HomeMy WebLinkAboutAGR-7696.A - TRIPEPI, SMITH, & ASSOCIATES, INC. - COMMUNICATION SUPPORTPROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
[Communication Support Services]
THIS PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) is made at
Orange, California, on this _____ day of ____________, 2025 (the “Effective Date”) by and
between the CITY OF ORANGE, a municipal corporation (“City”), and TRIPEPI, SMITH &
ASSOCIATES, INC. a California corporation (“Contractor”), who agree as follows:
1. Services. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement,
Contractor shall provide to the reasonable satisfaction of City the services set forth in Exhibit “A,”
which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. As a material inducement to City
to enter into this Agreement, Contractor represents and warrants that it has thoroughly investigated
and considered the scope of services and fully understands the difficulties and restrictions in
performing the work. The services which are the subject of this Agreement are not in the usual
course of City’s business and City relies on Contractor’s representation that it is independently
engaged in the business of providing such services and is experienced in performing the work.
Contractor shall perform all services in a manner reasonably satisfactory to City and in a manner
in conformance with the standards of quality normally observed by an entity providing such
services to a municipal agency. All services provided shall conform to all federal, state and local
laws, rules and regulations and to the best professional standards and practices. The terms and
conditions set forth in this Agreement shall control over any terms and conditions in Exhibit "A"
to the contrary.
Joshua Soliz, Public Works Administrative Manager (“City’s Project Manager”), shall be
the person to whom Contractor will report for the performance of services hereunder. It is
understood that Contractor’s performance hereunder shall be under the supervision of City’s
Project Manager (or his/her designee), that Contractor shall coordinate its services hereunder with
City’s Project Manager to the extent required by City’s Project Manager, and that all performances
required hereunder by Contractor shall be performed to the satisfaction of City’s Project Manager
and the City Manager.
2. Compensation and Fees.
a. Contractor's total compensation for all services performed under this
Agreement, shall not exceed SEVENTEEN THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS and
00/100 ($17,100.00) without the prior written authorization of City.
b. The above compensation shall include all costs, including, but not limited
to, all clerical, administrative, overhead, insurance, reproduction, telephone, travel, auto rental,
subsistence and all related expenses.
3. Payment.
a. As scheduled services are completed, Contractor shall submit to City an
invoice for the services completed, authorized expenses and authorized extra work actually
performed or incurred.
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AGR-7696.A
b. All such invoices shall state the basis for the amount invoiced, including
services completed, the number of hours spent and any extra work performed.
c. City will pay Contractor the amount invoiced within thirty (30) days after
the approval of the invoice.
d. Payment shall constitute payment in full for all services, authorized costs
and authorized extra work covered by that invoice.
4. Change Orders. No payment for extra services caused by a change in the scope
or complexity of work, or for any other reason, shall be made unless and until such extra services
and a price therefor have been previously authorized in writing and approved by City as an
amendment to this Agreement. City’s Project Manager is authorized to approve a reduction in the
services to be performed and compensation therefor. All amendments shall set forth the changes
of work, extension of time, and/or adjustment of the compensation to be paid by City to Contractor
and shall be signed by the City’s Project Manager, City Manager or City Council, as applicable.
5. Licenses. Contractor represents that it and any subcontractors it may engage,
possess any and all licenses which are required under state or federal law to perform the work
contemplated by this Agreement and that Contractor and its subcontractors shall maintain all
appropriate licenses, including a City of Orange business license, at its cost, during the
performance of this Agreement.
6. Independent Contractor. At all times during the term of this Agreement,
Contractor shall be an independent contractor and not an employee of City. City shall have the
right to control Contractor only insofar as the result of Contractor's services rendered pursuant to
this Agreement. City shall not have the right to control the means by which Contractor
accomplishes services rendered pursuant to this Agreement. Contractor shall, at its sole cost and
expense, furnish all facilities, materials and equipment which may be required for furnishing
services pursuant to this Agreement. Contractor shall be solely responsible for, and shall
indemnify, defend and save City harmless from all matters relating to the payment of its
subcontractors, agents and employees, including compliance with social security withholding and
all other wages, salaries, benefits, taxes, exactions, and regulations of any nature whatsoever.
Contractor acknowledges that it and any subcontractors, agents or employees employed by
Contractor shall not, under any circumstances, be considered employees of 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.
7. Contractor Not Agent. Except as City may specify in writing, Contractor shall
have no authority, express or implied, to act on behalf of City in any capacity whatsoever as an
agent. Contractor shall have no authority, express or implied, to bind City to any obligation
whatsoever.
8. Designated Persons. Only those qualified persons authorized by City’s Project
Manager, or as designated in Exhibit “A,” shall perform work provided for under this Agreement.
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It is understood by the parties that clerical and other nonprofessional work may be performed by
persons other than those designated.
9. Assignment or Subcontracting. No assignment or subcontracting by Contractor
of any part of this Agreement or of funds to be received under this Agreement shall be of any force
or effect unless the assignment has the prior written approval of City. City may terminate this
Agreement rather than accept any proposed assignment or subcontracting. Such assignment or
subcontracting may be approved by the City Manager or his/her designee.
10. Time of Completion. Except as otherwise specified in Exhibit “A,” Contractor
shall commence the work provided for in this Agreement within five (5) days of the Effective Date
of this Agreement and diligently prosecute completion of the work.
11. Time Is of the Essence. Time is of the essence in this Agreement. Contractor shall
do all things necessary and incidental to the prosecution of Contractor's work.
12. Reserved.
13. Delays and Extensions of Time. Contractor's sole remedy for delays outside its
control, other than those delays caused by City, shall be an extension of time. No matter what the
cause of the delay, Contractor must document any delay and request an extension of time in writing
at the time of the delay to the satisfaction of City. Any extensions granted shall be limited to the
length of the delay outside Contractor’s control. If Contractor believes that delays caused by City
will cause it to incur additional costs, it must specify, in writing, why the delay has caused
additional costs to be incurred and the exact amount of such cost at the time the delay occurs. No
additional costs can be paid that exceed the not to exceed amount stated in Section 2.a, above,
absent a written amendment to this Agreement.
14. Products of Contractor. The documents, studies, evaluations, assessments,
reports, plans, citations, materials, manuals, technical data, logs, files, designs and other products
produced or provided by Contractor for this Agreement shall become the property of City upon
receipt. Contractor shall deliver all such products to City prior to payment for same. City may
use, reuse or otherwise utilize such products without restriction.
15. Equal Employment Opportunity. During the performance of this Agreement,
Contractor agrees as follows:
a. Contractor shall not discriminate against any employee or applicant for
employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, mental or physical disability, or
any other basis prohibited by applicable law. Contractor shall ensure that applicants are employed,
and that employees are treated during employment, without regard to their race, color, religion,
sex, national origin, mental or physical disability, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.
Such actions shall include, but not be limited to the following: employment, upgrading, demotion
or transfer, recruitment or recruitment advertising, layoff or termination, rates of pay or other forms
of compensation and selection for training, including apprenticeship. Contractor agrees to post in
conspicuous places, available to employees and applicants for employment, a notice setting forth
provisions of this non-discrimination clause.
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b. Contractor shall, in all solicitations and advertisements for employees
placed by, or on behalf of Contractor, state that all qualified applicants will receive consideration
for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, mental or physical
disability, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.
c. Contractor shall cause the foregoing paragraphs (a) and (b) to be inserted in
all subcontracts for any work covered by this Agreement, provided that the foregoing provisions
shall not apply to subcontracts for standard commercial supplies or raw materials.
16. Conflicts of Interest. Contractor agrees that it shall not make, participate in the
making, or in any way attempt to use its position as a consultant to influence any decision of City
in which Contractor knows or has reason to know that Contractor, its officers, partners, or
employees have a financial interest as defined in Section 87103 of the Government Code.
[Optional provision: Contractor further agrees that it shall not be eligible to work as the
design/build firm for the project that is the subject of this Agreement.]
17. Indemnity.
a. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Contractor agrees to indemnify,
defend and hold City, its City Council and each member thereof, and the officers, officials, agents
and employees of City (collectively the “Indemnitees”) entirely harmless from all liability arising
out of:
(1) Any and all claims under workers’ compensation acts and other
employee benefit acts with respect to Contractor’s employees or Contractor’s subcontractor’s
employees arising out of Contractor’s work under this Agreement, including any and all claims
under any law pertaining to Contractor or its employees’ status as an independent contractor and
any and all claims under Labor Code section 1720 related to the payment of prevailing wages for
public works projects; and
(2) Any claim, loss, injury to or death of persons or damage to property
caused by any act, neglect, default, or omission of Contractor, or person, firm or corporation
employed by Contractor, either directly or by independent contract, including all damages due to
loss or theft sustained by any person, firm or corporation including the Indemnitees, or any of
them, arising out of, or in any way connected with the work or services which are the subject of
this Agreement, including injury or damage either on or off City’s property; but not for any loss,
injury, death or damage caused by the active negligence or willful misconduct of City. Contractor,
at its own expense, cost and risk, shall indemnify any and all claims, actions, suits or other
proceedings that may be brought or instituted against the Indemnitees on any such claim or liability
covered by this subparagraph, and shall pay or satisfy any judgment that may be rendered against
the Indemnitees, or any of them, in any action, suit or other proceedings as a result of coverage
under this subparagraph.
b. To the fullest extent permitted by law, and as limited by California Civil
Code 2782.8, Contractor agrees to indemnify and hold Indemnitees harmless from all liability
arising out of any claim, loss, injury to or death of persons or damage to property to the extent
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caused by its negligent professional act or omission in the performance of professional services
pursuant to this Agreement.
c. Except for the Indemnitees, the indemnifications provided in this
Agreement shall not be construed to extend any third party indemnification rights of any kind to
any person or entity which is not a signatory to this Agreement.
d. The indemnities set forth in this section shall survive any closing,
rescission, or termination of this Agreement, and shall continue to be binding and in full force and
effect in perpetuity with respect to Contractor and its successors.
