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 Mariel Sipman for a limited duration to work in the Financial Management Department. (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 Financial Management Department requests City Council’s approval to hire Mariel Sipman, current Fire Department Administrative Officer, effective January 8, 2018, for a limited duration, to assist with the facilitation of the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) implementation project, LB COAST, the City’s new Financial and Human Resources system. Since Ms. Sipman’s proposed start date is less than the required 180-day waiting period subsequent to her retirement on December 31, 2017, City Council approval to hire Ms. Sipman is being requested. The approved rate of pay will be $51.00 per hour. This amount represents the compensation paid to other employees performing comparable duties and will be funded with salary savings in the Financial Management Department.
Ms. Sipman will assist in the development and implementation of complex budgeting of public safety payroll (over 1,740 full-time equivalents in Fire and Police Departments), citywide direct and indirect overhead rates, and other assignments. This will assist in ensuring the City stays on target to meet the tight deadlines on the LB COAST project implementation.
Ms. Sipman is qualified to oversee these projects and has acquired the relevant experience and specialized skills from her employment with the City. She has over 25 years of service with the City working in four departments, including management positions in both Financial Management and Fire Departments.
This matter was reviewed by Principal Deputy City Attorney Gary J. Anderson and by Revenue Management Geraldine Alejo on December 6, 2017.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on December 19, 2017, to ensure the City is able to progress with the LB COAST project implementation in a timely manner.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total cost of a PERS retired annuitant per year will not exceed $48,960 (960 hours at $51/hour). Funding for this position will be absorbed in the Employee Benefits Fund (IS 391) and General Fund (GF) in the Financial Management Department (FM). 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-DAYWAIT PERIOD PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTIONS 7522.56 AND 21224 FOR RETIREDANNUITANT MARIEL SIPMAN
Respectfully Submitted,
ALEJANDRINA BASQUEZ, DIRECTOR
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER