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 Wendy Goetz for a limited duration to work in the Fire Department. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
On January 1, 2013, the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act added Section 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 Fire Department requests City Council approval to hire Wendy Goetz, former Deputy Fire Marshal in the Fire Department, as a Retired Annuitant-Specialized Support, effective July 17, 2021, for a limited duration, to perform plan and field inspections. Ms. Goetz has extensive knowledge of the Fire Codes and Standards, and exceptional interpersonal and customer service skills. Ms. Goetz has this skillset from working over 40 years in construction, inspections, plan review, and supervising as the Deputy Fire Marshal. She has worked for the Fire Department for 14 years and has a great understanding of the plan review and permit process, which includes the Infor permit system. The current workload on the new construction staff is not sustainable. Construction is only increasing in Long Beach and many new projects are either in construction or waiting to be reviewed and approved. The position is imperative to accommodate inspection requests in a reasonable time.
Since Ms. Wendy Goetz’s proposed start date is less than the required 180-day waiting period subsequent to her retirement on May 3, 2021, City Council approval to hire Ms. Goetz is required. The approved rate of pay will be $66.22 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 Fire Department.
This matter was reviewed by Principal Deputy City Attorney Gary J. Anderson on June 11, 2021 and by Revenue Management Officer Geraldine Alejo on June 14, 2021.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on July 6, 2021, to ensure the continued support of the Fire Department’s plan and field inspections.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total annual cost is estimated to not exceed $68,435. The cost is based on 960 hours over the CalPERS fiscal year ending June 30th, at a salary rate of $66.220 per hour plus Medicare and FICA. Actual costs will be based on hours worked and not expected to exceed 960 in FY 21 covering the period from July 2021 to September 2021. The cost will be funded within current resources budgeted in the General Fund Group in the Fire 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.
BODY
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Respectfully Submitted,
JOE AMBROSINI
HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER