201 S. Anaheim Blvd.
Suite #501
Anaheim, CA 92805
Tel: (714) 765-5111
Fax: (714) 765-5215
www.anaheim.net
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
City of Anaheim
HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT
DATE: FEBRUARY 24, 2026
FROM: HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT: APPROVAL OF A RETIRED ANNUITANT PRIOR TO THE 180-
DAY WAITING PERIOD TO FILL A CRITICALLY NEEDED
POSITION IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
ATTACHMENT (Y/N): YES ITEM # 19
GOVERNMENT CODE § 84308 APPLIES: NO
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council, by Resolution, waive the 180-day waiting period and approve the appointment of Dawn Hernandez, Senior Police Dispatcher, as a retired annuitant, determining the critical need for the position within the Police Department.
DISCUSSION:
Pursuant to the California Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act of 2013 (“PEPRA”), a person who retires from a public employer may serve without reinstatement from retirement or loss or interruption of benefits for up to 960 hours in a fiscal year. The retired person shall not be eligible to be employed for a period of 180 days following the date of retirement unless an employer certifies the nature of employment, that the appointment is necessary to fill a critically needed position before 180 days has passed, compensation is within the approved salary range, no additional benefits are provided, the annuitant shall not accrue service credit or any additional rights or benefits, and the appointment has been approved by the governing body of the employer in a public meeting.
After 29 years of experience in police dispatching, Dawn Hernandez retired on December 3, 2025, from her position of Senior Police Dispatcher. With her retirement, the Communications Section currently has five (5) Dispatcher vacancies and one (1) communications operator position. Recruitments have been robust and with the addition of a new POST certified Police Dispatching testing software, the time to onboard Dispatchers will be reduced by 5-6 weeks. A dispatcher is generally the first point of contact in keeping our community safe. They must be well trained and gather necessary information to ensure they properly dispatch first responders. Based on the current staffing levels, available trained staff and shift-work schedules, there is an urgent need for an experienced dispatcher to assist in dispatching services. Her experience, skills, and familiarity with dispatch is critical to public safety to ensure the safety of our community, Approval of a Retired Annuitant Prior to the 180-Day Waiting Period to Fill a Critically Needed Position in The Police Department February 24, 2026
to meet minimum staffing needs, to decrease mandatory overtime, and to provide the experience necessary to assist with the training, mentoring and development of new dispatchers.
Approval of the resolution will authorize the appointment of Dawn Hernandez as a retired annuitant to serve in the position of Senior Police Dispatcher, at her retired hourly rate of pay ($52.11), for a period not to exceed 960 work hours.
IMPACT ON BUDGET:
Sufficient funds are available in the Police Department’s FY 2025/26 budget and the proposed FY 2026/27 budget, which will be brought forward for Council consideration in June.
Respectfully submitted, Concurred by, Linda N. Andal Manny Cid Human Resources Director Chief of Police Attachment:
1. Resolution