Jessica Binnquist (Photo – City of Alhambra)
City Manager of Alhambra, Jessica Binnquist, hoped to prematurely extend her contract with the city until 2031—and her wish was granted.
By Melissa Michelson
Jessica Binnquist has served as Alhambra’s City Manager since January 2018. Her initial contract was set for four years, expiring in 2022, and was subsequently extended for another five years, through 2027. Now, more than two and a half years before her current contract is set to end, she has requested an extension through 2031. (Source: Agenda Item #6).
The proposed amended contract also includes a provision stating that, after January 1, 2031, the contract would automatically extend on an annual basis unless she is formally terminated.
The budget for the fiscal year 2024-2025 allocates $303,580 for the City Manager’s salary, an increase from the $246,380 budgeted for her position in 2018-2019.
Public comments
Several members of the public voiced opposition to the proposed contract extension. Former Planning Commissioner and long-time Alhambra resident Ron Sahu argued against such a lengthy extension.
Sahu warned that such a change to the City Manager’s contract is the most strategic decision that the council can make, providing checks and balances and oversight to the CEO of the city to whom 686 employees report. He argued if they approve extending her contract to 2031, they abdicate their key authority and neuter future councils.
Sahu proposed that they wait till November 2026 and then extend the contract for two years if warranted.
Lewis McCammon praised the City Manager’s performance, but suggested the period of time for an extension was unusually long and suggested four years.
Marisol Grier, a resident of Lindaraxa Park, shared similar concerns. “Positions of such power have term limits for a reason.” She said it would be irresponsible, reckless and unprecedented to lock in a city manager for 15 years. “Please be prudent…as this role holds significant authority of our city,” she added.
Alhambra resident Bertha Rivera said, such a contract extension “is not appropriate because we are the stakeholders.”
Design Review Board Commissioner Jennifer Ng shared similar concerns, noting that, when she saw the dates in the contract draft, it “seemed like a long time” to her.
Marie Therese Lopez, another Alhambra resident, questioned the rationale behind extending the contract through 2031 when the city is not even halfway through 2025. “Why are you trying to extend her contract when it hasn’t even expired? There’s no explanation or justification for it. As a taxpayer that funds part of her salary, Alhambra residents need to know about this.”
Ms. Lopez pointed out that, according to the city’s website, the City Manager’s responsibilities include fostering a “diversified and sustained economic base” and “enhance quality of life through recreational opportunities and community events.” However, she criticized the city for overdevelopment, an excess of storage facilities, and a lack of parks. “It’s been a ghost town on Main Street. Where’s our Old Town [Alhambra]?” she asked.
Councilmembers comments
Councilman Jeff Maloney disagreed with the idea of extending contracts every two years, as proposed by Mr. Sahu. “We’re not hiring a federal judge for a lifetime,” he said. “We can fire a city employee with cause at any point. It’s our responsibility that the staff executes the policies we adopt.”
He praised Ms. Binnquist for being responsive to the councilmembers and said, “We are fortunate to have a city manager who likes working here.”
Mayor Katherine Lee agreed, noting that the City Manager responds to her when she contacts her.
Councilwoman Adele Andrade-Stadler addressed concerns raised by residents about the length of the proposed extension. “We don’t know what’s going to happen in the future when it’s that far off,” she said. She suggested, but did not formally motion, “expanding the contract to another two years for a total of four,” instead of seven.
Councilman Ross Maza spoke in favor of the stability a long-term city manager provides. “After their first term, they have it down,” he said. “She needs time.”
“I don’t think it’s fair to attack our staff,” said Councilwoman Noya Wang. “When we have strategic sessions, she’s always there to listen. She’s very receptive.” Wang added that she couldn’t fairly assess the performance of the City Manager, as she had only been on the council for three months.
The vote
After each councilmember spoke, Maloney made the motion to move forward with the contract amendment, and Maza seconded it. Mayor Lee joined them in voting “yes.”
Councilwoman Andrade-Stadler voted “no,” and Councilwoman Wong abstained. As a result, City Manager Binnquist’s employment contract will run for an additional six-plus-year term.
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