18. Insurance.
a. Contractor shall carry workers’ compensation insurance as required by law
for the protection of its employees during the progress of the work. Contractor understands that it
is an independent contractor and not entitled to any workers’ compensation benefits under any
City program.
b. Contractor shall maintain during the life of this Agreement the following
minimum amount of comprehensive general liability insurance or commercial general liability
insurance: the greater of (1) One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) per occurrence; or (2) all the
insurance coverage and/or limits carried by or available to Contractor. Said insurance shall cover
bodily injury, death and property damage and be written on an occurrence basis.
c. Contractor shall maintain during the life of this Agreement, the following
minimum amount of automotive liability insurance: the greater of (1) a combined single limit of
One Million Dollars ($1,000,000); or (2) all the insurance coverage and/or limits carried by or
available to Contractor. Said insurance shall cover bodily injury, death and property damage for
all owned, non-owned and hired vehicles and be written on an occurrence basis.
d. Any insurance proceeds in excess of or broader than the minimum required
coverage and/or minimum required limits which are applicable to a given loss shall be available
to City. No representation is made that the minimum insurance requirements of this Agreement
are sufficient to cover the obligations of Contractor under this Agreement.
e. Each policy of general liability and automotive liability shall provide that
City, its officers, officials, agents, and employees are declared to be additional insureds under the
terms of the policy, but only with respect to the work performed by Contractor under this
Agreement. A policy endorsement to that effect shall be provided to City along with the certificate
of insurance. In lieu of an endorsement, City will accept a copy of the policy(ies) which evidences
that City is an additional insured as a contracting party. The minimum coverage required by
Subsection 18.b and c, above, shall apply to City as an additional insured. Any umbrella liability
insurance that is provided as part of the general or automobile liability minimums set forth herein
shall be maintained for the duration of the Agreement.
f. Contractor shall maintain during the life of this Agreement professional
liability insurance covering errors and omissions arising out of the performance of this Agreement
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with a minimum limit of One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) per claim. Contractor agrees to keep
such policy in force and effect for at least five (5) years from the date of completion of this
Agreement.
g. The insurance policies maintained by Contractor shall be primary insurance
and no insurance held or owned by City shall be called upon to cover any loss under the policy.
Contractor will determine its own needs in procurement of insurance to cover liabilities other than
as stated above.
h. Before Contractor performs any work or prepares or delivers any materials,
Contractor shall furnish certificates of insurance and endorsements, as required by City,
evidencing the aforementioned minimum insurance coverages on forms acceptable to City, which
shall provide that the insurance in force will not be canceled or allowed to lapse without at least
ten (10) days’ prior written notice to City.
i. Except for professional liability insurance coverage that may be required by
this Agreement, all insurance maintained by Contractor shall be issued by companies admitted to
conduct the pertinent line of insurance business in California and having a rating of Grade A or
better and Class VII or better by the latest edition of Best Key Rating Guide. In the case of
professional liability insurance coverage, such coverage shall be issued by companies either
licensed or admitted to conduct business in California so long as such insurer possesses the
aforementioned Best rating.
j Contractor shall immediately notify City if any required insurance lapses or
is otherwise modified and cease performance of this Agreement unless otherwise directed by City.
In such a case, City may procure insurance or self-insure the risk and charge Contractor for such
costs and any and all damages resulting therefrom, by way of set-off from any sums owed
Contractor.
k. Contractor agrees that in the event of loss due to any of the perils for which
it has agreed to provide insurance, Contractor shall look solely to its insurance for recovery.
Contractor hereby grants to City, on behalf of any insurer providing insurance to either Contractor
or City with respect to the services of Contractor herein, a waiver of any right to subrogation which
any such insurer may acquire against City by virtue of the payment of any loss under such
insurance.
l. Contractor shall include all subcontractors, if any, as insureds under its
policies or shall furnish separate certificates and endorsements for each subcontractor to City for
review and approval. All coverages for subcontractors shall be subject to all of the requirements
stated herein.
19. Termination. City may for any reason terminate this Agreement by giving
Contractor not less than five (5) days’ written notice of intent to terminate. Upon receipt of such
notice, Contractor shall immediately cease work, unless the notice from City provides otherwise.
