HomeMy WebLinkAbout4.07 PublicSvcEmployeeCITY CLERK
0700-20
AGENDA STATEMENT
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: October 5, 1999
SUBJECT:
Public Service Employee Classification
Report ,Prepared by: Richard C Ambrose, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution Amending the Classification Plan
2. Resolution Amending the Salary Plan
Employees
3. Sample Employment Agreement
for Part-Time
RECOMMENDATION:
FINANCIAL STATEMENT:
Establish Public ServiCe Employee classification by taking the
following actions:
1. Adopt Resolution Amending Classification Plan
2. Adopt Resolution Amending Salary Plan for Part-Time
Employees
The creation of the P~blic Service Employee classification does not
have a direct financial impact on the City of Dublin. The Public
Service Employee classification is a broad job classification that
allows the City Manager the flexibility to hire limited duration
temporary employees to fill a range of City needs, while ensuring
compliance with IRS rules and regulations regarding the hiring of
contract employees.
DESCRIPTION: The Public Service Employee classification is intended to be a broad classification,
to be utilized as needed by the City Manager to employ individuals on a temporary or limited duration
basis for specific assignments in a range of City departments: The job description anticipates that the City.
Manager will enter into a specific employment agreement with each individual hired in the Public Service
Employee classification. This employment agreement will detail all of the aspects of employment for the
particular Public Service Employee, including job duties, supervision, compensation and duration of
employmenL
BACKGROUND: The City of Dublin is currently experiencing a period of rapid growth and increased
demands upon City staff, creating the need to expand the City workforce to address these demands.
COPIES TO:
ITEM NO. 457
F:\public service employee. mem.d oc
However, it is often difficult to hire qualified employees as rapidly as the needs arise. Furthermore, as the
City workforce has grown, the City has experienced mover in key positions. This creates gaps in
service, which take a period of time to fill. In addition, much of the increased demand on City staff is a
direct result of current development, and this peak demand may level off once development projects are
complete or if the economy slows down.
All of these factors create the need for the City to be able to hire qualified individuals on a temporary,
limited term basis to keep key City functions operating and projects on track. In the past, the City has
been able to handle these types of situations by employing independent contractors. However, federal
requirements governing the use of independent contractors are very specific and narrow, providing little
flexibility to the City in addressing ks needs. Essentially, contractors whose duties resemble those of City
employees must be classified and compensated as employees. Examples of some of the questions that the
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers in determining whether an individual is an employee or a
contractor are listed below ("yes" answers would indicate that the individual is likely to be an employee
rather than a contractor):
2.
3.
4.
5.
Does the City give instruction to the worker about when, where and how to work?
Does the worker's services affect the City's operations and not his/her own business reputation?
Does the City require the worker to render service personally?
Does the City require the individual to work at-City offices?
Does the worker work only for the City, rather than for a number of persons or fnTns at the same
time?
Other cities have been audited by the IRS Service on this issue. In situations where the IRS has
determined that an individual compensated as a contractor should have been compensated as an employee,
the agency has been subject to significant penalties for not properly withholding taxes. As a result, some
agencies have reduced or eliminated the use of independent contractors to address the types of needs
described above. As an alternative, some agencies have created a generic classification to employ
temporary employees, such as the recommended Public Service Employee classification.
PUBLIC SERVICE EMPLOYEE CLASSIFICATION: The proposed Public Service Employee
classification is intentionally broad and flexible in its description of duties, responsibilities and
qualifications. This allows the City to utilize different Public Sendee Employees to temporarily fill a
range of needs in various departments, as the classification could cover technical, professional 'and
managerial employees. As described earlier in this staff report, the City Manager will enter into a detailed
employment agreement with each Public Sendee Employee, which will specifically describe the job
duties, qualifications and compensation for the particular assignment. The City Manager will determine
the appropriate compensation level within the approved salary range for each Public Sendee Employee
hired. A sample employment agreement is attached to this staff report for information.
