COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Graciela Reynoso, Chief Human Resources Officer
DATE: March 18, 2025
SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution Approving the Establishment of the Special Districts Planning Technician Classification and Adopting the CalPERS Comprehensive Schematic Pay Schedule
Description:
The City Council will consider adopting a Resolution to establish the Special District Planning Technician classification and corresponding job specification; and consider adopting the Comprehensive Schematic Pay Schedule in compliance with the CalPERS requirements.
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt a Resolution approving the establishment of the Special Districts Planning Technician classification, corresponding job specification, and adopting the CalPERS Comprehensive Schematic Pay Schedule for all full -time and part -time employees in accordance with CalPERS guidelines.
BACKGROUND:
As part of managing the City’s classification and compensation system, Human Resources will periodically present recommended changes and salary adjustments to the Council for formal approval.
DISCUSSION:
Special Districts Planning Technician Classification
The proposed salary range for this classification is $2,264.17 to $2,752.11 bi-weekly. The primary responsibilities include implementing the Urban Forest Master Plan in coordination with the development of a unified landscape district and supporting the dissolution of sp ecial benefit zones and four landscape districts. Additionally, this role involves assisting in the implementation of the Parks Assessment Report using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS), as well as coordinating and cataloging data to aid future budgeting and planning for City parks, open spaces, landscape districts, and special benefit zones.
A detailed overview of the job responsibilities and requirements can be found in the attached Special Districts Planning Technician job description (Attachment B).
2 The recommendation to approve this classification aligns with Santa Maria Municipal Code Section 2 -20.04.1. This initiative supports the City Council’s goals of developing and retaining a high -performing, diverse workforce, fostering a healthy and productive work environment, and positioning the City of Santa Maria as an employer of choice.
Comprehensive Schematic Pay Schedule
A Comprehensive Salary Schematic Pay (“Schedule”) for the City of Santa Maria is created and presented in accordance with CalPERS regulations intended to ensure consistency when reporting compensation for City employees. The Public Employees ’ Retirement Law (PERL) Government Code Section 20636(b)(1) requires pay amounts to be paid pursuant to publicly available pay schedules. The Schedule includes pay rate information for all full -time and part -time employees. The Schedule enhances the disclosure and transparency of public employee compensatio n by requiring that the pay rates be listed on a single-pay schedule as per CalPERS’ requirements.
CalPERS mandates that any changes to pay rates —resulting from negotiations, employment contracts, new classifications, or reclassifications —require an upda ted Schedule to be reviewed and approved by the City Council. The Schedule must include effective dates and be retained for public inspection for at least five years. Upon adoption, the Schedule (Attachment C) will be posted on the City of Santa Maria’s website.
Alternative(s)
If the recommended Resolution is not approved, the City will continue to operate with the existing Resolution.
Fiscal Considerations
The establishment of this classification will have a minimal cost impact in Fiscal Year 24-
26. The recommendation to approve the newly established classification is in conformance to Santa Maria Municipal Code Section 2-20.02.
Impact to the Community
Overall City services will continue to be provided by City employees with no decrease in the level of service to the public. Instead, it is expected that there will be a positive impact and increase to current service levels to the public achieved by attraction and retention of talent management; increased employee job satisfaction; and increased performan ce to serve the community.
ATTACHMENT(S)
A. Resolution – Special Districts Planning Technician
B. Special Districts Planning Technician Job Description C. FT_PT_LS_ Salary Schematic