Resolution to Reclassify the IT Specialist to an IT Coordinator

The purpose of this case is to consider reclassifying the IT Specialist based on the City's public service needs, the IT Specialists' performance and future retention, staff's strategic schedule of progression for this position, and the Strategic Plan.

When the previous IT Manager resigned his position in September 2012, staff proposed scaling back the position from an IT Manager to an IT Specialist and supplementing the work processes with assistance from Police Captain Katers and LOGIS, as needed.   The attached minutes reflect the Personnel Committee's willingness to scale back this position as long as the change was temporary.   

Mr. Jason Fredrickson was hired on October 12, 2012, as the IT Specialist and would be reclassified to the position of IT Coordinator effective October 12, 2013.   The progression of this position was part of the Strategic Planning process as identified under Strategic Imperative IV:  An Effective Organization.

Option #1:   Reclassify the current IT Specialist to an IT Coordinator effective October 12, 2013, at $27.03 per hour and waive the 6-month probationary period.   The pros to this option include a) follow through with the previously identified staffing plan, b) employee retention and public service, c) positive staffing management practices, and d) follow through with the Strategic Planning process as identified under Strategic Imperative IV: An Effective Organization.  The cons to this option include a slight increase to personnel costs, but the funding is within the current budget.

Option #2)  Do not reclassify the IT Specialist, but instead promote him to IT Manager as is planned for October, 2014.   This option is not recommended.  The pros to this option include a)  reduced staff time processing the administrative paperwork, and b) somewhat closer alignment with the current job duties.  The cons include a)  non-budgeted personnel costs, b) a disconnect based on the staffing strategy previously identified, and c) the position does not currently have any direct reports; the IT Manager position is slated to have one part-time direct report. 

Option #3:  Do not reclassify the IT Specialist.   This option is not recommended.   The pros to this option include a minimal short term savings.   The cons include 1) lack of follow through with the previously identified staffing plan, b) possible employee turnover and disruption to public service, c) negative staffing management practices, and d) it is contrary to the Strategic Plan as identified under Strategic Imperative IV: An Effective Organization.

To make a motion, which upon City Council approval, will authorize staff to move ahead with option #1 above to:  Reclassify the current IT Specialist to an IT Coordinator at $27.03 per hour, effective October 12, 2013, and to waive the 6-month probationary period.  

The additional  funding required to reclassify this position is already within the 2013 budget and would not exceed an additional $2906.00; the 2014 funding has been accounted for in the preliminary 2014 budget.  

Motion to approve a resolution, which confirms the recommendation of the Personnel Committee to Reclassify the current IT Specialist to an IT Coordinator at $27.03 per hour, effective October 12, 2013 and to waive the 6-month probationary period.