AGENDA TITLE:
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Adopt a Resolution Approving the Exception to the 180-day Waiting Period for Appointing a Retired Annuitant to Conduct Investigations in the Police Department (ISD - HR)
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MEETING DATE:
April 16, 2025
PREPARED BY:
Nancy Ramirez, Management Analyst
recommendation
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Adopt a Resolution Approving the Exception to the 180-day Waiting Period for Appointing a Retired Annuitant to Conduct Investigations in the Police Department.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The City of Lodi is a member of California Public Employee’s Retirement System (PERS); as such, the City must comply with the Government Code which sets forth post-retirement employment requirements which are applicable to all retirees. The Government Code provides specific criteria for hiring qualified annuitants. With the passage of Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA), all retirees must serve a 180-day waiting period before they can be hired as an annuitant. Section 7522.56(f)(1) of the Government Code provides for the following exception to the 180-day waiting period:
The employer certifies the nature of the employment and that the appointment is necessary to fill a critically needed position before 180 days have passed and the appointment has been approved by the governing body of the employer in a public meeting. The appointment may not be placed on a consent calendar.
The Police Department will be hiring ten new employees in the next twelve months. The Investigations Division is currently working with three vacancies. The police investigations must follow the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) guidelines and the investigators must be properly trained by POST to conduct the investigations. The current staffing levels are insufficient to conduct the quantity and quality of investigations in order to provide adequate services to our community.
The City proposes to hire Paul Jimenez, as a retired annuitant, to help conduct investigations and to expedite the completion of cases involving Internet crimes, crimes against children, fraud, and theft. Mr. Jimenez retired from his position as Police Officer on March 20, 2025. Mr. Jimenez has received the required POST training to conduct investigations pursuant to POST guidelines. If approved, Mr. Jimenez would be hired as a part-time Police Officer retired annuitant and will provide the critical assistance to complete the background investigations. Mr. Jimenez would be paid at the Police Officer rate of $47.15 per hour and shall be limited to no more than 960 hours in the fiscal year. It is anticipated that this assignment will last between six and twenty-four months depending on how quickly the vacancies can be filled and pending caseload.
Staff requests that Council approve the resolution approving the exception to the 180-day waiting period and appoint Paul Jimenez as a retired annuitant in the position of part-time Police Officer, effective April 22, 2025.
STRATEGIC VISION:
7A. Public Safety: Reach and maintain full staffing.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This position will cost $47.15 per hour not to exceed 960 hours per fiscal year.
FUNDING AVAILABLE:
Funding from 10031004.71003 within the Police Department.
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Bobby Magee
Interim Assistant City Manager
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Christina Jaromay
Acting City Manager