HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-10-27 City Council (5)TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
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City of Palo Alto
City Manager’s Report
HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL
CITY MANAGER DEPARTMENT: HUMAN RESOURCES
OCTOBER 27, 2003 CMR: 489:03
APPROVAL OF RESOLUTIONS
COMPENSATION PLAN FOR
PROFESSIONAL (FORMERLY
CONFIDENTIAL) EMPLOYEES AND
SYSTEM RULES AND REGULATIONS
AMENDING REVISED
MANAGEMENT AND
MANAGEMENT AND
AMENDING THE MERIT
DISCUSSION
Council requested the attached revisions to Management and Professional Compensation
Plan on the council meeting of October 20, 2003.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A -
Attachment B -
Revised Resolution Adopting a Compensation Plan for Management
and Confidential Personnel
Revised Resolution Amending the Merit System Rules and Regulations
PREPARED BY: Leslie Loomis, Director of Human Resources
DEPARTMENT HEAD:
LESLIE LOOMIS
Assistant City Manager
CMR: 489:03 Page lof 1
RESOLUTION NO.
RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO
ALTO ~ENDING SECTION 1701 OF THE MERIT SYSTEM
RULES AND REGULATIONS
The Council of the City of Palo Alto does RESOLVE as
fol!ows:
SECTION !. Section 1701 of the Merit System Rules and
Regulations to read as fol!ows:
"1701. Compensat.ion Plan for Management and
Confidentia!Personne! and Council Appointees
incorporated by reference.That certain
Compensation Plan entitled "City of Palo Alto
Compensation Plan--Management and Professiona!
Personnel and Council Appointees," effective the
pay period including July I, 2003 through
June 30, 2004, hereby is incorporated into these
Merit System Rules and Regulations by reference
as though fully set forth herein. Said
Compensation Plan shal! apply to al! management
and confidentia! (hereafter "Management and
Professiona!") emp!oyees and Counci! appointees,
except where specifically provided otherwise
herein.
In the case of conflict with this chapter and
any other provisions of the Merit System Rules
and Regulations, this chapter will prevai! over
such other provisions as to employees in
classifications covered by said Compensation
Plan."
SECTION 2. The changes to the Merit System Rules and
Regulations provided for in this resolution shall not affect any
right established or accrued, or any offense or act committed,
or any penalty of forfeiture incurred, or any prosecution, suit,
or proceeding pending or any judgment rendered prior to the
effective date of this resolution.
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SECTION 3. The Council finds that this is not a
project under the California Environmental Quality Act and,
therefore, no environmenta! impact assessment is necessary.
INTRODUCED AND PASSED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTENTIONS:
ATTEST:
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Mayor
APPROVED:
City Attorney City Manager
Director of Human Resources
Director of Administrative
Services
031007 sm 8120365
RESOLUTION NO.
RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO
ALTO ADOPTING A COMPENSATION PLAN FOR MANAGEMENT
AND CONFIDENTIAL (HEREAFTER "MANAGEMENT AND
PROFESSIONAL") PERSONNEL AND COUNCIL APPOINTED
OFFICERS, AND RESCINDING RESOLUTION NOS. 8096,
8117, 8165, 8181, 8194, 8223, 8241, 8250,
AND 8311
The Council of the City of Palo Alto does RESOLVE as
follows:
SECTION I. Pursuant to the provisions of Section 12 of
Article iIi of the Charter of the City of Pa!o Alto, the
Management Compensation Plan, as set forth in Exhibit "A"
attached hereto and made a part hereof by reference, is hereby
adopted for Management and Confidential (hereafter ’~Management
and Professional") personne! and Council appointed~ officers
effective July i, 2003.
SECTION 2. The Compensation Plan as adopted shall be
administered by the City Manager in accordance with the Merit
System Rules and Regulations.
SECTION 3. The Compensation Plan shall continue in
effect unti! amended or revoked by the Council.
SECTION 4. The Director of Administrative Services
hereby is authorized to implement the Compensation Plan adopted
herein in his preparation of forthcoming payrolls. He is
further authorized to make changes in the titles of employee
classification identified in the Table of Authorized Personnel
contained in the 2003-2004 budget, if such titles have been
changed in the Compensation Plan.
SECTION 5. Resolution Nos. 8096, 8117, 8165, 8181,
8194, 8223, 8241, 8250 and 8311 are hereby rescinded.
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030711 sm81203~
SECTION 6. 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:
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Mayor
AI~PROVED:
Senior Asst. City Attorney City Manager
Director of Administrative
Services
Director of Human Resources
030711 sm 8120364 2
Exhibit A
CITY OF PALO ALTO
COMPENSATION PLAN
Management and Professional Personnel
And Council Appointees
Effective:Pay period including July 1, 2003
through June 30, 2004
COMPENSATION PLAN FOR THE CITY OF PALO ALTO
Manaqement and Professional Personnel
As used in this Plan, the term "management and professional" refers to all employees,
including Confidential employees, previously classified as "management and confidential"
by the City. This group will hereafter be identified as "Management and Professional"
personnel.
