategic messaging across press releases, newsletters, websites and social media
• Oversee and edit deliverables like social media content, graphics, and articles • Conduct audience research, audits and run digital ad campaigns to optimize marketing plans • Manage executive recruitment efforts by coordinating candidates, interviews and managing candidate communications to ensure a successful hiring experience SANDALS CHURCH – ONLINE CAMPUS MANAGER 09/18 – 01/25
• Drove 500% growth in viewership, 630% in engagement, and 430% in revenue through datadriven strategies • Created authentic, engaging content that resonated with a global audience across six continents
• Utilized data analysis to optimize metrics and drive audience and revenue growth • Promoted three times in three years, leading global strategy and collaborating with leadership to enhance team culture
CALIFORNIA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY – CAREER COUNSELOR 04/15– 09/18 • Established internship programs, connected candidates to employers and hosted presentations across various fields
• Increased social media growth and brand awareness through innovative campaigns CALIFORNIA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY – PERFORMANCE COORDINATOR 08/14 – 04/15 • Provided clerical and organizational support to the School of Music, including project planning and problem-solving
• Planned tours and managed logistics for traveling groups of up to 500 people
EDUCATION
CALIFORNIA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY– RIVERSIDE, CA
• Bachelor of Arts in Music | Graduated Magna Cum Laude
CERTIFICATIONS
• Hootsuite Social Marketing................................................................ 01/2025 • Professional Certificate in Public Engagement ................................. 04/2025
SOFTWARE
• Canva
• Constant Contact
• Zoom (Webinars)
• Google Suite
• Sprout Social
• Genially
• Microsoft Office
Suite
• Granicus
Communications
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GILLIAN MAGALLANES
TRIPEPI SMITH – JUNIOR BUSINESS ANALYST 06/26 – PRESENT • Manage client accounts, day-to-day operations, meetings and external relationships • Conduct market research and data analysis to provide client insights • Develop social media content for several clients and manage audience engagement • Write e-newsletters and press releases for local government agencies SOCIALLY REFINED – DIGITAL MARKETING COORDINATOR 03/26 – 06/26 • Developed and managed social media content calendars for client J. Pritchard, aligning content with brand storytelling and campaign goals
• Monitored post-event influencer participation and tracked engagement metrics to evaluate campaign reach and performance
ORANGETHEORY FITNESS – SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR 05/22 – 06/26 • Supported membership growth by assisting with sales, closing 10-12 memberships per month, while managing front desk operations and capturing prospective member leads • Created two weekly social media posts and a content calendar to promote classes, events and promotions, increasing engagement and helping convert leads into memberships CALIFORNIA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY – PERFORMANCE COORDINATOR 08/14 – 04/15 • Provided clerical and organizational support to the School of Music, including project planning and problem-solving
• Planned tours and managed logistics for traveling groups of up to 500 people
EDUCATION
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA– LOS ANGELES, CA
• Master of Science in Public Relations, Innovation, Strategy and Management BOISE STATE UNIVERSITY– BOISE, ID
• Bachelor of Arts in Communication
SOFTWARE
• Canva • Google Suite • Microsoft Office
Suite
Single Source Communications
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ATTACHMENT B: ORGANIZATIONAL CHART
Tripepi Smith & Associates, Inc.
Services Agreement
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EXHIBIT B
SCHEDULE
Tripepi Smith & Associates
FEES AND COSTS
We recommend the following scope of services following a Time & Materials (T&M) model that allows you the flexibility to “ramp up” or “ramp down” efforts according to budget and priorities. Tripepi Smith is prepared to provide these services, as needed, at the following recommended NTEs using our hourly rates. We only begin work with your written consent. We can also provide an array of the following services on a monthly retainer basis.
Tripepi Smith & Associates, Inc.
Services Agreement
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Tripepi Smith & Associates
Deliverable Scope Recommended
NTE
Strategic Marketing & Communications
Check-in Calls Monthly check-in call, up to 30-minutes with senior resource. Call content will focus on
pertinent policy updates, general
opportunity for us to stay connected.
$200/call
Communications
Assessment
Kickoff meeting, 22 virtual interviews up to 1
hour each, research, assessment report
and presentation to City Council and/or
Executive Staff.
