Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance No. 2226-2007Suggested by: City Manager CITY OF KENAI ORDINANCE NO. 2226-2007 AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENAI, ALASKA, AMENDING KMC 23.50.010 BY CHANGING THE RANGE OF THE PLANNER (CLASS CODE 117)FROM A RANGE 14 TO A RANGE 16. WHEREAS, KMC 23.40.010 contains the classification plan for City employees except the City Manager, City Clerk and City Attorney; and, WHEREAS, the classification plan lists the Planner (Class Code 117) as a Range 14; and, WHEREAS, because of the education, training, duties and responsibilities required of the Planner, the position should be a Range 16; and, WHEREAS, as part of the reorganization of the Public Works Department the City Manager intends to have the Planner report directly to him rather than to the Public Works Manager; and, WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the City of Kenai to change the range of the Plam~er (Class Code 117) from a Range 14 to a Range 16. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENAI, ALASKA, that KMC 23.50.010 is amended to change the range of city Planner (Class Code 1 17) from a Range 14 to a Range 16. PASSED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENAI, ALASKA, this second day of May, 2007. ~» PAT PORTER, MAYOR ATTEST: Carol L. Freas, City Clerk Introduced: April 1$ 2007 Adopted: May 2, 2007 Effective: July 1, 2007 -.. ~~~ ti LL 4~ ti the u'ty a f KENA~ SKA "V lla9e wit~r a Past, Gc~ with a Future" 210 Fidalgo Avenue, Kenai, Alaska 99611-7794 ,„~~, Telephone: 907-283-7535 /FAX.: 907-283-3014 1' I ~ ~ f 1992 MEMO: TO: City Council FROM: Rick Koch DATE: A riI 30, 2007 p SUBJECT: Amending KMC 23.50.010 by Changing the Range of the Planner from a Range 14 to a Range 16 The purpose of this correspondence is to respond to Councilor Molloy's request for additional information regarding the above referenced subject. Attached please find the following: 1. New Position Request Form, Planning Department, 6 pages. 2. Job Description - Planrier (Existing), 5 pages. Thank you for your information in this matter. If you have any questions please contact me at your earliest convenience. attachments New Position Request Form Planning Department Page 1 Position Request: During last fiscal year's budget process, a request was submitted to reclassify the Planner from a Range 14 to a Range 16 and to reclassify the position to an exempt position. Both requests were denied. Last year's budget was a period of transition for the City of Kenai. The City had an incoming City Manager at the same time the budget was being processed so it was understandable that such requests would be set aside in lieu of all other budget considerations. It is hoped that during this fiscal year, the request will be reconsidered on the merits previously presented. Excerpts from last year's request still relevant to the request follow: "The City of Kenai Planner is classified by Kenai Municipal Code as a member of the Supervisory and Professional Class at a Range 14. The Planner supervises one employee. Planner is a relatively new position within the City of Kenai established in 2001 evolving from an administrative assistant as the City of Kenai's needs grew requiring a professional level of planning. Because of the complexity of the issues and information involved, this position requires exceptional communication skills to interact effectively with others both in person and via written communication. The position further demands excellent organizational skills due to tight time constraints and a heavy workload. Additionally, this position must stay abreast of current legal issues in the planning field and be aware of changes in the City Code and how they affect development in the City, at the same time as developing and maintaining positive professional relationships with all Gity departments, other agencies, and the public. This position, within the City of Kenai, is unique in that the Planner is not exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act as noted in KMC 23.10.030 (b); however is required to attend meetings outside of the normal workday. The Planner is required to attend the Planning & Zoning Commission meetings at least twice a month. And, as planning issues are promoted to the Council level, the Planner is expected to attend those meetings. In addition to these scheduled meetings, other meetings are required for on- going projects and maintaining liaisons with other agencies." Range Increase: For consideration in the range increase, I researched the Alaska Municipal Salary & Benefit Survey FY 2007. As noted during last year's