2015-04-07 Regular - Laserfiche WebLink

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• Ann Salisbury, supports dedicated staff to patrol the parks; not fiscally responsible to have police officer on overtime to patrol parks. • Renee Hernandez, representative of part-time park rangers, request ranger's employment contracts be extended; opined that PEPRA rule does not apply since City actively recruiting; opined that ranger's oversight be maintained at the City Yard and not the Police Department - important for continuity purposes. • Sandra Cortez, supports continued employment of part-time rangers to allow for recruitment and training of new staff. City Manager Cavazos provided update - no communication has been received from PERS; City has had extensive discussion on the matter; liability to retain part-time retired park rangers; City actively recruiting. Council discussion ensued. Councilmember Amezcua, supports temporary use of overtime until City hires permanent park rangers. Councilmember Reyna, questioned why April 18th set separation date? City Manager Cavazos noted that initial separation notice rescinded and set to allow PERS time to respond. Councilmember Reyna, asked if PERS obligated to respond and the answer was no. Councilmember Benavides, asked if the City has not received a response from PERS, if that permits retention of annuitants to remain? Chief Assistant City Attorney Sandoval indicated that no special skill or emergency exists that would warrant retention of park rangers. Councilmember Benavides asked if exception applied if City actively recruiting. Chief Assistant City Attorney responded that fact pattern reviewed and determined that we were beyond time limit allowed. Councilmember Martinez, concerned that City had retained other annuitants; proposed 30 day extension and place cap on overtime, staff to return in 30 days with update on recruitment; noted for the record that fiscally responsible to allow overtime. Councilmember Tinajero, legal opinion important; letter of the law that there are no exceptions or transitional period; trust professional's opinion. City Manager Cavazos explained that he has responsibility to protect the City and follow the law; need to cover public safety at the parks. Mayor Pro Tern Sarmiento, noted that it was important to follow the law and support staff recommendation; no authority to influence separation of employees - responsibility lays with City Manager; difference between black letter and case law; supported use of police overtime, but community appears to support existing program; concerned that recruitment has not been fruitful and concur with 30-day update until issue resolved. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 14 APRIL 7, 2016