1 STAFF REPORT
DATE: May 17, 2022
TO: Justin Hess, City Manager
FROM: Betsy McClinton, Management Services Director
By: David Lasher, Administrative Analyst II
SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution Approving the Establishment of the Salary for the Classification of Legal Assistant and Adoption of a Resolution Approvi ng the Citywide Salary Schedule
RECOMMENDATION
1. Adopt A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BURBANK
APPROVING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF T HE SALARY FOR THE
CLASSIFICATION OF LEGAL ASSISTANT
(Attachment 1)
2. Adopt A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BURBANK APPROVING THE CITYWIDE SALARY SCHEDULE (Attachment 2)
BACKGROUND
Pursuant to Civil Services Rule I, Section 4, the Civil Service Board (CSB) approved the establishment of the title and specification for a new classification titled Legal Assistant at their regularly scheduled May 4, 2022, meeting. The Management Services Department requests the City Council to establish the respectiv e salary for this classification.
Per California Public Employee’s Retirement System (CalPERS) regulations, the Department requests the City Council to adopt a resolution approving an updated Citywide Salary Schedule which includes the proposed salary of this classification.
DISCUSSION
The new classification of Legal Assistant is being proposed by the City Attorney’s Office to fill the need for specialized litigation support, given many recent changes in the court system’s rules and procedures for civil litigation. T here is currently a gap between the existing role of the Legal Secretaries, who perform a wide variety of tasks, and the current need for a classification that more significantly focuses on litigation duties. The necessary skillset is separate and distinct from the duties the Legal Secretaries currently perform
MANAGEMENT
SERVICES
2 within the CAO. As such, the CAO is proposing to establish a new classification to provide administrative support focusing on the City’s current liti gation related needs. The Legal Assistant specification approved by the CSB on May 4, 2022, includes specific language that directly addresses litigation concerns.
The proposed m onthly salary range of $4,738.07 to $6,531.48 for the classification is based on the salaries of relevant classifications found in our established survey cities.
This position is a Civil Service classification, represented by the Burbank City Employees’ Association (BCEA). The BCEA was previously advised of the establishment in conjunction with the CSB meeting on May 4, 2022.
Finally, in accordance with Government Code Section 20636 and Title 2 of the California Code of Regulations Section 570.5, CalPERS requires public agencies to post a publicly available salary schedule that is approved by the City Council at a public meeting in order for CalPERS to determine earnable income. Therefore, staff is requesting the City Council adopt an updated salary schedule that includes the proposed salary for the Legal Assistant classification.
FISCAL IMPACT
During Fiscal Year 2022- 23, the Department will be upgrading two Legal Secretary positions to Legal Assistants. At the same time, the Department will also be downgrading a Senior Assistant City Attorney to an Assistant City Attorney position. Using the salary savings generated by this action, in conjunction with existing budgeted funds, the City will not incur additional salary or benefit costs , thereby making this request cost neutral.
Consequently, there is no fiscal impact to the General fund associated with the approval of these resolutions.
CONCLUSION
The establishment of the salary for the Legal Assistant classification meets the needs of the City Attorney’s Office. Staff therefore recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution establishing the salary for the classification of Legal Assistant and adopt a resolution approving the Citywide Salary Schedule.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 1 – Resolution for the classification of Legal Assistant Attachment 2 – Resolution approving the City’s Salary Schedule