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Council tables proposal to fund temporary part‑time clerical position for Fire Department after union pushback
Summary
Council voted to table a resolution to transfer funds for an 8‑hour/week temporary clerical hire to clear administrative backlog in the Fire Department after union representatives said existing members could perform the work and asked for clearer job specifications and hiring process details.
The council considered a transfer of funds to hire a temporary part‑time clerical worker (about 8 hours per week) to handle backlogged paperwork for the Fire Department. The proposal was presented as a temporary measure while staffing levels are low and paperwork has accumulated.
Sam Pinto, representing Long Beach Professional Fire Fighters, requested that the item be paused for an on-the-record exchange. Pinto said the union membership could perform the requested clerical duties while on duty, argued that the city should not create a new position, and expressed concern about possible nepotism if the job were not openly posted. City staff said the work has fallen behind and that hiring a temporary person with fire-department familiarity would help catch up.
Council debate focused on whether the position is necessary, whether the work could instead be reassigned or covered internally, and on transparency of hiring and job specifications. One council member moved to table the resolution to allow the city manager and fire department leadership to discuss specifics with union representatives; the motion passed by recorded vote.
