PITTSBURG — The city council agreed tonight to hire City Manager Marc Grisham on a contract for up to a year while it looks for his successor.

Grisham announced in August that he would retire and begin receiving his pension at the end of 2010.

"I'll work as a retiree until they put a new city manager in place," Grisham said.

The council approved the appointment by a 4-0 vote without debate, along with a slate of other items, with Councilman Ben Johnson absent.

The appointment is for six months beginning Jan. 1, 2011 and may be renewed for another six months if the council and Grisham agree, according to a report prepared by Assistant City Manager Marc Fox.

Grisham will lay out his goals for 2011 to the council on December 20.

The council plans to choose a recruiting firm to search for a new city manager at the same time, according to the report.

The city will pay Grisham a $19,328 per month, saving $58,975 compared to his current compensation package if he works the entire year.

Contact Rick Radin at 925-779-7166