02-05-2019 - AGENDA ITEM 08 APPROVING THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH THE NON-SWORN SAFETY SUPPORT EMPLOYEES' ASSOCIATION AND THE UPDATED POSITION CLASSIFICATION SPECIFICATIAGENDA ITEM NO. 8
AGENDA STAFF REPORT
City of West Covina I Office of the City Manager
DATE: February 5, 2019
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Chris Freeland
City Manager
SUBJECT: APPROVING THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH THE NON -SWORN
SAFETY SUPPORT EMPLOYEES' ASSOCIATION AND THE UPDATED POSITION
CLASSIFICATION SPECIFICATION AND SALARY SCHEDULE FOR PUBLIC
SAFETY DISPATCHER AND SENIOR COMMUNICATIONS OPERATOR
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council adopt the following resolutions:
RESOLUTION NO. 2019-02 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
BETWEEN THE CITY OF WEST COVINA AND THE WEST COVINA NON -SWORN
SAFETY SUPPORT EMPLOYEES' ASSOCIATION FOR THE PERIOD OF JULY 1, 2017
THROUGH JUNE 30, 2019
RESOLUTION NO. 2019-09 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE REVISED POSITION CLASSIFICATION
SPECIFICATION AND ADJUSTED SALARY SCHEDULE FOR PUBLIC SAFETY
DISPATCHER AND SENIOR COMMUNICATIONS OPERATOR
BACKGROUND:
Over the last 20 months, the City has been negotiating a successor Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
with the Non -Sworn Safety Support Employees' Association (Non -Sworn Unit). The Non -Sworn Unit's
current MOU expired on June 30, 2017. In addition to MOU negotiations, the City has also been meeting with
the Non -Sworn Unit to address significant staffing issues for the Public Safety Dispatcher and Senior
Communications Operator positions within the bargaining unit.
The Non -Sworn Unit is one of five miscellaneous employee bargaining units recognized by the City. The four
other miscellaneous bargaining units are the Confidential Employees' Association (Confidential Unit), General
Employees' Association (General Unit), Maintenance and Crafts Employees' Association (Maintenance Unit),
and Mid -Management Employees' Association (Mid -Management Unit). Currently, these five bargaining units
together represent approximately 150 full-time employees working in position classifications ranging from
Account Clerk to Public Services Superintendent. As a sub -set of the City's five miscellaneous employee
bargaining units, the Non -Sworn Unit represents 42 full-time employees working in position classifications
Exhibit 1
Members). This shall increase employee contributions from 7% to 7.72%, which is the new
statutory limit. (For administrative purposes, this item shall be implemented the first pay period
after the MOU is ratified by Council)
Effective June 30, 2019
1. 2% base salary increase. The salary increase shall be non -retroactive and implemented the first
pay period of July 2019.
Exhibit 2
NON -SWORN SAFETY EMPLOYEES
Represented Position Classification Salary Schedule
Effective June 30, 2019
The City and Non -Sworn Safety Support Employees' Association (Association) have agreed to a two (2)
year successor MOU covering the period of July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2019. Pursuant to this
agreement, members of the Association shall receive a 2% salary increase the first pay period of July 2019.
The salary schedule for the position classifications represented by the Association shall be as follows
starting the first pay period of July 2019:
MONTHLY PAY SCHEDULE
POSITION
GRADE
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
STEP 4
STEP 5
Community Services Officer
NS160
$3,321
$3,487
$3,661
$3,845
$4,038
Forensic Specialist
NS003
$4,348
$4,582
$4,817
$5,051
$5,285
Jailer
NS130
$3,458
$3,634
$3,814
$4,007
$4,205
Lead Jailer
NS131
$3,806
$4,011
$4,216
$4,421
$4,626
Police Records Specialist I
NS070
$2,885
$3,032
$3,182
$3,341
$3,508
Police Records Specialist II
NS110
$3,094
$3,249
$3,411
$3,583
$3,761
Public Safety Dispatcher
NS001
$4,439
$4,661
$4,894
$5,139
$5,394
Senior Communications Op
NS002
$4,972
$5,220
$5,481
$5,755
$6,042
1of1
ATTACHMENT NO. 4
PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCH
Salary Study
January 15, 2019
AGENCY
CURRENT TOP SALARY STEP
DISPATCHER SR DISPATCH
PROPOSED TOP SALARY STEP
DISPATCHER SR DISPATCH
Azusa
$5,096
$5,096
Baldwin Park
$4,812
$4,812
Bell Gardens
$5,754
$6,325
$5,754
$6,325
Brea
$5,454
$6,001
$5,454
$6,001
Burbank
$5,443
$5,443
Covina
$5,543
$5,543
Downey
$5,047
$6,087
$5,047
$6,087
El Monte
$5,170
$5,170
Fontana
$5,377
$5,652
$5,377
$5,652
Glendora
$4,667
$5,134
$4,667
$5,134
Irwindale
$5,461
$5,461
La Verne
$5,101
$5,101
Pasadena
$6,046
$6,046
Pomona
$5,130
$5,661
$5,130
$5,661
San Gabriel
$4,963
$4,963
West Covina
$4,376
$5,186
$5,289
$5,923
Market Average
$5,215
$5,721
$5,272
$5,826
West Covina Market Variance
-16.09%