SECTION I. COMPENSATION
This section applies to all management and professional employees and does not include
Council Members or Council-appointed officers. Notwithstanding this exception, the
Council may authorize Variable Management Compensation for Council-appointed officers.
Each Council-appointed officer shall be the responsible decision-maker under this Plan for
those employees in departments under his/her control.
A.MANAGEMENT and PROFESSIONAL COMPENSATION POLICY
The City’s policy for management and professional compensation is to establish and
maintain a general structure based on marketplace norms and internal job alignment
with broad compensation grades and ranges. Structures and ranges will be reviewed
annually and updated as necessary based on marketplace survey data, internal
relationships, and City financial conditions.
Individual compensation adjustments will be considered by the Council-appointed
officer based on (1) performance factors including achievement of predetermined
objectives; (2) pay structure adjustments; and (3) City financial conditions.
B.BASIC PLAN ELEMENTS
Structure. The compensation plan includes separate multi-grade structures for both
management and professional employees. Each grade will have a control point
which is used for budgetary purposes. All management and professional positions
will be assigned an appropriate pay grade based on salary survey data and internal
relationships. All positions assigned to a pay grade will receive compensation which
is no less than 25% below the control point and no more than 20% above the control
point. Actual salary within the range is determined by performance. The normal
working range where most actual salaries will fall will be within + 5% of the control
point.
As needed competitive marketplace studies will be conducted by surveying 10-15
agencies similar to Palo Alto in number of employees, population and services
provided. These studies will focus on general salary trends for groups of
management positions such as first line supervisors, administrative, confidential,
professional and top management. Periodically, studies will include position-by-
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position comparisons using marketplace and internal relationship data. Depending
on the results of these studies, the entire pay grade structure may be adjusted or
individual positions may be reassigned to different pay grades. Such adjustments will
only affect the salary administration framework. No individual salaries will be
automatically changed because of structural, adjustments.
Compensation Adiustment Authorization. Each year the City Manager will propose
for Council approval a compensation adjustment authorization incorporating the
requests of each Council-appointed officer which will include amounts sufficient to
implement base pay increases and Variable Management Compensation. The
compensation adjustment request will be based on the following factors: competitive
market, changes in internal position relationships, and the City’s ability to pay.
Council authorization is required prior to implementation by the Director of Human
Resources.
Fixed and Variable Compensation. Compensation for management and professional
employees includes fixed bi-weekly salary and Variable Management Compensation
(VMC). Fixed bi-weekly salary is paid on a continuing basis. Variable Management
Compensation is an annual cash performance award based upon merit. On a fiscal
year basis, the sum of both compensation components must fall within pay grade
limits of no less than 25% below the control point and no more than 20% above the
control point.
Fixed salary increases are earned in accordance with administrative guidelines based
upon growth within the position and performance, which must meet or exceed
position standards. In addition, employees may earn Variable Management
Compensation by meeting or exceeding objectives established under the annual
performance planning and appraisal system. Variable Management Compensation
requalification is necessary for each appraisal period.
Performance Planninq and Appraisal. Performance appraisals will be conducted at
the end of each fiscal year during the months of July through August prior to
determining individual employee fixed and variable compensation. This process
includes both review of previous performance plan and preparation of the
performance plan for the next planning period (usually the fiscal year). Performance
plans are jointly prepared by the employee and supervisor with the concurrence of
the department head or Council-appointed officer. The performance plans shall
contain measurable objectives which place special emphasis on position description
duties or specific assignments. Progress toward meeting objectives shall be
monitored periodically. The performance appraisals should be implemented in a
manner that will achieve the following objectives:
¯ Define the employee’s job duties and expected level of performance for the next
review period to ensure that both the employee and supervisor have a clear
understanding-of the employee’s role and responsibilities;
Co
¯Evaluate and document past performance to serve as a basis for establishing
and obtaining future performance standards/objectives;
¯Facilitate two-way communication and understanding between the employee
and his or her supervisor;
¯ Counsel and encourage employees to work toward a learning development plan
and realize their full potential;
¯ Establish future work plan objectives to be considered for a VMC.
Work plans should include job related projects or special goals related to regular job
duties when applicable. At the conclusion of the fiscal year (or review period),
supervisors shall make a final determination of the overall performance rating.
