1 STAFF REPORT
DATE: December 6, 2022
TO: Justin Hess, City Manager
FROM: Betsy McClinton, Management Services Director
BY: David Lasher, Administrative Analyst II
SUBJECT: Adoption of Resolutions Approving the Establishment of the Salaries and Conflict of Interest Code Designations for the Classifications of Geographic Information System (G IS) Specialist, Senior GIS Specialist, and Principal GIS Specialist, and Adoption of a Resolution Approving the Citywide Salary Schedule
RECOMMENDATION
1. Adopt A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BURBANK
APPROVING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE SALARY AND CONFLICT OF
INTEREST CODE DESIGNATION FOR THE CLASSIFICATION OF GIS SPECIALIST (Attachment 1)
2. Adopt A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BURBANK
APPROVING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE SALARY AND CONFLICT OF
INTEREST CODE DESIGNATION FOR THE CLASSIF ICATION OF SENIOR GIS SPECIALIST (Attachment 2)
3. Adopt A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BURBANK
APPROVING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE SALARY AND CONFLICT OF
INTEREST CODE DESIGNATION FOR THE CLASSIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL GIS SPECIALIST (Attachment 3)
4. Adopt A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BURBANK APPROVING THE CITYWIDE SALARY SCHEDULE (Attachment 4)
BACKGROUND
Pursuant to Civil Services Rule I, Section 4, the Civil Service Board (CSB) approved the establishment of the title and specification for three new classifications titled Geographic Information System (GIS) Specialist, Senior GIS Specialist, and Principal GIS Specialist at their regularly scheduled October 5, 2022 meeting. The Management Services
MANAGEMENT
SERVICES
2 Department requests the City Council establish the respective salaries and Conflict of Interest Code designations for these classifications.
Additionally, per California Public Employee’s Retirement System (CalPERS) regulations, the Department requests the City Council adopt a resolution approving the updated Citywide Salary Schedule which includes the proposed salaries of these classifications.
DISCUSSION
Burbank Water and Power (BWP) p roposed to create a new GIS specialist series to perform related duties and functions that are not currently effectively addressed through existing classifications. The proposed classifications would directly address the unique, current needs of the City.
In 2005, BWP created a utility-focused GIS . At that time, it was recognized as one of the leading systems in the industry. The system has been effectively used—in conjunction with BWP’s advanced mapping system—to create applications and otherwise add value and improve the utility’s performance.
However, in the time that has passed since the system was first employed, the status quo of GIS and utilities has evolved substantiall y, especially with regard to the interface of records and mapping. Today the norm at utilities nationwide is to have standalone positions dedicated to GIS systems to properly administer and successfully manage asset records, the mapping of transmission and distribution infrastructure, and much more. GIS itself has become so standard that whole curriculums centered around GIS education have been developed at the college level with advanced degrees available.
To address these dynamic changes and ensure that BWP continues to be an award- winning leader in their industry, the utility proposed to establish a tiered series (as found at the utilities with whom we compete for highly qualified employees). Each classification in the series would have a greater level of responsibility, culminating with the Principal GIS Specialist classification. The series would allow employees in the proposed classifications to gain valuable experience and create opportunities for advancement, while supporting employee retention and succession planning.
Regarding t he proposed monthly salary ranges , in addition to considering relevant industry standards and the salaries of comparable classifications found among our survey cities, BWP is proposing the monthly salary range of the series be based on internal equity. Accordingly, the proposed monthly and bi -weekly salary ranges for the three classifications are as follows:
Title Monthly Bi-Weekly GIS Specialist $6,227.54-$8,584.75 $2,874.25-$3,962.19 Senior GIS Specialist $7,040.32-$9,705.15 $3,249.38-$4,479.30 Principal GIS Specialist $8,428.01-$11,082.83 $3,889.85-$5,115.15
3 All three proposed establishments would be Civil Service classifications. The GIS Specialist and Senior GIS Specialist classifications would be represented by the Burbank City Employees Association (BCEA). The Principal GIS Specialist would be represented by the Burbank Management Association ( BMA). Both the BCEA and the BMA w ere previously advised of the establishments in conjunction with the CSB meeting on October 5, 2022.
Lastly, 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 salaries for these classifications.
FISCAL IMPACT
BWP has allocated funds in the current fiscal year budget to initiate the recruitment and hiring of a GIS Specialist and a Senior GIS Specialist. Given the City Council’s approval of the proposed salaries and Conflict of Interest Code designations, the Department plans to recruit for these two classifications. Additional personnel hirings in this series would be undertaken in accordance with City policy, the City’s budgetary process, and in consultation with the City Manager.
CONCLUSION
The establishment of the salaries and Conflict of Interest C ode designations for the classifications of GIS Specialist, Senior GIS Specialist, and Principal GIS Specialist will address the vital needs of the City . This proposal will also positively influence the recruitment and retention needs and succession planning of BWP. The classifications are consequently critical to meeting the goals of the Department and the City. Therefore, staff recommends the City Council approve the proposed establishments.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 1 – Resolution for the classification of GIS Specialist Attachment 2 – Resolution for the classification of Senior GIS Specialist Attachment 3 – Resolution for the classification of Principal GIS Specialist Attachment 4 – Resolution approving the City’s Salary Schedule