-9.35%
0.31%
1.66%
West Covina Market Ranking
16
6
8
4
Number of Comparators
16
7
16
7
High
$6,046
$6,325
$6,046
$6,325
Median
$5,150
$5,661
$5,229
$5,923
Low
$4,376
$5,134
$4,667
$5,134
ATTACHMENT NO.5
1 7�YIT11 IJIY(ILp`[I�17D�I1�
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST
COVINA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE REVISED POSITION
CLASSIFICATION SPECIFICATION AND ADJUSTED SALARY
SCHEDULE FOR PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER AND SENIOR
COMMUNICATIONS OPERATOR
WHEREAS, the City of West Covina has met and conferred with representatives for
the West Covina Non -Sworn Safety Support Employees' Association; and,
WHEREAS, the City of West Covina and the West Covina Non -Sworn Safety
Support Employees' Association have agreed upon certain revisions to the position
classification specifications for Public Safety Dispatcher and Senior Communications
Operator; and,
WHEREAS, the City of West Covina and the West Covina Non -Sworn Safety
Support Employees' Association have agreed upon an adjustment to the salary schedules for
Public Safety Dispatcher and Senior Communications Operator; and,
WHEREAS, the City of West Covina and the West Covina Non -Sworn Safety
Support Employees' Association have agreed the revised position classification specifications
and adjusted salary schedules for Public Safety Dispatcher and Senior Communications
Operator shall be effective March 9, 2019.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of West Covina does resolve as
follows:
SECTION 1. That the revised position classification specifications for Public Safety
Dispatcher (Exhibit 1) and Senior Communications Operator (Exhibit 2) are hereby approved
and ratified.
SECTION 2. That the adjusted salary schedules for Public Safety Dispatcher and
Senior Communications Operator (Exhibit 3) are hereby approved and ratified.
SECTION 3. That this resolution shall be effective immediately upon passage and
adoption.
SECTION 4. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Resolution.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED on this 5' day of February 2019.
Lloyd Johnson
Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM: ATTEST:
Scott E. Porter Nickolas S. Lewis
City Attorney City Clerk
I, HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing resolution was duly adopted by the City
Council of the City of West Covina, California, at a regular meeting thereof on the 5' day of
February 2019, by the following vote of the City Council:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Nickolas S. Lewis
City Clerk
Exhibit 1
CITY OF WEST COVINA
CLASSIFICATION SPECIFICATION
PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER
Bargain Unit: Non -Sworn Safety
Pay Grade: NS001
FSLA: Non -Exempt
Established: July 7, 2015
Revised: February 5, 2019, Resolution No. 2019-09
JOB SUMMARY
Under supervision, dispatches police, fire, or other City resources or contract vehicles; maintains
radio contact and status of each vehicle in the field; operates a computer terminal; operates a
telephone switchboard, giving general information to callers and making necessary connections
with other departments; and does related work as required.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Under supervision and with minimal assistance, incumbents in this class must ably perform the
following functions:
1. Ably serve on a shift basis as a dispatcher in the Communications Center.
2. Effectively receive and process service requests and calls made by telephone, radio,
computer/mobile application, and teletype.
3. Effectively discern reported emergencies and service requests and dispatch the appropriate
fire, police or other City resources to respond to reported emergencies and service requests
in the field.
4. Effectively maintains radio contact with units at all times during shift assignments and
sends needed or requested assistance as indicated.
5. Effectively maintains the status of all mobile units continuously, indicating the disposition
of each by mechanical or other means.
6. Tiered Dispatching - Understands and effectively responds to calls utilizing the tiered
dispatch model. This includes receiving, identifying, and accurately evaluating emergency
and routine calls for fire and paramedic services and accurately determining what type of
response is needed in the field by following a line of questions and responses.
7. Effectively monitors Fire Department equipment status/availability and paging system
(ZETRON).
8. Effectively provides pre -arrival medical instruction and lifesaving directions over the
telephone by following emergency medical dispatching procedures (EMD).
9. Effectively monitors local hospitals' availability and advises Fire Personnel.
(REDDINET).
