City of Gonzales
CITY MANAGER DEPARTMENT
STAFF REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor Rios and City Council
DATE: May 19, 2025
FROM: Carmen Gil, City Manager
THROUGH: Carmen Gil, City Manager
SUBJECT: Resolution No. 2025-26 CalPERS Industrial Disability Retirement
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council consider and adopt Resolution No. 2025-26, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Regarding Local Safety Member Industrial Disability Retirement.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
California Government Code Section 21156 sets forth the criteria for the City Council to make a determination that a public employee is incapacitated physically or mentally for the performance of his or her duties and is thus eligible to retire based on said disabling condition. The City Council makes the determination on the basis of competent medical opinion and all medical and vocational information provided by the member, employer and worker’s compensation carrier.
Juan Pablo Mendoza is a Gonzales Police Captain and has held this position since March 7, 2022. Prior to this, Mendoza served as a sergeant and a corporal and has been employed with the City of Gonzales since June 1, 2007. During his time with the City Captain Mendoza led efforts including the National Night Out and the South County Community Policing Academy. He managed the department’s Field Training Officer Program and supported the Department’s day-to-day operations.
Mendoza’s official date of retirement was May 9, 2025. The basis for Captain Mendoza’s Industrial Disability Retirement application has been confirmed by competent medical practitioners and his condition is physical in nature resulting from orthopedic injuries sustained while in City service.
Accordingly, it can be concluded that Mendoza is incapacitated within the meaning of the Public Employee’s Retirement Law for the performance of his usual and customary duties in the position of Police Captain.
AGENDA
ITEM
20 Based on the medical evidence, staff recommends that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2025-26 which will approve a CalPERS Industrial Disability Retirement for Captain Medoza with an effective date of May 10, 2025.
Following approval of the Resolution, Staff will forward a certified copy of the resolution to CalPERS.
Once received, CalPERS will process the industrial disability retirement application within 90 days.
Employers’ must make “advanced disability pension payments” to safety members who have qualified for benefits and have submitted an application for industrial disability retirement until the member begins receiving their retirement benefits directly from CalPERS. All advanced payments will be deducted from the retroactive portion of the member’s retirement allowance and reimbursed to the City.
Explain Recommendation and How it Supports the Vision
Gonzales will continue to be a safe, clean, family-friendly community, diverse in its heritage, and committed to working collaboratively to preserve and retain its small town charm.
Explain: This Local Safety Member Industrial Disability Retirement reflects the City’s ongoing commitment to provide for and promote the health and welfare of our Local Safety Members.
Explain how the Recommendation Directly Implements the Mission The City Council and Staff of the City of Gonzales will realize our Vision by providing the leadership, commitment and resources necessary to provide excellent services that enhance the quality of life of our diverse community. X Yes _____No _____ NA
Explain: Please see explanation above for the Vision.
Strong fiscal policies allow us to provide appropriate infrastructure for:
• Public Safety X Yes ____ No ____NA
• Housing X Yes ____ No ____NA
• Recreation X Yes ____ No ____NA
• Environment X Yes ____ No ____NA
• Education X Yes ____ No ____NA
Explain: Please see explanation above for the Vision.
ALTERNATIVES
The Council has the option not to approve the resolution, which is not recommended because it is necessary to ensure continued dedication to our Vision by providing for and promoting the health and welfare of all of our Employees.
BUDGET IMPACT
There will be direct budget impact. Advanced Disability Pension Payments by the City will be reimbursed to the City following the complete processing of the employee’s retirement application.
CONCLUSION
It is recommended that the City Council consider and adopt Resolution No. 2025-26, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Regarding Local Safety Member Industrial Disability Retirement.
Attachments:
1. Resolution 2025-26