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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 2g: Authorize the Environrmental Services Officer Position: FY 2010-11 for Public Works Services Department4,1 O 13.F o II.19 Incorporated August 3. INYD 4 nI[y of DATE: September 7, 2010 TO: Mayor and City Council FROM: Tom Tait, Public Works Services Director SUMMARY DISCUSSION Page 1 of 3 STAFF REPORT Public Works Services Department SUBJECT: AUTHORIZE THE ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES OFFICER POSITION IN THE FY 2010 -11 OPERATING BUDGET FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS SERVICES DEPARTMENT Recommendation: Approve The Environmental Services Officer (ESO) position was excluded from the Public Works Services Department budget in 2007 due to a small departmental reorganization. Faced with budgetary concerns in 2007, Public Works Services (PWSD) evaluated staffing levels in the department to minimize costs while not impacting City services to residents. At that time, it was determined that the Environmental Service Officer position would be taken out of the budget effective July 1, 2008. In its place a Management Aide position was created to help support the Management Analyst in performing tasks and duties specifically related to environmental issues. However, effective September 10, 2010, the Management Analyst position in PWSD that is responsible for environmental programs will be vacated. As an increase in environmental related issues and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination Systems (NPDES) mandates continue to place burdens on the City and more technical expertise is needed. The Public Works Services Department believes it is necessary to have a specialized position to help the City comply with new and existing state and federal regulations. Therefore, it is recommended that the City Council authorize the Environmental Services Officer position into the City's FY 2010 -11 operating budget for the Public Works Services Department. In order to lower operating costs for FY 2008 -09, PWSD evaluated staffing levels to determine where savings could be achieved without compromising service response to residents. At that time it was determined that the responsibilities of the Environmental Services Officer could be performed by a Management Analyst and a Management Aide at a lower cost. The Management Analyst position is currently funded by Enterprise Funds (Water, Sewer, and Solid Waste). As a result, the Environmental Services Mayor and City Council September 7, 2010 Officer position was taken out of the FY 2008 -09 Operating Budget and a Management Aide was recruited to help support the Management Analyst with administering environmental programs. However, effective September 10, 2010, the Management Analyst position in PWSD will be vacated because the person that was in this position accepted an offer from another agency. Over the past two years, there has been a significant increase in state and federal environmental regulations and mandates in relation to stormwater pollution, energy efficiency, wastewater collection and water quality. For example, there is a very good chance that the State Water Resources Control Board will include Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL) which are stringent limits to the amount of constituents that are allowed to impair water bodies, into the City's next NPDES permit. This means that these mandates are enforceable, which if the City were to be out of compliance, would subject the City to $10,000 a day fine for everyday we were out of compliance. Due to impending NPDES requirements and other existing state and federal environmental mandates, staff believes it is necessary to fill the vacant Management Analyst position with the Environmental Services Officer because the City will need a position that specializes in the following areas: • National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) municipal permit requirements compliance. • Perform plan checks for development and construction projects and field compliance inspections. • Oversee and administer environmental documentation for the City's programs and projects as well as submitting state and federal reporting requirements. • Oversee completion of mitigation measures as required by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA). • Perform technical review of existing, proposed, and new local, state, and federal environmental regulations and provide appropriate input to City management such as Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs). • Facilitating project and program goals for a clear and effective environmental review process. Hiring an Environmental Services Officer will also provide a more timely response regarding environment matters raised by outside governmental agencies as well as on development projects. Development Services will also be able to utilize this position to assist with plan checks and environmental requirements for development projects in the City. This position will work towards reducing the cost of the existing stormwater consultant which could save the City approximately $40,000 annually. The salary for the Environmental Services Officer is ten (10) percent more than the existing Management Analyst salary. However, with the position being vacant for approximately three (3) months, a savings would provide sufficient funding this year until an offer can be made to fill the Environmental Services Officer position. Page 2 of 3 Mayor and City Council September 7, 2010 In order to keep up with federal and state environmental mandates and to lower the costs of contracting with environmental consultants, staff recommends that the City Council authorize the Environmental Services Officer position in the FY 2010 -11 Operating Budget to provide assistance to both Development Services and Public Works Services in planning policies, development projects and long range environmental planning activities and compliance. FISCAL IMPACT Sufficient funds are budgeted in the FY 2010 -11 Operating Budget for Solid Waste, Water and Sewer Funds for a Management Analyst. The Department's Management Analyst position will be vacant effective September 10, 2010. This budget would be used to fund the Environmental Services Officer. RECOMMENDATIONS Authorize the Environmental Services Officer position in the FY 2010 -11 Operating Budget in the Public Works Services Department. TT Approved by: 3 c -dD Page 3 of 3 Donald Penman, City Manager