Westminster City Council
SUBJECT
Title
Resolution Approving Exception to the 180-Day Waiting Period to Hire a CalPERS Retired Annuitant in Accordance with Government Code Sections 7522.56 and 21224.End
publichearing
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From: Darin Lenyi, Chief of Police
Requested by: Administration
Prepared by: Jodie Griner, Human Resources and Risk Management Director
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommendation
Adopt a Resolution entitled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING EXCEPTION TO THE CALPERS 180-DAY WAIT PERIOD.”
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BACKGROUND
California Government Code Sections 7522.56 and 21221 (h) authorize the City to employ a retired CalPERS annuitant without reinstatement from retirement upon a finding that the retired person has specialized skills needed to perform work of a limited duration. Under the law, a retired annuitant is not eligible to be employed by a CalPERS contracting agency for a period of 180 days following the retirement date unless the City Council certifies the nature of the employment, and the appointment is necessary to fill a critically needed position before 180 days has passed.
The Police Department seeks to utilize the temporary services of Steven Eifert, a CalPERS Annuitant who retired on December 22, 2023, and former Police Officer to assist in the Police Department’s 911 Dispatch Unit. During his recent tenure as a full-time employee, he assisted in providing supplemental staffing to the Dispatch Unit during times of staffing shortages. He is experienced and versed in the roles and responsibilities of a 911 Dispatcher. Hiring full-time Dispatchers continues to be a challenge in a competitive job market and at times, those recruited may not pass training. The department has utilized Dispatch-trained employees who work in other police divisions to supplement the staffing needs of the unit.
FISCAL IMPACT
The maximum expenditure will be $38,342.40 and will be absorbed in the current Police Department budget with no request for an additional appropriation to the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Adopted Budget.
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed as to form.
CONCLUSION
Adopt a resolution approving an exception to the 180-day waiting period to hire retired annuitant, Officer Steve Eifert, to fill a critical role as a 911 Dispatcher in the Police Dispatch 911 Unit so that the Police Department can meet the critical needs of the residents when needing safety services.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution Approving to 180-Day Waiting Period - Eifert, S
2. Temporary Employment Agreement with Retired CalPERS Annuitant to Assist in the Police Departments 911 Dispatch Unit
3. Exhibit A - Police Dispatch Job Description
4. Exhibit B - WPOA Salary Schedule
REVIEWED BY
Erin Backs, Finance Director
Christian Bettenhausen, City Attorney
Christine Cordon, City Manager