Agenda - Council - 02/08/2011 - Laserfiche WebLink

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70% 10% 10% 10% 30% 70% 25% 75% 3% 97% 100% 10% 90% 100% 100% CC Regular Session Date: 02/08/2011 By: Colleen Lasher Administrative Services Title: Consider a Resolution to Reorganize the Community Development Department Background: The Community Development Department consists of eight full time employees, which includes the Community Development Director/Deputy City Administrator position that oversees the department's day -to -day operation. The primary functions of the department are planning, economic development and building inspections. The Community Development staffing of 8 full-time equivalents (FTE) is funded from a variety of sources. The chart below shows the breakdown of Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA), tax increment financing (TIF), Landfill Tipping fee, and General Funding contributions made to support the department. 1 Dep. City Adm/Dir. of C.D. 2 Econ. Dev. /Marketing Mgr. 3 Planning Manager 4 Associate Planner 5 Environmental Coord. 6 Planning Secretary 7 Building Official 8 Permit Technician HRA Information TIF Landfill Tipping General Fund EDA Item #: 7. 4. Over the last several years, planning and development work that is reimbursed by developer's escrow accounts has been greatly reduced as development has decreased. In addition, the Landfill tipping Fee, which will have a balance of $229,000 at the end of 2011, currently supports one full -time position in the CD Department at about $83,000 per year. At that rate, this funding source will last less than 3 years before it will need to revert to General Fund or other tax supported fund (e.g., HRA, EDA). The position generally has been directed toward environmental work due to the funding source, but staff cuts in recent years have directed more of this position's work toward planning, zoning and code enforcement activity. Consequently, cost reduction remains an important objective for this department. Industry experts have anticipated a slow climb out of the current recession, with new home sales continuing at record lows. Activity in the department also remains relatively low (see attached APPENDIX A). In addition, tax revenue increases due to increased development also will lag 18 -24 months behind the start of new construction due to the property tax valuation and collection process. Recommendation: To reduce administrative overhead costs, to streamline the development review process and increase the focus on encouraging and supporting economic growth, and to improve technical effectiveness the following actions are recommended. 1. Eliminate the position of Planning Managerwith the last day worked being February 25, 2011. This will result in an annual cost savings of $108,170 and streamline the process by eliminating a level of management with the department. Net annual savings to the general fund and the HRA would be approximately $63,000 allowing for $40,000 in consultant planning, and pay adjustments for the Senior Planner and Associate Planner/Environmental Coordinator positions. 2. Allocate $40,000 for consultant planning work to supplement existing staff. This will allow staff to acquire specific technical expertise and advance projects as needed without excessive fixed cost. Staff recommends that a request for proposals process be conducted for consultant planning services. 3. Change the current Associate Planner position to Senior Planner, with project lead responsibility, consultant coordination, but no staff supervisory function, pay adjustment recommendation from $26.98 per hour to $28.78 per hour effective February 28, 2011. 4. Change the current Environmental Coordinator position to Associate Plarmer/Environmental Coordinator and allocate 20% of that position to the General Fund, pay adjustment recommendation of $29.54 per hour to $30.10 per hour effective February 28, 2011. It is anticipated that the percentage of salary coming from the general fund would be increased incrementally to reduce the reliance on the Landfill Tipping Fund.