1 STAFF REPORT
DATE: May 9, 2023
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 Title, Specification, Salary , and Conflict of Interest Code Designation for the Classification of Release Train Engineer 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 TITLE, SPECIFICATION, SALARY,
AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE DESIGNATION FOR THE CLASSIFICATION OF RELEASE TRAIN ENGINEER (Attachment 1).
2. Adopt A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BURBANK APPROVING THE CITYWIDE SALARY SCHEDULE (Attachment 2).
BACKGROUND
Staff seeks to establish the titl e and specification for one classification associated with the Information Technology (IT) Department in association with the ongoing modernization goals and direction of the IT Department.
Additionally, per California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) regulations, the Department requests the City Council adopt a resolution approving the updated Citywide Salary Schedule, which includes the proposed salary of this classification.
DISCUSSION
A broad and vital modernization plan has been underway in the IT Department over the past several years. As part of this continuing effort, the IT Department is proposing to create an advanced software engineer classification titled Release Train Engineer (RTE).
Employing detailed knowledge of software development methodologies and frameworks, including Scrum, Kanban, and Extreme Programming, and extensive use of Agile Project Management, a n RTE is responsible for the organization , successful planning, and
MANAGEMENT
SERVICES
2 execution of Agile Release T rains. An Agile Release Train is a virtual organization comprised of Agile teams that includes the people, processes, and tools needed to define, deliver, and operate technology solutions for the City. The RTE guides teams to success as they navigate the complexities of consistently delivering software technology solutions in a large environment (such as the City’s IT framework).
As referenced above and demonstrated by the complex language found in the specification, t he proposed RTE classification is a highly technical leadership classification which addresses a very specific, adva nced skillset currently in demand in the IT Department.
Regarding the proposed salary for the RTE establishment, staff in the Management Services Department routinely compares proposed salaries to the salaries of similar job classifications identified among survey cities. However, with respect to the current proposal, staff did not identify similar classifications among the established survey cities.
As such, the proposed salary range was determined by reviewing comparable classifications external to the survey cities, while taking into consideration matters of internal equity within the IT Department and the ability to effectively recruit in this highly competitive and technical field. Accordingly, the proposed monthly salary range for the RTE would be $10,456.27 to $13,749.99 (bi-weekly $4,825.97 to $6,346.15).
The RTE would report directly to the Chief Information Officer. As such, the proposed establishment would be a Civil Service exempt classification.
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 for CalPERS to determine earnable income. Therefore, staff is requesting the City Council adopt an updated salary schedule that includes the proposed salary for this classification.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This activity has no potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment, and as such, is not a “project” subject to the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) 14 Cal. Code Regs § 15378.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Department currently has budgeted funds for a RTE for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-24.
Therefore, there is no fiscal impact to the General Fund associated with the establishment of the salary for this classification.
CONCLUSION
The establishment of the t itle, specification, salary, and Co nflict of Interest Code designation for the c lassification of Release Train Engineer will address the vita l information technology needs of the City and is critical to meeting the goals of the Department and in turn the City.
3 ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 1 – Resolution for the classification of Release Train Engineer Attachment 2 – Resolution approving the City’s Salary Schedule