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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-11-08 City Council (7)City of Palo Alto City Manager’s Report 8 TO:HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL FROM:CITY MANAGER DEPARTMENT: HUMAN RESOURCES DATE:NOVEMBER 8, 1999 CMR: 408:99 SUBJECT:APPROVAL OF RESOLUTIONS AMENDING THE COMPENSATION PLANS FOR MANAGEMENT AND CONFIDENTIAL PERSONNEL AND COUNCIL APPOINTEES, CLASSIFIED EMPLOYEES, POLICE EMPLOYEES, FIRE EMPLOYEES, AND FIRE CHIEF’S ASSOCIATION MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL REPORT IN BRIEF The City’s Employee Commute Altematives Program provides commute subsidies for employees who use public transit, carpools and other forms of commuting that reduce automobile trips. An increase in funding of $25.,000 was approved in the 1999/2000 Budget for enhancements to the Commute Alternatives Program. Staff is proposing that this funding be applied to increase commute subsidies for public transit users and carpool users. Staff is also proposing Council authorization, on a trial basis, of a $60 per month vanpool subsidy for up to 22 employees who are participating in two commute vanpools. CMR:408:99 Page 1 of 4 RECOMMENDATION This report recommends Council approval of the attached.resolutions and amendments to the compensation plans for all City employee groups (Classified, Management and Confidential, Police, Fire, and Fire Chief’s Association) to increase Employee Commute Alternatives subsidies for public transit users and carpoolers; and to approve implementation of a pilot Employee Vanpool Program for two employee groups: Classified, and Management and Confidential. BACKGROUND The City has developed a successful Employee Commute Alternatives Program that has reduced commute trips, reduced parking congestion at the City Hall garage and contributed to improving the air quality. Through use of commute programs, City employees have made over 40 parking spaces per month available in the downtown Civic Center garage, lessened pollutants in the air by a quarter ton per year and decreased congestion by eliminating approximately 120 vehicles per month (see additional City Employee Commute Program accomplishments, CMR: 121:96). In the current budget, Council approved $25,000 to enhance the Employee Commute Alternatives Program. This report proposes compensation plan changes that will authorize commute subsidy program enhancements. This report also proposes approval of a pilot Employee Vanpool Program. DISCUSSION Subsidy Increase Currently, approximately 163 employees receive a $20 per month subsidy for using a commute alternative on at least 60 percent of their scheduled workdays. The amount of the subsidy has not changed since the inception of this program in 1994. Staff proposes a graduated increase in the monthly subsidy as indicated in the following table. The subsidy for biking and walking commuters will remain at the current rate of $20 per month. Commute Mode Public Transit Users Current Subsidy $20/month Proposed Increase $20/month for Caltrain riders traveling 3 or more zones, and commuters using BART, the ACE train, Dumbarton Express and other commuter highway vehicles. Total Proposed Subsidy $40/month CMR:408:99 Page 2 of 4 Commute Mode Public Transit Users Carpool Users Current Subsidy $20/month $20/m0nth Proposed Increase $15/month for Caltrain riders traveling less than 3 zones, and commuters using county transit buses. $10/month Total Proposed Subsidy $35/month $30/month This approach will increase resources for difficult and costly commutes, encourage an increase in employee participation in public transit and carpools, and be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan (T-6) to increase carpool incentive plans. Pilot Employee Vanpool Program The City has a group of employees living in the Central Valley cities of Patterson, Modesto, Merced, Ceres, and Los Banos. Currently, these employees either drive alone or commute by carpool. Another group lives in the Livermore/Pleasanton/Dublin commute corridor. Staff has held discussions with these employees regarding their desire to establish an employer-subsidized RIDES vanpool program. The proposed vanpool pilot developed from these discussions. In addition to facilitating the formulation of carpools, RIDES also puts commuters in touch with existing vanpools or assists them starting a new van pool. Enterprise Inc. partners with RIDES in supplying the vans through a lease arrangement. A month-to-month lease covers maintenance on the van, liability