HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council - 2025-26 RESOLUTION NO. 2025 - 26
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON
BEACH APPOINTING ROBERT TORREZ AS INTERIM
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
WHEREAS, Government Code Section 21221(h) of the Public Employees' Retirement
Law permits the governing body to appoint a CalPERS retiree to a vacant position requiring
specialized skills during recruitment for a permanent appointment, and provides that such
appointment will not subject the retired person to reinstatement from retirement or loss of benefits
so long as it is a single appointment that does not exceed 960 hours in a fiscal year; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach desires to appoint Robert
Torrez as an Interim appointment retired annuitant to the vacant position of Chief Financial Officer
for the City of Huntington Beach under Government Code 21221(h), effective March 31, 2025;
and
WHEREAS,an appointment under Government Code Section 21221(h)requires the retiree
is appointed into the interim appointment during recruitment for a permanent appointment; and
WHEREAS, the governing body has authorized the search for a permanent appointment
on August 13, 2024, and
WHEREAS, this Government Code Section 21221(h) appointment shall only be made
once and therefore will end on the pay period end date immediately preceding the beginning of the
pay period of the permanent appointment,or by not later than March 31,2026,whichever is earlier;
and
WHEREAS, the entire employment agreement, contract or appointment document
between Robert Torrez and the City of Huntington Beach has been reviewed by this body and is
attached herein; and
WHEREAS,the compensation paid to retirees cannot be less than the minimum nor exceed
the maximum monthly base salary paid to other employees performing comparable duties,divided
by 173.333 to equal the hourly rate; and
WHEREAS, the maximum monthly base salary for this position is $18,724.84 and the
hourly equivalent is$108.03;the minimum monthly base salary for this position is$13,972.13 and
the hourly equivalent is $80.61; and
WHEREAS, the hourly rate paid to Robert Torrez will be $108.03; and
WHEREAS, Robert Torrez has not and will not receive any other benefit, incentive,
compensation in lieu of benefit or other form of compensation in addition to this hourly pay rate;
and
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-26
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the City Council of the City of
Huntington Beach hereby certifies the nature of the employment of Robert Torrez as described 4111
herein and detailed in the attached employment agreement/contract/appointment document and
that this appointment is necessary to fill the critically needed position of Chief Financial Officer
for the City of Huntington Beach by Robert Torrez,because the City of Huntington Beach requires
experienced Financial oversight at the department head level for the Finance Department serving
a full service organization consisting of eleven departments and approximately 1,500 full time and
part time employees.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach at a
regular meeting thereof held on the WI day of Mfth 2025. ,- �Tode"...-N„..
Mayor
REVIEWED AND APPROVED: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
rty Manager Ci Attorney
INITIATED AND APPROVED:
kAl -------pa - -
Director of Human Resources
25-16145/371657
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN
THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH AND ROBERT TORREZ
THIS AGREEMENT is entered into this 1811' day of March 2025, between the City of
Huntington Beach, a Charter City and California municipal corporation ("City,") and ROBERT
TORREZ, ("Torrez").
RECITALS
The.City Manager may, appoint an Interim Chief Financial Officer to assist the.City, at
such salaries or compensation as the Council may by ordinance or resolution prescribe; and
The City desires to temporarily employ the services of Torrez as an Interim Chief Financial
Officer of the City of Huntington Beach; and
It is the desire of the City to provide certain compensation, establish certain conditions of
employment,and to set working conditions of Torrez; and
It is the desire of the City to: .
(1) Secure and retain the services of Torrez on a temporary basis as set forth herein,
and to provide inducement for him to remain in such employment; and
(2) To provide a means for terminating Torrez's service at such time as he may be
unable fully to discharge his duties, the law requires, or when City may otherwise desire to
terminate his employ; and
By entering this Agreement, Torrez desires to accept employment as an Interim Chief
Financial Officer of the City.
NOW,THEREFORE,in consideration of the mutual covenants here contained,.the parties
agree as follows: .
