Title
RESOLUTION NO. 2014-034 OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA APPROPRIATING $38,750 TO FUND THE LAW OFFICE MANAGER POSITION IN THE CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE FOR THE REMAINDER OF FISCAL YEAR 2013/2014 TO BE OFFSET BY REVENUES FROM REIMBURSEMENTS FOR LEGAL SERVICES PROVIDED TO THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY RESULTING IN NO NET FISCAL IMPACT (4/5 VOTE REQUIRED)
Recommended Action
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Council adopt the Resolution.
Body
SUMMARY
This item proposes the funding of the Law Office Manager position within the City Attorney’s office for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2013/2014. Funding will be accomplished with no net fiscal impact through reimbursements from the Successor Agency to the City Attorney’s office for legal services rendered. The Law Office Manager’s duties will be manifold; however the position’s primary focus will be to enhance the quality, quantity and timeliness of legal services provided by the Office to all client City departments through the application of Continuous Improvement tools and principles. Depending upon results, and available resources, this position may be proposed for continued funding in the City’s budget for Fiscal Year 2014/2015.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The Environmental Review Coordinator 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)(4) of the State CEQA Guidelines because it is a government fiscal activity) that will not result in a physical change in the environment; 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
The Law Office Manager position has been identified as an authorized position, but not funded, within the City Attorney’s office budget since 2009. This item proposes the funding of the Law Office Manager position for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2013/2014. Funding will be accomplished with no net fiscal impact through reimbursements from the Successor Agency to the City Attorney’s office for services rendered, or, if necessary, other available funds from the City Attorney’s Office existing budget.
The Office Manager’s duties will be manifold; but, the position’s primary focus will be to enhance the quality, quantity and timeliness of legal services provided to all City departments through the application of Continuous Improvement tools and principles. Current projects of this type (in various stages of implementation) include: (1) an automated project request and tracking system; (2) comprehensive document management systems, including form and opinion banks; (3) “standard work” for routine tasks; (4) performance metrics for both advisory and litigation functions; and (5) increased development and deployment of training modules. Depending upon results, this position may be proposed for continued funding in the City’s budget for Fiscal Year 2014/2015.
Both the City Manager and the City Attorney support the funding of this analyst level position to boost the City Attorney’s office overall effectiveness. Overall City productivity is also projected to increase because of the key role the City Attorney’s office serves in providing support to all City Departments.
DECISION-MAKER CONFLICT
Staff has reviewed the decision contemplated by this action and has determined that it is not site specific; consequently, the 500-foot rule found in California Code of Regulations section 18704.2(a)(1), is not applicable to this decision. 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. This action will enhance the City Attorney’s office capacity to support all of these goals, particularly Operational Excellence, as the position of Office Manager will be focused on implementing Continuous Improvement projects, both existing and future, with the objective of providing higher quality legal services to all City departments.
CURRENT YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
The Law Office Manager position is an authorized but unfunded position in the City Attorney’s Office budget. Approval of the resolution will provide funding for this position for the remainder of fiscal year 2013/2014. There is no net fiscal impact in the current year to the General Fund as a result of this change. The appropriation of $38,700 will be fully offset by a reimbursement from the Successor Agency administrative funds for legal staff time services provided to the Successor Agency related to the winding down of the Redevelopment Agency, or, if necessary, other funds available within the City Attorney’s existing budget.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
If this position is proposed for ongoing funding in next year’s budget, further fiscal analysis will be conducted and provided at that time. The current projected annualized cost of this position would be approximately $92,900. At least a portion of that cost could be offset by continued reimbursements from the Successor Agency.