insurance and a replacement van in the event of a breakdown. Each vanpool has a lead person who takes responsibility for the vehicle lease. Staff is proposing that the City subsidize the program by reimbursing a portion of the monthly lease. The pilot program includes one 12-person van and one 10-person van. The 12-person van for the Central Valley group leases for $1490 per month. The 10-person.van for the Livermore group leases for $1250 per month. The two employee groups have initiated the program on their own, pending Council approval of the City subsidy. Staff proposes a vanpool subsidy of $60 per month per participant. For the 12-person van, the subsidy is $720 per month paid in commuter checks (tax-free vouchers) directly to Enterprise, Inc. For the 10-person van, the subsidy is $600 per month. Vanpool participants pay for the remainder of the lease cost, about $65 each per month, plus fuel. Total City costs for an eight-month pilot program beginning in October 1999 are $10,560. The Utilities Department operating budget will fund the program during the trial period because many of CMR:408:99 Page 3 of 4 the participants are Utilities Department employees. Continuation of the program will be conditioned upon success during the trial period, and will be subject to funding in the fiscal year 2000/01 budget. RESOURCE IMPACT Funds for increasing the Commute Alternatives Program subsidies for carpool and public transit users have been approved in the 1999-2000 Human Resources operating budget. Funds for the vanpool pilot are available in the 1999-2000 Utility Department operating budget. Furore funding for the Vanpool program, should it be implemented on a permanent basis, will be requested through the City’s budget process in the Human Resources Department budget. POLICY IMPLICATIONS The action recommended by transportation priorities. this report is consistent with City Council traffic and ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW This is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). ATTACHMENTS Resolution Adopting a Revised Compensation Plan for Management and Confidential Personnel and Council Appointees Resolution Adopting a Revised Compensation Plan for.Classified Employees Resolution Adopting a Revised Compensation Plan for Police Employees Resolution Adopting a Revised Compensation Plan for Fire Employees Resolution Adopting a Revised Compensation Plan for Fire Chiefs’ Association Management Personnel PREPARED BY: Kathy Lee,’,sources Administrator/Commute Coordinator DEPARTMENT HEAD: JAY C. ROUND~ Director CITY MANAGER APPROVAL: C CMR:408:99 Page 4 of 4 follows: RESOLUTION NO. RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO AMENDING THE COMPENSATION PLAN FOR MANAGEMENT AND CONFIDENTIAL PERSONNEL AND COUNCIL APPOINTED OFFICERS ADOPTED BY RESOLUTION NO. 7890 AND AMENDED BY RESOLUTION NO. 7897 TO REVISE COMMUTE INCENTIVES AND PARKING PROVISIONS The Council of the City of Palo Alto does RESOLVE as SECTION i. Pursuant to the provisions of Section 12 of Article III of the Charter of the City of Palo Alto, the Management Compensation Plan, adopted by Resolution No. 7890 and amended by Resolution No. 7897 is hereby amended by revising Section ~I" relating to Commute Incentives and Parking, as set forth in Exhibit "A", attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. SECTION 2. The Director of Administrative Services is authorized to implement the amended Compensation Plan as set forth in Section I. SECTION 3. The Council finds that this is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act and, therefore, no environmental impact assessment is necessary. INTRODUCED AND PASSED: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTENTIONS: ATTEST:APPROVED: City Clerk Mayor APPROVED AS TO FORM:City Manager Senior Asst. City Attorney Director of Administrative Services Director of Human Resources 991102 sdl 0032275 EXHIBIT "A" C~TY OF PALO ALTO COMPENS-ATION PLAN Management and Confidential Personnel And Council Appointees Effective:Pay period including July 1, through June 30, 2000 Amended: 10-25-99 1999 I.Commute !..n~entives..and Parking Employees who qualify may voluntarily elect one of the following commute incentives: Civic Center Parking. Employees assigned to Civic Center and adjacent work locations. The City will provide a Civic Center Garage parking permit. New employees hired after June 30, 1994 may initially receive a parking permit for another downtown lot, subject to the availability of space at the Civic Center Garage. Public Transit. The City will provide monthly Commuter Checks worth the value of: $40 for employees traveling three or more zones on Caltrain; $40 for employees.using the Dumbarton Express, BART, the ACE train or a commuter highway vehicle; $35 for employees traveling less than three zones on Caltrain; $35 for employees using VTA and other buses. These vouchers may be used toward the.purchase of a monthly trafl~it pass. Carpool. The City will provide carpool vouchers worth the value of $30 per month to each eligible employee in a carpool with two or more licensed drivers. These vouchers may be used a designated Service stations toward the purchase of fuel and other vehicle-related expenses. Vanpool Pilot Program~ The ~itYwill pr0Vid# Commuter CheOks*Worth the $60 of their share of the vehicle lease cost.to each employee VoluntadlylparticiP~ting i~ ~.t..h~e Vanpool Pilot Program. TheSe Vouchers may be use8 towara.pa~ment~of the monthly ££#t. A review of the vanpool pilot to measure its success Will be conducted six months.ffo~ ~b_.e start date to determine .the prog~:.am’s Continuation. Bicycle. The City will provide bicycle vouchers worth the value of $20 per month to eligible employees who ride a bicycle to work. These vouchers may be used at designated bicycle shops for related bicycle equipment and expenses. Walk. The City will provide walker vouchers worth the value of $20 per month to eligible employees who walk to work. These vouchers may-be Used at designated stores for expenses related to walking such as footwear and related accessories. Expense Allowance Mayor Per Pay Period $69.23 Per Month ..(Approx.) $150.00 Vice Mayor $46.15 $100.00 RESOLUTION NO. RESOLUTION OFTHE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO AMENDING THE COMPENSATION PLAN FOR CLASSIFIED PERSONNEL (SEIU) ADOPTED BY RESOLUTION NO. 7782 AND AMENDED BY RESOLUTION NOS. 7812, 7837 AND 7872 TO REVISE COMMUTE INCENTIVES AND PARKING PROVISIONS The Council of the City of Palo Alto does hereby RESOLVE as follows: SECT~.ON i. Pursuant to the provisions of Section 12 of Article III of the Charter of the City of Palo Alto, the Compensation Plan adopted by Resolution No. 7782 and amended by Resolution Nos. 7812, 7837 and 7872 is hereby amended by revising Section ~F" relating to Commute Incentives and Parking, as set forth in Exhibit "A", attached hereto, and incorporated herein by reference. S~..~TION..2. The Director of Administrative Services is hereby authorized to implement the amended Compensation Plan as described in Section I. SECTION 3. The Council finds that this is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act and, therefore, no environmental impact assessment is necessary. INTRODUCED AND PASSED: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTENTIONS: ATTEST:APPROVED: City Clerk Mayor APPROVED AS TO FORM:City Manager Senior Asst. City Attorney Director of Administrative Services Director of Human Resources 991102 sdl 0032273 1 EXHIBIT "A" CITY OF PALO ALTO COMPENSATION PLAN CLASSIFIED EMPLOYEES EFFECTIVE:Pay period including May 1, 1998 Through April 30, 200! AMENDED: July 1, 1998 September 14, 1998 October 25, 1999 o term of this compensation plan. Long ..Term Disability Insurance The City shall continue the long term disability insurance plan currently in effect for the term of this compensation plan, with an increase in the maximum benefit level under Plan A to $4,000, effective July 1, 1991. For Plan A, employee coverage is subject to a voluntary payroll deduction of the insurance premium applicable to the first $6000 of monthly salary, less a credit of $11.17 per month to be paid by the City. For Plan B, the maximum benefit level is $1800 of month. Employee coverage is subject to a voluntary payroll deduction of the insurance premium applicable to the first $2000 of:monthly salary for Plan B; the City will pay premiums in excess thereof. o The City will pay up to $17.50 per month toward long term disability insurance premiums for those employees without eligible dependents covered under the health insurance provisions. Vision Care Effective beginning July 1, 1989, the City will offer vision care coverage for employee and dependents. Coverage is equivalent to $20 Deductible Plan A under Vision Service Plan with monthly premiums paid by the employer. Effective July 1, 1996, dependents will include domestic partners as defined under Section 1.a. F. Commute Incentives and Parking Effective on or before August 1, 1994, represented employees who qualify may voluntarily elect one of the following commute incentives: Civic Center Parking. Employees assigned to Civic Center and adjacent work locations. The City will provide a Civic Center Garage parking permit. New employees hired after April 30, 1994 may initially receive a parking permit for another downtown lot, subject to the availability of space at the Civic Center Garage. Public Transit. The City will provide monthly Commuter Checks worth the value of: 5 $40 for employees traveling three or more zones on Caltrain; $40 for employees using the Dumbarton Express, BART, the ACE train or a commuter highway vehicle; $35 for employees traveling less than three zones on Caltrain; $35 for employees using V-I’A, and other buses. These vouchers may be used toward the purchase of a monthly transit pass. Carpool. The City will provide carpool vouchers worth the value of $30 per month to each eligible employee in a carpool with two or licensed dirvers. These vouchers may be used a designated service stations toward the purchase of fuel and other vehicle-related expenses. Vanpool Pilot Program. The City will provide Commuter Checks worth the value up to $60 of their share of the vehicle lease cost to each. employee voluntarily participating in the Vanpool Pilot Program. These vouchers may be used toward payment of the monthly cost. A review of the vanpool pilot to measure its success will be conducted six months from the start date to determine the program’s continuation. Bicycle. The City will provide bicycle vouchers worth the value of $20 per month to eligible employees who ride a bicycle to work. These vouchers may be used at designated bicycle shops for related bicycle equipment and expenses. Walk. The City will provide walker vouchers worth the value of $20 per month to eligible employees who walk to work. These vouchers may be used at designated stores for expenses related to walking such as footwear and related accessories. G. Dependent Care Assistance The City will provide a Dependent Care Assistance program for employees according to the Provisions of the Federal Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981, Code Sections 125and 129. H. Retirement The City will continue the present benefits under the Public Employees’ Retirement System 2% at age 60 formula act. Employees who retire and were employed by the City on or before April 1, 1977, and spouses of deceased employees who were employed by the City on or before April 1, 1977, shall 6 RESOLUTION NO. RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO AMENDING THE COMPENSATION PLAN FOR POLICE NON- MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL ADOPTED BY RESOLUTION NO. 7788 TO REVISE COMMUTE INCENTIVES AND PARKING PROVISIONS The Council of the City of Palo Alto does hereby RESOLVE as follows: SECTION i. Pursuant to the provisions of Section 12 of Article III of the Charter of the City of .Palo Alto, the Compensation Plan adopted by Resolution No. 7788 is hereby amended by revising Section ~D" relating to Commute Incentives and Parking, as set forth in~ Exhibit "A", attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. SECTION 2. The Director of Administrative Services is hereby authorized to implement the amended Compensation Plan as described in Section I. SECTION 3. The Council finds that this is not a project under the California Environmenta! Quality Act and, therefore, no environmental impact assessment is necessary. INTRODUCED AND PASSED: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTENTIONS: ATTEST:APPROVED: City Clerk Mayor APPROVED AS TO FORM:City Manager Senior Asst. City Attorney Director of Administrative Services Director of Human Resources 99I I02 sdl 00322274 1 EXHIBIT "A" CITY OF PALO ALTO COMPENSATION PLAN POLICE EMPLOYEES EFFECTIVE:Pay period including July 1, 1998 through June 30, 2001 Amended: 10-25-99 No B° Co D° Overtime and In-Lieu Ho!iday Pay Compensation for overtime work and scheduled work on paid holidays shall be in conformance with the Merit Rules and Regulations and Administrative Directives. Compensatory time off subject to the limitations of the Fair Labor Standards Act which is approved by management in lieu of overtime payment on a staffing available basis will be taken at the rate of 1 1/2 hours for every hour of credited overtime. Working Out of Classification Within each fiscal year, after two complete shifts have been worked in a higher classification, employees shall receive a seven percent premium for all subsequent shifts worked out of classification. .Night Shift Differential Night shift differential shall be paid at the rate of 5% to