Parlier City council approves contract with California Consulting to close out grants amid reimbursement concerns

Parlier City held a special meeting April 8, 2024, and voted to approve a contract with California Consulting Grant Writing Services to assist the city with grant closeouts, evaluation plans and compliance work. The council approved the agreement by a 3-0 roll call vote with Mayor Pro Tem Sabrina Rodriguez and Treasurer Michelle Lopez absent.

City staff told council members the consultant would help the city complete work on two Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) awards, a former CalVIP grant and another grant that needs immediate attention. A staff member said the city faces an urgent deadline and warned that "we could jeopardize getting reimbursed for these grants" if required performance evaluations and guidelines are not put in place.

Council members asked about safeguards before the city incurred expenses, focusing on the consultant's insurance limits. Staff said the original contract listed $1,000,000 in coverage and that the consultant has agreed to seek a $3,000,000 limit; staff said the company's CEO assured them underwriting adjustments should be possible but that the higher coverage is not yet reflected in the written contract.

Council member Diego Garza seconded a motion to approve the contract. The clerk called the roll: Council member Juanita Molina, Council member Diego Garza and Council member Kathy Solorio voted yes; Mayor Pro Tem Sabrina Rodriguez and Treasurer Michelle Lopez were recorded absent. The motion carried. Staff said the contract contains termination language allowing the city to dissolve the agreement if the consultant does not meet its obligations, and said staff will pursue the insurance amendment and return an updated contract when available.

The council had no public commenters on the item. The meeting was adjourned shortly after the vote.