Upon the termination of this Agreement, City shall pay Contractor for services satisfactorily
provided and all allowable reimbursements incurred to the date of termination in compliance with
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this Agreement, unless termination by City shall be for cause, in which event City may withhold
any disputed compensation. City shall not be liable for any claim of lost profits.
20. Maintenance and Inspection of Records. In accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles, Contractor and its subcontractors shall maintain reasonably full and
complete books, documents, papers, accounting records, and other information (collectively, the
“records”) pertaining to the costs of and completion of services performed under this Agreement.
City and its authorized representatives shall have access to and the right to audit and reproduce
any of Contractor's records regarding the services provided under this Agreement. Contractor shall
maintain all such records for a period of at least three (3) years after termination or completion of
this Agreement. Contractor agrees to make available all such records for inspection or audit at its
offices during normal business hours and upon three (3) days’ notice from City, and copies thereof
shall be furnished if requested.
21. Compliance with all Laws/Immigration Laws.
a. Contractor shall be knowledgeable of and comply with all local, state and
federal laws which may apply to the performance of this Agreement.
b. If the work provided for in this Agreement constitutes a “public works,” as
that term is defined in Section 1720 of the California Labor Code, for which prevailing wages must
be paid, to the extent Contractor’s employees will perform any work that falls within any of the
classifications for which the Department of Labor Relations of the State of California promulgates
prevailing wage determinations, Contractor hereby agrees that it, and any subcontractor under it,
shall pay not less than the specified prevailing rates of wages to all such workers. The general
prevailing wage determinations for crafts can be located on the website of the Department of
Industrial Relations (www.dir.ca.gov/DLSR). Additionally, to perform work under this Contract,
Contractor must meet all State registration requirements and criteria, including project compliance
monitoring.
c. Contractor represents and warrants that it:
(1) Has complied and shall at all times during the term of this
Agreement comply, in all respects, with all immigration laws, regulations, statutes, rules, codes,
and orders, including, without limitation, the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986
(IRCA); and
(2) Has not and will not knowingly employ any individual to perform
services under this Agreement who is ineligible to work in the United States or under the terms of
this Agreement; and
(3) Has properly maintained, and shall at all times during the term of
this Agreement properly maintain, all related employment documentation records including,
without limitation, the completion and maintenance of the Form I-9 for each of Contractor’s
employees; and
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(4) Has responded, and shall at all times during the term of this
Agreement respond, in a timely fashion to any government inspection requests relating to
immigration law compliance and/or Form I-9 compliance and/or worksite enforcement by the
Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Labor, or the Social Security
Administration.
d. Contractor shall require all subcontractors or subconsultants to make the
same representations and warranties as set forth in Subsection 21.c.
e. Contractor shall, upon request of City, provide a list of all employees
working under this Agreement and shall provide, to the reasonable satisfaction of City, verification
that all such employees are eligible to work in the United States. All costs associated with such
verification shall be borne by Contractor. Once such request has been made, Contractor may not
change employees working under this Agreement without written notice to City, accompanied by
the verification required herein for such employees.
f. Contractor shall require all subcontractors or sub-consultants to make the
same verification as set forth in Subsection 21.e.
g. If Contractor or subcontractor knowingly employs an employee providing
work under this Agreement who is not authorized to work in the United States, and/or fails to
follow federal laws to determine the status of such employee, that shall constitute a material breach
of this Agreement and may be cause for immediate termination of this Agreement by City.
h. Contractor agrees to indemnify and hold City, its officers, officials, agents
and employees harmless for, of and from any loss, including but not limited to fines, penalties and
corrective measures City may sustain by reason of Contractor's failure to comply with said laws,
rules and regulations in connection with the performance of this Agreement.
22. Governing Law and Venue. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance
with and governed by the laws of the State of California and Contractor agrees to submit to the
jurisdiction of California courts. Venue for any dispute arising under this Agreement shall be in
Orange County, California.
23. Integration. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement of the parties. No
other agreement, oral or written, pertaining to the work to be performed under this Agreement shall
be of any force or effect unless it is in writing and signed by both parties. Any work performed
which is inconsistent with or in violation of the provisions of this Agreement shall not be
compensated.
24. Notice. Except as otherwise provided herein, all notices required under this
Agreement shall be in writing and delivered personally, by e-mail, or by first class U.S. mail,
postage prepaid, to each party at the address listed below. Either party may change the notice
address by notifying the other party in writing. Notices shall be deemed received upon receipt of
same or within three (3) days of deposit in the U.S. Mail, whichever is earlier. Notices sent by e-
mail shall be deemed received on the date of the e-mail transmission.
