Council Rejects Plan to Hire Law Firm

The City Council has rejected a plan to hire a law firm to deal with potential litigation by the recently fired police chief.

More than 100 residents attended Tuesday night’s meeting, at which the council voted unanimously not to hire the Los Angeles law firm of Beltran, Leal & Medina. The decision came amid widespread opposition from city leaders and employees, including the West Covina Police Officers Assn.

Although the firm was being hired to work on one potential case, residents alleged that it was part of a longtime plan to oust City Atty. Betsy Martyn, whose law firm is under contract to provide legal services to the city. “She is an excellent city attorney,” said former Mayor Richard Jenings.

Councilman Steve Herfert, who made a motion to reject the firm’s hiring even before residents addressed the council, said the removal of Martyn was never the intent of council members.

After the meeting, Touhey said the city should require bids for the lucrative city attorney’s contract.

The former police chief has said that he is considering litigation after being fired following allegations of conflict of interest. He has denied any wrongdoing. Also on Tuesday, the council selected Councilman Richard Melendez to serve as the city’s next mayor.