REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Adopt a Resolution Amending the Classification Plan to add the Classification of Assistant Director of Environmental Services and Make Corresponding Changes to the Salary Resolution and Schedule of Pay
Report
BACKGROUND
This report recommends amending the Classification Plan to add the newly established classification of Assistant Director of Environmental Services and making corresponding updates to the City’s Salary Resolution and Schedule of Pay.
EXISTING POLICY
Section 1103, entitled Classification, of the City Charter 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
The Environmental Services Assistant Director position will oversee the Environmental Services Department Programs of Wastewater Treatment and Regulatory Programs. Both programs have several functions that need frequent collaboration and are highly interconnected. Creating an Assistant Director position that oversees all functions will improve productivity and operations. The Assistant Director position will also oversee the coordination with the Department of Public Works on implementation of the Clean Water Program. The Clean Water Program is Sunnyvale's largest capital improvement project; and requires a high level of coordination with the Department of Public Works, consultants, and contractors. An Assistant Director-level position can help coordinate timely decision-making and direction.
The Department of Environmental Services is the City’s third largest by staffing, with 131 FTEs, and the largest by operating budget ($165 million). The Department also oversees diverse and complex programs and services, including Sustainability and Water Pollution Control Plant operations. The current organizational structure has four division managers reporting to the Director. An Assistant Director will be able to function as the Department Head during the Director’s absence. Finally, the position provides the Department with a tool for succession planning by providing a training ground for internal candidates to be ready for a department head role in the future.
This classification will be represented by the Sunnyvale Managers Association (SMA). SMA was provided notice and an opportunity to comment on the proposed pay rate and job description for the represented classification.
FISCAL IMPACT
If approved, the Assistant Director positions would replace one Division Manager position. The incremental cost difference between the two positions is approximately $31,000 annually. If approved, this position and differential cost would be included in the FY2025/26 Adopted Budget and spread between the General Fund and various utility enterprise funds.
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 add the Classification of Assistant Director of Environmental Services and make corresponding ahanges to the City’s Salary Resolution and the Schedule of Pay effective June 4, 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*
_X_ Labor or personal employment contract
___ Contract under $50,000 or non-fiscal
___ Contract between public agencies
___ 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