REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Actions to Approve Various New and Modified Class Specifications, Adopt a Resolution Approving and Adopting Updated Salary Plans for Various Unclassified Positions, and Approve the Related Budget Amendment [Council Pillar: Manage Strategically Our Workforce Capacity and Resources]
Report
BACKGROUND
Sections 4 and 6 of the Personnel and Salary Resolution require City Council approval of new job classifications and specifications. Section 9 of the Personnel and Salary Resolution requires City Council approval of compensation plans for both classified and unclassified positions. California Code Regulations Section 570.5 governs and requires the adoption of updated publicly available salary schedules by the governing body. The proposed Council action satisfies these applicable requirements.
Modified Class Specifications
The minimum qualifications for Electric Crew Foreperson (Job Code 550), Service Coordinator Inspector (Job Code 792), and Troubleshooter (Job Code 860), have been modified to update the Class A driver’s license as a desirable requirement, rather than a mandatory one.
The Senior Plans Examiner (Job Code 773) class specification has been revised to broaden the minimum qualifications. Currently, the position requires experience from another city and/or county agency; the proposed modification makes public agency experience desirable rather than mandatory.
The foregoing modifications to specifications for various classified positions were approved by the Civil Service Commission on February 10, 2020.
The Administration recommends retitling the unclassified position of Traffic Engineer (Job Code 171) to Transportation Manager in order to better align with the scope and level of duties performed for this position. The class specification has been modified to reflect the current licensing requirements needed for the position.
New Class Specifications
The Administration recommends the creation of a new class specification titled Chief Assistant City Attorney to meet the structural and increasing needs of the City Attorney’s Office.
Approval and Adoption of the Salary Plans for Various Unclassified
The City of Santa Clara contracts with the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) to provide retirement benefits for employees in both classified and unclassified positions. When the City makes modifications to the salary schedules for its classified or unclassified positions, the City Council must approve and adopt the publicly available salary schedules to comply with California Code of Regulations (CCR) section 570.5.
The Unclassified Salary Plan has been updated to reflect the job title change for Transportation Manager (formerly Traffic Engineer) (Job Code 171). The updates to the salary plan also includes the addition of the Chief Assistant City Attorney classification. These proposed updates to the Unclassified Salary Plan are recommended to be effective February 23, 2020.
DISCUSSION
Modification of the Electric Crew Foreperson Class Specification
The Human Resources Department in coordination with Silicon Valley Power has modified the class specification for Electric Crew Foreperson (Job Code 550). Currently, the class specification requires a valid Class A driver’s license or the ability to obtain a Class A license within six months of employment. The modification to the class specification is to make the Class A driver’s license requirement desirable rather than mandatory.
Electric Crew Foreperson (Job Code 550) - The Electric Crew Foreperson is responsible for supervising and assisting in the operation, maintenance, and construction of electric distribution and transmission systems.
Modification of the Service Coordinator Inspector Class Specification
The Human Resources Department in coordination with Silicon Valley Power has modified the class specification for Service Coordinator Inspector (Job Code 792). Currently, the class specification requires a valid Class A driver’s license or the ability to obtain a Class A license within six months of employment. The modification to the class specification is to make the Class A driver’s license requirement desirable rather than mandatory.
Service Coordinator Inspector (Job Code 792) - The Service Coordinator Inspector is responsible for serving as the liaison between the City and contractors, as well as inspecting contractor work to ensure compliance.
Modification of the Troubleshooter Class Specification
The Human Resources Department in coordination with Silicon Valley Power has modified the class specification for Troubleshooter (Job Code 860). Currently, the class specification requires a valid Class A driver’s license or the ability to obtain a Class A license within six months of employment. The modification to the class specification is to make the Class A driver’s license requirement desirable rather than mandatory.
Troubleshooter (Job Code 860) - The Troubleshooter is responsible for investigating and dispatching out issues related to electric distribution and street lighting.
Modification of the Senior Plans Examiner Class Specification
The Human Resources Department has coordinated with the Community Development Department to modify the class specification for Senior Plans Examiner (Job Code 773). The current minimum qualifications require five years of Plans Examiner experience or equivalent with a City and/or County agency. The last few recruitments have yielded a low applicant pool, so the interpretation of the minimum qualifications was loosely defined by the previous Human Resources Department administration in order to broaden the candidate pool. In order to be aligned with best practice and transparent with the interpretation of the minimum qualifications, the classification specification is proposed to be updated to reflect the broader interpretation of the minimum qualification screening and to broaden the candidate pool. It is proposed that experience as a Plans Examiner or equivalent is desirable with a City and/or County agency to be in alignment with past screening practice and to broaden the candidate pool.
Senior Plans Examiner (Job Code 773) - The Senior Plans Examiner is responsible for checking building permit applications for residential, commercial and industrial construction, including reviewing construction, site plans and structural calculations that are submitted by architects, engineers, contractors and owners to ensure compliance with building codes and ordinances.
