Residents urge council to extend City Manager Dan Singer’s contract and demand transparency

Public commenters pressed the Santa Paula City Council on Wednesday to extend City Manager Dan Singer’s contract and to give the public a clearer explanation of the council’s direction.

Bob Orlando, a Santa Paula resident who spoke during the general public-comment period, praised Singer’s record of local projects and said the council should not let personal bias drive the personnel decision. “Please don't focus on your jinnitus and prejudice and don't make this your mistake,” Orlando said. He asked the council to extend Singer’s contract for three years if Singer is willing.

The calls for transparency followed the city attorney’s closed-session report earlier in the meeting. City Attorney Monica Castillo told the council two prior closed sessions on the city manager’s performance evaluation produced “no reportable action,” and said, “because council did not take any action, his city manager's agreement will sunset on 06/30/2027.”

David Romney, who identified himself as born in Santa Paula and said he previously worked as a city attorney, told the council selecting a new city manager is difficult and recommended the council clearly identify performance expectations before making changes. “City council has no business making a decision now because it's not even the city council's decision,” Romney said, arguing that the incoming council could alter the outcome after the November election.

Chris Bartelson, a longtime resident, echoed the other speakers and said constituents deserve clarity about the council’s plan and the reasons behind it.

Why it matters: The city manager runs day-to-day operations and oversees major projects the speakers credited with recent progress, including park enhancements, the Santa Paula Trail design work and other capital improvements. Public calls for an extended contract and for greater transparency came as the council continues routine business and considers near-term budget and capital priorities.

What the council did: The meeting record shows the city attorney reported no action in closed session and that the manager’s agreement will expire June 30, 2027. No formal personnel action was taken at the July 15 meeting.

Next steps: Council members and city staff indicated the subject could be revisited; any formal employment actions or contract changes would require a future agenda item and a public vote. The city’s next regular meeting is scheduled for August 19, 2026.