Item 173/2025
Final
City of Garden Grove
INTER-DEPARTMENT MEMORANDUM
To:
Lisa L. Kim From: John Montanchez
Dept:
City Manager Dept: Community Services
Date: 5/13/2025
Subject: Adoption of a Resolution to approve a 180-day wait period exemption to hire a retired annuitant for the Community Services Department. (Action Item)
OBJECTIVE
To obtain City Council approval for a resolution exempting the 180-day wait period to hire a retired annuitant.
BACKGROUND
In August 2013, the Community Development Department launched the Re:Imagine Downtown Project, a 20-year visioning plan aimed at balancing the access and recreational needs of residents and visitors with the economic viability needs of business owners. Through an online forum, the public began submitting ideas on topics such as parks, performing arts, retail, and parking. Since the commencement of this project, the Community Services Department has worked with various local artists for the installation of temporary and permanent public art, specifically in the downtown area of Garden Grove. Installations include the giant Adirondack chairs, murals at various city buildings and utility boxes, Art in the Park event, as well as temporary art at Civic Center Park. Additionally, in 2021 a Public Art Donation Policy was established and approved by the City Council (Resolution No. 9709-21).
CalPERS requires a 180-day waiting period to hire a retired annuitant, except when necessary to fill a critically needed position. CalPERS allows an exemption to the 180-day waiting period and requires a resolution by the governing body.
DISCUSSION
Jennifer Goddard has served as the lead on the Re:Imagine Downtown Project from its inception, providing invaluable expertise and leadership to bring public art installations and events to the Garden Grove community. The Community Services Department would like to continue the work of this 20-year vision with the development and implementation of a Public Art Master Plan. Staff recognizes the unique and irreplaceable knowledge and experience that Ms. Goddar d brings to this project, making her continued involvement essential for the successful completion of this vision and project.
Item 173/2025
Ms. Goddard retired on December 31, 2024, and the Community Services Department desires to retain her services on a post-retirement basis as extra help for her specialized skills. She will oversee the development and implementation of the City’s Public Art Master Plan.
The offer letter to Ms. Goddard for the position of Community Services Supervisor is attached.
She would be hir ed to a position designated for a Retired Annuitant with a duration of two years from her starting date. As a retired annuitant, Ms. Goddard will receive an hourly wage within the Community Services Supervisor approved salary range and will not receive an y benefits beyond the hourly rate.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Funding for this part -time position is included in the Community Services Department’s existing operating budget, utilizing budget savings from vacant un -benefitted part -time positions. There will be no additional financial impact.
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 retired annuitant Jennifer Goddard.
ATTACHMENT(S)
1. Jennifer Goddard Employment Agreement
2. Jennifer Goddard 180 Day Exemption Resolution