Clayton council appoints CalPERS retiree Donald Mort as interim police chief

The Clayton City Council unanimously appointed CalPERS retired annuitant Donald Mort as Interim Chief of Police at its Dec. 17 meeting.

City Manager Kris Lofthus presented an overview of the interim appointment and the ongoing Police Chief recruitment, noting the need for an immediate interim leader. Supervisor Ken Carlson spoke in support of Mort’s hiring during public comment. Councilmember Wan moved the resolution and Vice Mayor Trupiano seconded; the motion passed 5-0.

The resolution cited California Government Code Section 21221(h) as the basis for appointing a CalPERS retired annuitant to the interim post. The council did not specify the effective start date or contract length in the public minutes beyond the adoption of the resolution; those contractual details were not specified in the record provided.

Mayor Diaz and other councilmembers thanked those involved in the recruitment process. The City Manager also noted that Police Chief McEachin’s last day with the city is Dec. 18, which the council acknowledged during the meeting.

The council’s action was a formal appointment only; no additional staffing or budget authorizations tied to the appointment were detailed in the minutes. The item will be reflected in the city’s personnel records and subsequent council agendas if additional contract approvals or confirmations are required.