10. Requests and acquires additional resources through mutual aid when requested.
Public Safety Dispatcher
Rev. 02.05.19
Exhibit 1
11.Operates public safety communication equipment, including computer aided dispatch
(CAD), multi -frequency radio transmitter/receiver, multiline telephone system (VESTA).
12. Receives, prioritizes and acts upon emergency and non -emergency calls for police, fire and
emergency medical services. Receive calls for various city departments and directs them
appropriately. Provide after hour emergency call -out duties for Public Works.
13. Maintains radio contact with units at all times, ensuring Officer safety by maintaining an
accurate status screen, running subjects, vehicles and locations for want/warrants, previous
address and subject history. Provides unit support by dispatching tows, calling other
agencies, confirming warrants and other notifications.
14. Keeps field sergeants and watch commander apprised of emergency situations and request
additional units and equipment as needed.
15. Monitors and assists 9-1-1 calls for service received via text messaging.
16. Monitors outside agencies frequencies for mutual aid (LASO AIR).
17. Performs multiple, routine and complex dispatch tasks simultaneously in a calm and
effective manner.
18. Calms angered or distraught callers while obtaining pertinent information to assist them.
19. Effectively manages and responds to radio transmissions during hectic, tense and
dangerous situations.
20. Enters, maintains, retrieves and interprets data in Police Department Records Management
System (RMS).
21. Makes required Department of Justice (DOJ) entries for all emergency dispatch
communications matters including missing persons, stolen vehicles, private property
impounds, and repossessions in a timely and accurate manner
22. Knows geography of the City and surrounding areas, including streets, intersections,
landmarks, businesses, boundaries, districts, and beats. Ability to read maps, understand
directions, and give clear oral directions.
23. Monitors and assists citizens after hours via public phone outside Police Department lobby.
24. Monitors Cameras around the Police Station and reports unusual activities as necessary.
25. Receives calls of a general nature, gives appropriate information to callers and routes calls
to their proper destination.
26. Sends and receives teletype messages and routes them to appropriate destinations.
27. Gives depositions and testifies in Court as needed.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES
Required Knowledge
Knowledge of office procedures; ability to answer multiple telephone lines and provide
information under stressful conditions; radio -telephone operation is desirable. Knowledge of
emergency dispatching for both police and fire calls. Knowledge of tiered dispatching.
Public Safety Dispatcher
Rev. 02.05.19
Exhibit 1
Required Abilities
Work well under pressure. Ability to discern emergency service calls via radio, telephone,
computer/mobile application, mobile text messaging, and teletype and dispatch the appropriate
resources to the call. Ability to multi -task.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Experience and Education
One year of general office experience which included heavy public contact providing information
and assistance. High school diploma or GED. College coursework in communications or other
related field is desirable.
Skills
Keyboarding at 45 wpm
Physical Requirements
This position also requires extensive and repetitive physical activity involving the arms, wrists,
and hands, including writing and using a keyboard. It also requires physical abilities associated
with the ability to read, write and communicate in a work environment requiring no extraordinary
physical strength or other special physical qualifications.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Working Conditions
Must be able to work 12-hour shifts; different days, including nights, weekends, holidays, and
extended hours. Once qualified to work independently, will be assigned to rotating shifts (3-12
plan). On occasion, may be required to work over the work week norm in compliance with the
Department's mandatory holdover and call back policies. This position requires extensive and
repetitive physical activity involving the arms, wrists, and hands, including writing and using a
keyboard. Incumbents must be able to sit for extended periods of time. This position also requires
physical abilities associated with the ability to read, write, and communicate in a work
environment.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of West Covina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans
with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals
with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential
accommodations with the employer.
Public Safety Dispatcher
Rev. 02.05.19
Exhibit 2
CITY OF WEST COVINA
CLASSIFICATION SPECIFICATION
SENIOR COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
Bargain Unit: Non -Sworn Safety
Pay Grade: NS002
FSLA: Non -Exempt
Established: July 7, 2015
Revised: February 5, 2019, Resolution No. 2019-09
JOB SUMMARY
Under general direction, acts as a Communications Center Watch Supervisor in the absence of the
regularly assigned Supervisor; trains personnel; dispatches police, fire, or other City or contract
vehicles; maintains radio contact and status of each vehicle in the field; operates a computer
terminal; performs related work as required.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Under general supervision, incumbents in this class must ably perform the following functions:
1. Ably serve on a shift basis as a dispatcher in the Communications Center.
2. Effectively receive and process service requests and calls made by telephone, radio,
computer/mobile application, and teletype.
3. Effectively discern reported emergencies and service requests and dispatch the appropriate
fire, police or other City resources to respond to reported emergencies and service requests
in the field.
