Administrative
Report
N.3., File # 23-5813 Meeting Date: 4/4/2023
To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: DIANE STRICKFADEN, DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES
TITLE
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE APPOINTMENT OF RETIRED INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DIRECTOR CHRISTOPHER BENSON AS A 960 HOUR “EXTRA HELP” CALPERS RETIRED ANNUITANT TO MAINTAIN CONTINUITY OF OPERATIONS IN THE
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT
ADOPT BY TITLE ONLY RESOLUTION NO. CC-2304-036, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF REDONDO BEACH, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING AN EXCEPTION TO THE CALPERS 180-DAY WAIT PERIOD PURSUANT TO CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE SECTIONS 7522.56 & 21224
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) placed certain restrictions on when a CalPERS annuitant may return to work at a CalPERS agency. In most cases, there must be a 180-day lapse in employment (waiting period) between an employee’s date of retirement and subsequent rehire.
However, if agencies have a critical need to fill a key position or require “extra help” to maintain continuity of operations, they are allowed to waive the 180-day waiting period prior to re-hiring a CalPERS retiree.
Following the completion of 36 years of service with the City of Redondo Beach, Information Technology Director Christopher Benson retired on March 24, 2023. Mr. Benson possesses a certain set of unique job skills that will help maintain continuity of operations as the City finalizes the recruitment of the replacement IT Director and implements organizational changes/enhancements identified in the recent IT Department assessment. As such, it is critical to rehire him for a limited duration of no more than 960 hours in a fiscal year, in accordance with the CalPERS “extra help” exception.
BACKGROUND
PEPRA became effective on January 1, 2013 and, generally, prohibits a CalPERS retiree from being employed by a CalPERS agency until the annuitant has had a break in service of at least 180 days from the retirement date. An exception to the waiting period is available if the governing body for the agency certifies that the position is of critical need to the organization and adopts a resolution authorizing an exception to the180-day period. The authorizing resolution must be adopted during the “Discussion” section of a governing body’s agenda, and not placed on a Consent Calendar.
Mr. Benson began his career with the City in 1987. After working his way up through the Information
N.3., File # 23-5813 Meeting Date: 4/4/2023
Mr. Benson began his career with the City in 1987. After working his way up through the Information Technology Department, he was appointed Information Technology Director. The Director provides control over the City’s network infrastructure, including overseeing network security and public safety network infrastructure. The Information Technology Department employs a staff of 7, and also oversees numerous contracts. Recently the Department has seen the retirement of a longstanding supervisory employee in addition to the Director. The City is in the final stages of recruiting a new Information Technology Director, but needs to employ Mr. Benson on a 960-hour basis to maintain continuity of operations and ensure network security. Mr. Benson will be compensated at $83.61 per hour, which is the top of the range for the vacant Information Technology Director position. He will not be eligible for any additional benefits from the City while employed as a retired annuitant.
COORDINATION
The report was coordinated with the City Manager’s Office. The Resolution was approved as to form by the City Attorney’s Office.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funding for this limited duration appointment is available in the Information Technology Department’s FY 2022-23 budget.
APPROVED BY:
Mike Witzansky, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
· Reso - NO. CC-2304-036 Appointment of Retired Information Technology Director Christopher Benson as a 960 Hour “Extra Help” CalPERS Retired Annuitant