Recommendations shall be forwarded to department heads or council-appointed
officers who will then determine individual fixed and variable compensation
adjustments according to the provisions of the compensation plan. This process
should be completed by August 31st
MANAGEMENT and
AUTHORIZATION
PROFESSIONAL COMPENSATIONADJUSTMENT
Council-appointed officers are authorized to pay salaries in accordance with this
plan to non-Council-appointed management, and professional employees in an
amount not to exceed the aggregate of approved management and professional
positions budgeted at the control points in the Table of Organization for fiscal
year 2003-04. In addition, for fiscal year 2003-04, Council-appointed officers are
authorized up to 3% of salary plus benefits for management and professional
positions, plus unused Variable Management Compensation funds from the
previous fiscal year to apply toward Variable Management Compensation for
individual management and professional employees who qualify under the
provisions of this Management and Professional Compensation Plan.
o Individual management and professional fixed and variable compensation
authorized by a Council-appointed officer under the Management and
Professional Compensation Plan may not be less than 25% below nor more
than 20% above the control point for the individual position grades authorized in
Table I of this plan.
°The Council-appointed officers are authorized to establish such administrative
rules as are necessary to implement the Management and Professional Salary
Plan subject to the limitations of the approved compensation adjustment
authorization and the approved grade and control point structure.
In the event a downward adjustment of a position grade assignment indicates a
reduction in the established salary of an individual employee, the Council-
appointed officer may, if circumstances warrant, continue the salary for such
employee in an amount in excess of the revised grade limit for a reasonable
period of time. Such interim salary rates shall be defined as "Y-rates."
SECTION II. SPECIAL COMPENSATION
This section applies to all eligible regular management and professional positions including
Council Appointed Officers as applicable and including Council Members where indicated.
Eligibility shall be in conformance with the Merit Rules and Regulations and Administrative
Directives issued by the City Manager for the purposes of clarification and interpretation.
A. OVERTIME, IN-LIEU HOLIDAY PAY
Compensation for overtime work, and scheduled work on paid holidays for certain
designated non-exempt employees shall be in conformance with the Merit Rules and
Regulations and Policies and Procedures. Overtime eligible employees shall be paid at
the rate of time and one-half times the employees’ basic hourly salary unless called out
for an emergency arising out of situations involving real or potential loss of service,
property or personal danger, in which case additional pay will be atthe rate of two times
the employees’ basic hourly salary.
B.WORKING OUT OF CLASSIFICATION PAY
Where management and professional employees, on a temporary basis, are assigned
to perform all significant duties of a higher classification, the City Manager may
authorize payment within the range of the higher classification for the specified time
frame. Typically working out of class pay is 5 - 10% more than the employee’s current
salary.
C.STAND-BY PAY
Employees eligible for overtime may be entitled to stand-by pay, approved by the City
Manager on a case by case basis, in extreme circumstances involving unavailability of
non-management staff. Compensation is as follows:
Monday through Friday
Saturday, Sunday, Holidays
$40 per day
$58 per day
D.NIGHT SHIFT PREMIUM
Night shift differential shall be paid at the rate of 5% to regular full-time employees
who are regularly assigned to shift work between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. Night shift
premium will not be paid for overtime hours worked or to Fire personnel assigned to
shift duty.
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E. UNIFORM PURCHASE PLAN - SWORN POLICE and FIRE PERSONNEL
Uniforms including cleaning will be provided with replacement provisions on an as-
needed basis in conformance with department policy.
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G. GROUP INSURANCE
1. Health Plan
Based on an employee’s family status, the City shall pay up to the applicable
PERS Choice premium rate (or if in a public safety department the applicable
PORAC rate) on behalf of eligible employees (including Council Appointed
Officers and Council Members) and dependents for the employee-selected
Public Employees’ Medical and Hospital Care Act (PEMHCA) health plan.
Effective January 1,2004, the PERS Choice/PORAC Incentive plan will be
discontinued.
a)Active Employee Domestic Partners
1)Effective July 1,1996, active employee domestic partners who meet the
requirements of the City of Palo Alto Declaration of Domestic
Partnership, and are registered with the Human Resources
Department, are eligible for reimbursement of the actual monthly
premium cost of an individual health plan, not to exceed the individual
PERS Choice (or PORAC if a safety department employee) monthly
premium cost. Evidence of premium payment will be required with
request for reimbursement.
2.Retiree Health Plan
a)
b)
Existing Employees
During the term of this compensation plan, as to any qualifying retiring
employee, the City will continue to maintain the level of health premium
contributions provided for in the previous compensation plan; that is,
the full premium for any retiree-selected PEMHCA health plan for the
individual retiree, along with the applicable percentage of the premium
provided under the City’s PEMHCA resolution (currently 50%) for any
dependents.
Post- 1/1/04 Hires
As to management and professional employees hired after January 1,
2004, the PERS law vesting schedule set forth in Government Code
section 22825.5 will apply. Under that law, an employee is eligible for
50% of the specified employer health premium contribution after ten
years of service credit, provided at least five of those years were
performed at the City of Palo Alto. After ten years of service credit,
each additional service credit year increases the employer contribution
percentage by 5% until, at 20 years’ service credit, the employee will be
eligible upon retirement for 100% of the specified employer contribution
and 90% of their dependent coverage. The City of Palo Alto’s health
premium contribution for eligible post - 1/1/04 hires shall be the
minimum contribution set by PERS under section 22825.5 based on a
weighted average of available health plan premiums.
3. Dental Plan
a)The City shall pay covered plan charges on behalf of all eligible employees
and dependents. Benefits for regular part-time employees will be prorated
as follows:
New employees hired after January 1,2004, who will work less
than full time, will receive prorated premium costs for dental
benefits in accordance with his/her percentage of a full-time
work schedule.
The maximum benefits per calendar year shall be $2,000. In addition, the
City will provide 50% of "usual, customary and reasonable" charges up to
$1500 lifetime maximum for orthodontic benefits.
b)Effective July 1, 1996, domestic partners are considered dependents, as
defined under Section G. 1. a).
c)Effective July 1, 2001, dental implants in conjunction with one or more
missing natural teeth, and removal of dental implants will be covered as
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a Major Dental Service at 50% usual, customary and reasonable (UCR).
4. Basic Life Insurance
The City shall provide a basic group term llfe insurance with Accidental Death
and Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage, in an amount equal to the employee’s
annual basic pay (rounded to the next highest $1,000) at no-cost to the
employee. AD&D pays an additional amount equal to the employee’s annual
basic pay (rounded to the next highest $1,000).
5.Supplemental Life And AD&D Insurance
An employee may, at his/her cost, purchase additional life insurance and
additional AD&D coverage. The total amount of life insurance available to the
employee is $325,000 and the total amount of AD&D coverage available is
$325,000.
6. Long Term Disability Insurance
a)The City shall provide long term disability (LTD) insurance with a benefit of
2/3 monthly salary, up to a maximum benefit of $10,000. The City shall pay
the premium for the first $6,000 of base monthly salary. For employees
whose base monthly salary exceeds $6,000, the employee shall pay the
cost of coverage above $6,000.
b)For employees whose base monthly salary exceeds $6,000 and who have
no eligible dependents covered under the City’s medical, dental or vision
plans, the City will pay up to $17.50 per month towards the employee’s
cost for LTD coverage.
7.Vision Care
a) The City shall provide vision care coverage for employee and dependents.
Coverage is equivalent to the Vision Services schedule of Benefits Plan A.
Vision care benefit is available to each covered person subject to a
copayment of $20 at the time services are rendered. Benefits for regular
part-time employees will be prorated as follows:
New employees hired after January 1, 2004, who will work less
than full time, will receive prorated premium costs for vision
benefits in accordance with his/her percentage of a full-time work
schedule.
b)Effective July 1, 1996, dependents include eligible domestic partners, as
defined under Section E. 1. b).
8.Effective Date of Covera.qe for New Employees
For newly-hired regular employees coverage begins on the first day of the
month following date of hire for the health plan, dental plan, vision care plan,
and life insurance plans if these benefits are elected.
SAFETY DIFFERENTIALS
1. Police Department- Personnel Development Program
Pursuant to administrative rules governing eligibility and qualification, the following
may be granted to sworn police personnel:
P.O.S.T. Intermediate Certificate:
P.O.S.T. Advanced Certificate:
2. Fire Department- EMT Differential
5% above base salary
7 1/2% above base salary
Pursuant to administrative rules governing eligibility and qualification, the following
may be granted to sworn Fire personnel:
EMT Differential:2.5% above base salary
MANAGEMENT and PROFESSIONAL BENEFIT PROGRAM
Management and professional employees are eligible for Sections 1,2, 3, and 4 of
the Management Benefit Program. City Council Members are eligible for Section 3
only. Specified amounts under this program will be applied on a pro rata basis for
employees who are part time orwho are in a management or professional pay status
for less than the full fiscal year. Such benefits will be prorated in the first year of
employment (based on hire date) and in the year an employee terminates
employment (based on termination date).
1.Professional Development- Reimbursement
Reimbursement for authorized self-improvement activities may be granted each
management and professional employee up to a maximum of $1,500 per fiscal
year. The following items are eligible for reimbursement:
a.Civic and professional association memberships
b.Conference participation and travel expenses
c.Educational programs/tuition reimbursement. The education must maintain
or improve the employee’s skills in performing his or her job, or be
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necessary to meet the express requirements of the City or the
requirements of applicable law. The education to which the reimbursement
relates must not be part of a program qualifying the employees for another
trade or business; or be necessary to meet the minimum educational
requirements for qualification for employment. Permissible educational
expenses are refresher courses, courses dealing with current
developments, academic or vocational courses, as well as the travel
expenses associated with the courses.
d.Professional and trade journal subscriptions not to exceed 12 months.
