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ORDINANCE NO. 3309 OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA AMENDING CHULA VISTA MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 2.05.010 RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF UNCLASSIFIED POSITIONS TO ADD A FISCAL AGENT SENIOR SECRETARY (SECOND READING AND ADOPTION) (4/5 VOTE REQUIRED)
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommended Action
Council adopt the ordinance.
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SUMMARY
The High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Director is requesting to add a Fiscal Agent (FA) Senior Secretary to the Chula Vista compensation schedule and classification plan. This position is fully reimbursed by grant funds, along with a 4% administrative fee for acting as the fiscal agent.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This proposed activity has been reviewed for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and it has been determined that the activity is not a "Project" as defined under Section 15378 of the State CEQA Guidelines because it 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 Police Department acts as the fiscal agent for various law enforcement programs which are funded through various State and Federal agencies. As the fiscal agent, the Police Department hires and provides salary and benefits for these positions which are normally located in task force offices throughout San Diego County. Although they aren't physically located in the City, they are are considered City employees. These positions are designated as "FA" (Fiscal Agent) in the title description in order to delineate these positions in the budget as well as ensure there is no confusion between these unclassified positions, and their counterparts in the classified service.
One FA Senior Secretary is requested to be added to the authorized count of the Police Grant Fund to support the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program. The purpose of the HIDTA program is to reduce drug trafficking and production in the United States by facilitating cooperation among federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies and enhancing law enforcement intelligence sharing among these agencies. This new position is fully reimbursed by HIDTA grant funds, along with a 4% administrative fee for acting as the fiscal agent.
The FA Senior Secretary will perform a wide variety of highly-responsible secretarial duties to support the HIDTA Director. This position may exercise technical and functional supervision over clerical personnel as assigned. Functions may include, but are not limited to, the following: set up and maintain financial, statistical, and operational records; review departmental payroll submittals and various time sheets; screen calls, visitors, and mail and take action appropriate to request/situation; respond to letters and general correspondence; make travel arrangements, maintain appointment schedules and calendars, arrange meetings and conferences, and schedule facilities reservations as necessary.
DECISION-MAKER CONFLICT
Staff has reviewed the decision contemplated by this action and has determined that it is not site specific and 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, nor has staff been informed by any City Councilmember, 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 new position supports the goal of Strong and Secure Neighborhoods by providing additional resources to meet HIDTA goals and objectives, which ultimately impact the safety of the City of Chula Vista.
CURRENT YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
Approval of Resolution A will result in the amendment of the compensation schedule and classification plan to add the classification of FA Senior Secretary. This new classification is an at-will position and will be eliminated if grant funding ends. The FA Secretary will be assigned to the Confidential (CONF) group. The E-Step bi-weekly salary for the FA Senior Secretary will be $1,942.94.
Approval of Resolution B will result in the addition of one FA Senior Secretary to the authorized position count of the Police Grant Fund. The Department anticipates filling this position in late May. These personnel costs are fully reimbursed by HIDTA grant funds, and the City receives a 4% administrative fee for acting as the fiscal intermediary for this position. Due to personnel savings from vacant HIDTA positions, no further appropriations are necessary in the current fiscal year.
Approval of the Ordinance will amend Chula Vista Municipal Code 2.05.010 to reflect the addition of FA Senior Secretary.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
The ongoing annual cost for this position is approximately $79,600. The personnel costs are fully reimbursed by HIDTA grant funds, and the City receives a 4% administrative fee for acting as the fiscal intermediary for this position. Because of the 4% administrative fee, there will be a positive impact of approximately $3,184 to the General Fund each fiscal year. If the HIDTA grant no longer funds this position, then it will be eliminated.