SECTION 1. DUTIES. City agrees to employ Torrez as an Interim Chief Financial
Officer of the City to perform the functions and duties of that office including under City
Manager's direction, generally providing department management and oversight as further set
forth in the Class Specification of Chief Financial Officer attached hereto as Exhibit "A," the
Municipal Code of the City of Huntington Beach and the City Charter,and to perform other.legally
1
permissible duties and.functions as Chief Financial Officer as the City Manager shall from time-
to-time assign. Torrez shall devote his full attention and effort to the office and perform the
mentioned duties and functions in a professional manner.
SECTION 2. STATUS AND TERM.
(a) Torrez shall serve for a definite term of one year commencing March 31,2025,and
ending on the pay period end date immediately preceding the beginning of the pay period of the
permanent appointment,or by not later than March 31,2026 (Temporary Basis). Notwithstanding
the Term of Employment, Torrez shall serve at the pleasure of the. City Manager and shall be.
considered an at-will employee of the City in the capacity of retired annuitant,in compliance with
all requirements and limitations as listed in Government Code Sections 7522.56 and 21221(h),and.
any other relevant provisions of law, commencing upon execution of this agreement, and not to
exceed.a term of one(1)year. Torrez's total work hours from the effective date of this Agreement
through March 31, 2026 shall not exceed nine hundred sixty (960) hours per fiscal year, unless
mutually:agreed-to by the City Manager arid Torrez.
(b) Nothing in this Agreement shall.prevent, limit or otherwise interfere with the right
of the City Manager to terminate the employment of Torrez at any time. .
SECTION 3. SALARY. City agrees to pay Torrez for his services rendered pursuant to
this Agreement at Non-Associated Range NA0269, at $108.03 per hour (hourly salary), of the
City's classification and compensation plan or resolutions or ordinances from time-to-time enacted
that govern such compensation for the position of Chief Financial Officer.
SECTION 4. OTHER BENEFITS. Torrez shall receive no benefits other-than his . .
hourly salary.
SECTION 5. TERMINATION.
(a)- The City Manager may terminate the employment of Torrez at any time without
advance notice;without just cause,and without payment of severance.
(b) In:the event Torrez voluntarily resigns,Torrez shall give the City seven(7)calendar
days written notice prior to the last workday,unless the City Manager and Torrez otherwise agree.
2
(c) It is understood that after notice of termination in any form, Torrez and the City.
will cooperate to provide for an orderly transition.
SECTION 6. FINANCIAL.DISCLOSURE.
(a) • Torrez shall follow all State laws including the Political Reform Act. In furtherance
thereof, Torrez shall report to the City any ownership interest in real property within the County..
of Orange,excluding personal residence. Such reporting shall be made in writing by Torrez to the
City within ten(10)calendar days of the execution of this Agreement and,further,within ten(10)
calendar days of acquisition of that interest in real property. Additionally, Torrez shall report in
writing to the City any financial interest greater than Ten Thousand Dollars ($10;000) in value in
a firm doing work for the City or from whom the City intends to make a purchase immediately.
upon receipt of notice by Torrez of the intended work or purchase.
(b) In addition, Torrez shall annually complete and file a Form 700 Statement of
Economic Interest with the City Clerk.
SECTION 7. INDEMNIFICATION. City shall defend and indemnify Torrez any action,
including but not limited to any: tort, professional liability claim or demand, or other noncriminal.
legal, equitable or administrative action, whether groundless or otherwise, arising out of an alleged
act or omission occurring in the performance of Torrez's duties as an employee or officer of City,
other than an action brought by City against Torrez, or an action filed against City by Torrez. In
addition, the City shall reimburse Torrez documented reasonable expenses for the travel, lodging,
meals, of Torrez should Torrez be subject to such, should an action be pending after termination of
Torrez. City shall be responsible for and have authority to compromise and settle any action, with
prior consultation with Torrez, and pay the amount of any settlement or judgment rendered on that
action. Torrez shall cooperate fully with City in the settlement, compromise, preparation of the
defense, or trial of any such action.
SECTION 8. GENERAL PROVISIONS.
(a) The text herein, including recitals, shall constitute the entire Agreement between
the parties.
(b) This Agreement shall become effective upon execution of this agreement..
3
(c) If any provision, or any portion of any provision, contained in this Agreement is
held unconstitutional, invalid, or unenforceable, the remainder of this Agreement, or any portion
of it, shall be deemed severable, shall not be affected and shall remain in full force and effect.
