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 Maria Armijo 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 Maria Armijo, former Systems Support Specialist III in TID, as a Retired Annuitant - Specialized Support, effective February 10, 2021, for a limited duration to assist with the ongoing technical support of the Police Department. Since Ms. Armijo’s proposed start date is less than the required 180-day waiting period subsequent to her retirement on December 30, 2020, City Council approval to hire Ms. Armijo is required. The approved rate of pay will be $45.229 per hour. This amount represents the hourly rate she received upon retirement and is within the minimum and maximum compensation paid to other employees performing comparable duties as listed in the City of Long Beach’s (City) publicly available pay schedule and will be funded by the TID.
Ms. Armijo has worked with the City for 14 years as a Systems Support Specialist. Ms. Armijo’s continued support of TID operations at the Police Department is critical due to her institutional knowledge and expertise and current staffing shortages caused by the pandemic. Also, Ms. Armijo’s assistance including troubleshooting issues, installing software, and assisting with computer replacements will allow other TID staff to continue to focus and prioritize the Police Departments Records Management System/Jail Management System projects reducing potential project implementation delays. The department will prioritize filling the vacancy for her position, but due to the extensive background process required by the Police Department, her continued involvement until the position is filled is imperative.
This matter was reviewed by Principal Deputy City Attorney Gary J. Anderson and Revenue Management Officer Geraldine Alejo on January 28, 2021.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on February 9, 2021, to ensure continued support of the Police Department RMS/JMS implementation.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total annual cost is estimated to not exceed $44.049.00 (960 hours at $45.229/hour plus Medicare) during each CalPERS fiscal year ending June 30th. These costs will be funded by the General Services Fund Group in the Technology and Innovation Department and will be absorbed within current budget appropriation. 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,
FRED VERDUGO, ACTING DIRECTOR
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER