REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
AND RECORD OF ACTION
March 15, 2022
FROM
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff/Coroner/Public Administrator
SUBJECT
Title
Employment Contract with Dr. Chanikarn Lopez to Provide Forensic Pathology Services
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
1. Terminate Employment Contract No. 17-405 and approve Employment Contract with Dr. Chanikarn Lopez (formerly Dr. Chanikarn Changsri) to provide services as a part-time Forensic Pathologist effective March 26, 2022 through March 25, 2025, for an estimated annual cost of $164,425 (Salary - $156,000, Benefits - $8,425).
2. Authorize the Sheriff/Coroner/Public Administrator, Undersheriff, or Assistant Sheriff to execute amendments to the contract to extend the contract term for a maximum of two successive one-year periods, on behalf of the County, subject to County Counsel review.
3. Direct the Sheriff/Coroner/Public Administrator, Undersheriff, or Assistant Sheriff to transmit all amendments in relation to the contract to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors within 30 days of execution.
(Presenter: John Ades, Deputy Chief, 387-3760)
Body
COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Operate in a Fiscally-Responsible and Business-Like Manner.
Provide for the Safety, Health and Social Service Needs of County Residents.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Approval of this item will not result in the use of additional Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost). This position is assigned to the Sheriff/Coroner/Public Administrator (Department), Coroner’s Division and the estimated annual cost is $164,425 (Salary - $156,000, Benefits - $8,425). Sufficient appropriation is included in the Department’s 2021-22 budget and will be included in future recommended budgets.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
In accordance with the provisions in Title 3, Division 2, Part 3, Chapter 10 of the California Government Code (§27491 et seq.), the Coroner of San Bernardino County may at his discretion, cause a postmortem pathological examination or autopsy to be made on the bodies of persons who die in the County, when an inquiry is necessary under the provisions of law to determine the cause of death.
On June 13, 2017 (Item No. 92), the Board of Supervisors (Board) approved employment contract No. 17-405 with Dr. Chanikarn Lopez (formerly Dr. Chanikarn Changsri) to provide services as Chief Forensic Pathologist for the period of July 8, 2017 through July 7, 2020, with two one-year options to extend the contract term. The Department exercised the two options to extend the term on June 1, 2020 and on June 7, 2021 respectively, with County Counsel’s review and approval, through July 7, 2022.
Given the demanding caseload of the Coroner’s Division and limited availability of Forensic Pathologists, the Department will be hiring a new Chief Forensic Pathologist and recommends a new employment contract with Dr. Lopez to continue to supplement services as a part-time Forensic Pathologist for the period of March 26, 2022 through March 25, 2025, with the option to extend the term of the contract for two additional one-year periods, subject to County Counsel review. The proposed new contract will provide an updated scope of work and establish rates for services to be provided by Dr. Lopez. Approval of the contract will allow for supplemental pathologist services to reduce or avoid delays in service to decedent’s families or adverse effects impacting the timely disposition of felony criminal cases and the resolution of civil litigation.
Either party may terminate the contract at any time without cause with 14-days’ advance written notice to the other party. The contract may be terminated for just cause immediately by the County. The employment contract stipulates that Dr. Lopez will only receive the minimum legally required benefits.
PROCUREMENT
The recommendation to approve a new employment contract with Dr. Lopez is based on her past performance as a Chief Forensic Pathologist, as well as her skills and experience meeting the requirements of this position.
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Cynthia O’Neill, Principal Assistant County Counsel, 387-5455) on February 17, 2022; Human Resources (Gina King, Division Chief, 387-5571) on February 17, 2022; Finance (Yael Verduzco, Administrative Analyst, 387-5285) on February 23, 2022; and County Finance and Administration (Robert Saldana, Deputy Executive Officer, 387-5423) on February 28, 2022.