Subject to Internal Revenue Service regulations and with the written
prescription of a medical doctor, an employee may be reimbursed for a
personal health program as treatment for a diagnosed injury or illness.
fo Purchase of job related computer software, hardware, internet access,
telecommunication equipment and home office equipment/furniture.
Reimbursement of any of these expenses is taxable to the employee.
Professional Development Leave
Authorized paid leaves of absence for up to one year will be granted in accordance
with the following requirements:
a.Eligibility is subject to a minimum City service requirement of five years.
b.Compensation during the Professional Development Leave shall not
exceed 50% salary and full benefits.
When granted, a Professional Development Leave shall require an
employee commitment of at least two-years’ service following return from
the Leave. To the extent the full two-year commitment is not fulfilled, the
employee shall re-pay the City a pro rata amount of the salary paid during
the Leave based on the percentage of the two-year commitment not
fulfilled.
d.The Professional Development Leave program shall relate to the
employee’s job assignment.
e.An employee’s job assignment activity shall be adequately covered during
his/her absence with emphasis on the development of subordinates.
The leave of absence period shall be adequately coordinated with
departmental priorities and workload.
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Professional Development Leaves shall be based on intemship exchanges,
and/or loaned executive arrangements; scholastic and/or authorship
programs; or educational travel-study plans.
Leave of absence schedules will be apportioned among all levels of
management and professional employees and will be based on an evaluation of
each .employee’s performance record. Each paid sabbatical leave will be
limited to a maximum of one year and not more than two employees being on
leave simultaneously. Sabbatical leaves must be cleared in advance and
approved by a Council-appointed officer for his/her subordinates. Professional
Development Leaves granted in excess of 30 days shall be noticed to the
Council.
3. Physical Examinations
All management and professional employees are eligible to receive periodic
physical examinations in accordance with administrative procedures.
Excess Benefit Reimbursement
Reimbursement for approved excess benefit expenses will be granted up to a
maximum of $2,500, per fiscal year for management and professional
employees and shall include the following benefit items:
a.Life insurance premiums for City-sponsored plans, subject to federal and
state tax limitations.
bo Excess medical/dental/vision or expenses for employee and dependents
which are not covered or reimbursed by existing City-sponsored plans.
This includes prescribed medications and copayments as well as over-the-
counter drugs, including: antacids, allergy medicines, pain relievers and
cold medicines. However, nonprescription dietary supplements such as
vitamins, toiletries (e.g. toothpaste), cosmetics (e.g. face cream), and items
used for cosmetic purposes (e.g. Rogaine) are not acceptable.
c.Excess professional development items which are otherwise approved, to
the extent they are not paid or reimbursed under any other plan of the City.
Dependent care expenses under the City’s Dependent Care Assistance
Program (DCAP), subject to the following limits: Dependent care expenses
will be reimbursed only to the extent that the amount of such expenses
reimbursed under this Management Benefit Program, when added to the
amount (if any) of annual dependent care expenses that the participant has
elected under the City’s Flexible Benefits Plan, do not exceed the
maximum permitted under the DCAP.
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1)The annual amount submitted for reimbursement cannot exceed the
income of the lower-paid spouse.
2)The expenses must be employment-related expenses for the care of
one or more dependents who are under 13 years of age and entitled to
a dependent deduction under Internal Revenue Code section 151(e)or
a dependent who is physically or mentally incapable of caring for
himself or herself.
3)The payments cannot be made to a child under 19 years of age or to a
person claimed as a dependent.
4)If the services are provided by a dependent care center, the center
must comply with all state and local laws and must provide care for
more than six individuals (other than a resident of the facility).
5)Dependent care expenses not submitted under this section are eligible
under the City Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP). However, the
maximum amount reimbursed under DCAP will be reduced by any
amount reimbursed under the Excess Benefit Plan.
If the full excess benefit reimbursement is not used during the fiscal year, the
difference between the amount used and the maximum (or pro rate maximum)
shall be applied at the employee’s option to deferred compensation under the
City Plan(s).
Notwithstanding the foregoing, no expense shall be reimbursed under this
Excess Benefit Reimbursement program unless the payment of such
reimbursement will be nontaxable to the recipient under the applicable income
tax laws, as they may be in effect from time to time.
J. LEAVES
1. Sick Leave
a) Sick leave shall be accrued bi-weekly provided the employee has been in a
pay status for 50 percent or more of a bi-weekly pay period. Sick leave shall
be accrued at the rate of 3.7 hours per bi-weekly pay period for those
employees working a forty-hour duty schedule. Those assigned work
schedules, which are greater or lesser than forty hours will accrue sick leave at
the ratio of their work schedule to forty hours.
b) Employees may use up to twenty hours of sick leave per calendar year for
personal business. The scheduling of such leave is subject to the approval of
the appropriate level of Management.
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c) Employees leaving the municipal service shall forfeit all accumulated sick leave,
except as otherwise provided by law and by Section 609 of the Merit Rules and
Regulations. In the event that notice of resignation is given, sick leave may be
used only through the day which was designated as the final day of work by
such notice.
d)Employees that were hired before December 1, 1983 and who leave the
municipal service in good standing, or who die while employed in good
standing by the city, and who have fifteen or more years of continuous
service shall receive compensation for unused sick leave hours in a sum
equal to two and one-half percent of their unused sick leave hours multiplied
by their years of continuous service and their basic hourly rate of pay at
termination. Full sick leave accrual will be paid in the event of termination
due to disability. See Merit System Rules and Regulations, Chapter 6,
Section609.
Management and Professional employees eligible, as specified above if hired
before December 1, 1983, to be compensated for sick leave may annually
convert sick leave hours in excess of 600 to cash or deferred compensation,
according to the formula set forth above, up to.a maximum of $2,000 per
fiscal year.
2. Manaqement Annual Leave
At the beginning of each fiscal year regular management and professional
employees will be credited with 80 hours of annual leave. This leave may be
taken as paid time off, added to vacation accrual (subject to vacation accrual
limitations), taken as cash or taken as deferred compensation. When time off is
taken under this provision, 10-hour shift workers will receive one shift off for
each 8 hours charged; 24-hour shift workers will receive one-half shift off for
each 8 hours charged. Entitlement under this provision will be reduced 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.
3. Vacation
Vacation will be accrued when an employee is in pay status and will be credited
on a bi-weekly basis. Total vacation accrual at any one time may not exceed
three times the annual rate of accrual. Each eligible employee shall accrue
vacation at the following rate for continuous service performed in pay status:
(a) Less than nine years. For employees completing less than nine years continuous
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service: 120 hours vacation leave per year; provided that:
(i)The City Manager is authorized to adjust department head annual vacation
accrual to provide for a maximum of 160 hours for those hired between
July 1, 1996 and June 30, 2001; and
(ii)The City manager is authorized to adjust the annual vacation accrual of
employees hired on or after July 1, 2001, to provide up to 40 additional
hours (i.e., to a maximum annual accrual of 160 hours) for service with a
prior employer.
(b)Nine, but less than fourteen years. For employees completing nine, but not
more than fourteen years continuous service; 160 hours vacation per year.
(c)Fourteen, but less than nineteen years. For employees completing fourteen,
but not more than nineteen years continuous service; 180 hours vacation leave
per year.
(d)Nineteen or more years. For employees completing nineteen or more years
continuous service; 200 hours vacation leave per year.
Once each calendar year an employee may cash out eight or more hours of vacation
accrual in excess of 80 hours to a maximum of 80 hours, provided that the employee
has taken as vacation in the previous 12 months at least the number of hours cashed
out.
4. Bereavement
Leave of absence with pay of three days may be granted an employee by the head of
his/her department in the event of death in the employee’s immediate family, which is
defined for purposes of this section as wife, husband, son, son-in-law, daughter,
daughter-in-law, mother, mother-in-law, father, father-in-law, brother, brother-in-law,
sister, sister-in-law, grandmother, grandmother-in-law, grandfather, grandfather-in-law,
grandchild, aunt, uncle, registered domestic partner, or a close relative residing in the
household of employee. Such leave shall be at full pay and shall not be charged
against the employee’s accrued vacation or sick leave. Requests for leave in excess of
three days shall be subject to the approval of a Council-Appointed Officer for
employees under his/her control.
K. RETIREMENT PENSION
The City shall pay the mandatory seven percent (7%) for miscellaneous
employee Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS) contribution (9% for
sworn police and fire management personnel). Such employer paid
contributions shall be paid by the City in lieu of employee contributions
notwithstanding the fact that such employer payment of contributions may be
designated as employee contributions for purposes of PERS. This provision
shall apply to Council-appointed officers and all regular management and
professional employees, except that for sworn police and fire management
employees the City shall pay the mandatory nine percent (9%) of the
employee’s PERS contribution.
Notwithstanding subsection 1. above, upon filing a notice of retirement, the 7%
City-paid PERS contribution (9% for sworn police and fire management
personnel) will be converted to a salary adjustment of equal amount on a one-
time irrevocable basis for the final compensation period which is defined as the
highest average compensation earnable (salary) during the year immediately
preceding retirement or any other designated consecutive year. Employee
PERS contributions shall be made on a tax deferred basis, in accordance with
Section 414(h)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code. All provisions of this
subsection are subject to and conditioned upon compliance with IRS
regulations.
As of 1-1-99, the City provides benefits under the Public Employees’ Retirement
System 2% at age 55 formula for non-safety members.
Effective October 20, 2001 and March 9, 2002, the Public Employees’
Retirement System (PERS) Benefit, known as the "3% at 50" full formula
(Section 21362.2)for safety members, was placed into effect by PERS contract
amendment.
