HomeMy WebLinkAboutJoint Council and Personnel Commission Meeting to Discuss Co (23) November 18, 2002 -CouniurAgency Agenda - Page 23
H. City Council/Redevelopment Agency Items
None
Council Comments -(Not Agendized)
At this time Councilmemb&s may report on items not specifically described on the agenda
which are of interest to the community. No action or discussion may be taken except to provide
staff direction to report back or to place the item on a future agenda.
Redevelopment Agency Adjournment to Monday, December 2, 2002 at 6:00 p.m., in
Room B-8, Civic Center, 2000 Main Street, Huntington Beach, California. This meeting which
normally meets at 5:00 p.m. will be adjourned to 6:00 p.m. by the City Clerk due to an
anticipated lack of quorum.
Recess City Council to Wednesday.. November 20, 2002 at 6:45 p.m. in
Room B-8, Civic Center, 2000 Main Street, Huntington Beach, CA to
meet jointly with the City Personnel Commission. See Agenda Below:
AGENDA
CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2002
(RECESSED FROM MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18,2002)
6:45 P.M. - Room B-8
Civic Center, 2000 Main Street
Huntington Beach, California 92648
6:45 P.M. - Room B-8 - Reconvene Council Meeting Recessed on 1111.8102
Call Joint City Council/Personnel Commission Meeting to Order
City Council Roll Call Green, Dettloff, Boardman, Cook, Houchen, Winchell, Bauer
Personnel Commission Roll Call Morrison, Taylor, Deight, Gooch, Hunt, Zeleznikar
(City Council) City Council/Personnel Commission Joint Meeting to Discuss Commission
and Staff Roles and Responsibilities (700.10)
The City Council will meet jointly with the Personnel Commission to conduct a workshop to
review and discuss commission and staff roles and responsibilities, significant legal
developments, protocols and procedures, and communication improvements.
I. Introduction Ray Silver, City Administrator
II. Public Comments
111. Personnel Commission's Role and Responsibilities Michael Miller, Legal Counsel
(24) ' November 18, 2002 -Council/Agency Agenda - Page 24
IV. Overview of Significant Legal Developments Michael Miller, Legal Counsel
V. Roles
a. City Administrator. Ray Silver, City Administrator
b. Legal Counsel Michael Miller, Legal Counsel
c. Secretary to the Personnel Commission -Clay Martin, Administrative
Services Director
d. City Attorney Scott Field, Assistant City
Attorney
VI. Protocols and Procedures Michael Miller, Legal Counsel
a. Meeting Agenda and Minutes
b. Personnel Commission Procedures for:
1. Review of Hearing Officer Recommendations Regarding Discipline Appeals
2. Disciplinary Grievance Appeal Hearing Procedures
c. Amendments to the City's Classification Plan Irma Youssefieh, Human
Resources Manager
Vill. Communication Improvements Irma Youssefieh, Human
Resources Manager
a. Pre-Agenda.Meetings
b. Timeline on Classification Issues
c. Grievance Status Report
d. Annual Commission Update on Protocols and Procedures/New Member
Orientation
e. Department Presentations— Projects/Update
f. Other
Communication and materials relating to these topics will be made available at the
workshop. The complete Personnel Commission Agenda for Wednesday, November 20,
2002 is included in the agenda packet following this City Council Agenda.
Recommended Action: None
City Council Adjournment to Monday, December 2, 2002 at 6:0.0 p.m.,.in Room B-8, Civic
Center, 2000 Main Street, Huntington Beach, California. This meeting which normally meets at
5:00 p.m. will be adjourned to 6:00 p.m. by the City Clerk due to an anticipated lack of quorum.
Council/Agency Agendas and Minutes are Available at No Charge to the Public at the
City Clerk's Office by Mail and Through Paid Subscription. Complete Agenda Packets are Available at
the Central Library and Library Annexes on Friday Prior to Meetings. Video
Tapes of Council Meetings are Available for Checkout at the Central Library at No Charge,
CONNIE BROCKWAY, CITY CLERK
City of Huntington Beach
2000 Main Street-Second Floor
Huntington Beach, California 92648
Internet: http://www.ci.huntington-beach.ca.us
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City of Huntington Beach
PERSONNEL COMMISSION
AGENDA Wednesday, November 20, 2002
Civic Center Room 8-8
5:30 P.M '.
