HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes 2014-06 - Assistnt City Mgr CITY OF PALM DESERT
HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT
STAFF REPORT
REQUEST: Waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 2014- ob
amending resolution No. 2013-49, allocated classifications.
SUBMITTED BY: John Wohlmuth, City Manager
DATE: February 13, 2014
CONTENTS: Resolution No. 2014- 06
Recommendation:
Waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 2014-n� amending
Resolution No. 2013-49, Allocated Classifications, adding the position of
Assistant City Manager, Salary Grade 145;
Executive Summarv:
The City of Palm Desert has not had an Assistant City Manager since May
2012, when Justin McCarthy retired. Currently any absence of the City
Manager is covered by a Department Director, on a rotating basis. A City
of Palm Desert's size and complexity requires an Assistant City Manager
to provide cohesive management and continuity when dealing with
developers, constituents and businesses. In addition the City needs a
dedicated executive to position economic development programs and
related projects in order to take best advantage of the opportunities which
exist in the improving economy. Approval of an Assistant City Manager
allocation will facilitate alignment of resources and increased focus in
these areas.
Back�round:
Since the national recession began in 2008 the City has undergone three
significant rounds of staff reductions, resulting in a decline in staffing
levels from 170 employees to the current level of 116. These reductions
were accomplished through the application of a hiring freeze from
November 2008 through May 2012, voluntary retirements and two rounds
Staff Report
Amend Salary Resolution No. 2013-49
February 13, 2014
Page 2 of 4
of layoffs, with the resulting reorganizations resulting in the elimination of
the three previously existing Assistant City Manager positions.
Salaries for the previous Assistant City Manager positions were based on
a different economic environment and related to the much higher salary of
the former City Manager. The last Assistant City Manager's salary was
$204,797 in 2012; this request reflects a reduction of nearly 33%, starting
at $136,546 annually.
The last year has seen an increase in development activity, economic
development projects and events. There are a number of exciting
opportunities which exist now as ideas, many of which were identified
through the strategic plan process. In order to bring these ideas and
projects to fruition the City will benefit from an Assistant City Manager
focused primarily in these areas.
If approved the Assistant City Manager will be an at-will, contract position,
and spend the first two years focused on the renovation of Desert Willow,
hotel attraction/retention, negotiating related DDAs, sale of Successor
Agency land with economic development benefits, and development of
Palm Desert signature events. As these projects are completed the
position may be revised to reflect increased general administrative
responsibility.
Administratively speaking the City needs an Assistant City Manager to
distribute day to day oversight of department heads, attend and lead high
level meetings negotiating Disposition and Development Agreements
(DDAs) and related property sales, and to free the City Manager to devote
more time to policy direction, response to constituents and initial
development and vetting of proposals. The City Manager currently directly
supervises thirteen staff members as well as having ultimate responsibility
for police and fire services. Approval of the Assistant City Manager will
remove direct supervision of some of those department heads creating a
more manageable and sustainable organizational structure.
Staff Report
Amend Salary Resolution No. 2013-49
February 13, 2014
Page 3 of 4
The incumbent will be responsible far the following policy/program areas
and staff:
Staff: Pro ram Area:
• Director of Economic Development • Desert Willow
o Economic Development Manager Operations &
o Tourism & Marketing Manager Renovation
■ Visitor Center Supervisor • Hotel Attraction
■ Customer Service Clerks and Retention
(2.3) • Economic
o Economic Development Technician Development
• Land
Management
Plan (including
sales)
• Tourism
• Marketing
• DDA
Negotiations
• Director of Special Programs • City operated
o Recycling Technician Community
o Administrative Secretary Events
o Office Assistant II • City Sponsored
Events
• Development of
City Signature
Events
• CDBG programs
• Waste Disposal
Contracts
• Recycling
• Franchise
Agreements
• Citizens on
Patrol/
Community
Gardens/Youth
Committee
Staff Report
Amend Salary Resolution No. 2013-49
February 13, 2014
Page4of4
Fiscal Analvsis:
FY 2013/2014 — if the position is filled prior to the end of the FY Salary
and Benefits cost not to exceed $50,000. Funds have been allocated in
the FY 2013/2014 Mid-year budget adjustments.
FY 2014/2015 —Annual Salary of approximately $136,552 (grade 145,
Step A-1), plus benefits cost of approximately $54,620.
Submitted by: CITY COUNCIL ON
APPROVED � nF��
�--, RE �IVED OTHER
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' MEETI G DA '
AYES: � =C t-��� r%'�F �7%1��" _
Jp n M. Wohlmuth, City Manager NOES:
' ABSENT: 1
ABSTAIN;
VERIFIED BY: � �
Original on File with City lerk's Office
RESOLUTION NO. 2014-06
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM
DESERT, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING PORTIONS OF RESOLUTION NO.
2013-49, "EXHIBIT A" SALARY SCHEDULE, SALARY RANGES, AND
ALLOCATED CLASSIFICATIONS.
WHEREAS, the City of Palm Desert has hereto established salary schedules,
ranges, and allocated classifications and desires to modify and amend that system as
set forth below:
WHEREAS, the recommended staffing changes were identified as necessary
due to the need for additional assistance in the City Manager Division;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Palm
Desert, California, that Sections I & II of Resolution No. 2013-49 be amended as
follows:
SECTION I - SALARY SCHEDULE. RANGES � ALLOCATED CLASSIFICATIONS
Resolution 2014-Q� - Salary Resolution Amendment
SECTION I - SALARY SCHEDULE, RANGES � ALLOCATED CLASSIFICATIONS
ADD:
AUTHORIZED
POSITION NO. CLASSIFICATION GRADE POSITIONS
10023 Assistant City Manager - 145 1
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED by the Palm Desert City Council this 13th_ day
of February, 2014 by the following vote, to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
VAN TANNER, MAYOR
ATTEST:
RACHELLE KLASSEN, CITY CLERK
CITY OF PALM DESERT
CITY OF PALM DESERT
JOB DESCRIPTION
Titie: Assistant City Manager Exempt
Position #: 10023 Grade #: 145
Revision Date: February 1, 2014
C/ass specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed
by the employee in the c/ass. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed
within the job.
DEFINITION:
To assist in planning, directing, and reviewing the administrative activities and operations of
the City including implementing City policies and procedures, participating in major
negotiations, coordinating special projects for the City Manager, and coordinating assigned
activities with other City departments and outside agencies.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
This is an advanced journey level class in which the incumbent is expected to independently
perform the full scope of administrative, analytical, and management support duties and
special projects within the City Manager's Department and assigned areas. Positions at this
level are distinguished by the level of responsibility assumed and the complexity of duties
assigned. Employees at this level are expected to handle confidential and sensitive
assignments with an understanding of the impact that various projects have on citywide
operations. Employees at this level are required to be fully trained in all procedures related to
assigned area of responsibility.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:
Administrative direction is provided by the City Manager.
Exercises general direction over managerial, administrative, professional, clerical staff &
consultants.
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Assistant City Manager
ESSENTIAL AND MARGINAL FUNCTiON STATEMENT - Essential and other important
responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to the following:
Essential Functions:
1. Provide support directly to the City Manager by serving as a liaison on major projects;
managing oversight of the Economic Development, Special Events and other divisions
as assigned; managing oversight of the operation and renovations of Desert Willow;
oversight of landfill issues; supervising and directing staff; expediting resolution of
certain matters in the City manager's Office and providing special research and support
to the City Manager.
2. Develop, establish and support Signature Events for the City.
3. Develop, establish and implement strategy to attract and maintain hotels to the City.
4. Proactively monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery
methods and procedures' assess and monitor workload administrative and support
systems, and internal reporting relationships, identify opportunities for improvement;
and direct the implementation of changes.
5. Assist in preparing recommendations for various grant applications and program
budgets.
6. Assists in the development and implementation of departmental, interdepartmental, and
citywide goals, objectives, policies, programs and procedures.
7. Identify and respond to community and City Council issues.
8. Represent the City and City Manager to management staff, elected officials, and outside
agencies; create, present and explain City programs, policies, and activities; and
negotiate and resolve sensitive, significant, and controversial issues. Participates in
City Council, Board and Commission meetings.
9. Under general direction, provides responsible and complex administrative staff support
to the City Manager, Administrative Officers, and City Council, including preparing staff
reports, speeches, resolutions and making presentations to the City Manager and City
Council on special assignments; answering questions; and providing information as
requested.
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Assistant City Manager
10.Meet with Department Directors to discuss programs or inquiries, answer questions,
address challenges and resolve issues which may arise in the course of daily business,
including budget, personnel, customer service and intradepartmental issues.
11.Establish and maintain effective working relationships with developers, contractors,
consultants, advisory bodies, City staff, other governmental agencies and the general
public.
12.Maintain regular contact with and keep the City Manager apprised of situations and
issues.
13.Interpret and apply pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations.
14.Responds to public inquiries and complaints, and assists with resolutions and
alternative recommendations.
15.Depending on the assignment will be responsible for the design, implementation,
administration, monitoring, and evaluation of various city programs. Areas include
contract administration, organizational development, economic development,
redevelopment, and other general project program management.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledqe of:
Principles and practices of public administration and municipal management.
Methods and techniques of administrative data gathering, analysis and presentation.
Applicable laws, regulations and codes related to municipal service delivery and operations.
Principles and practices of the labor negotiation process.
Principles of municipal budgeting and finance.
Principles and practices of program development and administration.
Principles and practices of contract administration.
Principles of effective public relations and interrelationship with community groups; and
agencies; private business and other levels of government; principles and procedures of
record keeping;
Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations.
Abili to:
Oversee assigned programs and projects for the City.
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Assistant City Manager
Provide skilled analytical and management staff support to the City Manager.
Understand the organization and operation of the City and of outside agencies as necessary to
effectively complete assignments.
Analyze, interpret and apply complex laws, regulations, policies and procedures.
Analyze, interpret, summarize and present a variety of fiscal, statistical, and administrative
reports in an effective manner.
Develop, coordinate and assist staff in preparation of strategic plans, budgets and multi-
department programs.
Conduct complex analytical and operational studies, evaluate alternatives and make
recommendations.
Identify and respond to community and City Council issues, concerns and needs.
Represent the City Manager effectively in meetings with representatives of public and private
organizations.
Communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing, including proper spelling, grammar &
punctuation.
Exercise sound independent judgment.
Prepare comprehensive reports with clarity and accuracy.
Use personal computers to perform word processing and spreadsheet functions.
Use tact, discretion and mature judgment in the handling of sensitive and confidential
information.
Work the hours necessary to accomplish assigned duties including attending evening
meetings, traveling out of town and attending workshops, conferences, and seminars
during working/non-working hours.
Lead, mentor and develop subordinates.
Follow verbal and written directions from supervisors.
Interact effectively and cooperatively with those contacted in the course of work.
Understand and follow work rules.
Accept constructive criticism.
Work in stressful situations and conditions.
EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge
and ability is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge would be:
Exaerience:
Six years of increasingly responsible experience in public administration. Experience at
a department head level in a governmental agency is highly desirable.
Traininq:
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Assistant City Manager
Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major
course work in public administration, or a related field. A Master's degree in public
administration or closely related field is desirable.
License or Certificate
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California driver's license.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Environmental Conditions:
Office environment.
Phvsical Conditions:
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and to use standard office
equipment, including a computer, and to attend meetings at various sites within and
away from the City; strength to lift and carry materials weighing up to 20 pounds; vision
to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to
communicate in person and over the telephone.
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