AUTOMOBILE EXPENSE ALLOWANCE
For those employees whose duties require exclusive use of a City automobile, the
City Manager (or in the case of Council-appointed officers, the City Council) may
authorize payment of $325 per month in lieu thereof.
M.COMMUTE INCENTIVES and PARKING
Employees wl~o 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.
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:
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$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 more licensed drivers.
These vouchers may be used at 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 to each employee voluntarily participating in the Vanpool Pilot
Program. These vouchers may be used toward payment of the monthly cost of
the vanpool. Employees must fulfill the basic requirements of the Employee
Commute Alternatives Program to qualify.
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
Per Pay Period Per Month (Approx.)
Mayor $92.31 $200.00
Vice Mayor $23.08 $50.00
REIMBURSEMENT FOR RELOCATION EXPENSE
Policy Statement
The City of Palo Alto, in rare instances, may provide a Basic Relocation Benefits
Package for new management and professional employees, upon the approval of the
City Manager or designated subordinate. Provision of "Optional Benefits" or portions
thereof, are intended only for exceptional circumstances and require the approval of
the City Manager or designee, or for Council-appointed officers, the City Council.
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Qualifications
In order to be considered for relocation benefits, the following conditions must be
met:
Actual relocation, or contracts designed to establish a fixed domicile, shall occur
within one year of the initial date of employment.
2.Existing employees promoted to a covered position are not eligible.
3.Record-keeping requirements will parallel those required for expense
reimbursement for travel, conferences and meetings.
o Provision of Optional Benefits is contingent upon completion of a minimum of
two years’ City employment unless a longer term is specified. Provision of
Additional Relocation Benefits for Council-Appointed Officers, Assistant City
Manager and Department Heads is contingent upon completion of a minimum
of five years’ City employment. Failure to complete the minimum term will
require repayment of those benefits on a pro-rata basis computed on the actual
time of City service. Acceptance of relocation benefits by an employee does
not constitute a commitment by the City to any minimum term of employment.
Basic Package
Professional Relocation Counselinq - An agency designated by the City will
provide relocation information and counseling to the employee. Information to
be provided includes items such as a personalized cost-of-living analysis, home
and rental locations, transportation, weather patterns, schools, recreation, etc.
En Route Expenses - Direct common carrier transportation will be provided in
full for all family members. Automobile expenses are limited to two vehicles at
the established City rate with a minimum of 350 miles per day to be traveled.
Per diem is allowed at established City rates for employee and spouse/mate
and at 50 percent of the employee rate for dependents. Travel days allowed
are limited to the actual mileage divided by 350 miles per day. Lodging is
reimbursed in full on an actual and reasonable basis for all family members.
Household Goods Shipment - Full costs will be paid for the shipment of all
personal items normally considered "Household Goods." Items excluded
include recreational vehicles, firewood, building materials, sand, boats,
airplanes, and perishable items such as food or plants. Shipment of up to two
automobiles is permitted. Storage of household goods will be provided for 30
days.
Optional Benefits
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Sale and Purchase Costs - The City will reimburse costs that arise in the sale
and/or purchase of residences including:
a.Real estate commissions on the sale of the former residence up to six (6)
percent of the sales price.
b.The employee’s portion of non-recurring closing costs on both sale and
purchase of residences limited to the following:
Title Insurance Policy and Escrow Fees
Loan and Assumption Fees
Private Mortgage Insurance
City and County Transfer Taxes
Tax Service, Notary and Recording Fees
Credit and Appraisal Reports
Property Survey Fees
Inspection Fees
c."Points" on purchase of residence are specifically excluded.
o Miscellaneous Expense - The City may reimburse miscellaneous expenses
associated with the relocation. The amount shall not exceed $2,000.
o Temporary Livin.q Expense - Up to thirty (30) days’ temporary living expenses
may be available under the following guidelines:
a.Lod.qing - 100 percent of actual and reasonable costs for all family
members.
Do Per Diem - 100 percent of the established City rates for employee and
spouse/mate, and 50 percent of the established City rate for dependents
for the first 15 days; 50 percent of the established City rate for employee
and spouse/mate, and 25 percent of the established City rate for
dependents over the last 15 days.
Car Rental - Up to 30 days for a single vehicle is available until such time
as the employee’s personal vehicle becomes available.
House Hunting .Expense - The City will reimburse expenses for one house
hunting trip for both employee and spouse/mate. The trip shall be limited to a
maximum of seven days. Travel expenses are limited to the lesser of common
carrier rates or the established City rate for automobile use. Lodging is
provided on an actual and reasonable basis. Per diem expenses are allowed
according to the established City rates. Expenses for children are not covered.
Expenses for Renters - The City may reimburse the following expenses for
employees moving from or into rental housing:
a.Costs arising from the need to break an existing lease up to a total
payment of three times the current monthly rental rate.
b.The first and last month’s rent to a maximum of $5,500 on a Palo Alto area
rental accommodation.