1. CALL TO ORDER:
Commissioners: Morrison, Taylor, Zeleznikar, Hunt, Deight and Gooch
Michael H. Miller, Legal Counsel to the Personnel Commission
Staff Liaison: Irma Youssefieh, Secretary to the Commission/Human Resources
Manager and Sharon Hennegen, Principal Administrative Analyst
2. PUBLIC COMMENTS:
The Personnel Commission welcomes public comments on all items on this agenda or of community interest
We respectfully request that this public forum be utilized in a positive and/or constructive manner. Please focus
your comments on the issue or problem that you would like to bring to the attention of the Personnel
Commission. Negative comments directed at individuals are not acceptable.
Three (3) minutes per person, time may not be donated to others. No action can be taken by the Personnel
Commission on this date unless agendized..This is the time to address the Personnel Commission regarding
items of interest or on agenda items other than public hearings.
Public Comment to Item 7 of the agenda to be deferred to 6:45 p.m.
3. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES:
The October 16, 2002 and October 30, 2002 Personnel Commission Minutes
4. OLD BUSINESS:
A. Personnel—Open Hearing (Closed Session option per Government Code
Section 54957 not elected by Grievant)
Supplemental Disciplinary Hearing in accordance with Personnel Rule 20—
Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law
Recommendations of Hearing Officer Louis M. Zigman regarding
Grievance#01-087
Deliberation in Closed Session
Recommended Action: Sustain, reject or modify the Hearing Officer's
recommendation. If the Commission rejects or modifies the recommendation,
direct the legal advisor to prepare findings of fact and conclusions of law in
support of the Commission's decision. Y�- Sl/s
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OF CLERK
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5. INFORMATIOi,AL ITEMS:
A. Grievance Status Report— November, 2002
Recommended Action: Discuss and/or comment and receive and file.
6. COMMENTS FROM COMMISSIONERS: .
7. JOINT MEETING WITH CITY COUNCIL:
At 6:45 p.m. the City of Huntington Beach City Council in Room B-8, Civic Center, will
meet jointly with the Commission to conduct a workshop.
A. Personnel Commission Workshop—Joint Meeting with the City of Huntington
Beach City Council
I. Introduction......................................... Ray Silver, City Administrator
II. Public Comment
III. Commission's Role and Responsibilities.... Michael Miller, Legal Counsel
IV. Overview of Significant Legal
Developments... ............................. . Michael Miller, Legal Counsel
V. Roles
a. City Administrator. C .00... Ray Silver, City Administrator
b. Legal Counsel................................. Michael Miller, Legal Counsel
c. Secretary to the Personnel
Commission .................................. Clay Martin, Director of
Administrative Services
d. City Attorney................................. Scott Field,Assistant City Attorney
VI. Protocols and Procedures..................... Michael Miller, Legal Counsel
a. Meeting Agenda and Minutes
b. Personnel Commission Procedures for:
1. Review of Hearing Officer Recommendations Regarding
Discipline Appeals
2. Disciplinary Grievance Appeal Hearing Procedures
c. Amendments to the City's Classification
Plan............................................. Irma Youssefieh, Human
Resources Manager
Please contact Mavic Hizon (714)374-1567 if you have questions
or if the Human Resources Division can be of further assistance.
VII. Communicatior, ..nprovements............... Irma Youssef,,.,, Human
Resources Manager
a. Pre-Agenda Meetings
b. Timeline on Classification Issues
c. Grievance Status Report
d. Annual Commission Update on Protocols & Procedures/New Member
Orientation
e. Department Presentations —Projects/Update .
f. Other
Materials relating to these topics will be made available at the workshop.
Recommended Action: None
8. ADJOURNMENT:
Meeting to be adjourned to the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Personnel
Commission on December 18, 2002.
Please contact Mavic Hizon (714)374-1567 if you have questions
or if the Human Resources Division can be of further assistance.
ATTACHME
NT # 3 �
City of Huntington Beach
PERSONNEL COMMISSION
October 16,2002
Pending approval by Personnel Commission on 11/20/02
(These minutes are not verbatim. A taped recording of the meeting is available in the Human Resources
Division,Room B-6,until approval of the minutes.)
1. CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Morrison called the Commission meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Present—Commissioners:Morrison,Taylor,Deight, Gooch
Absent—Zeleznikar,Hunt,and Kelly.
