REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Amend the Classification Plan to Add the Newly Established Classification of Permit Center Manager and Change the Classification Title for the Superintendent of Building Inspection to Chief Building Official, and Amend Corresponding Provisions of the Salary Table of the City’s Salary Resolution to Reflect the Classification Updates
Report
BACKGROUND
The Community Development Department (CDD) requested that a Permit Center Manager classification be created in the Building Division. The work in the Building Division has increased in complexity as technology has evolved and new code requirements have been established. Further, CDD has requested to change the title for the Superintendent of Building Inspection classification to Chief Building Official. This report recommends aligning the City’s Salary Table and Salary Resolution with the proposed changes in Community Development.
EXISTING POLICY
Section 1103, 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
Addition of New Classification
CDD requested that a Permit Center Manager classification be created in the Building Division. The work in the Building Division has increased in complexity as technology has evolved and new code requirements have been established such as the CalGreen Code, energy efficiency requirements, and electric vehicle/photovoltaic requirements. The new classification would also be responsible for proactive management and problem solving within the Permit Center.
The Permit Center Manager classification has been benchmarked to the Senior Engineer classification and will be represented by the Sunnyvale Managers Association (SMA). SMA was provided notice and an opportunity to comment on the proposed Permit Center Manager job description and salary placement.
Classification Title Change
Staff recommends changing the title of the Superintendent of Building Inspection to Chief Building Official to reflect the duties performed by the classification and to be consistent with industry standards.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Permit Center Manager is a new position in the Building Division, whose responsibilities include managing all Permit Center work activities. The cost impact from adding the Permit Center Manager will add approximately $225,000 annually. The twenty-year impact is approximately $5.5 million.
The Permit Center Manager will be wholly funded in the Development Enterprise Fund. In the short term, revenues are sufficient to fund the addition of this position in the current year, and the budget can be adjusted for FY 2018/19. It is important to note that the Long-Term Financial Plan for the fund already anticipates that the current level of expenditures are not sustainable under projected long term revenues. However, the assumption is that operating costs will be reduced with the moderation of development activity in order to balance the fund. Staff will continue to monitor the long term financial health of the fund as part of the development of the annual budget.
There is no fiscal impact associated with the change of title to the Chief Building Official classification.
Funding Source
These two positions are budgeted in Program 233 Building Safety, which is funded by the Development Enterprise Fund.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City's official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall, at the Sunnyvale Senior Center, Community Center and Department of Public Safety; and by making the agenda and report available at the Sunnyvale Public Library, the Office of the City Clerk and on the City's website.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Adopt a resolution amending the Classification Plan to add one new classification and to change the title of one classification, and amending the City’s Salary Resolution to update the schedule of pay to include those classifications.
Staff
Prepared by: Delanie LoFranco, Human Resources Manager, Recruitment and Classification
Reviewed by: Teri Silva, Director of Human Resources
Reviewed by: Walter C. Rossmann, Assistant City Manager
Approved by: Deanna J. Santana, City Manager
ATTACHMENT
1. Resolution Amending the Classification Plan and Salary Resolution to Reflect Classification Updates