Item 502/2024
Final
City of Garden Grove
INTER-DEPARTMENT MEMORANDUM
To:
Lisa L. Kim From: Chief El-Farra
Dept:
City Manager Dept: Police
Date: 12/10/2024
Subject: Adoption of a Resolution to approve a 180-day wait period exemption to hire a retired annuitant. (Action Item)
OBJECTIVE
To obtain City Council approval for a resolution exempting the 180-day wait period to hire a retired annuitant.
BACKGROUND
In 2021, the Garden Grove Police Department purchased and began building the Axon Public Safety Software Suite. It was intended to replace an older software system acquired in 2014 that did not offer full integration with all the necessary software programs u tilized by the Police Department. The implementation of the Axon software suite was anticipated to be completed by 2024. However, unforeseen delays, software limitations, and ongoing schedule adjustments by the vendor have resulted in an extended timeline for completion.
CalPERS requires a 180-day waiting period to hire a retired annuitant, except when necessary to fill a critically needed position. Since the Axon Public Safety Software Suite implementation project requires specialized expertise, CalPERS allows an exemption to the 180 -day waiting period and requires a resolution by the governing body.
DISCUSSION
Rebecca Meeks has served as the lead on this critical software implementation project from its inception, providing invaluable expertise and le adership in the transition process . The Police Department recognizes the unique and irreplaceable knowledge and experience that Ms. Meeks brings to this project, making her continued involvement essential for the successful completion of the software implementation.
Ms. Meeks retired on November 22, 2024, and the Police Department desires to retain her services on a post-retirement basis as extra help for her specialized skills. She will oversee the final stages of the Axon software implementation, coordinating with Axon, troubleshooting Item 502/2024
any arising issues, and ensuring the project is completed in accordance with the approved contract.
The offer letter to Ms. Meeks for the position of Senior Program Specialist is attached. She would be hired to a position designated for a Retired Annuitant with a duration of three years from her starting date. As a retired annuitant, Ms. Meeks will rec eive an hourly wage comparable to the classification of Senior Program Specialist and will not receive any benefits beyond the hourly rate.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Funding for this part -time position is included in the Police Department’s FY 2024 -2025 budget, utilizing cost savings from vacant un-benefitted part-time positions. There will be no impact to the General Fund.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council:
Adopt the attached Resolution that provides an exemption for the required 180 -day waiting period to hire a retired annuitant.
Prepared By: Lieutenant Vincente Vaicaro
ATTACHMENT(S)
1. Resolution for 180-Day Wait Period Exemption
2. Offer Letter