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“CONTRACTOR” “CITY”
Tripepi, Smith & Associates, Inc. City of Orange
PO Box 52152 300 E. Chapman Avenue
Irvine, CA 92619 Orange, CA 92866-1591
Attn.: Ryder Todd Smith Attn.: Joshua Soliz
Telephone: (626) 536-2173 Telephone: (714) 744-5588
E-Mail: ryder@tripepismith.com E-Mail: jsoliz@cityoforange.org
25. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each
of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same
instrument. Signatures transmitted via facsimile and electronic mail shall have the same effect as
original signatures.
[Remainder of page intentionally left blank; signatures on next page]
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IN WITNESS of this Agreement, the parties have entered into this Agreement as of the
year and day first above written.
“CONTRACTOR” “CITY”
TRIPEPI, SMITH & ASSOCIATES, INC. CITY OF ORANGE, a municipal corporation
a California corporation
*By: By:
Printed Name: Thomas C. Kisela, City Manager
Title:
*By: ATTEST:
Printed Name:
Title:
Pamela Coleman, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Nathalie Adourian
Senior Assistant City Attorney
*NOTE: City requires the following signature(s) on behalf of the Contractor:
-- (1) the Chairman of the Board, the President or a Vice-President, AND (2) the
Secretary, the Chief Financial Officer, the Treasurer, an Assistant Secretary
or an Assistant Treasurer. If only one corporate officer exists or one corporate
officer holds more than one corporate office, please so indicate. OR
-- The corporate officer named in a corporate resolution as authorized to enter
into this Agreement. A copy of the corporate resolution, certified by the
Secretary close in time to the execution of the Agreement, must be provided to
City.
√
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President
Ryder Todd Smith
Nicole Smith
CFO
Wayne W. Winthers, Interim City Attorney
signing on behalf of Nathalie Adourian
Interim City Manager
EXHIBIT “A”
SCOPE OF SERVICES
[Beneath this sheet.]
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COMMUNICATION SUPPORT
SERVICES
City of Orange
June 2025
By: Ryder Todd Smith
Co-founder & Principal
Tripepi Smith & Associates
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Table of Contents
COVER LETTER ................................................................................ 3
ABOUT TRIPEPI SMITH ................................................................... 4
TRIPEPI SMITH TEAM .................................................................... 11
PROJECT UNDERSTANDING ........................................................ 14
CLIENT WORK & REFERENCES ................................................... 16
COST PROPOSAL .......................................................................... 18
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COVER LETTER
Thank you for the opportunity to present Tripepi Smith’s offerings in response to the City of Orange
Public Works Department’s call for communication services. This proposal offers all requested
information, including Tripepi Smith’s understanding of your needs, our approach to addressing them,
our cost proposal and more.
Tripepi Smith has a deep understanding of the unique dynamics of local communities: over 200 local
government agencies, primarily in California, have chosen us to support their communications needs.
Our experience spans numerous successful initiatives, where we have consistently achieved tangible,
impactful results.
The team consists of over 65 communication experts — robust enough to support your goals, yet small
enough to be nimble and responsive. We offer a spectrum of skills that allows us to match the
appropriate resource to the task at hand, letting us execute faster at reduced engagement costs. These
resources vary by both years of experience and core hard skills (graphic design versus videography
versus writing versus social media, for example). Independent of skill set, each team member is active
in the world of local government. The result: we have the ability to tell impactful, localized stories across
communication mediums, all within our one team. The City of Orange will need only one
communications partner.
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 our dedication and proven track
record make us the right partner for the City of Orange. Thank you for considering us in this endeavor.
We eagerly anticipate the chance to discuss our proposal in more detail.
Authorization
I affirm that I have the legal authorization to bind Tripepi Smith into agreements with the City of Orange
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.
Ryder@TripepiSmith.com • (626) 536-2173 • PO Box 52152, Irvine, CA 92619
RFP@TripepiSmith.com is our preferred point of contact throughout the evaluation process.
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ABOUT TRIPEPI SMITH
A Public Affairs Firm that Understands Local Government
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 allows 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 65 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 FAA-certified drone pilots and operate a full-scale
video production studio with extensive event and broadcast experience.
The Result: We can tell a complete story across mediums, all within our one team.
Firm Structure and Financial Matters
Tripepi Smith was founded in 2000 and incorporated in 2002 as a California S Corporation. The firm has
two corporate officers, who are also the co-founders with equal ownership of the business:
Co-Founder & President Ryder Todd Smith
Chief Financial Officer Nicole Smith
Ryder and Nicole have signing authority to bind Tripepi Smith into agreements with clients. Tripepi
Smith has generated a profit every year it has been in operation. We have never had a legal claim filed
against us and have never failed to fulfill a contract commitment.
