This Is the City of Montebello City Council Special Meeting (11/12/26)

The City of Montebello City Council held a special meeting on November 12, 2026, and approved Professional Services Agreement No. 4689 with Burke, Williams & Sorensen LLP for interim city attorney services, with Robert Koo recommended to serve as interim city attorney. The city manager said the firm was contacted as a single option because the city needed immediate legal coverage, including continuity of day-to-day advice, transfer of active cases, and meeting court deadlines. The agreement has no fixed term and remains in place at the city’s discretion. The motion passed with four votes in favor and Mayor Pro Tem Romero abstaining. No agreement cost or rate was stated, despite a resident asking how the expense compares with the former legal counsel.

The city manager said staff would prepare a formal RFP for permanent city attorney services and return with a proposed process, potentially using an outside executive recruiter. The anticipated recruitment would take about three to four months; council members would participate in interviews. Council discussion included concerns about the short notice and available review time, as well as the firm’s expertise and access to specialized attorneys. Public commenters supported the appointment while urging independence from political activity, disclosure of conflicts, and attention to pending lawsuits; one also asked the council to consider an independent investigation into concerns involving the fire department. No action on those additional requests was reported.