$58,330
Strategic
Communications
Plan
Whiteboard session, research, content
development and creation of
comprehensive plan with outreach and
implementation recommendations.
$17,115
Social Media
Management and
Monitoring
Creation and posting of up to 8 social media
posts over the course of one month.
Includes weekly monitoring and responding
to comments.
$2,725/month
Website Content
Management
Ongoing content updates to the City
website. Excludes content creation, website
layout, page or structural changes.
Range based
upon needs:
$710 -
$2,000+
Spanish Translations Translate 500 words of English to Spanish or vice versa
$225
Graphic Design
(excludes print and
mailing fees)
Flyer
Brochure
Banner
Postcard/Door Hanger
Infographics
$1,700
$1,750
$1,560
$1,050
$890
Stock Video Shoot One videographer for a full-day (8 hours) onsite. Includes pre-production, production
and post-production, review, final file
delivery and travel costs.
$5,400
Tripepi Smith & Associates, Inc.
Services Agreement
Tripepi Smith & Associates
Deliverable Scope Recommended
NTE
Stock Photoshoot One day photoshoot around various iconic sites in City. Includes shot list development,
coordination, travel, equipment and post
production photo editing.
$3,850
Stock Photoshoot
(with drone)
One day photoshoot as described above,
plus drone photography.
$4,455
Metrics Report Collection of metrics from key City platforms and tools in monthly report. Includes
summary and key observations.
$850/month
Community
Workshop
Planning and facilitation of up to one virtual
town hall or community workshop. Includes
creation of PPT deck and pre-event
coordination meeting with the City.
$6,500 (inperson)
$4,700
(virtual)
Media Advisory/PIO Services
Press Release,
Media Advisory,
Public Statement
Drafting 1 press release, media advisory or
public statement up to 7500 words. Includes
research, drafting and distributing.
$750
Meltwater Media
Monitoring and
Metrics Reporting
Includes up to 3 queries per month, access
to dashboard and any frequency of
newsletter. Delivery of monthly reporting
capturing key performance indicators for
controlled social media platforms and other
digital platforms.
$1,400/month
Media Inquiry Policy Discussions with up to 3 key stakeholders.
Creation of media inquiry policy.
$5,425
Media Empowerment
Training
Half day training (up to 4 hours) in-person
for up to 24 participants.
$15,945
On-Call Strategic &
Crisis
Communications
Advice
Includes 1 hour strategy meeting with a
Director and Senior Business Analyst
followed by a detailed action item list for
both the City and Tripepi Smith.
$640
Tripepi Smith & Associates, Inc.
Services Agreement
Tripepi Smith & Associates
Deliverable Scope Recommended
NTE
Crisis Response
On-Call Strategic &
Crisis
Communications
Advice
Includes 1 hour strategy meeting with a
Director and Senior Business Analyst
followed by a detailed action item list for
both the City and Tripepi Smith.
$640
Tripepi Smith remains open to collaborating to narrow the scope of engagement or refine our understanding of the City of Vernon’s needs and will modify our pricing accordingly.
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CITY OF VERNON SCOPE OF WORK: PLATFORMS
REVIEW AND RETAINER SERVICES
Platforms Review and Communications Plan
Service/Deliverable Scope Price Payment Format
Platforms Review and
Communications Plan
Support
Virtual kickoff meeting, review of
digital platforms, two virtual
internal interviews up to 1 hour
each, analysis and
recommendations for current
draft communications plan,
platforms report and virtual final
presentation.
$13,410 THREE MILESTONES
1. Kickoff: $4,470
2. Delivery of Platforms Report or
30 Days After Draft Delivery:
$4,470
3. Delivery of Updated
Communications Plan: $4,470
Media Relations Plan Creation of media relations plan
to empower staff in press
interactions. Includes research,
draft and review.
$5,160 TWO MILESTONES
1. Kickoff: $2,580
2. Final Delivery of Media
Relations Plan or 30 Days
After Draft Delivery: $2,580
Crisis Communications Plan Development of a crisis
communications plan to be used
as staff reference. Includes
research, draft and review.