In addition to the President/CEO and CFO, multiple principals and directors oversee the day-to-day
operations of a team of analysts, graphic designers, photographers and videographers. All Tripepi Smith
employees report directly to the President. Please refer to our Org Chart for full details.
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Grounded in Civic Affairs
CFO Nicole Tripepi Smith is a second-generation civic-affairs professional (her father was a city
manager for 28 years). President Ryder Todd Smith brings over 20 years of public agency marketing
and communications experience to the table.
Office Locations
Since early 2017, Tripepi Smith has operated in a completely virtual office environment. Being virtual
enhances operational resilience and grants us access to a flexible and diverse workforce. The team —
composed of policy wonks, creative message developers, broadcast specialists, videography experts,
technology gurus and graphic artists — resides throughout Arizona, California, Idaho, Montana, New
Mexico, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington, with a majority based in California.
Contact Information
Email: RFP@TripepiSmith.com
Phone: (626) 536-2173
Mail: PO Box 52152, Irvine, CA 92619
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Our Services
Tripepi Smith operates at the intersection of marketing, technology and public affairs. We excel in each
of these areas, but the true power lies in our ability to seamlessly integrate them. This holistic approach
allows us to craft impactful solutions for our clients.
Strategy, Marketing,
Communications Creative Services
Strategic development, research,
surveys, messaging
Social media management
Web and social media strategy,
optimization (SEO), metrics
Web hosting and support
Email campaigns
Relations
(media, stakeholders, public, government)
Support and training for events,
presentations and virtual gatherings
Digital, print, radio,
out-of-home advertising
Staff training
(media, social media, photo, brand implementation)
Full-service graphic design
for digital, print and outdoor
Brand and logo development
Content creation
(writing, editorial, thought leadership)
Output services
(digital distribution, print management, mail management)
Illustration and information graphics
Photography
Videography, broadcasting,
podcasting, drone
Event production, technical support
Animation and motion graphics
Web design and implementation
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Partial Client Roster
We have a network of 200+ satisfied clients in the local government space. We are happy to connect
you with contacts at our client agencies who can share their experience working with Tripepi Smith.
California City Management
Foundation
City of Aliso Viejo
City of American Canyon
City of Atascadero
City of Azusa
City of Baldwin Park
City of Bellflower
City of Benicia
City of Burlingame
City of Claremont
City of Coronado
City of Cotati
(City of) Culver City
City of Cupertino
(City of) Daly City
City of Danville
City of Duarte
City of El Cerrito
City of Encinitas
City of Fountain Valley
City of Foster City
City of Fullerton
City of Gilroy
City of Grover Beach
City of Hawaiian Gardens
City of Hayward
City of Healdsburg
City of Hercules
City of Huntington Beach
City of Indian Wells
City of Industry
City of Irvine
City of La Cañada Flintridge
City of La Palma
City of La Puente
City of La Verne
City of Laguna Hills
City of Laguna Niguel
City of Lake Forest
City of Lakeport
City of Lancaster
City of Livermore
City of Lomita
City of Lynwood
City of Malibu
City of Manhattan Beach
City of Manteca
City of Martinez
City of Menifee
City of Millbrae
City of Morgan Hill
City of Murrieta
City of Napa
City of Norwalk
City of Orange
City of Orinda
City of Pacifica
City of Palm Desert
City of Palmdale
City of Paramount
City of Pico Rivera
City of Pismo Beach
City of Placentia
City of Pomona
City of Rancho Mirage
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
City of Riverbank
City of Rohnert Park
City of Rolling Hills Estates
City of San Clemente
City of San Leandro
City of Santa Ana
City of Santa Clarita
City of Santa Paula
City of Saratoga
City of Stanton
City of South Gate
City of South Pasadena
City of Tracy
City of Vallejo
County of Santa Barbara
Costa Mesa Sanitary District
Del Paso Manor Water District
West County Wastewater District
Independent Cities Association
Independent Cities Finance Authority
Institute for Local Government
League of California Cities
Municipal Management Association
of Northern California
Municipal Management Association
of Southern California
Orange County City Manager
Association
San Gabriel Valley City Managers’
Association
Claremont McKenna College
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Local Government Affiliation & Support
Tripepi Smith is a longstanding partner to these institutions, the majority of which have
entrusted us with supporting their communications.
California City
Management Foundation
Municipal Management Association
of Southern California
California Association
of Public Information Officials
Institute for
Local Government
League of California Cities
University of Southern California
City/County Management Fellowship
California Contract
Cities Association
San Gabriel Valley
City Managers’ Association
Independent Cities
Association
California Special
District Association
Orange County City
Manager Association
Texas Women’s
Leadership Institute
Cal-ICMA
Urban Management Assistants
of North Texas
California Municipal Revenue and
Tax Association
Washington City/County
Management Association
Municipal Management Association
of Northern California
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Axioms We Live By
Introduction
In our work with over 200 local government agencies on external communications since our
incorporation in 2002, we have identified many patterns, observations and insights. As a result we have
developed some axioms (AKA sayings or mottos) when it comes to thinking about external-facing
communications. These are just a few that we find universally true.
