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Council approves interim appointment of retired deputy fire chief amid staffing shortage; vote 4–1
Summary
Council authorized a CalPERS exception and appointed retired deputy fire chief Stefan Tamir as a retired annuitant for up to 960 hours to cover an interim leadership gap while recruitment continues; the item prompted sustained questions about retirement timing and transparency and passed 4–1 (Councilmember Ross voted no).
Chief Contreras and HR staff asked council to adopt a resolution authorizing an exception to CalPERS’ 180‑day waiting period so the recently retired deputy fire chief, Stefan Tamir, could be rehired as a retired annuitant to serve as interim deputy fire chief during active recruitment.
Staff described significant operational and succession issues: recent retirements and protective leaves among battalion chiefs and captains have reduced executive‑level capacity, and the department has an active rolling recruitment that did not produce three qualified candidates until late December. The recommended arrangement would be an interim appointment effective Jan. 18, capped at 960 hours through June 30, 2026, and paid at a base salary step consistent with the publicly posted salary schedule (the annuitant pay excludes prior longevity stipends and benefits).
The proposal prompted extended council questioning about the timing of the retiree’s departure and whether the retirement and reappointment process had been timed to allow the CalPERS exception; Mayor Gregory said the sequence “feels like shenanigans” and pressed staff for clarity. Chief Contreras and the city manager defended the recommendation as a necessary, lawful tool under Government Code provisions allowing exceptions for critical public‑safety vacancies and stressed the need to ensure continuity during accreditation and other administrative demands.
After discussion, Councilmember Lam moved and council voted 4–1 to adopt the resolution authorizing the CalPERS exception and appoint Stefan Tamir as a retired annuitant interim deputy fire chief (roll call: Gordon yes, Ross no, Lam yes, Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez yes, Mayor Gregory yes). The resolution limits hours and pay and specified the interim nature of the appointment; staff emphasized that costs are wages only (no benefits) and that the appointment may be ended early if recruitment fills the position.