4. Effectively maintains radio contact with units at all times during shift assignments and
sends needed or requested assistance as indicated.
5. Effectively maintains the status of all mobile units continuously, indicating the disposition
of each by mechanical or other means.
6. Tiered Dispatching - Understands and effectively responds to calls utilizing the tiered
dispatch model. This includes receiving, identifying, and accurately evaluating emergency
and routine calls for fire and paramedic services and accurately determining what type of
response is needed in the field by following a line of questions and responses.
7. Effectively monitors Fire Department equipment status/availability and paging system
(ZETRON).
8. Effectively provides pre -arrival medical instruction and lifesaving directions over the
telephone by following emergency medical dispatching procedures (EMD).
9. Effectively monitors local hospitals' availability and advises Fire Personnel.
(REDDINET).
10. Requests and acquires additional resources through mutual aid when requested.
Senior Communications Operator
Rev. 02.05.19
Exhibit 2
11.Operates public safety communication equipment, including computer aided dispatch
(CAD), multi -frequency radio transmitter/receiver, multiline telephone system (VESTA).
12. Receives, prioritizes and acts upon emergency and non -emergency calls for police, fire and
emergency medical services. Receive calls for various city departments and directs them
appropriately. Provide after hour emergency call -out duties for Public Works.
13. Maintains radio contact with units at all times, ensuring Officer safety by maintaining an
accurate status screen, running subjects, vehicles and locations for want/warrants, previous
address and subject history. Provides unit support by dispatching tows, calling other
agencies, confirming warrants and other notifications.
14. Keeps field sergeants and watch commander apprised of emergency situations and request
additional units and equipment as needed.
15. Monitors and assists 9-1-1 calls for service received via text messaging.
16. Monitors outside agencies frequencies for mutual aid (LASO AIR).
17. Performs multiple, routine and complex dispatch tasks simultaneously in a calm and
effective manner.
18. Calms angered or distraught callers while obtaining pertinent information to assist them.
19. Effectively manages and responds to radio transmissions during hectic, tense and
dangerous situations.
20. Enters, maintains, retrieves and interprets data in Police Department Records Management
System (RMS).
21. Makes required Department of Justice (DOJ) entries for all emergency dispatch
communications matters including missing persons, stolen vehicles, private property
impounds, and repossessions in a timely and accurate manner
22. Knows geography of the City and surrounding areas, including streets, intersections,
landmarks, businesses, boundaries, districts, and beats. Ability to read maps, understand
directions, and give clear oral directions.
23. Monitors and assists citizens after hours via public phone outside Police Department lobby.
24. Monitors Cameras around the Police Station and reports unusual activities as necessary.
25. Receives calls of a general nature, gives appropriate information to callers and routes calls
to their proper destination.
26. As assigned, acts as communications equipment coordinator for Citywide communications
network; assists departments in the planning, installation, and changes to telephone, paging
and other communications related equipment and systems.
27. Serves as training officer and conducts training of new personnel; writes daily and weekly
evaluations; makes recommendations regarding training procedures.
28. Assists in the development and implementation of training programs for entry-level
personnel.
29. Sends and receives teletype messages and routes them to appropriate destinations.
Senior Communications Operator
Rev. 02.05.19
ranging from Police Records Clerk to Public Safety Dispatcher. Members of the Non -Sworn Unit perform
important field and administrative functions that directly support the City's sworn Police and Fire personnel.
On June 19, 2018, the City Council approved two-year MOU's with the Confidential Unit, General Unit,
Maintenance Unit, and Mid -Management Unit covering the period July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2019.
Together, these four bargaining units agreed to commensurate benefit increases and decreases over the two-year
agreement with slight variations between each agreement due to the differing scopes of each unit's work. For
example, the Maintenance Unit agreed to a monthly stipend for unit members who maintain a Class "A"
commercial drivers' license because the unit's general scope of work requires this type of specialized license.
The most notable items that these units each agreed to are listed below:
1. Unit Gain - 2% salary increase effective July 1, 2018 (all units);
2. Unit Gain - Addition of Veteran's Day to the schedule of paid holidays (all units);
3. Unit Gain - One-time cash -out of 10 hours accrued leave time (all units);
4. Unit Gain - Matching deferred comp up to $50/month (General and Maintenance Units only);
5. Unit Gain - $100 per month stipend for Class A Driver's License (Maintenance Unit only);
6. Cost Control - Cap City's medical contributions for all new hires as of July 1, 2018 (all units);
7. Cost Control - Increase employee contributions to Ca1PERS from 7% to 7.72% for "Classic New
Members" (all units);
8. Cost Control - Eliminate the sick leave cash -out option upon separation/retirement for unit members
hired on or after July 1, 2018 (all units);
9. Cost Control - Exclude the medical cash -out amount from the overtime calculation (all units);
The combined cost for the two-year MOU's with these four bargaining units was conservatively estimated at
$285,925.