request, it is difficult to find positions that function comparatively to the City of Kenai's Planner. New Position Request Form Planning Department Page 2 The AML study provides salary studies for two positions. They describe the positions as: "Planner -Senior staff member in a planning department or under the direction of the single staff planner in a smaller community. Provides independent recommendations on the physical and socioeconomic development of the community. Duties require seasoned professional knowledge and exercise of sound judgment." "Planning Director/Administrator -Plans, organizes, directs, and controls the functions of the planning department. Develops and implements policies, procedures, and practices to accomplish planning studies; reviews zoning ordinance, land acquisitions, and evaluations of proposed annexations, planned unit development, makes numerous public presentations, and related programs." The City of Kenai Planner's responsibilities more closely match the description for Planning Director/Administrator; although, the AML study has classified Kenai's position as a "Planner." In addition, the City of Kenai Planner administers the City's Geographic Information System (GIS). The salary study was reviewed using average hourly wage listed and then an average for the group was determined. (See attached spreadsheet.) The average salary for the communities listed for Planner is $29.01 per hour and for Planning Director/Administrator is $34.90 per hour. The City of Kenai Planner is currently a Range 14 with a beginning salary of $23.91 per hour and a maximum of $28.70 per hour. Based on the AML study, the City of Kenai Planner's salary is below the average salary for "Planner" even when reaching the highest possible salary. The proposed Range 16, starting salary is $26.35 per hour ending at a range 16cc at $31.62 per hour, would still leave this position paid below the medium salary range reported in the AML study for Planners. Exempt Status: After last year's request, City Manager Koch asked the City Attorney to research whether the position of planner could qualify for an exemption from overtime requirements.. It was Attorney Graves' opinion, "....that a city planner does not qualify for an exemption from the FLSA as a professional or an executive', based in part, on a preliminary opinion by the Department of Labor. We have requested a formal opinion on the matter and the planner position will remain anon-exempt position pending a response from the Department of Labor. New Position Request Form Page 3 Planning Department Conclusion: Due to the increased duties placed on this position, the required skills and ever- increasing demands, it seems logical to consider the status of this position both from the standpoint of evaluating the range of the position and the exempt status. A range increase appropriate to the responsibilities of the position should be considered. When the Planning position was requested and created, a Range 15 was recommended. That recommendation was the result of examining other cities salary ranges and the Alaska Municipal League's salary study. At that time, it was noted that the City of Kenai Planner was unique in that the position performed both high-level planning functions as well as the responsibility for the Geographic Information System making it was difficult to find a comparison for the wage study. The Planner continues to perform these functions. The recommendation to a Range 15 acknowledged that at Range 15 the salary would be below the medium range from the AML study. New Position Request Form Planning Department Page 4 Recommendation: The Planner's job duties and responsibilities, the AML Salary Studyand the Fair Labor Standards Act, support justification for a range increase and to classify the position as exempt under FLSA. Recommend a minimum range increase from a 14 to a 16 and amending KMC 23.10.030 (b) to include the Planner. The salary impact to next year's budget would be approximately $1200.00 (with benefit costs) assuming an increase from a 14f to a 16c. Pa~~- CITY OF KENAI PLANNING & ZONING DEPARTMENT JOB DESCRIPTION TITLE: RANGE: NORMAL HOURS/WK: SUPERVISOR GENERAL DESCRIPTION: PLANNER 14 40-Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Evening meetings as required. Public Works Manager Performs professional level duties providing staff services in the areas of planning, zoning, historic preservation, code enforcement, and geographic information services. Provides administrative support to the Planning and Zoning Commission. Work is performed independently under the general supervision of the Public Works Manager. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Administer and coordinate planning and zoning functions: • Develop planning and zoning policy recommendations and related ordinances, policies, and procedures. • Provide administrative support to the Planning & Zoning Commission. • Collaborate with the City Attorney on planning, zoning, and code compliance issues. • Attend Planning & Zoning Commission meetings as staff resource. • Receive applications for special use permits, review them for code compliance, prepare staff reports, make recommendations to Commission for approval or denial, publish public hearing notices, notify affected property owners, and answer questions regarding applications. • Manage the Comprehensive Plan update through all phases, including preparing the request for proposal for professional services, overseeing the contractor, receiving and authorizing pay requests, documenting production, printing, and dispersing. • Write and administer grants, including purchasing and budgeting. • Provide information to the public in matters relating to KMC Title 14-Zoning Code: variances, encroachments, rezones, conditional use permits, home occupation permits, etc. N~,~ 2- Planner Page 2 Job Description • Receive and process preliminary plats for Commission review and recommendations to Kenai Peninsula Borough. • Maintain plat files and administer correspondence regarding plats between the City and surveyors, and Kenai Peninsula Borough. • Receive complaints regarding zoning issues and code compliance. Research and review code to determine appropriate process for alleviating problem. Send notice of code violation to property owner, or delegate to proper Department or Commission. Provide follow-up and keep permanent records of these activities. • Maintain all files, correspondence, forms, permits, and messages pertaining to zoning matters within the City. • Update & maintain City street maps. • Create and maintain databases for tracking permits. • Purchase supplies necessary to perform duties. • Prepare Planning Department budget. • Issue purchase orders. Prepare certified mailings as needed. Hire and Supervise Department Assistant: • Oversee hiring, including advertising the position, receiving applications, reviewing and selecting applicants for interview, interviewing, and assisting in selection of employee. • Oversee and schedule tasks. Act as the City's liaison to the following: • Kenai Peninsula Borough Planning Department. • Homer, Seward, and Soldotna Planning Departments. • Economic Development District (building permits and zoning issued. • State of Alaska, Office of History and Archaeology. Assist Public Works Manager with engineering duties: ® Assist with organization of maps, blueprints, and documents. • Assist with general department organization. ~a~.e, ~ Planner Page 3 Job Description Responsible for Planning and Zoning Commission: • Coordinate meetings. • Notify City Manager, City Clerk, and City Council of activities of the Planning and Zoning Commission. • Prepare meeting packets. • Prepare resolutions and ordinances. • Receive and disburse correspondence relating to Commission business. • Schedule and advertise meetings and public hearings. Manage the City's Certified Local Government responsibilities: • Prepare the annual Certified Local Government report. • Maintain the City's survey of historic properties. • Maintain and modify the City's Preservation Plan as necessary. • Review building permits in the Historic Zone for properties identified in the Preservation Plan. Assist the Building Inspector with the following: • Create and maintain building permit files. • Create and maintain database of building permit activity. • Assign street addresses. • Schedule inspections. • Prepare routine correspondence, including code violation notices. • Distribute building permit activity information as requested. • Prepare purchase orders. • Work with the Building Official to resolve citizen complaints regarding code violations, including junk vehicle complaints. Determine property ownership, notify citizens of code violation, and maintain files. Provide assistance to the Public Works Departments and other City departments with the following: • Provide computer support regarding both hardware and software. • Research and purchase software/hardware for Planning and Public Works Administration. • Install software for the Public Works Administration. ~u~ ~ ~ Planner Page 4 Job Description Responsible for Geographic Information System (GIS) for the City of Kenai: • Update databases with City and Kenai Peninsula Borough data. • Provide maps to City departments as necessary. • Update address information when property is subdivided. • Provide updated address information to the Kenai Peninsula Borough. • Using ArcView and AutoCAD and City maps, provide basic drawings as requested.