The proposed hourly salary range for the Public Service Employee classification is minimum wage up to
$70 per hour. The top end of the range is equivalent to what the City has historically paid professional
and managerial. independent contractors and iS .necessary to retain these types of highly qualified
individuals for limited duration assignments, while ensuring compliance with IRS regulations. As a part-
time position, individuals employed in the Public Service Employee classification do not receive health
and welfare benefits or leave time accruals. The only exception to this rule is situations in which the
individual is a member of PERS, in which case the individual will receive PERS benefits for the hours
worked.
RE~2OMMENDATION: The City of Dublin increasingly needs the flexibility to hire qualified
individuals to fill key positions for limited duration or temporary assignments. The Public Service
Employee classification provides this flexibility, while ensuring compliance with federal requirements
regarding the employment of independent contractors. Two resolutions have been prepared, which
together will create the classification of Public Service Employee and establish the hourly salary range for
the position within the salary schedule for part-time employees. The two resolutions are recommended for
approval.
t
RESOLUTION NO. - 99
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DUBLIN
AMENDING THE CLASSIFICATION PLAN
/4
Attachment 1
WHEREAS, in accordance with the City's Personnel System Rules, the City Council adopted
Resolution No. 30-84 and subsequent resolutions which comprise the Classification Plan; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to periodically add job descriptions to the Classification Plan.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Resolution No. 30-84 and subsequent resolutions
shall be further mended to include a job description for the position of Public Service Employee (Exhibit
A).
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this document shall become a part of the official
Classification Plan for the City of Dublin; and that the changes contained herein shall be effective October
5, 1999.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 5th day of October, 1999.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
7
Mayor
ATTEST:..
City Clerk
G:XPERSNEL\C1TYRECR~JOBSPECS\CI~ssReso.doc
Exhibit A
Date Adopted:
Date Revised:
10-5-99
Title: Public Service Employee
FLSA: Non Exempt
General Purpose:
This classification is utilized for employment of temporary employees assigned to specific
projects or functions in the City. This classification may be used to address a broad range of
duties in various City departments.
Distinguishing Characteristics:
Personnel in the Public Service Employee classification are at-will employees and may be
terminated at any time without cause and without right of notice, hearing or appeal. Such
personnel are not eligible for benefits and may not be retained for more than the maximum
number of hours allowed by the Public Employee's Retirement System per fiscal year.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The essential duties and responsibilities of each employee in this classification will be specified
in a unique Employment Agreement to be entered into between the City and the Public Service
Employee. The Employment Agreement will identify the regular City employee who is
responsible for supervision of the Public Service Employee. Unless expressly stated in the
Employment Agreement, incumbents in rids classification will not supervise regular City
employees.
Minimum Qualifications:
Knowledge of:
The Public Service Employee must possess the knowledge necessary to accomplish the duties
and tasks contemplated by the particular position as specified by the Department requesting the
services.
Ability To:
The Public Service Employee must be able to accomplish the duties and tasks contemplated by
the particular position as specified by the Department requesting the services.
Physical Standards:
The physical standards described are representative of ihose that must be met by employees to
successfully perform. the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be
made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
An employee is regularly required to sit for long periods of time; talk or hear, in person, in
meetings and by telephone; use hands and fmgers to handle, feel or operate standard office
equipment; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to, bend and
twist to reach files, walk and stand. While performing duties, the employee is regularly required
to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret complex data, information and
documents; analyze and solve problems; interact with City management, other governmental
officials, contractors, vendors, employees and the public.
Education, Experience, and Training:
Any combination of education and experience that is likely to provide the required knowledge
and abilities as identified for the particular assignment.
Licenses, Certificates, Special Requirements:
Possession of a valid California Class C Drivers' License and Certificate of Automobile
Insurance for Personal Liability. Depending upon the specific assignment, the Public Service
Employee may be required to possess specific diplomas, certificates, licenses or certifications.