DISCUSSION:
On December 10, 2018, representatives of the Non -Sworn Unit and City tentatively agreed upon a two-year
MOU covering the period July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2019. This tentative agreement contains similar
benefit increases and decreases that the City's four other miscellaneous bargaining units received in their latest
MOU's with two major exceptions which are explained later in this report. If approved, this agreement will
make the Non -Sworn Unit's MOU current and put it back on track with the four other miscellaneous bargaining
units. The main provisions contained in the tentative agreement are listed below:
1. Cost Control - Status quo agreement for July 1, 2017 — June 30, 2018 period (no retroactive
enhancements);
2. Unit Gain - Add Veteran's Day to the schedule of paid holidays, effective November 2018;
3. Unit Gain - Add matching deferred comp benefit up to $50/month, effective January 26, 2019;
4. Unit Gain - 2% salary increase, effective June 30, 2019 (first payroll period in July 2019);
5. Cost Control - Eliminate the sick leave cash -out option upon separation or retirement for unit members
hired on or after July 1, 2018;
6. Cost Control - Cap medical premium contributions at the 2019 Kaiser LA Region rates for all unit
employees, effective January 1, 2019;
7. Cost Control - Increase employee contributions to Ca1PERS from 7% to 7.72% for "Classic New
Members" effective February 9, 2019 (increases to statutory minimum);
8. Cost Control - Exclude medical cash -out amount from the overtime calculation, effective February 9,
2019.
As stated earlier, the tentative agreement with the Non -Sworn Unit has two major exceptions from the MOU's
recently entered into with the four other miscellaneous bargaining units. First, the Non -Sworn Unit has agreed
to defer for one year and make its 2% salary increase non -retroactive . The one-year deferral pushes the
Exhibit 2
30. In the absence of a supervisor, performs the following:
a. Perform shift supervisor duties of the Communications Center and be responsible
for efficient handling of the city's communication systems, preparation of reports,
logs and filing necessary to the operations.
b. Coordinates and monitors the repair of City owned communications equipment,
including phones and radio systems.
c. Programs and troubleshoots radios, pagers, alarms, and vocal alarms when
requested.
d. Provides dispatch recordings when properly requested (VPl).
e. Ascertain that all programs are signed into and being monitored by all shift
personnel, including CAD, TEXT 9-1-1, and REDDMT.
31. Gives depositions and testifies in Court as needed.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES
Required Knowledge
Knowledge of office procedures; knowledge of emergency dispatching for both police and fire
calls; knowledge of tiered dispatching; knowledge of effective training and supervisory methods;
knowledge of radio -telephone operation is desirable.
Required Abilities
Work well under pressure; ability to discern emergency service calls via radio, telephone,
computer/mobile application, mobile text messaging, and teletype and dispatch the appropriate
resources to the call; ability to answer multiple telephone lines and provide information under
stressful conditions; ability to effectively train new personnel in emergency dispatch operations
and procedures.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Experience and Education
Must have a minimum of at least two and one-half (2.5) years of continuous satisfactory service
as a Public Safety Dispatcher in a County Sheriff or Municipal Police/Fire Communications
Center. High school diploma or GED. College coursework in communications or another related
field is desirable.
Skills
Keyboarding at 40 wpm.
Physical Requirements
This position requires extensive and repetitive physical activity involving the arms, wrists, and
hands, including writing and using a keyboard. It also requires physical abilities associated with
the ability to read, write and communicate in a work environment requiring no extraordinary
physical strength or other special physical qualifications.
Senior Communications Operator
Rev. 02.05.19
Exhibit 2
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Working Conditions
Must be able to work 12-hour shifts; different days, including nights, weekends, holidays, and
extended hours. Once qualified to work independently, will be assigned to rotating shifts (3-12
plan). On occasion, may be required to work over the work week norm in compliance with the
Department's mandatory holdover and call back policies. This position requires extensive and
repetitive physical activity involving the arms, wrists, and hands, including writing and using a
keyboard. Incumbents must be able to sit for extended periods of time. This position also requires
physical abilities associated with the ability to read, write, and communicate in a work
environment.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of West Covina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans
with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals
with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential
accommodations with the employer.
Senior Communications Operator
Rev. 02.05.19
Exhibit 3
CITY OF WEST COVINA
SALARYSCHEDULE
Effective March 9, 2019
MONTHLY PAY SCHEDULE
POSITION
I GRADE
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
STEP 4
STEP 5
Public Safety Dispatcher
NS001
$4,352
$4,569
$4,798
$5,038
$5,289
Senior Communications Op.