Content X Distribution = Impact
The audience must see your content to be impacted by it.
Tripepi Smith was born in the digital era. We take digital seriously and recognize how critical it is to not
only develop great visuals and messaging, but to ensure the audiences we want to reach actually see
that content.
“Content x Distribution = IMPACT” is how we illustrate the point: What good is content if you aren’t
properly promoting, distributing or sharing it? On the other hand, what good is distribution if the content
fails to engage your audience positively? We use this principle to guide a comprehensive distribution
strategy that ensures we reach our target audiences.
If you don’t publish
information first, someone
else will–and they may not
care about the facts.
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In this age of smartphones and voice-activated virtual assistants, we are used to being able to access
news and information at our fingertips. When your community cannot easily find information — such as
a controversial policy decision, a new housing development or a political scandal — they may resort to
finding "the facts" on their own. This is especially true for crisis communications: the longer you wait to
address the crisis, the more time you are giving to others to fill that void with their own research and/or
opinions.
So, we strive to get your information out there first, even if it is a "holding message" such as "we are
aware of the situation and will use our official channels to share more info soon." By publishing
information on your agency's website or some other centralized location, you, your agency leadership
and your supporters will be able to easily debunk misinformation with verifiable facts and talking points.
Only a small percentage of
the population understands
local government the way we do.
The 3% includes local government professionals like you and consultants like us–the select few who
wake up daily thinking about the complexities facing public policy and municipal management. We have
our own language in local government: terms, phrases and especially acronyms. Most of the population
may have little exposure to or interest in local government. They just want their utilities to work, no
potholes, low crime and other securities provided by their local governments that enable a high quality
of life.
So, when we speak with the 97% through public outreach, we ensure our language is accessible and
understandable. This mitigates any risk of alienating them; moreover, it enables an ability to build
relationships and engender trust.
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TRIPEPI SMITH TEAM
Organization Charts
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Project Staff
Depending on the scope of work the City of Orange selects, the rest of the Tripepi Smith project team
may vary. The Account Manager (bio below) will closely monitor the quality of work product before
Tripepi Smith delivers it to you for review/approval. Should any key personnel become unavailable
during our engagement, Tripepi Smith will quickly substitute with other Tripepi Smith resources who
have commensurate experience, knowledge and/or skill sets.
Please see the Appendix for full resumes of key personnel. You can learn more about our individual
backgrounds and qualifications at www.TripepiSmith.com/Our-Team.
The core project team will have dedicated availability to support the engagement, including
capacity to provide support under urgent notice and/or time constraints. Tripepi Smith is a
collaborative firm with many skill sets available. Any Tripepi Smith staff member may be
brought onto the engagement to help with our efforts.
Jennifer Nentwig, APR
Principal
Location: Mesa, AZ | Role: Account Manager
Jennifer Nentwig is a talented, well-rounded communications professional and
project manager with more than 16 years of experience serving government
organizations. She has built and implemented programs in strategic
communications, media relations, internal communication, community
relations and social media. Her skills include website and social media
management, development of content including articles, speeches, talking
points and FAQs, as well as event planning and implementation. Jen’s clients
include the Costa Mesa Sanitary District, City of Orange, City of Baldwin Park,
City of Livermore and City of Lancaster, among others. Jen earned a Bachelor
of Arts in Political Science from the University of Notre Dame and a Master of
Science in Global Leadership from the University of San Diego. She is a
Hootsuite Social Marketing Professional, is Facebook Blueprint certified and
has her Accreditation in Public Relations from the Public Relations Society of
America (PRSA).
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Morgan Mock
Business Analyst
Location: San Francisco, CA | Role: Project Manager
A skilled communicator with a strong work ethic and passion for public
speaking, Morgan Mock brings experience in social media account
management, graphic creation, marketing and event coordination. With a
Bachelor of Arts in Communication from San Diego State University, she
knows not only how to tell a story, but how to creatively tailor it to convey the
vision and values of an organization. She enhanced her marketing skills during
her internship with CalAmp, where she designed infographics, created media
press kits, wrote bylines and headed the company’s 40th-anniversary
celebration. In addition, she is bilingual in the Spanish language.
Erica Chandler
Junior Business Analyst
Location: San Diego, CA | Role: Content Creation
Erica is a results-driven marketing professional with a keen understanding of
client relations and a passion for creativity. Graduating from San Diego State
University with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing, she combines her
academic foundation with practical experience in sales, customer service,
content creation and more. Erica excels in writing, public speaking and event
coordination, always ensuring that client needs are met with speed and
precision. She has honed these skills through many work experiences, from
serving as the Director of Marketing for the San Diego State Choral
Department to her volunteer work for Madd Mutts Dog Rescue.
