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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 Ms. Francine S. Wiegelman for a limited duration to work in the Financial Management Department. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
On January 1, 2013, the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act added Section 7522.56 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 approval to hire Ms. Wiegelman, former Assistant City Controller in Financial Management, as a Retired Annuitant- Specialized Support, effective January 18, 2023, for a limited duration, to transfer her knowledge to staff and train her replacement in the areas of Legacy Payroll System, MOUs and all payroll reporting requirements and regulations. She will also document the intricacies and background of the payroll processes that she has managed, in addition to serving as a critical backup to stabilize operations.
Ms. Wiegelman has over 20 years of payroll experience with the City of Long Beach (City) which includes implementing and ensuring compliance with federal, State, CalPERS, and other requirements related to payroll. She is also technically proficient in the use of the legacy payroll system and has worked with the Technology and Innovation Department on the configuration, updating, and testing of the system. Due to her knowledge and familiarity with the many City labor MOUs, she has experience in the necessary changes required in the payroll system to ensure accurate payroll processing. The department will prioritize filling the vacancy for her position, but her continued involvement until the position is filled is imperative. Since Ms. Wiegelman’s proposed start date is less than the required 180-day waiting period after her retirement on December 26, 2022, City Council approval to hire Ms. Wiegelman is required. The approved rate of pay will be $67.754 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 publicly available pay schedule and will be funded by the Financial Management Department.
This matter was reviewed by Assistant City Attorney Gary Anderson on December 7, 2022 and by Budget Management Officer Nader Kaamoush on December 27, 2022.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on January 17, 2023, to ensure the continued support of the Financial Management Department and the payroll process.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total annual cost is estimated to not exceed $70,020. The estimated cost is based on 960 hours over the CalPERS fiscal year ending June 30th, at a salary rate of $67.754 per hour plus 7.65 percent for Medicare and FICA. The actual costs will be based on hours worked and not expected to exceed 960 in Fiscal Year 2023. The cost will be funded within existing appropriations in the General Fund Group in the Financial Management Department. 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.
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Respectfully Submitted,
JOE AMBROSINI
HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER