| ITEM #: 8. DATE: 11/14/2022 AI #:1203 |
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CITY COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
| SUBJECT: | CREATE A STAND-ALONE WATER SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND ESTABLISH WATER SERVICES DIRECTOR |
| STAFF PRESENTER(S): | Julie Karins, City Manager |
SUMMARY
Staff is seeking Council approval to create a Water Services Department and establishing a new Water Services Director.
Recommendation
ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 2022-1564, AMENDING GOODYEAR CITY CODE SECTION 3-1-5 (DEPARTMENT HEADS) TO CREATE A STAND-ALONE WATER SERVICES DEPARTMENT; PROVIDING FOR CORRECTIONS, SEVERABILITY AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. (Julie Karins, City Manager)
FISCAL IMPACT
The creation of the Water Services Department requires no additional FTE count as we propose re-purposing vacant positions; however, the cost of those FTEs are significantly higher than currently budgeted, and if approved, would become part of the base budget. Four (4) vacant part-time positions in Public Works will become a Water Services Director and Management Analyst to support the new department. All other positions already exist and would be assigned to either Public Works or Water Services. All personnel costs associated with these positions in FY2023 will be absorbed through personnel vacancy cost savings in the existing Public Works department budget, including general and enterprise funds.
The annualized total cost of these position changes is approximately $300,000.
The annualized total cost of these position changes is approximately $300,000.
BACKGROUND AND PREVIOUS ACTIONS
The current Public Works Department is comprised of Water, Wastewater, Solid Waste, Stormwater Program Management, Fleet Services and Facilities Management. The recent resignation of the Deputy Director over water, followed by the Public Works Director, have provided an opportunity to assess the department’s structure and propose modifications which will position the city to more effectively meet current and future needs.
STAFF ANALYSIS
In assessing the department, staff considered the growth in our community and the on-going heightened importance of water affecting our region. It is also a best practice in larger cities to have separate departments for Public Works and Water Services, allowing each to increase the organizational focus in their area of expertise.
It is staff’s recommendation to create a stand-alone Water Services Department, through a reorganization of the Public Works Department, that oversees water, water resources and wastewater programs including related capital improvement projects, environmental programs and water conservation. The reorganized Public Works Department will oversee Solid Waste, Fleet Services and Facilities Management. Upon approval, recruitment for the new Water Services Director and the Public Works Director will begin immediately.
In accordance with Article IV of the City Charter, the creation of new departments requires City Council approval.
It is staff’s recommendation to create a stand-alone Water Services Department, through a reorganization of the Public Works Department, that oversees water, water resources and wastewater programs including related capital improvement projects, environmental programs and water conservation. The reorganized Public Works Department will oversee Solid Waste, Fleet Services and Facilities Management. Upon approval, recruitment for the new Water Services Director and the Public Works Director will begin immediately.
In accordance with Article IV of the City Charter, the creation of new departments requires City Council approval.