TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution approving an exception to the 180-day waiting period for Public Agencies pursuant to Government Code 7522.56 and 21224 to hire Steve Suttles for a limited duration to work in the Technology and Innovation Department. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
On January 1, 2013, the Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act added Sections 7522.56 and 21224 to the Government Code, which set forth post-retirement employment requirements applicable to all retirees who are employed by CalPERS employers on or after January 1, 2013. This change added the requirement that all retirees must wait 180 days after their retirement date before they are eligible to begin post-retirement employment with a CalPERS agency. An exception to the 180-day wait period can be made if a public agency certifies the nature of the employment and that the appointment is necessary to fill a critically needed position before 180 days have passed. The appointment must be approved by the governing body of the employer in a public meeting and may not be placed on a consent calendar.
The Technology and Innovation Department (TID) requests City Council approval to hire Steve Suttles, recently retired Communications Specialist VI in TID, as a Retired Annuitant - Management Support, effective November 9, 2021, for a limited duration, to act as the interim Data Center Officer while TID conducts a recruitment for a permanent replacement. Mr. Suttles worked with the City of Long Beach (City) for over 30 years. Mr. Suttles’ continued support of the TID’s operations in the Data Center is critical due to his institutional knowledge and expertise. During his 30-year tenure with the City, Mr. Suttles worked with almost every City department and almost every City application and team. He oversaw the growth of the Data Center to over 1,000 physical servers followed by the evolution of those physical servers to virtual server technology. Mr. Suttles capably managed the backend services that allow all of our advanced technologies to work reliably, including backups and recoveries, antivirus, patch management, endpoint management, and server problem escalations. He mentored and assisted staff in resolving complex technical challenges and built strong working relationships with staff, customers, and vendors over the years. The department will prioritize filling the vacancy for this position, but due to the 24/7 nature of the Data Center Officer position, having an interim officer is imperative.
Since Mr. Suttles’ proposed start date is less than the required 180-day waiting period subsequent to his retirement on July 1, 2021, City Council approval to hire Mr. Suttles is required. The approved rate of pay for the limited duration is $70.637 per hour. This amount represents the compensation consistent to the compensation of other employees performing comparable duties.
This matter was reviewed by Principal Deputy City Attorney Gary J. Anderson on October 18, 2021 and by Revenue Management Officer Geraldine Alejo on October 20, 2021.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on November 9, 2021, to ensure continued leadership and oversight of Data Center operations.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total annual cost is estimated to not exceed $72,999. The estimated cost is based on 960 hours over the CalPERS fiscal year ending June 30th, at a salary rate of $70.637 per hour plus Medicare and FICA. The cost is budgeted in the General Services Fund Group in the Technology and Innovation Department. Actual costs will be based on hours worked and not expected to exceed 960 hours over the CalPERS fiscal year. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
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Respectfully Submitted,
JOE AMBROSINI, DIRECTOR
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER