HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-03-16 City Council (46)City
City of Palo Alto
Manager’s Report
TO:HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL
FROM:CITY M3~NAGER
DATE:MARCH 16, 1998 CMR:164:98
SUBJECT:TRANSMISSION OF THE ORGANIZATIONAL REVIEW OF THE
PLANNING DIVISION
This report transmits to the Council the Organizational Evaluation of the Planning Division
by Zucker Systems.
During the past few years, workload in the Planning Division has been dramatically impacted.
by the robust growth in the local economy. This economic growth spawned a wide variety
of commercial and residential development activities which were processed through the
Planning Division at.a time when the comprehensive plan was under major review. These
activities severely taxed the Division’s ability to accomplish the level of work Which was
generated. As a result, the Division was being staffed with a mixture of contract and
permanent employees. The use of contract employees became increasingly prevalent during
the economic expansion in order for the Division to meet the workload requirements. In
addition, substantial staff turnover contributed to the difficulties in adjusting to the
workload.
The 1997-98 Adopted Budget included funding to utilize a consultant to review the
operations and functions of the Division and to evaluate the organization, staffing and
workflow within the Division. The review also was to include an evaluation of operational
oversight and the appropriate mix and type of staffing for the planning function.
In October 1997, Council approved the award of a contract for $49,500 to Zucker Systems
to undertake this evaluation. Zucker Systems was chosen to perform the review because of
its unique combination of consulting services, along with specialization in the areas of
planning, management, development and the environment. Work began in November 1997,
with Human Resources Director, Jay Rounds as contract manager for the City assisted by
CMR:164:98 Page 1 of 2
Acting Assistant Director of Administrative Services, Gigi Harrington. The completed report
was received on February 27..
This is a thorough and well-executed study. The report includes 130 recommendations
which address the wide variety of issues as identified in the RFP. Planning for
implementation of the recommendations will begin immediately. I have assigned Chief
Planning Official, Eric Riel to work with Assistant City Manager, Emily Harrison to manage
this project. Some implementation steps are administrative while others are far-reaching and
will re_quire Council action. Staffwill return to Council within 60 days with an informational
report that outlines the implementation process as well as a time line for scheduling.
ATTACHMENTS
Organizational Evaluation of the Planning Division
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL:
CC:Architectural Review Board
Historic Resources Board
Planning Commission
Manager
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