APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY
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CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
OAKLAND CITY COUNCIL
RESOLUTION NO. C.M.S.
INTRODUCED BY CITY ADMINISTRATOR JESTIN D. JOHNSON
AND CITY ATTORNEY BARBARA J. PARKER
RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND HONORING LORNA GUICE FOR
HER MORE THAN 33 YEARS OF EXEMPLARY SERVICE TO THE CITY
OF OAKLAND
WHEREAS, in September 2023, the City of Oakland (“City”) recognizes one of its most dedicated public servants, Lorna Guice, who passed away after 3 3 years of service with the City; and
WHEREAS, Lorna Guice began her career at the City in 1990 as a Senior Hu man Resource System Specialist in the Office of Human Resources; and WHEREAS, for over decades, she had the unique challenge and opportunity of advising Oakland’s top executive leaders on a wide range of high profile , complex, politically sensitive, and urgent payroll issues; and
WHEREAS, over her career, Lorna Guice established herself as a trusted leader and beloved colleague in the field of payroll who was highly regarded by all within the City as well as those from our partnering local governments; and
WHEREAS, her tremendous institutional knowledge and memory for events an d key issues in Oakland was a significant daily contribution to the c ountless City Staff she worked alongside, as well as an immense asset to the Finance, Human Re sources, and Informational Technology Departments; and
WHEREAS, always poised and professional, Lorna Guice possessed a thoughtf ul eloquence that reflected her pledge to see Oakland fulfill its mission. She never wavered from her commitment to making sure that Oakland consistently aspired to be a city government that prioritizes diversity, equity, inclusion, and bold initiatives that are in the best long-term interest of City of Oakland’s Leaders; and
WHEREAS, in good and hard times alike, Lorna could always be counted on to be a collaborative voice of reason and a person who welcomed new voices and perspectives that could benefit the City; and
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WHEREAS, the issues she faced head on represented her greatest strength. She would work long hours and nights to make sure that every employee was paid in the City in a timely manner. She would work until every task was completed and never complained, and even worked holidays to support her team and the City; and
WHEREAS, Lorna Guice is a well-respected leader, who was the only person to get Police onto self-service. Lorna took the initiative to meet with the Board and Union and presented to them the benefits of self-service in Oracle, moreover, Lorna worked late and at many locations to help police employees learn and sign up in self-service. She always saw everything through from beginning to end; and
WHEREAS, Lorna Guice was the key person in the R12 Oracle implementatio n. She figured out solutions to problems and overcame any obstacle in Oracle. She was dedicated to helping the City upgrade from 11i to R12 and saw it through; and
WHEREAS, Lorna Guice was a dedicated union member of International Fede ration of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE), Local 21, since 2 013. She helped educate and organize members to better understand City finances, the importance of cost-of-living adjustments and protecting health care and pensions for current and future City workers. As a public servant, she saw the importance of the civil service process and protect ing this element of the City that protected employees from discrimination. Lorna gave so much to her fellow employees, union brothers and sisters and Oakland residents. The City owes a great debt to Lorna for her many years of service, and we collectively mourn her passing; and
WHEREAS, Lorna Guice throughout her career in the City was known for her diligence, expertise, and positive attitude. Lorna distinguished herself w ith her willingness to pitch in, help others, and celebrate important occasions at work, in the community, and at her Church; and
WHEREAS, Lorna Guice has been the bright light for countless City employees over the years, taking the time to get to know her co-workers and the em ployees she helped. She always made time to listen, uplift, and provide wise counsel; and
WHEREAS, Lorna Guice went above and beyond for the City and while suppor ting her co-workers, Lorna also raised a beautiful family of her own and she leaves behind great memories for her many family members and friends. She is survived by her young grandson who she treasured the most; and
WHEREAS, Lorna Guice demonstrated quality leadership by prioritizing 1 on 1 meetings with department staff, division team meetings, annual team buil ding retreats and year-end staff development meeting to encourage the individual and collective advancement of Finance/Payroll team members; and
WHEREAS, Lorna Guice was an active member of the Glad Tidings International Church of God In Christ, where she wrote plays and devoted her time an d passion to helping the Church, the community, and anyone who needed support; now, therefore, be it
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RESOLVED: That the Oakland City Council, does hereby recognize Lorna Guice for her 33 years of dedicated service and commitment to employees; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED: That the Oakland City Council, does hereby acknowledge Lorna Guice for compassionate leadership that has driven better payroll systems and allowed for timely processing of payroll that support City employees and the City as an organization.
IN COUNCIL, OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA,
PASSED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES - FIFE, GALLO, JENKINS, KALB, KAPLAN, RAMACHANDRAN, REID, AND
PRESIDENT FORTUNATO BAS
NOES –
ABSENT –
ABSTENTION –
A T T E S T :
ASHA REED
City Clerk and Clerk of the Council of the
City of Oakland, California