Erica is certified in Hootsuite Social Marketing, Sprout Social and Google
Analytics. Her client work includes the City of Orange and Disneyland.
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PROJECT UNDERSTANDING
Prospect Needs
The City of Orange is seeking a partner in reaching and engaging its community through sustained
communications. Simultaneously, the City of Orange would benefit from a flexible arrangement that
allows you to “ramp up” or “ramp down” services according to budget and priorities.
Tripepi Smith’s Approach
Tripepi Smith has experience in all facets of the City of Orange’s request. We’re confident that we can
adapt to the City of Orange’s evolving needs.
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
These tools enable project managers to quickly determine a project’s budget status, review the
schedule of tasks, send rapid notifications to the whole team if issues arise and, generally, sustain
momentum on our efforts.
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Ongoing Strategy Discussions
To coordinate our efforts with staff and sustain momentum on projects, Tripepi Smith will add a section
to our current recurring check-in call agenda for Public Works Department content discussion. These
calls will help drive content planning for various communications channels. Call content will focus on
story plans, new issues or concerns that need to be communicated, identification of major themes or
ideas to address in the coming weeks, review of recent media mentions and social media comments
and sharing of communication opportunities uncovered from scanning city council agendas. This will be
a working call during which Tripepi Smith will manage an agenda and provide notes for each call. After
each call, the client will receive an action summary email about decisions made on the phone call and
related action steps. We will produce work, such as social media posts and responses, in a shared
workspace where you can see progress in real time and provide instant feedback. These tools allow for
enhanced collaboration and expedite the production process. Additionally, the team will conduct internal
weekly project management via social media audits.
Social Media Management
• Content Creation: Social media content creation involves: planning, fact-checking, 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.
• Additional: Our work also includes 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 District.
Graphic Design
In today’s age of information saturation, it’s more important than ever for local governments to cut
through the noise by designing materials that are attractive, interesting and reflective of the message.
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. This translates to impactful visuals that grab attention, effectively
communicate your message in a clear and engaging way and also inform the public. As public agency
engagement specialists, accessibility is a cornerstone of every project that we undertake.
Our graphic design work spans:
• Logos, sub-logos, branding, campaigns
• Brochures, guides, newsletters, reports
• Animated visuals for social media,
video and web
• PDF, accessibility, ADA compliance
• PPT, presentations, meeting materials
• Stationery, business cards, templates
• Social media, web banners, email
• Infographics, financials, instructions
• Posters, banners, signage
• Conference materials, booths, swag
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CLIENT WORK & REFERENCES
Work Samples
Costa Mesa Sanitary District
Tripepi Smith has supported the Costa Mesa Sanitary
District (CMSD) since 2020. Initially, CMSD tapped
Tripepi Smith for an express communications
assessment. CMSD later engaged Tripepi Smith for
ongoing communications support in the form of the
development of a communications plan, culling an email
list, curation of a 12-month social media calendar,
outreach regarding four awareness campaigns, metric
reporting, quarterly onsite trainings, video productions,
graphic design, stock photography services and SB
1383 outreach.
City of Paramount
In 2016, Tripepi Smith began its engagement with the
City of Paramount with a Communications Assessment
Tripepi Smith’s scope included a lightweight brand
assessment to generally determine how the Council and
Staff understood and defined the City’s brand both
internally and to the outside world. In 2020, 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 content website support. Additionally, the
City often tasks Tripepi Smith with graphic design, video
production and photography projects.
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Client References
Costa Mesa Sanitary District
2020 to Present Contact:
Nabila Guzman, Management Analyst
949-645-8400 ext. 230
nguzman@cmsdca.gov
290 Paularino Avenue, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
City of Paramount
2016 to Present Contact:
John Moreno, City Manager
562-220-2022
jmoreno@paramountcity.com
16400 Colorado Avenue, Paramount, CA 90723
City of La Cañada Flintridge
2014 to Present Contact:
Arabo Parseghian, Director of Administrative Services
818-823-1897
aparseghian@lcf.ca.gov
One Civic Center Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
City of Culver City
2016 to Present Contact:
Shelly Wolfberg, Assistant to the City Manager
310-253-6008
shelly.wolfberg@culvercity.org
9770 Culver Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232
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COST PROPOSAL
We could deliver the scope of services following a Time & Materials (T&M) approach 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, applying the rates and fees outlined below.
Hourly Rates
Tripepi Smith will apply the following standard hourly rates and related fees for any authorized as-
needed (Time & Materials) work.
2025-26 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.
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• 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.
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 $7,150 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
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.
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.
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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.
Exclusive 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.
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