TO:
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
THROUGH:
Talyn Mirzakhanian, City Manager
FROM:
Lisa Jenkins, Human Resources Director
SUBJECT:Title
Consideration of a Resolution Appointing Joseph DeFrancesco as Interim Public Works Director and Approval of an Employment Agreement with Joseph DeFrancesco (No Budget Impact) (Human Resources Director Jenkins).
(Estimated Time: 5 Mins.)
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 26-0003
Body
_________________________________________________________
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 26-0003.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
There are no fiscal implications associated with the recommended action, as the existing budget for the Public Works Director's salary will be utilized for the Interim Director’s salary.
BACKGROUND:
In order to ensure the continuity of operations within the Public Works Department and continue the trajectory of capital improvement projects, the City Manager recommends bringing on board an interim director until a permanent replacement for the Public Works Director position can be identified. The California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) governs the rules and regulations for the hiring of retirees from the pension system after the date of retirement. The attached resolution and employment agreement will ensure that CalPERS regulations are met in onboarding Interim Public Works Director Joseph DeFrancesco.
DISCUSSION:
Since the retirement of the former Public Works Director on July 4, 2025, the position has remained vacant. The City partnered with an executive recruitment firm in July 2025 to assist in the search for the next Public Works Director and has been actively recruiting for the next permanent Public Works Director since the position has been vacant. To ensure the continuity of operations within the Public Works Department during this period, the City initially appointed Mr. Toufic “Ted” Semaan as the Interim Public Works Director effective in July 2025. However, his appointment concluded on January 8, 2026, in compliance with CalPERS regulations, which state, “A retired annuitant appointed… shall not work more than 960 hours each fiscal year” (CalPERS § 21229(a)).
The recruitment process for the Public Works Director position is still underway, but the initial rounds of interviews did not yield a successful candidate. The City Manager recommends appointing another qualified interim director who has specialized knowledge and experience in Public Works, municipal leadership, and public sector management. This appointment aims to ensure continuity of operations by appointing another individual to lead the department during the ongoing search for the City’s next Public Works Director.
Mr. Joseph DeFrancesco has been identified as a highly qualified candidate to be the Interim Public Works Director for the City. During his public sector career, he held various leadership positions in the City of Orange from 1982 until his retirement as Public Works Director in 2017. With over 35 years of experience in the Public Works Department, he has extensive knowledge of administrative practices, including budgeting, contract negotiations, personnel management, labor relations, resource management programs, intergovernmental relations, and regulatory compliance.
Mr. DeFrancesco holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business and Management from the University of Redlands and possesses Water Distribution Operator Grade D5 and Water Treatment Operator Grade T2 certificates from the California State Water Resources Control Board. His expertise in public works utilities operations, budget management, and leadership uniquely qualifies him for the role of Public Works Director. The attached resolution fulfills CalPERS requirements for appointing Mr. Francesco in this interim position.
Staff is recommending that the Council adopt the attached Resolution, making the interim appointment effective Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
PUBLIC OUTREACH:
After analysis, staff determined that public outreach was not required for this issue.
LEGAL REVIEW:
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed this report, resolution and employment agreement, and determined that no additional legal analysis is necessary.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution No. 26-0003
2. Employment Agreement - Joseph DeFrancesco