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Council invokes PEPRA exception to appoint retired deputy fire chief on temporary basis
Summary
The council unanimously approved a resolution invoking a PEPRA exception to appoint retired deputy fire chief Gregory DeCunha as an extra-help deputy fire chief for up to six months to cover an extended leave; CalPERS hour caps apply and funding will come from vacancy savings.
The Redwood City Council voted Jan. 26 to adopt a resolution invoking the Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) 180-day waiting-period exception and appoint retired annuitant Gregory DeCunha as an extra-help deputy fire chief.
Human Resources Director Michelle Kasayoshi told the council the exception applies when the city certifies a critically needed position cannot be filled within the 180-day waiting period and the governing body approves the appointment in a public hearing. Kasayoshi said DeCunha served 29 years with the department and had recently retired on Dec. 30, 2025; the appointment will last no more than six months and is limited by CalPERS to 960 hours in a fiscal year. Kasayoshi said compensation will be within the current deputy fire chief salary range and that funding will come from vacancy savings, with no additional benefits.
Councilmember Howard moved to approve the staff recommendation and Councilmember Gee seconded; a roll-call vote was unanimous in favor.
What’s next: staff will complete any required CalPERS approvals and process the appointment upon receipt of those approvals; the appointment will end when the incumbent returns or when the 960‑hour cap is reached, whichever comes first.