(d) No amendment of this Agreement shall be effective unless in writing and signed by
both parties here.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, City has caused this Agreement to be signed and executed on
its behalf by City Council, and Torrez has signed and executed this Agreement, both in duplicate,
the day and year first above written.
ROBERT TORREZ
IDA, •
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
City Manager City Attorney
4
3/27/25,10:32 AM City of Huntington Beach-Class Specification Bulletin
Exhibit"A"
City of Huntington Beach
".�w' CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
CLASS CODE 0518 SALARY
$80.61-$108.03 Hourly
$6,449.04-$8,642.32 Biweekly
$13,972.92-$18,725.03 Monthly
$167,675.04-$224,700.32 Annually
ESTABLISHED DATE February 01,2006 REVISION DATE February 16,2023
Description
DUTIES SUMMARY
Under general direction of the City Administrator,performs responsible supervisory and administrative work in
planning,organizing,coordinating and directing the financial and central services activities of the City,which
include accounting, banking, budget and research,cash collection and management, utility billing,accounts
receivables, business tax management,central stores/warehouse, purchasing, reprographic and mail delivery
services;coordinates assigned activities with other City departments and outside agencies;and provides highly
responsible and complex administrative support to the City Administrator.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
The Chief Financial Officer receives general administrative direction from the City Administrator and exercises
direct supervision over management,supervisory,professional,technical and clerical staff. This classification is
designated as"at will." An "at will"designation excludes a position from the competitive service of the City and the
City's Classification Plan. The position requires an advanced knowledge of municipal finance, budgeting and
purchasing for the development and administration of programs designed to address primary areas of City service.
The incumbent is expected to exercise independent Judgment in establishing efficient and effective financial
operations consistent with City Council policies and administrative guidelines established by the City Administrator.
Examples of Essential Duties
Assists in directing the fiscal management of the City, including budget preparation and monitoring, revenue
forecasting,general accounting,financial reporting,pre-auditing and internal controls,debt issuance and
administration,capital financing,financial systems design, implementation and control;recommends and
administers policies and procedures.
Plans,directs and coordinates the administration of the City's finance, purchasing, utility billing,business licensing,
reprographic and mail services; recommends policies and implements procedures to conduct activities;ensures
that all activities are conducted in accordance with related laws,ordinances, rules and regulations;manages the
development and implementation of the goals,objectives,policies and priorities for each assigned service area;
establishes,within City policy,appropriate service and staffing levels;allocates resources accordingly.
https:/Iwww.govemmentjobs.com/careers/huntingtonbeach/classspecs/newprint/72093 1/3
3/27/25,.10:32 AM City of Huntington Beach=Class Specification Bulletin
Assists:in ensuring-that the financial needs of the City are met;raises funds through creative financing, bond issues,
certificates of participation and lease purchase financing;evaluates alternative financing methods for all major
acquIsitions;supervises and controls capital financing projects;:essists in negotiating major fnancial,transactions;
directs and coordinates revenue:collection,disbursement activities,purchasing,and inventory control functions.
Advises department heads and the City Administrator In the review of estimates and proposed budget allocations
for the City and the Redevelopment Agency;estimates anticipated revenues;conducts fiscal analyses and submits
data:end reports:for use in evaluating operating department proposals;-provides the City Administrator and
department heads with timely and informative financial reports and statements; manages and participates in the -
development and administration of the Finance budget;directs the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing,
equipment,materials,and supplies.
Determines,with the advice of the City Attorney when necessary,the regularity,legality,and correctness of claims,
demands and charges;draws warrants upon the City Treasurer for all claims and demands that are approved;
specifies the purpose for which drawn and the fund from which payment Is made;supervises and is responsible for
'the proper accounting,collecting,management and record keeping of all revenues and expenditures;conducts
studies:or oversees the conduct of complex studies relating to the development of rates,fees and user charges;
: prepares and supervises the preparation of reports:to the State Controller, County Auditor Controller and other
Federal,State or County agencies;may serve on the City's negotiation team for labor contracts;calculates costs of
proposals and various scenarios and may present information in sessions with the:City Council;serves as the
liaison to the Finance Board.
