Title
A. RESOLUTION NO. 2015-215 OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA AMENDING THE COMPENSATION SCHEDULE TO REFLECT SALARY INCREASES FOR MAYOR, COUNCILMEMBERS AND CITY ATTORNEY (ELECTED) IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTIONS 302, 304(C) AND 503(C) OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA CITY CHARTER
B. RESOLUTION NO. 2015-216 OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA APPROVING THE REVISED FISCAL YEAR 2015-2016 COMPENSATION SCHEDULE AS REQUIRED BY CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 2, SECTION 570.5
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommended Action
Council adopt the resolutions.
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SUMMARY
Sections 302, 304(c) and 503(c) of the City of Chula Vista City Charter establish the compensation for Councilmembers, the Mayor and elected City Attorney, respectively, based upon the formulas set forth in those sections. The City recently received notification of a salary change for the position of Judge of the Superior Court of the State of California, to which the salaries for Councilmembers, the Mayor and elected City Attorney are tied.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The Development Services Director has reviewed the proposed activity for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has determined that the activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378(b)(2) of the State CEQA Guidelines because it is a personnel related action; therefore, pursuant to Section 15060(c)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines the activity is not subject to CEQA. Thus, no environmental review is necessary.
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
Not Applicable
DISCUSSION
Mayor and City Council
The City received notification of a salary change for the position of Judge of the Superior Court of the State of California. Per the City Charter, the Mayor shall receive an annual salary equivalent to 66% of the salary of a Judge of the Superior Court of the State of California. The City Charter further sets the annual salary for Councilmembers at 40% of the salary of the Mayor. Based on a letter from the Judicial Council of California dated August 7, 2015, the position of Judge of the Superior Court of the State of California will receive a salary increase of 2.4% effective July 1, 2015. The Compensation Schedule will be revised to reflect the corresponding change to the salaries for the Mayor and Councilmembers.
City Attorney
In June 2012, voters approved an amendment to the City Charter that set the annual salary of the elected City Attorney to be equivalent to the salary of a Judge of the Superior Court of the State of California. This salary change became effective on December 9, 2014, the first scheduled City Council meeting following certification of the election results. The annual salary for the City Attorney will be adjusted to $189,041 effective July 1, 2015, based on the based on the August 7, 2015 letter from the Judicial Council of California.
Compensation Schedule
California Code of Regulations, Title 2, Section 570.5 requires that, for purposes of determining a retiring employee's pension allowance, the pay rate be limited to the amount listed on a pay schedule that meets certain requirements and be approved by the governing body in accordance with the requirements of the applicable public meeting laws. The revised Fiscal Year 2015-2016 Compensation Schedule ("Compensation Schedule") was last approved by the City Council at their meeting of July 21, 2015.
The Compensation Schedule presented here reflects the revised salaries for Mayor, Councilperson, and City Attorney (Elected) adjusted to reflect the 2.4% salary increase for Judge of the Superior Court of the State of California as reflected in the letter from the Judicial Council of California dated August 7, 2015.
Approval of Resolution B will approve the revised Compensation Schedule to reflect the aforementioned salary adjustments in compliance with California Code of Regulations, Title 2, Section 570.5.
DECISION-MAKER CONFLICT
Staff has determined that the action contemplated by this item is ministerial, secretarial, manual, or clerical in nature and, as such, does not require the City Council members to make or participate in making a governmental decision, pursuant to California Code of Regulations Title 2, section 18702.4(a). Consequently, this item does not present a conflict under the Political Reform Act (Cal. Gov't Code § 87100, et seq.). Staff is not independently aware, and has not been informed by any City Council member, of any other fact that may constitute a basis for a decision maker conflict of interest in this matter.
LINK TO STRATEGIC GOALS
The City’s Strategic Plan has five major goals: Operational Excellence, Economic Vitality, Healthy Community, Strong and Secure Neighborhoods and a Connected Community. Approval of the revised Fiscal Year 2015-2016 Compensation Schedule and its posting on the City's internet website supports the goal of Operational Excellence as it enhances disclosure and transparency of employee compensation and, as a result, fosters public trust through an open and ethical government.
CURRENT YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
The estimated annual cost for the combined salary changes is $17,073. No additional appropriations are requested as this time as staff will look for offsetting savings within the General Fund budget. If necessary, staff will request additional appropriations as part of the Quarterly Financial Report.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
Ongoing costs salary costs will be incorporated into subsequent fiscal year budgets.
ATTACHMENTS
(1) Memorandum from the Judicial Council of California dated August 7, 2015
(2) Revised Fiscal Year 2015-2016 Compensation Schedule
Staff Contact: Courtney Barrett