Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Natasha Claire-Espino, Director
Subject: Resolution Certifying the Critical Need for Retiree Appointment
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing the Director of Public Safety Communications to execute an agreement with retired Supervising Communications Dispatcher, Robert Bustichi, pursuant to Government Code §7522.56(f)(1) and finding that the nature of employment and appointment is necessary to fill a critically-needed position during the 180-day post-retirement separation period.
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BACKGROUND:
In September 2012, the California Public Employees' Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) was signed into law as Assembly Bill 340. The PEPRA legislation includes provisions in Government Code §7522.56 requiring a 180 day separation ("sit-out") following the date of retirement for non-safety retirees who are re-employed by a public agency within the same retirement system as an employee or through a contract, unless the employer certifies that appointment is necessary to fill a critically-needed position before the 180 days have passed.
For the exception to the 180-day separation period to apply, state law requires that your Board, as the County’s governing body, approve the appointment by resolution in a public meeting and not on the consent calendar.
DISCUSSION:
Robert Bustichi retired on September 26, 2024, after serving the County of San Mateo for 37 years. After working as a police officer and a communications dispatcher, Mr. Bustichi went on to manage all information technology for Public Safety Communications, designing several pieces of critical infrastructure for the emergency communications and departmental systems.
Mr. Bustichi’s departure has directly impacted the progress and management of several critical projects in Public Safety Communications. His institutional knowledge and subject matter expertise for emergency communications are vital to ensuring completion of these projects. In addition, his successor is now being recruited. Having Mr. Bustichi under contract will aid in the training and development of a new Information Technology Manager for the Department.
Pursuant to Government Code §7522.56, his hours will be limited to no more than 960 hours per fiscal year, and his hourly rate will be $150 per hour.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no increase in net county cost associated with the recommended action beyond PSC budgeted expenses for this staffing. Appropriations to cover contract costs are included in the PSC budget.