Additional Relocation Benefits for Council-Appointed Officers, Assistant City Manager and
~epartment Heads
As part of an employment offer, additional relocation benefits may be authorized by the
City Council for Council-appointed officers or the City Manager, Assistant City Manager or
department heads. If consideration for additional benefits is requested by a final
candidate, the City will provide the candidate through an agency designated by the City, a
pre-hire relocation assistance analysis. This analysis will include: An assessment of the
value of the home in the existing location and an estimate of the proceeds that the
candidate will realize from the sale, an analysis and recommendations of the new home
purchase or rental, loan assistance options and their cost to the City, and area counseling
as provided for in Item 4. of the Basic Package. Once this analysis is complete, the
appointing authority will design a relocation assistance package based upon the
individual’s needs and circumstances, and the recommendations from the Pre-Hire
Analysis. The program may consist of any of the elements from the Basic Package and/or
the Optional Benefits as well as those described below. All direct City loans are subject to
City Council authorization.
Marketin.q Management Proqram - If mutually agreed upon by both parties, the new
CAO/Assistant City Manager/department head may work with an agency designated
by the City to market his/her home in the old location through a "Marketing
Management Program". The purpose of this program is to provide the City and the
new official with a realistic projection of the funds that will be available for housing in
the new location and to expedite the sale of the house in the old location.
Direct City Loans - The City may extend mortgage loans to new CAO/Assistant City
Manager/department heads as part of a relocation assistance package. The two loan
options are:
ao Adjustable Rate Mortgage - This loan may be secured by a first or second
deed of trust and may be fully amortized or for interest only. The interest rate
will be set at 1/4 percent above the City’s earning rate on its investment portfolio
and will be adjusted annually. The term of the loan will be set by the City
Council for a period not to exceed 15 years, but will be due and payable within
six months of termination of employment for whatever reason.
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Shared Appreciation Loan - This loan may be secured by a first or second
deed of trust and may be fully amortized orfor interest only. The interest rate is
set at five (5) percent. Additionally, the CAO/Assistant City
Manager/department head is required to pay deferred interest equal to a portion
of the future appreciation. That portion is determined by the proportion of the
original City loan to the original house price. For example, if the City provided a
loan amounting to 40 percent of the value of the home purchased, the
employee would be required to pay 40 percent of net appreciation, if any, as
deferred interest on the loan (net appreciation means appreciation after selling
costs are deducted from sales price). The term of the loan will be set bythe City
Council for a period not to exceed 15 years, but will be due and payable within
six months of termination of employment for whatever reason.
Location of Property - To qualify for a Direct City Loan, the home being
purchased must be located within a twenty-mile radius of the Civic Center,
excluding property west of Skyline Boulevard (Highway 35).
d.Loan Limits - Direct City Loans cannot exceed four times the annual salary of
the lendee/employee.
Short Term Interest Buy-Down - The City may pay a portion of the interest for the first
three years on a loan obtained by the CAO/Assistant City Manager/department head
from a commercial lender. The City’s portion of this "buy-down" is greatest in the first
year and declines by 50 percent the second and third year with the lendee paying the
full interest rate on the loan beginning with the fourth year. The "buy-down" for the
first year will be 2 percent, unless otherwise determined by City Council.
Additional Purchase Costs - For CAO/Assistant City Manager/department heads only,
"points" on the purchase of a new residence are eligible for inclusion in this program.
Rental Subsidy - If it is determined that by choice, or for whatever reason, the new
CAO/Assistant City Manager/department head will be a long-term renter, the City
may provide rental subsidies up to a maximum of $500/month for 48 months.
Regulations and Guidelines
The City Manager, or designated subordinate, will institute and revise internal
procedures to assure the efficient delivery of services to the new employee and
minimize costs to the City. This will include the determination of whether direct City
payments, advance of funds or employee reimbursement is most appropriate for a
given program element or employee.
The City Manager, or designated subordinate, will determine the appropriateness of
inclusion of specific items for reimbursement under this program.
Expenses incurred by the employee during relocation which are not covered are:
2O
a. Payments to friends for assistance.
b.Automobile repairs.
Co Costs incurred during the relocation but not directly related to personal
transportation or forwarding of household belongings, i.e. uninsured losses
during transit, entertainment expenses, etc.
Budgeting of all relocation expenses will occur in the Human Resources and Utilities
Departments.
Upon approval of the City Manager, provision of benefits under the section House
Hunting Expenses and Professional Relocation Counseling may be provided before
an employee formally accepts an offer of employment with the City.
P. MEAL ALLOWANCE
Management and professional employees assigned to attend night meetings are
eligible to receive reimbursement for up to $12.00 per meal. This provision covers
only receipted meals actually taken and submitted for reimbursement.
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