RESOLUTION NO. - 99
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DUBLIN
AMENDING THE SALLY PLAN FOR PART-TIME PERSONNEL
Attachment 2
WHEREAS, the City adopted Resolution No. 122-93 and subsequent resolutions establishing a
Salary Plan for part-time employees; and
WHEREAS, the City has created a new part-time classification of Public Service Employee.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the position of Public Service Employee shall be
covered under the Salary Plan for part-time employees; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the position of Public Service Employee shall be paid an
hourly salary within the following range:
Minimum Hourly Rate Maximum Hourly Rate
Public Service Employee: Minimum Wage $70
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this document shall become a part of the official Salary Plan for part-
time personnel for the City of Dublin; and that the changes contained herein shall be effective October 5,
1999.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 5th day of October, 1999.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAL'N:
ATTEST:
City Clerk
Mayor
G:XPERSNEL\CITYRECRUOBSPECS\SalaryPIanReso.do
Attachment 3
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT is effective as of this day of
DUBLIN, a municipal corporation, ("City") and
Employee"), collectively referred to as the "Parties".
, by and between the CITY OF
, CPublic Service
WITNESSETH THAT:
WHEREAS, the City desires to hire
the department; and
to perform specific duties and tasks in
WHEREAS, the City finds that specialized knowledge, skills, and trig are necessary to
render the services necessary to do the work contemplated under this Employment Agreement;-
and
WHEREAS, the City has determined that the Public Service Employee is qualified by training
and experience to provide the services and to do the work contemplated under this Emplo)maent
Agreement; and
WHEREAS, the Public Service Employee desires to provide such services and has acceptable
relevant education and experience; and
WHEREAS, the public interest will be served by this Agreement; and
NOW, THEREFORE, the Parties hereto do mutually agree as follows:
I. SCOPE OF SERVICES AND TER_MINA~ON DATE
A. Proiect Description
The Public Service Employee will perform work on a project basis determined by the
City. Manager.
B. Services
The services to be provided under this Agreement ("Services") are:
Schedule and Completion Date
The first day of employment is , and the final day of employment is -
~ This contract is renewed each budget cycle unless terminated by either
party as defined in paragraph IV of this agreement.
Employment Agreement
Page 2
II COMPENSATION AND METHOD OF PAYMENT
City agrees to pay the Public Service Employee for the services performed at an hourly
rate of pay. The City shall make such payments on regularly scheduled paydays in the
form of a City payroll check. A time sheet verified by the immediate supervisor shall be
submitted to the Administrative Services Department along with the time sheets of
regularly employed employees. The final paycheck shall be paid consistent with labor
and wage laws.
The Public Service Employee shall receive per hour, to a maximum of
annually, as compensation for services performed. The total mount paid under
this Agreement as compensation for services performed shall not exceed the hourly salary
times the number of hours worked.
Overtime is paid at the rate of time and one-half the regular hourly rate of pay, only after
the Public Service Employee has performed forty (40) hours of work in a week. No
:overtime is paid without prior approval of the Department Head.
The regularly scheduled hours of work shall be as follows:
E4
III.
A.
Holidays are unpaid. During time periods of City Administration closure, due to holiday
scheduling, an alternate work schedule may be utilized in order to afford the Public
Service Employee with his/her normally scheduled number of work hours. Such
scheduling is subject to advance approval by the Department Head.
Vacation, Sick leave and Compensatory time accruals are not available. Time taken off
from the contracted assignment shall be unpaid.
The Public Service Employee receives no benefits except as required by Federal or State
law.
COVENANTS OF PUBLIC SERVICE EMPLOYEE
Assim3ment of Agreement
The Public Service Employee covenants and agrees not to assign or transfer any interest
in, nor delegate any duties of this Agreement.
Conflicts of Interest
The Public Service Employee covenants and declares that, other than this Agreement, it
has no holdings or interests within the City of Dublin, nor business holdings or
agreements with any official, employee or other representative of the City. For the
duration of this Agreement, if the Public Service Employee acquires such a holding,
interest or agreement within the City of Dublin or with any official, employee or
representative of the City of Dublin, the Public Service Employee will immediately
notify the City of such holding, interest or agreement in writing.
