PSPP012120PUBLIC SAFETY, PERSONNEL & PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING
January 21, 2020
Elected Officials Present
Councilmember Kristiana Johnson
Councilmember Laura Johnson
Staff Present
Jessica Neill Hoyson, HR Director
Jim Lawless, Acting Police Chief
Patrick Doherty, Econ. Dev./Comm. Serv. Dir.
Brian Tuley, IT Supervisor
Phil Williams, Public Works Director
The meeting was called to order at 6:01 p.m. in the Police Training Room.
2. Renewal of Interim Parks & Rec Director Appointment
Ms. Neill Hoyson advised Shannon Burley was appointed by the Mayor to a six month term as Interim
Parks & Recreation Director while the City conducted recruitment. Extending the appointment beyond
six months requires Council approval due to the increased budget. Staff is actively recruiting and
candidates are being interviewed on January 31 s'. She requested the appointment be extended for six
months or until a director is hired, whichever comes first. Ms. Burley's appointment expires January
23, 2020.
Ms. Neill Hoyson responded to questions regarding Ms. Burley's willingness to extend the
appointment and the interview and approval process.
Action: Schedule on Consent Agenda
Job Descriptions 2020 Budget
Ms. Neill Hoyson introduced the job description:
• Web Systems Analyst (Finance/IT)
o New position added in 2020 budget
o Position responsibilities
■ Standardize website
■ Proactively work with departments on website
initiative
information including developing a data
Ms. Neill Hoyson and Mr. Tuley responded to questions about the hiring process, current efforts to
migrate information to a new website platform that is more operator and user friendly, and the
timeframe for filling this position.
Mr. Doherty introduced the job description:
• Public Information Officer/Communications Strategist (Community Services)
o Previously utilized consultant services 30 hours/month
o Proposal is in-house manager, Level 10, part-time position
o Intent is to enhance communication, transparency and engagement
o Manager Level 10 non -union position
Discussion followed regarding this person developing media strategies and the expectation that
he/she will work with departments.
0 Human Services Program Manager (Community Services)
01/21/20 PSPP Committee Minutes, Page 2
o New position, Level 10 manager, part-time
Ms. Neill Hoyson and Mr. Doherty responded to question regarding whether grants will fund salaries.
Committee recommended adding grant writing and sourcing to Required Knowledge and Required
Skill.
Acting Police Chief Lawless introduced the job description:
• Crime Prevention/Community Engagement Coordinator (Police)
o Reclassification of position lost due to budget cuts in 2008/2009
■ Crime prevention models and technology have evolved
Acting Chief Lawless responded to questions about possibly reinstating the vacation watch,
differences between this position and a crime analyst, IT support of Police Department, and educating
the public regarding 1-1639.
Mr. Williams introduced the job description:
• Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator In -Training (Public Works)
o Included in 2020 budget
o Difficult to hire trained operators
o Had temporary OIT positions in the past, left for other jobs
o No current opening; two existing operators approaching retirement
Discussion followed regarding the vacant WWTP superintendent position, and evolving state
requirements at the WWTP (e.g. new requirement to remove nitrogen).
Ms. Neill Hoyson introduced the job description:
• Field Arborist (Parks)
o Expanding the work done by existing parks maintenance employee, increasing from 10
hours/week to 40 hours/week
o Competitive process to fill position, anticipate current employee will apply
o If incumbent employee hired, will backfill park maintenance position
Ms. Neill Hoyson responded to questions about the difference between this position and an
arboriculturist, public education/outreach, and coordination between this position and the Planning
Department. Committee recommended 1) add support of public outreach and education, 2) Ms.
Burley coordinate with Ms. Hope and Mr. Lien and update the job description to highlight coordination
between this position and Planning Department.
Action: 1) Finalize job descriptions with unions for Web Systems Analyst, Crime
Prevention/Community Engagement Coordinator, and WWTP Operator In -Training; schedule on
Consent Agenda after union approval.
2) Schedule Human Services Program Manager (with additional language) and Public Information
Officer/Communications Strategist on Consent Agenda.
3) Return updated Field Arborist job description to Finance Committee.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:48 p.m.