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 Deborah Ellis for a limited duration to work in the City Auditor’s Office. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
On January 1, 2013, the Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act added Sections 7522.56 and 7522.57 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 City Auditor requests City Council approval to hire Deborah Ellis, former Assistant City Auditor, effective April 22, 2017, for a limited duration, to assist with the facilitation of the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) project for the City’s new Financial/Human Resources system. Since Ms. Ellis’ proposed start date is less than the required 180-day waiting period subsequent to her retirement, City Council approval to hire Ms. Ellis is required. The approved rate of pay for the limited duration is $57.495 per hour. This amount represents the compensation paid to other employees performing comparable duties and will be funded with $98,000 approved by the City Council on November 15, 2016 from the City Auditors Department’s FY 16 departmental savings.
Ms. Ellis will assist in the development and implementation of specialized accounts payable disbursements and garnishments for the City Auditor’s Office that are not performed in any other department in the City. This will assist in ensuring that the City stays on target to meet the tight deadlines for the ERP project implementation.
Ms. Ellis is qualified to oversee this project and has acquired the relevant experience and specialized skills from her employment with the City and her prior employment with Long Beach Transit. Because of her expertise, she has overseen the City Auditor’s Office technology plans and is the key person appointed to work on the ERP project. Ms. Ellis will work with staff to guide them on mapping processes, understanding and managing project objectives to ensure functions meet operational needs.
This matter was reviewed by Principal Deputy City Attorney Gary J. Anderson on March 23, 2017 and by Revenue Management Officer Geraldine Alejo on March 28, 2017.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on April 11, 2017, to ensure the City Auditor’s Office is able complete its responsibilities in the ERP project in a timely manner.
FISCAL IMPACT
The cost for the position will not exceed $98,000. Funding is currently appropriated in the General Fund (GF) in the City Auditor Department (AU) from FY 16 departmental year-end savings carried over into FY 17. Any funds not used for this purpose by the end of FY 17 will lapse. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LONG BEACH APPROVING THE EXCEPTION TO THE 180-DAY WAIT PERIOD PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTIONS 7522.56 AND 21224 FOR RETIRED ANNUITANT DEBORAH ELLIS
Respectfully Submitted,
ALEJANDRINA BASQUEZ, DIRECTOR
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER