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CITY OF GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA
REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA ITEM
Report: Appointment of Interim Director of Community Development
1. Resolution Appointing Jack L. Wong as Interim Director of Community Development Pursuant to Government Code Sections 7522.56 and 21221(h) and Approving Employment Agreement
COUNCIL ACTION
Item Type: Consent Item
Approved for April 14, 2026 calendar
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Staff seek the Council’s approval of CalPERS retired annuitant Jack L. Wong to serve as Interim Director of Community Development.
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RECOMMENDATION
That the Council approve the appointment of Jack L. Wong as the Interim Director of Community Development pursuant to Government Code Sections 7522.56 and 21221(h) and approve an employment agreement.
ANALYSIS
Since February 27, 2026, there has been a vacancy in the Director of Community Development position. The City Manager intends to appoint Jack L. Wong as the Interim Director of Community Development effective April 15, 2026 while the City conducts a recruitment for a permanent Director. Mr. Wong is the Founder and President of JWA, consulting in land use planning and economic development for area cities. He previously served as Assistant City Manager and Director of Community Development for the City of Huntington Park.
Mr. Wong is a CalPERS retiree and will be employed by the City as a retired annuitant under CalPERS regulations. The California Government Code regulates compensation for retired annuitants and defines specific rules for appointment. Specifically, the appointment of a retiree to a vacant position must comply with Government Code Section 21221(h). In accordance with this section, the appointment of a retired annuitant to an executive level position is permissible if it is made during the recruitment for a permanent appointment to the position and it is approved by the governing body of the employer in a public meeting and not on a consent calendar.
Further, compensation during the appointment cannot be less than the minimum nor exceed the maximum hourly equivalent of the monthly base salary paid to other employees performing comparable duties as listed in the publicly available pay schedule for the agency. Additionally, the retired annuitant must not receive any benefit, incentive, compensation in lieu of benefits, or other form of compensation in addition to the hourly pay rate. The salary range for Director of Community Development listed on the City's publicly available pay schedule lists a minimum hourly rate of $89.59 per hour and the maximum hourly rate of $122.09 per hour. The City will pay Mr. Wong at the hourly rate of $122 per hour.
In addition, Government Code Sections 21221(h) and 7522.56 limit retired annuitant hours to 960 in a fiscal year for all retired annuitant positions with any CalPERS employers. Government Code Section 20220 also requires the enrollment of a retired annuitant in CalPERS solely for recordkeeping purposes and the reporting of retired annuitant hours within 30 days of the end of a pay period.
The City Manager recommends making this appointment effective April 15, 2026 based on the specialized skills possessed by Jack L. Wong and allowing him to serve the City as its Interim Director of Community Development until the appointment of a permanent Director or until Mr. Wong works for 960 hours in a fiscal year, whichever comes first, unless earlier terminated by either Mr. Wong or the City. Staff recommend approval of an employment agreement with Mr. Wong documenting the terms of employment and compliance with the applicable provisions of the PERS law including Government Code 35c
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Sections 7522.56, 20220 and 20221.
STAKEHOLDERS/OUTREACH
Not applicable
FISCAL IMPACT
Mr. Wong will serve a maximum of 6 months per fiscal year at an hourly rate of $122, which is estimated to cost $54,647, which can be absorbed within the Community Development Department’s current budget, as outlined below. The future year budget can also absorb the cost using the existing permanent position’s vacancy savings.
Existing Appropriation
Amount Account String Funding Source
$54,647 41100-1010-CDD-0010-P0000 General Fund
Department Cost Center Program
CDD Administration
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW (CEQA/NEPA)
This action involves an administrative activity not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act.
CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURE
This item is exempt from campaign disclosure requirements.
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATION
1. Council can choose not to appoint Mr. Wong as Interim Director of Community Development.
ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION
Submitted by:
Roubik Golanian, P.E., City Manager
Prepared by:
Michael J. Garcia, City Attorney
Approved by:
Roubik R. Golanian, P.E., City Manager
EXHIBITS/ATTACHMENTS
1. Employment Agreement