° • Provide property ownership information as requested. • Query property data for land-use management. Assist Public Works Administrative Assistant as necessary including: • Provide backup when needed for vacations, appointments, lunches, etc. QUALIFICATIONS: • Knowledge of principles and practices of land use planning, land management, and zoning. • Knowledge of federal and state laws, rules, guidelines, policies and procedures related to the work. • Basic knowledge of engineering, mapping, contracts, leases, and construction. • Knowledge of methods and procedures used in collecting, analyzing, interpreting and reporting data. • Knowledge of a variety of computer software, including word-processing, spreadsheets, databases, mapping software, and fax programs. • Ability to write clear accurate reports and business correspondence. • Knowledge of general office practices and principles. • Knowledge of business communication, telephone etiquette, grammar, punctuation, and organizational skills. • Knowledge of public relations techniques. • Ability to perform tasks with minimal or no supervision. • Ability to complete projects independently with inflexible deadlines. • Ability to coordinate a wide range of duties with constant interruptions. ~a~e s Planner Page 5 Job Description • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with government agencies, City boards and commissions, City Departments, City Council, individuals, firms and organizations doing business with the City for the purpose of planning and coordinating work. • Ability to interpret City code. • Ability to interpret and apply laws, regulations and administrative policy to City matters. • Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. • Ability to compose memoranda, business letters, and reports. • Ability to organize and maintain varied filing systems. • Ability to operate personal computers, computer software, calculator, copy machine, and fax to perform duties. • Ability to type a minimum of 60 w.p.m. • Physical ability to perform essential job functions. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE A bachelor's degree in urban, regional or community planning, public administration or some other closely related field and three years of increasingly responsible experience in small town or rural area planning. A bachelor's degree in any other subject area and four years of professional planning or other related experience leading to a general knowledge of planning principles may be substituted for the formal education requirement. AICP certification preferred or a minimum of education and experience to meet the requirements of the exam. Must hold or obtain an Alaskan driver's license. WORKING ENVIRONMENT: Duties performed primarily in an office setting. Payer Alaska Munici al Sala & Benefits Surve FY 2007 Planner Average wage Anchora e Sr. Planner $35.17 Anchora e Sr. Planner $37.68 Fairbanks No. Star Borou h Planner II $26.22 Matanuska-Susitna Borou h Planner 1 $29,33 Matanuska-Susitna Borou h Planner II $25.22 Kenai Peninsula Borou h Planner $24,47 Ketchikan Gatewa Borou h Princi al Planner $30.23 Wasilla Planner $37.88 Kenai Planner $26.90 Valdez Planner $25,44 Unalaska Plannin Director $39.66 Petersbur Communit Develo ment Director $30.63 Seward Planner $23.92 Dillin ham Planner-Dir/Admin $25.38 Cordova Planner $23.45 Lake & Peninsula Borou h Economic Development Coordinator $32.69 Crai Planner $18.86 Avera a $29.01 Planning Director/Administrator Average wage Fairbanks No. Star Borou h Plannin Director/Administrator $42.79 Matanuska-Susitna Borou h Plannin & Land Use Director $41.25 Kenai Peninsula Borou h Plannin Director $36.75 Juneau Communit Development Director $47.68 Sitka Plarinin Director $37.84 Wasilla Recreation & Cultural Services M r. $37.94 Palmer Communit Development Coordinator $25.47 Homer Cit Planner $32.71 Valdez Communit Development Director $38.25 Unalaska Plannin Technician $26.31 Seward Communit Development Director $28,72 Wran ell Economic Dev.lPlanner $27,67 Lake & Peninsula Borou h Communit Develo ment Coordinator $34.65 Bristol Ba Borou h Plannin S ecialisUGrant Writer $30.51 Avera a $34.90 Removed - Don't a pear to be similar ositions: Palmer Plannin Tech & Code Com Hance Off, $17.88 Homer Plannin Tech I/GIS $20.26 Homer Plannin Tech 1/Code Compliance $21.20 Denali Borou h Land Use Technician $16.80 Chefornak Land Planner $15.00 Coffman Cove Pro ects Mana er $16.00