The Beverly Hills City Council met behind closed doors Tuesday, June 30, to consider initiating a lawsuit and to discuss the future of the Director of Community Services position, a department already navigating multiple leadership changes.
Mayor Craig Corman called the special closed session, which convened at 3 p.m. at City Hall, 455 North Rexford Drive. City Clerk Huma Ahmed posted the agenda Monday, June 29, giving the public less than 24 hours' notice.
The agenda listed two items. The first was a conference with legal counsel on initiating litigation in one case, cited under Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4). The agenda stated the council found, based on advice from legal counsel, that open discussion would prejudice the city's legal position. The identity of the opposing party and the nature of the dispute were not disclosed.
The second item was a public employment matter under Government Code Section 54957, titled "Director of Community Services." Under the Brown Act, that provision covers appointment, evaluation, discipline, or dismissal of a public employee.
What's not yet public
Because the session was closed, no vote tallies or decisions have been announced. Under the Brown Act, the council must report any reportable actions either at the conclusion of the closed session or at its next regular meeting.
That next regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 7, which also serves as the installation meeting for newly elected council members. Residents should watch that agenda for announcements on both the litigation and the director position.
Department in transition
The closed session comes as the Community Services Department navigates multiple leadership changes. The department oversees parks and recreation, the Beverly Hills Public Library, arts and culture programming, the Farmers' Market, and Greystone Mansion and Gardens.
Stephanie Harris, formerly Director of Community Services, was selected as the city's next Assistant City Manager, according to a city social media post. The city launched a formal recruitment for her replacement in May 2026 through executive search firm WBCP Inc., advertising an annual salary of $241,789 to $349,869. Finalist interviews were scheduled for Thursday, June 26, four days before the closed session.
Assistant Director Patty Acuña was recognized at the March 24 council meeting for 28 years of service upon her retirement, adding to the department's leadership vacancies.
How to weigh in
Residents who wish to comment on closed session items can submit a speaker card in person before the session begins, call (310) 288-2288, or email [email protected].
