HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - February 5, 2020 H-01AGENDA ITEM H�(
CITY OF LODI
COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
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AGENDA TITLE: Adopt Resolution Amending the Salary Ranges for the Positions of Electric
Distribution Operator I, Electric Distribution Operator II, and Electric Distribution
Operator Supervisor Within the Electric Utility Department
MEETING DATE: February 5, 2020
SUBMITTED BY: Human Resources Manager
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Adopt resolution amending the salary ranges for the positions of
Electric Distribution Operator I, Electric Distribution Operator II, and
Electric Distribution Operator Supervisor within the Electric Utility
Department.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The Lodi Electric Utility Department is responsible for providing the
citizens of Lodi with quality, reliable electric service. The
Engineering and Operations Division, within the Electric Utility
Department is comprised of Engineering and Distribution Operations
staff.
The Distribution unit is budgeted for one Supervisor and three Electric Distribution Operators. The
Distribution Operators are responsible for monitoring, controlling and operating the City's electric
distribution system; developing and following switching procedures for emergency service restoration;
and taking corrective action in accordance with approved protocols and switching orders. These
classifications require a unique skill set and are difficult to fill. With a recent retirement and a resignation
within a few months of each other, the Department has two vacant positions within the unit, leaving two
staff members to work numerous hours to cover the operational needs. The Department has a critical
need to fill the two vacant positions by providing a competitive salary to attract and retain qualified
external applicants in addition to development of a plan for internal succession opportunities.
Traditionally, the Electric Distribution positions have been filled with Electric Lineman (succession) who
make ideal candidates because they possess extensive knowledge of the electric distribution systems,
including industry construction, maintenance practices and procedures and are experienced with system
outages and clearance requests.
In 2015, amendments to the Distribution Operator job classifications including a reduction in the salary
ranges. Previous to 2015, the Operator II salary was approximately 12.7% above the Electric Lineman
salary; after the salary adjustments in 2015, the Operator II salary was approximately 6.5% below the
Electric Lineman. With the reduction in salary, an Electric Lineman would experience a reduction in
salary if they transferred into the Distribution Operator classification. Internal Lineman are uniquely
qualified for the position of Operator given their knowledge of the system, experience working in the field
and the trust they have established working side by side with the City's line crews. Since 2016, the
department has experienced a difficult time filling vacant positions with qualified candidates. After two
recruitments, the Electric Utility was able to hire a candidate in 2018; unfortunately, the employee
resigned one year later.
APPROVED:
-gt�ephen"Seh4abauer, City Manager
Staff is requesting the following adjustment to the salary ranges for these specialized and hard to fill
positions.
Title
Step 0
_
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Electric Distribution
$6,633.34 to
$6,965.01 to
$7,313.76 to
$7,678.45
to $8,063.38 to
Operator 1
$8,474.97
$8,898.71
$9,3_43.65
$9,810.83
$10,301.37
Electric Distribution
Step eliminated
Step eliminated
Step eliminated
$9,521.33
to
$9,999.49 to
Operator II
_
Step eliminated
$10,301.37
$10,816.44
Electric Distribution
Step eliminated
Step eliminated
$10,473.52
to
$10,999.47 to
Operator Supervisor
$11,331.51
$11,898.09
Human Resources has conferred with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and
they are in agreement with the proposed salary range adjustments.
Staff recommends that the Council approve the adjustments to the salary ranges for the positions of
Electric Distribution Operator I, Electric Distribution Operator II, and the Electric Distribution Operator
Supervisor.
FISCAL IMPACT: The total long term annual cost of the proposed salary adjustments are
estimated to be $40,000.
FUNDING AVAILABLE: The increases will be absorbed within the Electric Utility Budget
Adele Post
Human Resources Manager
Andrew Keys `
Deputy City Manager/Internal Services Director
RESOLUTION NO. 2020-28
A RESOLUTION OF THE LODI CITY COUNCIL
APPROVING AMENDMENTS TO THE SALARY
RANGES FOR THE POSITIONS OF
ELECTRIC DISTRIBUTION OPERATOR I, ELECTRIC
DISTRIBUTION OPERATOR II, AND ELECTRIC
DISTRIBUTION OPERATOR SUPERVISOR
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Lodi City Council does hereby approve
the salary ranges for Electric Distribution Operator I, Electric Distribution Operator II, and
Electric Distribution Operator Supervisor as follows:
Electric Distribution Operator I
Step 0 Step 1 Step 2 Step 3
$8,474.97 $8,898.71 $9,343.65 $9,810.83
Electric Distribution Operator 11
Step 3 Step 4
$10,301.37 $10,816.44
Electric Distribution Operator Supervisor
Step 3 Step 4
$11,331.51 $11,898.09
Dated: February 5, 2020
Step 4
$10,301.37
I hereby certify that Resolution No. 2020-28 was passed and adopted by the City
Council of the City of Lodi in a regular meeting held February 5, 2020, by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS — Chandler, Mounce, Nakanishi, and
Mayor Kuehne
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS — None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS — Johnson
ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBERS — None
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PAMELA M. FARRIS
Assistant City Clerk
2020-28