Adopt Resolution #14-03-059 Authorization to Hire a Part-time Information Technology (IT) Support Technician

The Purpose of this case is to request authorization to hire a part-time I.T. Support Technician.  This position is included in the 2014 approved budget.    This is a new position within the IT Division; however, it should be noted that an IT Intern position was excluded from the budget in order to offset the expense.  Also, the regular position would provide more stability and security within the IT Division.

A needs analysis was conducted for this position and, based on results of that analysis, staff recommends that a part-time I.T. Support Technician be hired. This position would be responsible for assisting the IT Division with all matters of Information Technology; such as, desktop computers, mobile devices, desktop peripherals, servers, LAN, network security/infrastructure, telephony systems, switches, routers, and wireless access points. 

The position is essential and will  provide needed assistance with daily work and backup to our current full-time position.  The IT needs of the city have increased dramatically over the last few years as technology needs have greatly increased.  IT’s function is not only maintaining the city’s computer-server system, but the city’s phone system, signage, cameras and website (to name a few). 

In addition, the City's room rental has translated into a higher demand on IT; many groups rely on IT staff to immediately help them with audio visual presentations and configurations (setting up microphones, bringing down laptops, setting up presentations, etc.-- and they have on-the-spot, time-sensitive needs). 

With having only one staff member, there is no reliable backup if that person is sick, on vacation, or dealing with another issue. Currently the City and staff have to rely on a Police Department Captain or call in for contracted services which adds an extra cost.  Moreover, the Police Department Captain will no longer be available as a back-up for IT needs beginning in April.  

This position is key to achieving the strategic goals identified by the City Council.  One of the Strategic Imperatives of the city is to provide an effective organization.  Timely IT support is needed for the city to provide a high-performance work environment and workforce. Not filling this position would cause a delay service to all parties; for example, if our fulltime IT person is out-of-the office or solving another problem, things may come to a screeching halt.  Any down time to an employee is a cost in lost production. 

The city is ever-advancing in its tech needs.  Not only do we have a new fiber line connecting city hall, fire & public works, but  also ever-changing advancements in technology.  The city’s goals and mission are to provide quality, cost effective, and efficient government services -- this position is key to that outcome by providing an outstanding level of service to the public and employees.
 
Therefore, in accordance with City policy and the strategic plan, an internal recruitment was conducted, and the City received zero internal applications. An external recruitment was conducted, resulting in several applications, and seven candidates were selected for interviews.  The City has made a contingent job offer to Mr. Calvin Kubat. This offer is contingent upon City Council approval, as well as successfully passing the city's background checks, reference checks, and pre-employment drug screen. Mr. Kubat has successfully passed all of the requirements and is now recommended for approval to the City Council.

The Evaluation Criteria for Vacant and New Positions is attached.

Option #1: Hiring a part-time I.T. Support Technician. Staff recommends hiring a part-time I.T. Support Technician to help fulfill the public service needs of the City and to meet the goals of the strategic plan as it relates to this position.

Option #2 Not hiring a part-time I.T. Support Technician.   Staff does not recommend this option due to likely repercussions such as:  delays in response time to all parties and continued sole dependence on just one dedicated staff person.  This position will bring great utility and value to City staff and functions, as well as free up the IT Coordinator to focus on more advanced work.  The City’s goals and mission are to provide an outstanding level of service to the public and employees and this helps serve that mission.     The lower regular salary cost is off-set by the organizational inefficiencies mentioned above.

The 2014 funding for this position is planned within the 2014 budget and is estimated to be a general fund amount of $20,000 in this calendar year, based on a mid-March start date.

Authorize staff to move ahead with option #1 above: hiring Mr. Calvin Kubat  a as a part-time I.T. Support Technician, effective on or near March 12, 2014, at $20.06 per hour which is step 1 of the 2014 wage scale.

Motion to adopt resolution #14-03-059, to hire Mr. Calvin Kubat as a part-time I.T. Support Technician, effective on or near March 12, 2014, at $20.06 per hour which is step 1 of the 2014 wage scale.