Business Agenda Item 5a
STAFF REPORT
Business Agenda Item
DATE: June 1, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and Council Members
FROM: Brian Issa, Public Works Director
THROUGH: Amy Nilsen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Approve a Hiring Freeze Exception for Full-Time Deputy City Engineer Position
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Approve an exception to the current hiring freeze to allow recruitment and appointment to the Deputy City Engineer position.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The Public Works Department is requesting an exception to the current hiring freeze to allow recruitment and appointment of the existing Full-Time Deputy City Engineer position. The position will become vacant effective June 1, 2026.
The Deputy City Engineer is responsible for assisting the City Engineer and Public Works Department in project management and reporting.
Approval of this exemption would allow the City to begin recruitment to maintain continuity of the work being performed by the current employee in this position. This request does not create a new position or increase staffing levels. The position already exists and is currently funded within the adopted budget and proposed budget. Staff may choose to fill this vacancy at various grades at or below the salary of the current Deputy City Engineer position.
FISCAL IMPACT:
No additional appropriation is requested. The Deputy position is currently funded 76% from the utilities and 24% from the general fund.
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
Deny the exception – Not recommended.
This would leave the position vacant and significantly limit the City’s ability to keep projects, including timely review of development applications running smoothly.
Delay recruitment until freeze is lifted – Not recommended.
This would delay the recruitment and hiring process and increase the likelihood of disruption to ongoing project and engineering matters.
Business Agenda Item 5a
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
1. Open Public Comment
2. Close Public Comment
3. Motion to approve an exception to the hiring freeze for the Full-Time Deputy City Engineer Position. Roll Call vote.