$6,480 TWO MILESTONES
1. Kickoff: $3,240
2. Final Delivery of Crisis
Communications Plan or 30
Days After Draft Delivery:
$3,240
Fixed Fee Total: $25,050
Retainer
Service/Deliverable Scope
Strategy Meetings and
Project Management
Bi-weekly virtual meetings up to 30 minutes each. These calls will generally focus on trends, new issues or concerns that need to be communicated to us. Tripepi Smith will provide an update on the status of deliverables, manage the meeting agenda and send a recap email.
Social Media Management &
Monitoring
Creation and distribution of three posts per week (two static posts and one reel).
Tripepi Smith will review Vernon’s social media pages and inboxes five days a week for customer service opportunities, mainly responding to questions and raising topics to the City as needed. Tripepi Smith will draft recommended responses but will occasionally require fact-checking and guidance from the City for more nuanced responses.
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Service/Deliverable Scope
Metrics Report 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.
Communications Strategy
Planning Meeting
Up to two-hour virtual meeting with leadership team to:
• Reflect on communications wins and lessons learned picked up in the previous timeframe.
• Create a plan for outreach in the coming months. 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.
Three times per year.
Monthly Retainer Total: $8,290/month
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Services Agreement
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As-Needed Services
Tripepi Smith will apply the following standard hourly rates and related fees for any authorized asneeded (Time & Materials) work. Such work must be clearly authorized in writing before proceeding. 2026-27 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.
• 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.
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Services Agreement
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Annual Increase
Tripepi Smith will increase the hourly rates and retainer fees for all resources by 5% or the national CPI 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.
Retainer Discount
When a client’s retainer exceeds $7,500 per month, they gain access to our reduced retainer rates.
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
Please note that A/V equipment fees are based on the amount and type of equipment required, with pricing tailored to the specifics of each event.
Music and Video Licensing
Sometimes, the client will want Tripepi Smith to apply music or use stock imagery/video while producing video. In these cases, we will need to apply licensing fees of approximately $100 per song and $200 if we use stock video imagery. This will provide a license for the use of the music and video footage to Tripepi Smith and its clients.
Meltwater Fee
Tripepi Smith offers a standard Meltwater package at a flat rate of $545 per month. This package includes a newsletter digest (of any frequency), up to three queries, and a monthly dashboard. Custom Meltwater solutions are also available upon request.
Website Hosting Fees
If website hosting services are required, Tripepi Smith will charge a $630 website hosting fee and a $30 Domain Registration and DNS service fee, unless otherwise specified in this proposal. Fees will be billed upon commencement of hosting services, and annually thereafter. Please note the website Tripepi Smith & Associates, Inc.
Services Agreement
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hosting package is limited to 10 Gigabytes of total storage. Additional storage for the site is available for a fee of $1.70 per gig per month of 10 Gigabytes of storage.
Please note: Tripepi Smith exercises a good-faith effort to ensure all guidance, recommendations, training, content changes and best practices meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards. The City shall review all final deliverables and provide approval before publication. Once approved and published, the City assumes all risk and responsibility for the content's compliance with digital accessibility laws. The City of Camarillo shall indemnify and hold Tripepi Smith harmless from any and all claims, including legal fees and costs, arising from alleged violations of the ADA or other accessibility regulations related to the managed content.
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.
Partner 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.
Tripepi Smith & Associates, Inc.
Services Agreement
Tripepi Smith & Associates, Inc.
Services Agreement
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EXHIBIT C
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
PRACTICES PROVISIONS
A. Contractor certifies and represents that, during the performance of this Agreement, the contractor and each subcontractor shall adhere to equal opportunity employment practices to assure that applicants and employees are treated equally and are not discriminated against because of their race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, handicap, sex, or age. Contractor further certifies that it will not maintain any segregated facilities.
B. Contractor agrees that it shall, in all solicitations or advertisements for applicants for employment placed by or on behalf of Contractor, state that it is an "Equal Opportunity Employer" or that all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, handicap, sex or age.
C. Contractor agrees that it shall, if requested to do so by the City, certify that it has not, in the performance of this Agreement, discriminated against applicants or employees because of their membership in a protected class.
D. Contractor agrees to provide the City with access to, and, if requested to do so by City, through its awarding authority, provide copies of all of its records pertaining or relating to its employment practices, except to the extent such records or portions of such records are confidential or privileged under state or federal law.
E. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed in any manner as to require or permit any act which is prohibited by law.