Legal Counsel to the Commission Michael Miller present
Staff Present—Clay Martin,Director of Administrative Services,Irma Youssefieh,Human Resources
Manager and Sharon Hennegen,Principal Administrative Analyst.
2. PUBLIC COMMENTS—None
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES —A motion was made by Commissioner Taylor and seconded
by Deight to approve the minutes of September 18, 2002. (Passed-3-0, Gooch Abstained).
4. OLD BUSINESS
A. Disciplinary Hearing in accordance with Personnel Rule 20—Findings of Fact and
Conclusions of Law to recommendations of Hearing Officer Joseph Gentile
regarding Grievance#02-0012
Deputy City Attorney Lee Burke reported that Grievant's counsel was not opposing the
Hearing Officer's Report that was favorable to the City. The Commission and Legal Counsel
Miller recessed to Close Session per Government Code Section 54957.
The Commission voted to sustain the Hearing Officer's recommendation (Passed 4:0).
5. NEW BUSINESS
A. Director of Information Services -- Consideration of classification specification;
report from legal counsel regarding function and duty of the commission
Chairperson Morrison commented that the Commission has been inundated with information,
noting that a meeting had been held earlier in the day on the subject of the Director of
Information Services (IS) classification. Morrison referenced letter from City legal staff
regarding same and noted that if the classification of Director of Information Services was
outside the purview of the Commission he had no more interest in the subject.
Counsel Miller stated that within the City's personnel system, department head positions are
exempt from the classification plan; therefore the process for establishing classification
specifications is different. He noted that there had been inconsistent interpretation in the
past, leading to the current confusion on the subject. However, going forward, classifications
for director positions will come to the Commission as advisory items with a request for non--,
binding comments and recommendations. This is appropriate under the City Charter-defined
role of the Commission as advisory. He stated that the recommended action is to discuss and
Page 1 of 5
provide advisory recommendations and direct that those comments be forwarded to the City
Council and Administration.
Commissioner Taylor questioned staff on what was different between the IS Director and the
Fire Chief fulfilling the duties of the position.
Mr. Martin responded.that Chief Dolder has done a great job of keeping everything moving.
forward, but that obviously, he has a whole other department to direct. The most significant
difference was that there would be a higher expectation of a Director responsible solely for
Information Systems. Specifically, the IS Director will create and implement a formal
technology plan. He noted that the new Director would also take over administration of the
City's web site.
Commissioner Taylor asked if the position existed prior to the joint title with Fire Chief. Mr.
Martin replied that it existed as a Manager of Information Services reporting to the Director
of Administrative Services in the early 1990's. At that time, when the position became
vacant, it was decided to delegate duties to the Fire Chief rather than to recruit for a
replacement.
Commissioner Taylor asked that organizational charts be included with all (classification)
items submitted for Commission review. Mr. Martin agreed that it is his expectation that all
items brought to the Commission would include organization charts. However, the IS
department's staffing is in flux and that one of the priorities for the new Director will be to
staff.the department. .
Commissioner Taylor noted that the specification for IS Director was light on management
experience.
Commissioner Deight asked that all future packets include page numbers.
Commissioner Gooch thanked the City Clerk for bringing matters to the attention of the
Commission. He commented that the manner in which issues have been resolved speaks
well of the City's ability to recognize in a timely fashion that some things needed to be
corrected. He appreciated that the City Administrator feels that the Commission's input will
continue to be of benefit to the City Council. Commissioner Deight concurred.
Commissioner Gooch requested that the Commission's comment that the.specification was
light on management experience be transmitted to City Council and City Administration.
B. Public Hearing in accordance with Personnel Rule 12 regarding Amendments to the
City's Classification Plan.
Chairperson Morrison commented that he was not inclined to call a special meeting and that
the Commission should not be rushed to meet a deadline they had not established. He added
that item C, a workshop to discuss roles, procedures and protocols, was also being
recommended as a special meeting.
Page 2 of 5
Gooch noted that he was available on the dates proposed. A general discussion ensued
regarding availability on October 28, 29 or 30.
Mr. Martin offered that staff would like to schedule the public hearing to amend the
classification plan on the dates offered, as staff would like to resolve the plan amendments
prior to the November 6.City Council meeting.
Commissioner Taylor asked if this would be the same material the Commission looked at in
March.