NS002
$4,874
$5,118
$5,374
$5,642
$5,923
effective date for the 2% salary increase to June 30, 2019. This is a major concession by the unit given the fact
that all other miscellaneous units received a 2% salary increase effective July 1, 2018. This one-year deferral
saves the City approximately $48,100 in salary and benefits for Fiscal Year 2018-19.
The second exception to this tentative agreement is that the Non -Sworn Unit has agreed to cap the City's
medical premium contributions at the 2019 Kaiser LA Region rates on all unit employees. This is another
major concession by the Non -Sworn Unit and it significantly differs from the medical cap agreed to by the four
other miscellaneous bargaining units in that those units only agreed to cap medical on new hires as of July 1,
2018. To provide context to this item, the City's current medical contributions are tied to the Kaiser LA Region
premium rates, which have increased by 18.6% from 2014 - 2018. For a more itemized analysis of the Kaiser
medical premium rates and the City's maximum obligations for 2014 - 2018, please see Attachment No. 1,
Table 1.
Furthermore, the City's actual medical premium contributions for the Non -Sworn Unit during the same 2014 -
2018 period have increased by 35.2% ($250,267 in FY 2014-15 to $338,440 in FY 2017-18). If we use this
bargaining unit's average annual rate of increase (10.8% annually) for medical premiums during the 2014 —
2018 period, we can expect the City's medical contributions for this unit to increase from $338,440 in FY
2017-18 to $510,000 in FY 2021-22. The medical cap contained in this tentative agreement with the Non -
Sworn Unit can reasonably be expected to save the City approximately $224,000 over the next four fiscal
years. Most importantly, the medical cap contained in this tentative agreement will establish a critical cost
control that will help the City address an intertwined problem of rapidly increasing medical premiums and an
ongoing structural deficit. For a more itemized analysis of the City's actual premium contributions for the Non -
Sworn Unit over the 2014 - 2018 period along with cost estimates for the 2019 - 2022 period, please see
Attachment No. 1, Table 2.
The tentative agreement with the Non -Sworn Unit will cost approximately $12,400 over the two-year term of
the agreement, with an average cost per unit member being $12.30 per month over the two-year period. This
tentative agreement will have minimal impact on the City's current year budget, it contains significant cost
controls, and it will cost less to maintain in future fiscal years than the MOU's entered into with the City's four
other miscellaneous units for the same period. The tentative agreement with the Non -Sworn Unit is favorable.
For a more detailed cost summary of this tentative agreement and comparison with the other miscellaneous unit
MOU's, please see Attachment No. 2. Also attached for your review and consideration is Resolution No. 2019-
02 approving a successor MOU with the Non -Sworn Unit for the period covering July 1, 2017 through June 30,
2019 (Attachment No. 3).
Public Safety Dispatch Qperations Update
In addition to MOU negotiations, the City and Non -Sworn Unit have also been meeting and conferring over
changes to dispatch operations. After more than 18 months of this process, the City and Non -Sworn Unit have
agreed to specific changes to the salary schedules and position classification specifications for Public Safety
Dispatcher and Senior Communications Operator. These changes are intended to address significant staffing
issues within the City' dispatch operations.
Currently, the City maintains ten (10) Public Safety Dispatcher positions and four (4) Senior Communications
Operator positions to meet adequate staffing levels for dispatch operations. Over the past several years, the
City has consistently experienced a 30% - 50% vacancy rate in these two critical positions. This persistently
high vacancy rate has resulted in increased workloads for existing dispatch personnel, increased staff turnover,
and increased overtime costs to cover staffing shortages.
Staff has determined that this issue is primarily driven by the City's current pay rates for Public Safety
Dispatcher and Senior Communications Operator, which have fallen significantly below the market rate for
these two positions over the past several years. For example, a recent salary study conducted by staff shows
that the City's current salary rate for Public Safety Dispatcher ranks last in a pool of 16 local cities with similar
dispatch operations. This same study also shows that the City's current salary rate for Senior Communications
Operator ranks sixth in a pool of seven (7) local cities with comparable senior dispatch positions. In terms of
market variance, the current salaries for Public Safety Dispatcher and Senior Communications Operator are
16.09% and 9.35% below the market average respectively. To address this issue, staff recommends adjusting
the monthly pay range for Public Safety Dispatcher and Senior Communications Operator as follows:
CURRENT
PROPOSED
POSITION TITLE
PAY RANGE
PAY RANGE
Public Safety Disp
1$3,601 - $4,376 / month JF$4,352
- $5,289 / month
Senior Comm. Operator
$4,266 - $5,186 / month JF$4,874
- $5,923 / month
With this adjustment, the top pay step for Public Safety Dispatcher increases from $4,376 to $5,289 per month
and for Senior Communications Operator from $5,186 to $5,923 per month. These recommended adjustments
will bring the salaries for these two positions to within 0.3 1% and 1.66% of the market average for comparable
positions respectively. For a more detailed review of the salary survey and analysis that was conducted for this
report, please see Attachment No. 4.
