April 19, 2022
Public Works
DATE: April 19, 2022
TO: Mayor Butt and Members of the City Council
FROM:
Joe Leach, PE, Director of Public Works
Greg Hardesty, Parks and Landscape Superintendent
Subject: Conversion of two (2) Parks Construction Maintenance Works Positions to Groundskeeper/Gardener Positions in
the Parks Division.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The Groundskeeper/Gardener positions are paid at a rate less than the current salary of the Parks Construction
Maintenance Worker position, so there is no net impact
to the General Fund. This would result in a salary
savings. (01233631-400003)
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
June 29, 2021
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
The FY 2021-2022 Public Works Parks Administration
Budget was adopted with several key staff positions.
After a careful review of the division’s needs,
management requests converting two (2) of the Parks
Construction Maintenance Worker positions to two (2)
Groundskeeper/Gardener positions.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
ADOPT a resolution to AMEND the Fiscal Year 2021-
2022 Budget and the current Position Control List for
Public Works Department, Parks Administration Division, to convert two (2) of the Parks Construction Maintenance Worker positions to two (2) Groundskeeper/Gardener
positions – Public Works (Joe Leach 620-5478/Greg
Hardesty).
AGENDA
REPORT
April 19, 2022
DISCUSSION:
The Parks Division (Parks) currently maintains sixty (60) parks and twenty (20) miles of right-of-way in the City of Richmond. The Parks staff works very hard to maintain these parks so that our residents can enjoy them throughout the year. The rights-of-way require constant upkeep to avoid becoming fire hazards during the fire season and unsightly to the public due to weeds and overgrowth.
On June 29, 2021, City Council adopted FY 2021-2022 budget via Resolution 77-21.
The Parks Administration Budget (01233631-400003) funded the following positions:
1 Administrative Aide
4.5 Maintenance Lead workers
6 Parks Construction Maintenance Workers
6 Groundskeeper Gardeners
1 Gardener
1 Tree Lead worker
1 Equipment Parks Specialist
There are currently three (3) vacant Parks Construction Maintenance Worker positions.
The City is presently recruiting to fill one (1) of the positions.
The Parks Superintendent conducted a labor staffing needs assessment of the division.
After a review of the needs assessment by the Director of Public Works, it was determined the Parks Division does not require six (6) Parks Construction Maintenance Workers. A Parks Construction Maintenance Worker performs more specialized hardscape work (repairing play structure, irrigation lines, etc.). These positions are more technical in nature.
The Parks Division requires Groundskeeper/Gardeners as they are the City staff who perform the vegetative work (weed abatement, shrub pruning, litter abatement, etc.) that is crucial to maintaining Richmond parks and rights-of-way. To keep up with demand and achieve these goals, Parks requires more Groundskeeper/Gardeners. In addition, these positions would result in a salary savings for the department because the skill set is not as technical in nature.
The Richmond Chapter of Local 1021 fully supports the conversion of the Construction Maintenance Workers positions to Groundskeeper Gardener positions, as per the correspondence from Local 1021 President Gregory Everetts (Attachment 6).
City staff is requesting City Council adopt the resolution amending the FY 2021-2022 budget and position control to convert two (2) of the vacant Parks Construction Maintenance Worker positions to two (2) Groundskeeper/Gardener positions.
April 19, 2022
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – Resolution to modify the Public Works’ Position Control Listing Attachment 2 – Current Parks Division Position Control Listing Attachment 3 – Proposed Parks Division Control Listing
Attachment 4 – Resolution 77-21 FY 2021-22 Budget
Attachment 5 – Salary Section of FY 2021-22 Parks Maintenance Budget Attachment 6 – Local 1021 email supporting action