Employment Agreement
Page 3
C. City Policies and Procedures
The Public Service Employee covenants and agrees that in performing the services
required under this Agreement, he or she shall obey all City rules, regulations, policies
and procedures, and will not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color,
religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry, age or disability, or engage in
any behavior that would constitute sexual harassment.
D. Licenses. Certifications and Permits
The Public Service Employee covenants and declares that he or she has obtained all
diplomas, certificates, licenses, permits or the like required of the Public Service
Employee by the City.
E. Supervision Received and Exercised
The. Public Service Employee shall be supervised by
Service Employee shall provide supervision for
The Public
F. Ownership of Work
All reports, designs, drawings, plans, specifications, schedules, work product and other
materials prepared or in the process of being prepared for the services to be performed by
the Public Service Employee ("Materials") shall be and are the property of the City of
Dublin, and the City shall be entitled to full access and copies of all such materials. Any
such materials remaining in the hands of the Public Service Employee upon completion
or termination of the work shall be delivered immediately to the City. Any and all
copyrightable subject matter in all materials is hereby assi~ed to the City and the Public
Service Employee agrees to execute any additional documents that may be necessary to
evidence such assignment.
IV. TERMINATION
The City shall have the fight to terminate this Agreement at any time, for any reason
whatsoever without cause or notice.
Upon termination, City shall provide for payment to the Public Service Employee for
services rendered and expenses incurred consistent with wage and hour laws.
Upon termination, the Public Service Employee shall: (1) promptly discontinue all
services affected, unless the notice directs otherwise; and (2) promptly deliver to the City
all data, drawings, reports, summaries, and such other information and materials as may
have been generated or used by the Public Service Employee in performing the duties
under this Agreement, whether completed or in process, in the form specified by the City.
Employment Agreement
Page 4
V. NO PERSONAL LIABILITY
No member, official or employee of the City shall be personally liable to the Public Service
Employee or any successor in interest in the event of any default or breach by the City or for any
amount which may become due to the Public Service Employee or successor or on any
obligation under the terms of this Agreement.
VI. ENTIRE AGREEMENT
This Agreement constitutes the complete agreement between the parties and supersedes any and
all other agreements, either oral or in writing, between the parties with respect to the subject
matter of this Agreement. No other agreement, statement or promise relating to the subject
matter of this Agreement not contained in this Agreement shall be valid or binding. This
Agreement may be modified or mended only by a written document signed by the Public
Service Employee and the authorized City representative.
VII. APPLICABLE LAW AND ATTORNEY'S FEES
If any action at law or in equity is brought to enforce or interpret the provisions of this
Agreement, the rules, regulations, statutes and laws of the State of California will control. The
prevailing party shall be entitled to reasonable attomey's fees in addition to any other relief to
which said party may be entitled. In no event. shall the amount recoverable for attorney's fees
exceed five thousand dollars, including any and all appeals.
VIII. SEVERABILITY
The captions or headnotes on articles or sections of this Agreement are intended for convenience
and reference purposes only and in no way define, limit or describe the scope or intent thereof, or
of this Agreement nor in any way affect this Agreement. Should any article(s) or section(s), or
any part thereof, later be deemed unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the
remainder of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect to the extent possible.
IX. W.MVER OF AGREEMENT
The City's failure to enforce any provision of this Agreement or the waiver in 'a particular
instance shall not be construed as a general waiver of any future breach or default.
Employment A~eement
Page 5
IN WITNrESS WHEREOF the City and the Public Service Employee have executed this
Agreement effective as of the date the City Manager executes this Agreement on behalf of the
City.
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
City Attorney
CITY OF DUBLIN
Richard C. Ambrose, City Manager
P.O. Box 2340
Dublin, CA 94568
PUBLIC SERVICE EMPLOYEE
Dated:
Dated:
F:\public services employee contract.doe