represented classes for all hours worked between 6:0.0 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. Vacation pay for employees who regularly work night shifts shall include appropriate night shift premiums, relating to night shift hours regularly worked. Commute Incentives and Parking Represented employees who qualify may voluntarily elect one of the following commute incentives: Civic Center Parking. Employees assigned to Civic Center and adjacent work locations. The City will provide a Civic Center Garage parking permit. New employees hired after June 30, 1994 may initially receive a parking permit for another downtown lot, subject to the availability of space at the Civic Center Garage. Public Transit. The City will provide monthly Commuter Checks worth the value of: $40 for employees traveling three or more zones on Caltrain; $40 for employees using the Dumbarton Express, BART, the ACE train or a commuter highway vehicle; $35 for emp!oyees traveling lesg than three zones on Caltrain; $35 for employees using VTA, and other buses. These vouchers may be used toward the purchase of a monthly transit pass. Carpool. The City will provide carpool vouchers worth the value of $30 per month to each eligible employee in a carpool with two or licensed drivers. These vouchers may be used a designated service stations toward the purchase of fuel and other vehicle-related expenses. RESOLUTION NO. RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO AMENDING THE COMPENSATION PLAN FOR FIRE DEPARTMENT PERSONNEL (IAFF)ADOPTED BY RESOLUTION NO. 7730 AND AMENDED BY RESOLUTION NO. 7772 TO REVISE COMMUTE INCENTIVES AND PARKING ’PROVISIONS The Council of the City of Palo Alto does hereby RESOLVE as follows: SECTION i. Pursuant to the provisions of Section 12 of Article III of the Charter of the City of Palo Alto, the Compensation Plan adopted by Resolution No. 7730 and amended by Resolution No. 7~772 is hereby amended by revising Section ~N" relating to Commute Incentives and Parking, as set forth in Exhibit "A", attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. SECTION 2. The Director of Administrative Services is hereby authorized to implement the amended classifications and salaries as described in Section i. SECTION 3. The Council finds that this is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act .and, therefore, no environmental impact assessment is necessary. INTRODUCED AND PASSED: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTENTIONS: ATTEST:APPROVED: City Clerk Mayor APPROVED AS TO FORM:City Manager Senior Asst. City Attorney Director of Administrative Services Director of Human Resources 991102 sdl 0032276 EXHIBIT "A" CITY OF PALO ALTO COMPENSATION PLAN Fire Employees EFFECTIVE:Pay period including July 1, 1997 Through June 30, 2000 AMENDED:July 1, 1998 October 25, 1999 Military Service Credit. Effective as soon as possible, the City will amend its contract with the Public Employees’ Retirement System to provide for Section 20930.3, Military Service Credit as Public Service. M. Dependent Care Assistance Program The City will provide a-dependent care assistance program for employees according to the provisions of the Federal Economic Recovery Act Of 1981, Code Sections 125 and 129. The program will be available to representation unit employees beginning with pay period number 1 of 1994, and remain in effect subject to a reasonable minimum participation level and availability of third party administrative services at a reasonable cost. Commute Incentives and Parking Employees in represented classes assigned tO Civic Center or adjacent work locations shall be entitled to frge parking in the Civic Center Garage, or a commute incentive which will be subject to meet .and confer. New employees hired after July 1, 1994, may initially receive a parking permit for another downtown lot, subject to avaiiability of space at the Civic Center Garage. Light duty employees assigned to the Civic Center will receive Civic Center parking temporary.permits for the duration of the light duty assignment. Represented employees who qualify may vOluntarily elect one of the following commute incentivesi Public Transit. The City will provide monthly Commuter Checks worth the value of: $40 for employees traveling three or more zones on Caltrain; $40 for employees using the Dumbarton Express, BART, the ACE train or a commuter highway vehicle; $35 for employees traveling less than three zones on Caltrain; $35 for employees using VTA, and other buses. These vouchers may be used toward the purchase of a