DOWNEY - Fire Chief Jeff Turner, who has expressed a desire to retire at the end of this year, will stay with the city in 2010 but in a part-time role, according to an agreement approved by the City Council on Tuesday.The one-year deal keeps Turner as fire chief but downgrades the position to part-time. He will work under the direction of the city manager. Mayor Mario Guerra said the city will save money by avoiding paying into CalPERS, the state retirement system. According to a staff report by assistant city manager Lee Powell, the city will save $7,410 per month when Turner becomes a part-time employee Jan. 1. Turner will be paid an hourly rate of $91.96. In his new role, Turner will be expected to: •Attend City Council meetings •Respond to council members' inquires regarding fire safety •Provide a "smooth transition" for the new fire chief •Work with fire employee groups to maintain good labor relations. --Eric Pierce

********** Published: November 13, 2009 - Volume 8 - Issue 30