1 STAFF REPORT
DATE: November 7, 2023
TO: Justin Hess, City Manager
FROM: Betsy McClinton, Management Services Director
BY: April Rios, Human Resources Manager
SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution Approving the Establishment of the Salary and Conflict of Interest Code Designation for the Classification of Power System Operator Supervisor 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 POWER SYSTEM OPERATOR SUPERVISOR (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 Service Rule I, Section 4, the Civil Service Board (CSB) approved the establishment of the title and specification for the classification of Power System Operator Supervisor at their regularly scheduled meeting o n October 4, 2023. The Man agement Services Department (Department) requests the Council establish the respective salar y and Conflict of Interest Code designation for this classification.
Burbank Water and Power (BWP) is proposing to create a new classification in the Power Supply Division. The proposed classification would support the critical reliability and resiliency of the City’s electric system, directly addressing a pressing and current need for this classification at the utility.
Additionally, per California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) regulations, the Department requests the Council adopt a resolution approving the updated Citywide Salary Schedule, which includes the proposed salary of this classification.
2 DISCUSSION
Currently, BWP utilizes the ti tles of Power System Operators , Principal Power System Operator, and Power System Operator Trainees to operate and monitor the City’s electric systems in real -time, 24 hours each day. BWP is proposing to establish a new classification entitled Power System Operator Supervisor. This new establishment would directly supervise the Power System Operators and Trainees.
This proposed classification would support the City’s critical goal of maintaining the continuity and stability of the electric system. This role would manage the system both remotely via computer and physic ally in the field. In addition, this classification would coordinate work on electrical equipment, have a positive impact on the safety of all electrical field staff, and report directly to the Manager Energy Control Center.
In addition to supervising an d coordinating employees performing power dispatching tasks, the Power System Operator Supervisor’s responsibilities, as proposed, would include the management of employees engaged in real -time energy trading. Lastly, the proposed classification would prov ide the additional benefits of supporting e mployee retention and succession planning.
The proposed monthly salary range for the classification of Power System Operator Supervisor was established by reviewing internal relationships within BWP to maintain consistency. Specifically, the proposed monthly salary range of the Power System Operator Supervisor would be $13,125.52 - $17,589.46.
The Power System Operator Supervisor would b e a Civil Service classification represented by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and included in the City’s Conflict of Interest Code . The IBEW has been advised of the establishment and the BWP General Manager concurs with this recommendation.
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 Council at a public meeting for CalPERS to determine earnable income. Therefore, staff is requesting the 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 dir ect 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 plans on upgrading an existing, vacant Principal Power System Operator position to a Power System Operator Supervisor position. The additional cost for this upgrade is estimated to be $ 15,391.32 annually. To cover this cost, the Department will be using salary savings for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-24 and the additional funds will be 3 included in the FY 2024-25 budget. Therefore, this request is cost neutral and there is no fiscal impact to the Utility Fund or General Fund.
CONCLUSION
The establishment of the salary and Conflict of Interest Code designation for the classification of Power System Operator Supervisor will address the operational needs of BWP. This proposal will also positively influence the recruitment and retention needs and succession planning of BWP.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 1 – Resolution for the classification of Power System Operator Supervisor Attachment 2 – Resolution approving the City’s Salary Schedule