New City Manager's Contract Approved

City council members unanimously approved Dominic Lazzaretto’s $199,650-a-year contract during the city council meeting on Tuesday. Lazzaretto is currently city manager of La Palma and will step in to replace retiring Arcadia city manager Don Penman on March 26.

Mayor Gary Kovacic cited Lazzaretto’s agreement to accept a salary that will be $19,390 less than his predecessor’s salary as testament to Lazzaretto’s understanding of current city budget constraints.

“I think it’s a good contract. I think it’s a fair contract. I think the council collectively made an excellent decision in choosing Mr. Lazzaretto,” Kovacic said. “I get a sense he’s going to be here a long time. He cares about our community and its residents.”

Kovacic also referred to Lazzaretto’s brother, Chareles Lazzaretto, a police officer who was shot and killed while on duty in Glendale.

“He has a real empathy for the challenges that all cities face in terms of public safety issues,” Kovacic said.

Lazzaretto was the top choice out of more than 80 applicants.

“There were a number of very, very well-qualified applicants, but when all was said and done, there was general agreement from the council that Mr. Lazzaretto was our number one choice,” Council member Bob Harbicht said.

Lazzaretto has served as La Palma city manager for six years and has worked for the city for the last nine years. He was unable to attend Tuesday’s meeting because he is still completing his commitment to La Palma.