Staff has also determined that the job classification specifications (i.e., job descriptions and requirements) for
Public Safety Dispatcher and Senior Communications Operator need to be updated to address current industry
standards and requirements. The most notable change made to the job specifications is the inclusion of "tiered
dispatching" as a required skill and certification for emergency dispatch personnel. The tiered dispatching
model is considered a more efficient dispatch model because it requires dispatchers to better assess emergency
calls and to deploy the most optimal level of emergency resources to each call. This model is expected to
significantly reduce the frequency in which maximum emergency resources are unnecessarily deployed to calls
that do not require maximum resources. This model is expected to optimize the City's emergency resources
and generate budget savings. Staff anticipates having the tiered dispatching model fully implemented by June
30, 2019.
Attached for your review and consideration is Resolution No. 2019-09 approving the updated position
classification specification and salary schedule for Public Safety Dispatcher and Senior Communications
Operator (Attachment No. 5).
OPTIONS:
The following options are available to the City Council:
1. Approve staffs recommendation; or
2. Provide alternative direction.
Prepared by: Edward M. Macias, Human Resources Director
Fiscal Impact
FISCAL IMPACT:
The cost to implement the updated MOU is estimated to be $12,400 over its two-year term, of which 100% is
attributable to Fiscal Year 2018-19. This represents an average monthly benefit increase of $12.30 per unit
member over the two-year term of the MOU. It is anticipated that the current year budget is sufficiently
funded to cover this additional cost.
The cost to implement the updated salary schedule for Public Safety Dispatcher and Senior Communications
Operator on March 9, 2019 is estimated to be $45,636 ($41,338 for salaries and $4,298 for benefits) in Fiscal
Year 2018-19. Due to anticipated salary savings, the current year budget is expected to have sufficient funding
to cover the additional cost generated by the salary adjustment through the remainer of Fiscal Yar 2018-19
(ending June 30, 2019).
Fiscal Year 2019-20 Cost Impact
The 2017-19 MOU and dispatch unit salary adjustment together are estimated to increase salaries and benefits
by $49,042 ($44,264 for salaries and $4,778 for benefits) in Fiscal Year 2019-20. This future year cost impact
does not take into consideration the cost savings expected from the hard medical cap that is effective January 1,
2019. The cost savings from the medical cap is estimated to be $40,484 in Fiscal Year 2019-20. The ongoing
fiscal impact from the 2017-19 MOU and dispatch salary adjustment will continuously be assessed and
accounted for in future budget periods.
Attachments
Attachment No. 1 - Medical Premium Rate Tables 1 & 2
Attachment No. 2 - Non -Sworn MOU Cost Detail & Comparison
Attachment No. 3 - Resolution 2019-02 Approving NSEA 2017-19 MOU
Attachment No. 4 - Dispatch Position Salary Study
Attachment No. 5 - Resolution 2019-09 Approving Dispatch Class Spec & Salary Adjustment
ATTACHMENT NO. 1
TABLE 1 - KAISER MEDICAL PREMIUM RATES FOR 2014 - 2018
Calendar Year
Single
Single + 1
Family
2014
$541.79
$1,083.58
$1,408.65
Year -Over -Year % Change
-3.80%
-3.80%
-3.80%
2015
$521.18
$1,042.36
$1,355.07
Year-Over-Year%Change
4.35%
4.35%
4.35%
2016
$543.83
$1,087.66
$1,413.96
Year -Over- Year % Change
5.53%
5.53%
5.53%
2017
$573.89
$1,147.78
$1,492.11
Year -Over -Year % Change
11.99%
11.99%
11.99%
2018
$642.70
$1,285.40
$1,671.02
Premium Increase from 2014 - 2018
$100.91
$201.82
$262.37
% Change 2014 - 2018
18.63%
18.63%
18.63%
Average YOY % Change 2014 - 2018
4.51%
4.51%
4.51%
TABLE 2 - NON -SWORN UNIT MEDICAL PREMIUM COST ANALYSIS
Medical
YOY
YOY 4-Year
Actual Costs / City Contributions Premiums
% Change
Difference % Change
FY 2014-15 Actual $250,267
-
-
FY 2015-16 Actual $255,873
2.2%
$5,606
FY 2016-17 Actual $304,435
19.0%
$48,562 -
FY 2017-18 Actual $338,440
11.2%
$34,005 35.2%
10.8%'
This is the average year -over -year percent increase/decrease
in the City's
actual contributions.
