Title
Adopt a Resolution to:
a. Waive the 180-day “waiting period” for CalPERS retiree Joann Iwamoto to return to work to fill a critically needed position;
b. Confirm the appointment of retiree Joann Iwamoto as Interim Cannabis Program Manager no sooner than January 29, 2024.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
Adopt a Resolution to:
a. Waive the 180-day “waiting period” for CalPERS retiree Joann Iwamoto to return to work to fill a critically needed position;
b. Confirm the appointment of retiree Joann Iwamoto as Interim Cannabis Program Manager no sooner than January 29, 2024.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
California Government Code section 7522.56 limits the manner in which a California Public Employee Retirement System (CalPERS) retiree can return to public service, even on a temporary basis. Subsection (f) of Government Code section 7522.56 states a retired person is not eligible for a period of 180 days following the date of her or his retirement, unless: “The employer certifies the nature of the employment and that the appointment is necessary to fill a critically needed position before 180 days have passed and the appointment has been approved by the governing body of the employer in a public meeting. The appointment may not be placed on a consent calendar.” At this time, the County Administrative Office seeks Board of Supervisors approval to fill a critically needed position sooner than 180 days.
The Human Resources Department is currently conducting a recruitment to fill the County Cannabis Program Manager position due to the imminent retirement of the incumbent Joann Iwamoto on January 27, 2024. As it is anticipated the position will not be filled prior to Ms. Iwamoto’s departure appointing Joann Iwamoto as Interim Cannabis Program Manager will allow for the County to have continuity of operations for this critical program as well as overlap with the newly hired incumbent of one (1) to (2) weeks to allow for a smooth transition.
Ms. Iwamoto’s expertise and skills prompts the request that the Board waive the 180-day waiting period, find the appointment of Ms. Iwamoto is necessary to fill a critically needed position, and authorize the hiring of Ms. Iwamoto shortly after her separation from County of Monterey service and retirement on January 27, 2024. The appointment of Ms. Iwamoto will be on a temporary basis from three (3) to six (6) months and will be limited to a maximum of 960 hours of work per fiscal year.
California Government Code 21221(h) governs the conditions under which retired annuitants with the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) may be employed by CalPERS contracted agencies such as the County of Monterey. With respect to interim positions, CalPERS requires that such appointments be made only in circumstances where there is a recruitment that will be conducted to fill the vacancy. The appointment also needs to be accompanied with a resolution containing certain information about the nature of the appointment, including the position, limit on hourly pay, limit on hours worked (up to 960 per FY), that a valid recruitment is being conducted, and other information. The attached resolution addresses requirements of the Government Code.
In conclusion, approval is requested to waive the 180-day “waiting period” for CalPERS retiree Joann Iwamoto to fill a critically needed position and to confirm the appointment of retiree Joann Iwamoto as Interim Cannabis Program Manager no sooner than January 29.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The County Administrative Office concurs with the recommendations.
FINANCING:
The cost for this temporary retired annuitant assignment will not be greater than the current cost of the existing position. When the new individual is appointed to the permanent position, there will be additional costs estimated at $4,503 for each week of overlap between the interim cannabis manager and the permanent one.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
The recommended action addresses the Board of Supervisors’ Administration Strategic Initiative and demonstrates the County’s commitment to meeting the Board’s initiatives by attracting, recruiting, and retaining a diverse, talented workforce that supports the mission of Monterey County.
__ Economic Development
X Administration
__ Health & Human Services
__ Infrastructure
__ Public Safety
Prepared by: Kim Moore, Assistant Director of Human Resources, 755-5353
Approved by: Andreas Pyper, Director of Human Resources, 755-5043
Sonia De La Rosa, County Administrative Officer, 755-5312
Attachments:
Resolution