Mr. Martin replied that this would be the same material that the Commission saw in March,
with some minor adjustments that would be pointed out to the Commission. Additionally,
the four items that the Commission reviewed in September would also be brought back for
Commission approval as a public hearing. There would be one or two additional items, all
involving amendments to the City's classification plan.
Commissioner Deight suggested that the workshop on protocols be set for the Commission's
regular meeting in November. Mr. Martin agreed to this and offered that staff would call all
Commissioners to establish the workshop for the Classification Plan amendments.
Chairperson Morrison stated that if staff received affirmative commitment from other
Commissioners for Wednesday, October 301h, to schedule that meeting for the classification
plan amendments for that date...
C. Workshop to Discuss Roles, Procedures and Protocols (Personnel Commission
and Human Resource Division)
Chairperson Morrison stated that the workshop to discuss procedures and protocols would be
at the Commission's regular scheduled meeting on November 20`h
6. COMMENTS FROM COMMISSIONERS
Chairperson Morrison announced that staff had received a letter of resignation from
Commissioner Kelly.
Chairperson Morrison asked staff,that if any Commissioner, city staff or member of the
public wanted to listen to the tape (of the minutes) or read the minutes,would the minutes (or
the tape) be available at all times. Ms. Youssefieh affirmed they would be available. Legal
counsel Miller agreed that these were public records. Chairperson Morrison questioned Ms:
Youssefieh about a memo she sent her staff that requested all questions from Commissioners
be directed to her or in her absence, to her staff member, Sharon Hennegen. He asked the
reason for her action. Ms. Youssefieh responded that she wanted to make sure that her staff,
her Secretary, could find the documents being requested. The division maintains original
documents of Commission agendas and minutes. Staff and all files are in temporary quarters
while offices are being renovated and so are split between rooms B-6 and B-7. She wanted
to make sure that all requests are handled effectively. Chairperson Morrison asked if she
would direct staff to provide the Commission member with as much information as he
required. Ms. Youssefieh said definitely.
Page 3 of 5
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Commissioner Taylor said that at the behest of the Mayor, he and Chairperson Morrison met
with the City Administrator, the Assistant City Administrator, and Mr. Martin to expand on
the letter (dated September 17, 2002) Chairperson Morrison had written. He noted that it
was a satisfactory meeting from his standpoint. He stated it would be up to Mr. Martin to
execute the actions discussed and get the Commission back on track to where it was when
Bill Osness was with the-city.
He stated that another meeting was held today with about a dozen people, including the City
Attorney, City Administrator, and two City Council members. At this meeting, City Clerk
Brockway addressed her concerns regarding at-will job classifications in the personnel
system differing from the competitive service (the IS Director issue). He also noted that the
Commission is still waiting an answer on the data used for establishing the Assistant City
Clerk compensation.
Chair Morrison added that he also met with the Assistant City Administrator regarding his
letter and that many of the issues should be addressed in the upcoming protocol workshop.
Commissioner Deight stated that she had questions about the Commission's role in second-
guessing management. She questioned if that was the Commission's proper role.
Counsel Miller noted that the Commission had limited jurisdiction and encouraged
Commissioners to forward any topics for the workshop to Mr. Martin and his staff. This
workshop is being scheduled to clarify roles,procedures, and protocols.
Commissioner Taylor asked that clarification as to where the Commission can make a
contribution be addressed at the workshop. He noted that that is why he came on board in
the first place.
Commissioner Deight stated that the Commission has to preserve the integrity of the civil
service system.
Commissioner Taylor added that Commissioners had an obligation to protect the residents.
That his sense is that a contract is settled with a certain amount of increase and then the next
three years is spent bumping people's compensation up. Year after year, department after
department reorganizes in the name of something, but there does not seem to be a scheme at
the top to develop internal relationships between jobs.
Commissioner Gooch asked for clarification on the Commission's prerogative for decision-
making and when is the role advisory.
7. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
A. Grievance Status Report
Commissioner Gooch offered suggestions for improving the status report, including adding a
column for date Hearing Officer was selected. He asked that the report include additional
information to monitor if timelines are being followed, and if not, why. He also suggested
Page 4 of 5
including the hearing date instead of "next anticipated action" and to include a comment
section.
Commissioner Taylor stated that the Commission had developed discipline-hearing
procedures (noted in a letter dated 1997).