This rate is used to estimate future contribution increases.
Medical
Avg YOY
YOY 4-Year
Estimated Costs / City Contributions
Premiums
% Change
Difference % Change
FY 2018-19 Estimate Z
$374,979
10.8%
$36,539
FY 2019-20 Estimate
$415,463
10.8%
($40,484)
FY 2020-21 Estimate
$460,317
10.8%
($85,338)
FY 2021-22 Estimate
$510,014
10.8%
($135,035) 36.0%
Estimated Premium Savings for FY 2018-19 - FY 2021-22 ($224,318)
Z Medical cap is implemented and this represents the baseline year for estimating year -over -year
cost savings due to the medical premium cap. For all subsequent years, premium increases will
be measured against this year's estimate and considered cost savings.
ATTACHMENT NO.3
l �Y1T 11 IJ IY(IL p [1�31 ZDa 6�
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST
COVINA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE MEMORANDUM OF
UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF WEST COVINA AND THE
WEST COVINA NON -SWORN SAFETY SUPPORT EMPLOYEES'
ASSOCIATION FOR THE PERIOD OF JULY 1, 2017 THROUGH JUNE 30,
2019
WHEREAS, the City of West Covina has met and conferred with representatives for
the West Covina Non -Sworn Safety Support Employees' Association; and,
WHEREAS, the City of West Covina and the West Covina Non -Sworn Safety
Support Employees' Association have agreed upon certain changes to the benefits and terms
and conditions of employment in the agreed upon Memorandum of Understanding for the
period of July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2019.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of West Covina does resolve as
follows:
SECTION 1. That the two (2) year agreement from July 1, 2017 through June 30,
2019 between the City of West Covina and the West Covina Non -Sworn Safety Support
Employees' Association is hereby approved and ratified and all applicable changes are
contained in the Memorandum of Understanding are hereby adopted. Exhibit 1 provides a
detailed outline of the changes agreed to in this Memorandum of Understanding.
SECTION 2. That the position classifications within the City's Full -Time Salary
Schedule represented by the Non -Sworn Safety Support Employees' Association are hereby
established as listed on Exhibit 2.
SECTION 3. That this resolution shall be effective immediately upon passage and
adoption.
SECTION 4. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Resolution.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED on this 5s' day of February 2019.
Lloyd Johnson
Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM: ATTEST:
Scott E. Porter Nickolas S. Lewis
City Attorney City Clerk
I, HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing resolution was duly adopted by the City
Council of the City of West Covina, California, at a regular meeting thereof on the 5' day of
February 2019, by the following vote of the City Council:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Nickolas S. Lewis
City Clerk
Exhibit 1
E3
NON -SWORN SAFETY EMPLOYEES
Successor Memorandum of Understanding
July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2019
The City and Non -Sworn Safety Support Employees' Association (Association) have agreed to a two (2)
year successor Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) covering the period of July 1, 2017 through June
30, 2019. The terms and conditions of this agreement are as follows:
July 1, 2017 — June 30, 2018
Status Quo (no substantive changes) — for the period covering July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018, the City
and Association agree to maintain the status quo. All terms and conditions established by the prior year
MOU dated July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017 shall remain in full force and effect for this period.
Effective July 1, 2018
1. Add Veteran's Day to the schedule of paid holidays (10 hours of comp time shall be deposited for
FY 2018-19).
2. Add Deferred Compensation Provision: add a deferred compensation matching benefit up to $50
per month for all unit employees. This benefit shall be conditioned on a matching principle in
which the City will contribute up to $50 per month to each employee's deferred compensation
account on an employee -employer dollar -for -dollar matching basis. (For administrative purposes,
this item shall be effective the first pay period after the MOU is ratified by Council).
3. Add Medical Cash -Out Provision (Flores vs. San Gabriel): medical cash -out amount shall be
excluded from the overtime calculation (effective upon adoption and implementation of the
MOU).
4. Amend Sick Leave Pay -Off Upon Retirement Provision: eliminate the provision for sick leave
cash -out upon retirement from the City for all new employees hired on or after July 1, 2018.
Effective January 1, 2019
1. Medical Cap: City contributions to medical premiums for all unit members shall be capped at the
2019 Raiser LA Region rates for single, single plus one, and family. The 2019 rates have been
established as follows:
Single........ $618.64
Single +L. $1,237.28
Family....... $1,608.46
2. Ca1PERS employee contribution increase: employee contributions to CalPERS shall be increased
to the statutory limit established on January 1, 2018 for Tier 2 employees (i.e., Classic New