monthly transit pass. Carpool. The City will provide carpool vouchers worth the value of $30 per month to each eligible employee in a carpool with two or licensed drivers. These vouchers may be used a designated service stations toward the purchase of fuel and other vehicle-related expenses. Bicycle. The City will provide bicycle vouchers worth the value of $20 per month to eligible employees who ride a bicycle to work. These vouchers may be used at designated bicycle shops for related bicycle equipment and expenses. Walk. The City will provide walker vouchers worth the value of $20 per month to eligible emploYees who walk to work. These vouchers may be used at designated stores for expenses related to walking Such as footwear and related accessories. RESOLUTION NO. RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO AMENDING THE COMPENSATION PLAN FOR FIRE CHIEFS’ ASSOCIATION MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL ADOPTED BY RESOLUTION NO. 7848 TO REVISE COMMUTE INCENTIVES AND PARKING PROVISIONS The Council of the City of Palo Alto does hereby RESOLVE as fol!ows: SECTION i. Pursuant to the provisions of Section 12 of Article III of the Charter of the City of Palo Alto, the Compensation Plan adopted by Resolution No. 7848 is hereby amended by revising Section ~G" relating to Commute Incentives and Parking, as set forth in~ Exhibit "A", attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. SECTION 2. The Director of Administrative Services is hereby authorized to implement the amended Compensation Plan as described in Section I. SECTION 3. The Council finds that this is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act and, therefore, no environmental impact assessment is necessary. INTRODUCED AND PASSED: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTENTIONS: ATTEST:APPROVED: City Clerk Mayor APPROVED AS TO FORM:City Manager Senior Asst. City Attorney Director of Administrative Services Director of Human Resources 991102 sdl 0032277 1 EXHIBIT "A" CITY OF PALO ALTO COMPENSATION PLAN Fire Chiefs Association Management Personnel Effective:Pay period including July 1, through June 30, 1999 Amended: 10-25-99 1997 on-a prorated basis for part-time status, or according to the number of months in paid status during the fiscal year. Unused balances as of the end of the fiscal year will be paid in cash unless a different option as indicated above is elected by the employee. Management Annual Leave accrual will be discontinued for employees in the Battalion Chief classification effective June 19, 1999. Commute Incentives and Parking. Employees who qualify may voluntarily elect one of the following commute incentives: Civic Center Parking. Employees assigned to Civic Center and adjacent work locations. The City will provide a Civic Center Garage parking permit. New employees hired after June 30, 1994 may initially receive a parking permit for another downtown lot, subject to the availability of sp.ace at the Civic Center Garage. Public Transit. The City ..will provide monthly Commuter Checks worth the value of: $40 for employees tr~iveiing thre~ or more zones on Cal~rain; $40 for employees using the DumbartonExpressl BART; the ACE train or a commU-_ter highway vehicle; $35 for employeeS tr&veling:l~sS.~han three z0nes on Caltrain; $35 for employees u.Sing VTA, au~l Other buses. These vouchers may:be uSed t6~&rd the purchaseof alm0nthly transit pass. Carpool. The City will provide carpool vouchers worth the value of $30 per month to each eligible employee in a carpool with two or licefised.dri~ers. These vouchers may be used a designated service stations toward the purchase of fuel and other vehicle-related expenses. Vanpool Pilot PrOgram: ~The,.icity.Will pr0£ide.:~Comm~t6~rChecks wo~h the Value ~ {~ $60 of their share of the vehiclelease cost to each employee ~voluntarily. participating in Vanpool Pilot Progra~il The~e ~0uch6rs may be used toward payment Of the monthly’ c~St. A review of the;~aSp061ipi[dt to!~as~re its SuC~eSs’wiil b~ ~ndUcted six months fro~ t~e start date to determine the .program’s cont nuation: Bicycle. The City will provide bicycle vouchers worth the value of $20 per month to eligible employees who ride a bicycle to work. These vouchers may be used at designated bicycle shops for related bicycle equipment and expenses. Walk. The City will provide walker vouchers worth the value of $20 per month to eligible employees who walk to work. These vouchers may be used at designated stores for expenses related to walking such as footwear and related accessories. 8