EAST PALO ALTO
CITY COUNCIL
STAFF REPORT
DATE: December 6, 2022
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
VIA: Patrick Heisinger, Interim City Manager
BY: Patrick Heisinger, Interim City Manager
SUBJECT: Resolution to Approve Side Letters Amending the Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of East Palo Alto and the Police Officers’ Association
Recommendation
Adopt a Resolution approving Side Letters that amend the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of East Palo Alto and the Police Officers’ Association.
Alignment with City Council Strategic Plan
Priority No. 1: Enhance Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Background
On July 19, 2022, the City Council approved terms of a Tentative Agreement (TA) and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Police Officers’ Association (POA).
In the MOU, the City agreed to establish a recruitment/retention bonus program for new police officers consistent with the structures offered by other agencies.
During the negotiation process leading up to City and POA agreement on the MOU, staff removed language regarding employees of the POA “working out of classification.” The purpose of this staff report is to introduce two side letters which, if adopted, would amend the MOU between the City and POA regarding the two above-described items.
Analysis
Exhibit A to the Resolution is the side letter that outlines the hiring/retention bonus for new officers. The language documented in the side letter is consistent with the City Council’s direction on July 19, 2022, when the program was established.
Exhibit B to the Resolution is the side letter that clarifies language for members of the POA when working out-of-class. Through the negotiation process, these edits were never discussed with or authorized by City Council. Essentially, the side letter reverts to the previous language which aligns with the City’s practice.
Fiscal Impact
There is no Fiscal Impact associated with approving the two side letters attached to the staff report. The hiring/retention bonus program, as well as any out-of-class pay, already is included in the current fiscal year budget.
Public Notice
The public was provided notice of this agenda item by posting the City Council agenda on the City’s official bulletin board outside City Hall and making the agenda and report available at the City’s website and at the San Mateo County Library located at 2415 University Avenue, East Palo Alto.
Environmental
The action being considered does not constitute a “Project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), pursuant to CEQA Guideline section 15378 (b)(5), in that it is a government administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment.
Attachments
A. Resolution - Side Letter
B. Exhibit A to Resolution - Side Letter Regarding Hiring Incentive Program C. Exhibit B to Resolution - Side Letter Regarding Out of Class Pay