A. Prior to action, Mayor to read: "Pursuant to Government Code section 54953(c)(3), the compensation for the Interim Fire Chief is $111.85 per hour."

B. Adopt a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Rocklin Appointing Micheal Despain as Interim Fire Chief, and approving an Employment Agreement.

Chief William Hack recently announced his retirement as Fire Chief for the City of Rocklin Fire Department, having served nearly 3 years in the position. His last day with the City will be April 3, 2020.

In order to provide continuity of leadership within the Fire Department while the City recruits for a new permanent Chief, staff recommends the appointment of an interim Fire Chief. CalPERS regulations allow the City Council to appoint a qualified retired annuitant to fill the vacant position on an interim basis during the active recruitment for a permanent replacement. The interim appointee is limited to 960 work hours per fiscal year.

Staff conducted a search for a qualified candidate to serve as the interim Fire Chief and recommends the appointment of Micheal Despain to the position.

Chief Despain has served as the Fire Chief for the City of Lincoln, Nebraska, since July of 2016, and retired from his position this month. His education and career as a fire and life safety professional span a period of more than 20 years, during which time he earned a Master of Arts in Human Resources Management, and a designation as an Executive Fire Officer from the National Fire Academy.

Over the years, Chief Despain has filled various executive level positions with growing responsibility, including eight (8) years as the Interim Fire Chief or Fire Chief for the cities of Fresno, Clovis and Lincoln, Nebraska. He has also worked as a professional consultant to facilitate strategic planning, efficiency studies, standards of coverage development and training programs. Further information regarding Chief Despain’s qualifications and involvement with various professional organizations is available on his resume attached to this staff report as Exhibit A.

The cost associated with entering this Agreement is within the budget for FY 2019/20 and will be considered in determining the budget for FY 2020/21.