Selects,trains, motivates and evaluates Finance personnel;provides or coordinates staff training;works with
employees to correct performance deficiencies;implements discipline and termination procedures;plans,directs
and coordinates work plans through subordinate level managers;meets with staff to identify and resolve problems;'
assigns projects and program areas of responsibility;reviews and evaluates work methods and procedures;
performs other related duties.
The preceding duties have been provided as examples of the essential types of work performed by positions Within
this job classification. The City,at its discretion;may add;modify, change or rescind work assignments as needed
Minimum Qualifications
Any combination of education, training,and experience that Would likely provide the knowledge,skills, and abilities
to successfully perform in the position Is qualifying.A typical combination includes:
Knowledge of: Principles and practices of public administration, including budget preparation, purchasing,
program analysis,and revenue forecasting;accounting principles, practices and methods;public revenue.
resources;principles of municipal debt financing;ordinances, resolutions and-laws affecting municipal financial
- Operations;methods and techniques of public administration research,analysis and report preparation;legislation
related to public agency finance,including grant accounting and bond issuances;financial planning;research
methods and techniques and methods of report presentation;principles of personnel administration,supervision
and training;concepts of automated financial management information systems. Principles and practices of cash
collection and cash management.
•
htlps://Www.governmentjobs.corn/careers/huntingtonbeach/classspecs/newprint/72093 2/3
3/27/25,1032 AM City of Huntington Beach-Class Specification Bulletin
• Ability to: Plan,organize, direct and coordinate the work of management,supervisory, professional and technical
personnel;delegate authority and responsibility;select,supervise,train and evaluate staff; provide administrative
and professional leadership and direction for activities related to finance and central services;identify and respond
to community and City Council issues,concerns and needs;develop,implement and administer goals,objectives
and procedures for providing effective finance and purchasing services; prepare and administer large and complex
budgets;allocate limited resources in-a cost effective manner;analyze problems,Identify alternative solutions,
project consequencesof proposed actions and Implement recommendations in support of goals; research,analyze
-and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures and techniques;prepare clear and concise reports;
interpret and apply-Federal,State and local policies, procedures, laws and regulations; interpret financial
statements and cost accounting reports; administer contracts and ensure compliance with contract provisions;
communicate clearly and concisely,both orally and in writing;establish effective working relationships with those
contacted in.the course of work;develop and utilize a data processing system for processing City records including
general ledger,revenue and expenditure ledgers and other pertinent City records,data, information and statistics. .
Education: Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from a college or university with a major in accounting,finance,
business or public administration,-or closely related field,and including courses in advanced accounting,auditing,
cost accounting,and business law.A Master's degree or equivalent coursework In a related field•is preferred.
Experience: Six(6)years of responsible financial experience including at least four(4)years as a supervisor.
License/Certification: Due to the performance of field duties that may require the operation of a motor vehicle,a.
Valid California Driver's License and an acceptable driving record may be required. A valid Certified Public
Accountant credential is preferred.
Physical Task&Environmental Conditions
Work is primarily performed in an office environment and requires prolonged sitting,standing,walking,reaching,
twisting,turning,bending,and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires grasping, •
repetitive hand movement and-fine coordination to operate a personal computer in orderto prepare statistical j
reports and data. Additionally,the position requires near vision In reading correspondence and statistical data on
the computer. Reasonable,accommodation(s)for an individual with a qualified disability will be considered on a
case-by-case basis.
•
https://www governmentjobs.com/careers/huntingtonbeach/classspecs/newprint/72093 3/3
•
Res. No. 2025-26
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
COUNTY OF ORANGE ) ss:
CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH )
I, LISA LANE BARNES, the duly elected, qualified City Clerk of the
City of Huntington Beach, and ex-officio Clerk of the City Council of said City, do
hereby certify that the whole number of members of the City Council of the City of
Huntington Beach is seven; that the foregoing resolution was passed and adopted
by the affirmative vote of at least a majority of all the members of said City Council
at a Regular meeting thereof held on March 18, 2025 by the following vote:
AYES: Twining, Kennedy, Burns, Van Der Mark, Gruel, Williams
NOES: None
ABSENT: McKeon
ABSTAIN: None
VI 1 le
City Clerk and ex-officio Clerk of the
City Council of the City of
Huntington Beach, California