Title
Adoption of Resolution Amending the Salary Schedule for Part-Time Classifications Effective June 7, 2020 to Reflect Changes to the City of Alameda Minimum Wage and to Maintain Adequate Differentials Between Part-Time Job Categories. (Human Resources 2510)
Body
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On October 16, 2018, the City Council approved an increase to the citywide minimum wage to $15.00 an hour by July 1, 2020. Currently, the State minimum wage for employers with 26 employees or more is $13.00 an hour and will reach $15.00 an hour on January 1, 2022.
Staff is recommending that the City Council approve a resolution amending the City of Alameda Part-Time Salary Schedule to implement the $15.00 an hour minimum wage and address other associated part-time salary compaction. The estimated fiscal impact to the City is $275,000 in annual salary costs, primarily in the Recreation and Parks and Library departments, should the City resume normal operations by the time this increase takes effect. Most part-time employees are currently furloughed due to the COVID-19 related reduction in city services.
BACKGROUND
Under the City of Alameda (City) Charter, it is the responsibility of the City Council to establish and abolish offices and positions of employment and to fix the compensation and duties thereof (City of Alameda Charter Section 3-7(G)). The City Council approved, by Resolution, an increase to the citywide minimum wage to $15.00 per hour by July 1, 2020. The Salary Schedule, as reflected in Exhibit 1, will ensure the City’s compliance with the new City minimum wage and ensure adequate differentials between part-time job categories. (Exhibit 1)
DISCUSSION
The classifications currently below the new $15.00 per hour minimum wage include: Recreation Leader, Aquatics Lifeguard, Aquatics Instructor, Aquatics Specialist, Tiny Tot Aide, Tiny Tot Instructor, Scorekeeper, Park Monitor, Library Aide, Administrative Assistant I, Maintenance Assistant I, and Maintenance Assistant II. Staff is proposing to increase the salaries for these classifications up to or above $15.00 per hour. Additionally, three classifications are being eliminated because they are no longer in use, including: Senior Library Aide, Library Assistant, and Administrative Clerk.
Staff is also proposing to increase the salaries of several classifications that are near, but not below, the new minimum wage, as well, in order to avoid salary compaction with lower classifications. The Human Resources Department has worked in consultation with impacted departments to ensure fair and adequate salary differentials. These classifications include: Recreation Specialist I, Recreation Specialist II, Lead Park Monitor, Police Assistant I, Police Assistant II, and Administrative Assistant II.
The only classification that would be an exception to the new minimum wage is the Recreation Learner, which is exempt from minimum wage requirements. This classification provides work opportunities for individuals with limited or no experience as a trainee and must conform to the State Learner and Federal Youth Opportunity program.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Salary increases related to the minimum wage, as well as compaction related increases, have been incorporated into departmental biennial budget requests. The estimated fiscal impact by department for Fiscal Year 2020-21 will be approximately $225,000 for Recreation and Parks, $11,000 for Library, $11,000 for Police, and $15,000 for Public Works for a total anticipated annual increase of $275,000, including increased PARS and Medicare contributions. This increased cost estimate, however, assumes the City resumes normal operations by the time these increases take effect. Most part-time employees were furloughed after the COVID-19 shelter-in-place order severely reduced city services.
MUNICIPAL CODE/POLICY DOCUMENT CROSS REFERENCE
This action is in conformance with the Alameda Municipal Code.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Adoption of a revised salary schedule is not subject to environmental review in that it is not a “project” as defined by California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). A “project” does not include the creation of governmental funding mechanisms or other governmental fiscal activities which do not involve any commitment to any specific project which may result in a potentially significant physical impact on the environment. CEQA Guidelines, section 15378(b)(4).
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt a resolution amending the Salary Schedule for Part-Time Classifications effective June 7, 2020 to reflect changes to the City of Alameda Minimum Wage and to maintain adequate differentials between part-time job categories.
CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDATION
The City Manager concurs with staff recommendation to amend the salary schedule for Part-Time classifications to reflect the new Minimum Wage and to maintain differentials in classifications.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Bronstein, Human Resources Director
By,
Steve Woo, Human Resources Analyst
Financial Impact section reviewed,
Nancy Bronstein, Interim Finance Director/Human Resources Director
Exhibit:
1. Salary Schedule (Redlined)
2. Salary Schedule (Clean)
cc: Eric Levitt, City Manager