Council approves 180‑day hiring exception to rehire retired annuitant for telecom lease reviews

The Livermore City Council on Feb. 10 adopted a resolution approving a 180‑day waiting-period exception to hire retired annuitant Michael Prado to assist the city with review of lease proposals and active telecommunications applications on city property.

Human resources manager Kristen Hilton told the council that state law requires council approval to hire a retired annuitant before the 180‑day waiting period expires and that the city has an immediate need for Prado’s expertise. "State law requires that the city council approval to hire a retired annuitant before the required a hundred and 80 day waiting period," Hilton said. Staff said Prado has the knowledge and skills needed to work on time‑sensitive, complex matters, to develop policies and procedures, and to prepare training manuals that will be passed on to city staff.

Staff recommended adoption of a resolution to grant the exception under the Government Code; no public comments were received for this item. Councilmembers expressed appreciation for Prado’s prior service and supported the interim assignment. A motion to adopt the resolution passed unanimously.

The hire is intended as an interim measure to ensure continuity while staff processes active telecommunications and other lease applications on city property and to create written policies and training materials for long‑term staff use. Staff did not specify the duration of Prado's assignment beyond the temporary exception nor a compensation amount in the public presentation.