REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Adopt a Resolution Amending the Classification Plan to Change the Classification Titles of Engineering Assistant 1/2 and Civil Engineer and Create the Classification of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Coordinator, and Update the Salary Resolution to Make Corresponding Changes to the Schedule of Pay and Increase the Salaries for GIS Specialist 1/2
Report
BACKGROUND
This report recommends amending the Classification Plan and the City’s Salary Resolution to change the Engineering Assistant 1/2 and Civil Engineer classification titles, create the new Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Coordinator classification, and update the salaries for the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Specialist 1/2 classifications.
EXISTING POLICY
City Charter Section 1104, entitled Pay Plan, states that amendments to the pay schedule may be adopted from time to time by City Council upon the recommendation of the City Manager.
City Charter Section 1103, Classification, states that additions or changes to the classification plan may be adopted from time to time by the City Council upon the recommendation of the City Manager.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” with 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.
DISCUSSION
Title Changes
Engineering Assistant 1/2 and Civil Engineer
The Department of Public Works has requested a classification title change for Engineering Assistant 1/2 and Civil Engineer to Engineer 1/2 and Civil Engineer - DPW. This request aligns with the Environmental Services Department's recently adopted naming conventions. The titles also align with those of comparable agencies, providing clarity for employees and potential job applicants.
New Classification
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Coordinator
The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Coordinator was added via a Service Level Adjustment in the FY 2025/26 Adopted Budget to establish a City GIS program, provide advanced analytical support, and maintain GIS data elements, thereby reducing reliance on Santa Clara County data and maps and enhancing data driven decision making.
Wage Adjustments
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Specialist 1/2
With the establishment of the City GIS program, staff completed a compensation review of the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Specialist 1/2 pay range for equity within the region. Staff recommends increasing the GIS Specialist 1/2 salary by 10.95% above the current salary to align the pay rate with approved comparable agencies.
Bargaining Unit Review
The Engineer 1/2, Civil Engineer - DPW, GIS Coordinator, and GIS Specialist 1/2 classifications are represented by SEA/ IFPTE Local 21. SEA/IFPTE Local 21 was provided notice and an opportunity to comment on the proposed pay rates and job descriptions for the represented classifications.
Amending the salary schedule to reflect these title and compensation changes will ensure that the City is complying with CalPERS and state law job posting requirements to provide accurate, publicly available pay scales.
FISCAL IMPACT
The FY 2025/26 Adopted Budget has sufficient funding for the newly proposed Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Coordinator and recommended increase to the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Specialist 1/2 positions. There is no fiscal impact associated with the title changes for the Engineering Assistant 1/2 and Civil Engineer positions.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council meeting agenda on the City's official-notice bulletin board at City Hall, at the Sunnyvale Public Library and in the Department of Public Safety Lobby. In addition, the agenda and this report are available at the City Hall reception desk located on the first floor of City Hall at 456 W. Olive Avenue (during normal business hours), and on the City's website.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Adopt a Resolution Amending the Classification Plan to Change the Classification Titles of Engineering Assistant 1/2 and Civil Engineer and Create the Classification of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Coordinator, and Update the Salary Resolution to Make Corresponding Changes to the Schedule of Pay and Increase the Salaries for GIS Specialist 1/2, Effective November 23, 2025.
Levine Act
LEVINE ACT
The Levine Act (Gov. Code Section 84308) prohibits city officials from participating in certain decisions regarding licenses, permits, and other entitlements for use if the official has received a campaign contribution of more than $500 from a party, participant, or agent of a party or participant in the previous 12 months. The Levine Act is intended to prevent financial influence on decisions that affect specific, identifiable persons or participants. For more information see the Fair Political Practices Commission website: www.fppc.ca.gov/learn/pay-to-play-limits-and-prohibitions.html
An “X” in the checklist below indicates that the action being considered falls under a Levine Act category or exemption:
SUBJECT TO THE LEVINE ACT
___ Land development entitlements
___ Other permit, license, or entitlement for use
___ Contract or franchise
EXEMPT FROM THE LEVINE ACT
___ Competitively bid contract*
___ Labor or personal employment contract
___ Contract under $50,000 or non-fiscal
___ Contract between public agencies
_X_ General policy and legislative actions
* "Competitively bid" means a contract that must be awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder.
Staff
Prepared by: Delanie LoFranco, Human Resources Manager
Reviewed by: Tina Murphy, Director, Human Resources
Reviewed by: Sarah Johnson-Rios, Assistant City Manager
Approved by: Tim Kirby, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution