Council honors outgoing public‑works director, appoints interim director and approves temporary dispatcher exception

The Piedmont City Council on July 7 issued a proclamation recognizing Public Works Director Daniel Gonzalez for more than five years of service and a long list of infrastructure accomplishments, including storm and sanitary sewer work tied to an EPA consent decree, sidewalk repairs and tree‑management projects.

Following the proclamation and public tributes, the council considered Agenda Item 7 to appoint Richard Cunningham as interim public works director while the city conducts a recruitment for a permanent replacement. Staff said Cunningham has more than 35 years of municipal experience and has helped the city as a part‑time project manager; Cunningham told the council he has 14 years of service within Piedmont public works and would serve full time during the transition. Council Member Long moved the appointment, Council Member Plimier seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.

On Agenda Item 8, the council approved a CalPERS exception that temporarily re‑engages a retired annuitant, Rachel Perez, as a dispatcher to support training amid high turnover. Police leadership (identified in the transcript as Chief Shavings) said Perez had 23 years with the agency and would provide up to 960 hours of assistance for training new staff. Council Member Long moved and Council Member Plimier seconded; the council voted unanimously to authorize the exception and an employment agreement.

The proclamation, the interim appointment and the CalPERS exception were all approved without opposition. Council thanked Gonzalez for his service and staff indicated they will begin the recruitment process for a permanent public works director while Cunningham bridges operations.