TO:
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
THROUGH:
Bruce Moe, City Manager
FROM:
Lisa Jenkins, Human Resources Director
SUBJECT:Title
Consideration of a Resolution Appointing Onyx Jones as Interim Finance Director and Approval of an Employment Agreement with Onyx Jones (Human Resources Director Jenkins).
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 24-0084
Body
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RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 24-0084.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
There are no fiscal implications associated with the recommended action, as the existing budget for the Finance Director salary and benefits will be utilized for the Interim Director’s salary
BACKGROUND:
In order to ensure the continuity of operations within the Finance Department and the successful implementation of major finance projects, the City Manager recommends bringing on board an interim director until a permanent replacement for the Finance 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 Finance Director Onyx Jones.
DISCUSSION:
As the City Council is aware, Finance Director Steve Charelian announced his retirement from the City. To ensure the continuity of operations and effective project management of significant finance projects, the City Manager recommends the appointment of a qualified interim director who has specialized knowledge and experience in finance, municipal leadership, and team building.
Ms. Onyx Jones served in multiple finance and leadership roles for the Cities of Rialto, Pomona, and Culver City, culminating her municipal government career in the role of Assistant City Manager. Since her retirement from the City of Culver City, she continues to stay engaged in the field through her work as a consultant and owner of Jones Consulting, and is available for and interested in the Interim Finance Director role with the City.
In her professional background, Ms. Jones implemented major projects such as Utility User Tax (UTT) revenue measures, writing of formal budget manuals, implementing multi-million dollar capital improvement projects, and completing yearly budgets and audited financials. In addition, she was previously responsible for the investment of idle public funds and all cash management programs for the City, the Financing Authority, the Redevelopment Agency, and other governmental entities under the policy direction of the City Council. Her relevant experience includes assisting the City Manager with the development and implementation of City policies and the overall day-to-day operation of the City with coordination responsibilities for the administrative and operating departments. Her expertise in debt management and refinancing, RFP processes, and equity initiatives in local government, background in and familiarity with municipal government financial operations and procedures, make her uniquely qualified to fill the role of Interim Finance Director. The attached Resolution fulfills CalPERS requirements to appoint Ms. Jones to the interim role.
Staff is recommending that the Council adopt the attached Resolution, making the interim appointment effective Wednesday, July 24, 2024.
PUBLIC OUTREACH:
After analysis, staff determined that public outreach was not required for this issue.
LEGAL REVIEW:
The City Attorney has reviewed this report and determined that no additional legal analysis is necessary.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution No. 24-0084
2. Employment Agreement - Onyx Jones