Retitle and Modification of the Transportation Manager (formerly Traffic Engineer) Class Specification
The Human Resources Department coordinated with the Public Works Department to retitle and modify the class specification for Transportation Manager (formerly Traffic Engineer) (Job Code 171). It is proposed to update the classification title to accurately reflect the level of work which the position is performing. The class specification was also modified to further distinguish between the higher and lower level duties. Currently, the minimum qualifications require licensure as a registered Civil Engineer. The minimum qualifications have been updated to include licensure as a registered Traffic Engineer, which better aligns with the classification duties. Certification as an Arborist from the International Society of Arboriculture will be desirable.
Transportation Manager (formerly Traffic Engineer) (Job Code 171) - with an annual salary range of approximately $173,988.00 - $225,168.00. The Transportation Manager is responsible for the direct supervision and monitoring of activities of the Traffic Engineer Division.
Creation of the Chief Assistant City Attorney Class Specification
The Human Resources Department coordinated with the City Attorney’s Office to create a new classification titled Chief Assistant City Attorney. This classification serves as second in command to the City Attorney. This classification has been created to add an additional layer of management to assist with setting the strategic goals and priorities for the Office and to provide legal services on matters initiated by the City Council, City Manager’s Office, and City Departments. This position will also perform the most complex work within the Office and provide guidance to staff on work assignments. The proposed salary is in align with internal equity of the Attorney series.
Chief Assistant City Attorney - with an annual salary range of approximately $220,068.00 - $284,804.40. The Chief Assistant City Attorney is responsible for performing the most complex work and is responsible for managing and directing employees in the City Attorney’s Office.
Approval and Adoption of the Salary Plan for Unclassified Positions
The Unclassified Salary Plan is recommended to be modified to:
Retitle Transportation Manager (formerly Traffic Engineer) (Job Code 171) - with an annual salary range of approximately $173,988.00 - $225,168.00; and
Create the Chief Assistant City Attorney classification - with an annual salary range of approximately $220,068.00 - $284,804.40.
Approve Related Budget Amendments
As part of the Adopted Biennial Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2019/2020 and FY 2020/21, Council approved the addition of 1.0 Assistant City Attorney. Due to the immediate need in the City Attorney’s Office, staff is recommending to expediate the creation of this position in Fiscal Year 2019/2020 to provide additional support and to elevate the level from Assistant City Attorney to Chief Assistant City Attorney.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(5) in that it is a governmental organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact to modify or retitle class specifications for classified and unclassified positions.
The impact to the Fiscal Year 2019/20 Operating Budget to add 1.0 Chief Assistant City Attorney for the remainder of the fiscal year is $97,000. The budget amendment below allocates funding from the Budget Stabilization Reserve to the City Attorney’s Office to fund an estimated three months of salaries and benefits for the Chief Assistant City Attorney for the remainder of FY 2019/20. The additional cost impact of approximately $45,000 to FY 2020/21 associated with the reclassification will be included as part of the budget review process.
Budget Amendment
FY 2019/20
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Current |
Increase/ (Decrease) |
Revised |
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General Fund |
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Expenditures |
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City Attorney’s Office - Salaries and Benefits |
$1,291,616 |
$97,000 |
$1,388,616 |
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Reserves |
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Budget Stabilization Reserve |
$80,166,512 |
($97,000) |
$80,069,512 |
COORDINATION
This report has been coordinated with the Finance Department and City Attorney’s Office.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov> or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
1. Approve modifications to various class specifications: Revise the Electric Crew Foreperson (Job Code 550) Class Specification; Revise the Service Coordinator Inspector (Job Code 792) Class Specification; Revise the Troubleshooter (Job Code 860) Class Specification; Revise the Senior Plans Examiner (Job Code 773) Class Specification; Revise and retitle the Transportation Manager (Job Code 171; formerly Traffic Engineer) Class Specification; and Create the Chief Assistant City Attorney Class Specification;
2. Adopt a Resolution to approve the revised salary plans for various unclassified positions to satisfy the requirements of California Code of Regulations Section 570.5; and
3. Add 1.0 Chief Assistant City Attorney position in FY 2019/20, delete 1.0 Assistant City Attorney in FY 2020/21 and approve the related budget amendment.
Staff
Reviewed by: Aracely Azevedo, Director, Human Resources
Approved by: Deanna J. Santana, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Electric Crew Foreperson (Job Code 550) Class Specification
2. Service Coordinator Inspector (Job Code 792) Class Specification
3. Troubleshooter (Job Code 860) Class Specification
4. Senior Plans Examiner (Job Code 773) Class Specification
5. Transportation Manager (Job Code 171; formerly Traffic Engineer) Class Specification
6. Chief Assistant City Attorney Class Specification
7. Unclassified Elected Salary Plan (effective 2020-02-23) approved 2020-02-25
8. Resolution