B. Personnel—Confidential- Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Lary-
Recommendations of Hearing Officer Louis M. Zigman regarding Grievance#01-087
A motion was made by Commissioner Taylor and seconded by Commissioner Gooch to
receive and direct the Commission's Secretary to place the recommendations of the Hearing
Officer on the agenda for the next regularly scheduled meeting of November 20, 2002.
(Passed 4:0)
10. ADJOURNMENT - The meeting was adjourned at 6:40 p.m. to a public. hearing
tentatively scheduled for October 30, 2002.
Page 5 of 5
City of Huntington Beach
PERSONNEL COMMISSION
October 30, 2002
Pending approval by Personnel Commission on 11/20/02
(These minutes are not verbatim. A taped recording of the meeting is available in the Human
Resources Division,Room B-6, until approval of the minutes.)
I. CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Morrison called the Commission meeting to order at
5:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL: All Present — Commissioners: Morrison, Taylor, Deight, Gooch, Hunt,
Zeleznikar
Legal Counsel to the Commission Michael Miller present
Staff Present — Clay Martin, Director of Administrative Services, Irma Youssefieh, Human
Resources Manager and Sharon Hennegen, Principal Administrative Analyst.
II. PUBLIC COMMENTS— None
Ill. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — None
Chairperson Morrison asked that the following be read into the minutes: "This meeting has
been called by the administration, and has no basis for being called. This meeting was to be a
workshop on protocols and procedures. The information provided to us Monday afternoon is
lengthy. As Chairman of this Commission with over twenty years as a personnel commissioner,
I have never received this much information on such short notice. I suggest we defer-this until
the November meeting. I would like to have the group who did the study here to respond to
questions. This was originally presented to us in February and at that time, there was no action
being asked of us. It was brought as a receive and.file item. I don't know if all affected
employees were notified of the public hearing process. I was under the distinct impression that
this meeting tonight was for the workshop. So when item four (public hearing) comes up, I
would like the commission to either vote for a motion to hear or a motion to defer to our
November meeting."
Commissioner Taylor noted that the workshop was scheduled for the November meeting.
Commissioner Hunt concurred with Chairperson Morrison. He asked if all the items before the
Commission were already agendized for the City Council meeting. Mr. Martin noted that only
the four classifications that the Commission had approved in September were scheduled for the
next City Council meeting. He noted that if the Commission chooses not to act on the four
classifications, they would be removed from the City Council agenda. Commissioner Hunt also
questioned why the Commission was looking at classifications dated December 2001.
Mr. Martin explained staffs intent in bringing these items before the Commission. Two of the
items on the agenda the Commission has seen before. One is the Classification and
Compensation study that was completed and presented to the Commission in February. The
other is four classifications that were presented to the Commission in September. In each of
those cases, staff failed to list the actions as a public hearing, and in the case of the
Classification and Compensation study, failed to list the action the Commission should take.
Staff acknowledged that that was an error and they were brought back to the Commission to
ensure that the appropriate action is taken. He stated that while it is a large volume of
information — over two hundred classifications were included in the study = it was staff's
Page 1 of 6
expectation that since the Commission has seen it before, there might not be as much need to
review it in detail. He noted that items four and five under public hearing included new requests
for classification modifications. In those instances, it is expected that the Commission would
review in greater detail. He concluded by stating that if the Commission chose not to move
forward with the items, staff would be happy to bring the items back on November 20t', or any
other future meeting that the Commission desired.
Chairperson Morrison noted that the absence of any backup information to refresh
Commissioner's minds is ludicrous. He noted that the absence of coordination on this item was
a sad commentary on those being hired in our City.
Special Counsel Miller noted that the item on the Classification and Compensation study was
included in the negotiation process with the Miscellaneous Employees' Association. The
personnel rules say that anything that comes out of negotiations, that is part of the
Memorandum of Understanding, takes precedence over personnel rules. The Commission's
role is in approving the class specifications. He noted that receiving the specifications.two days
before the meeting is a concern. He and the Human Resource Manager acknowledge that this
was an inherited situation and something staff was trying to rectify. He noted that this (the
interplay between the Commission's role and the meet and confer process) is one of the issues
that will be discussed at the workshop, scheduled for the Commission's regular meeting time in
November.
Commissioner Deight asked if there were any Commissioners not prepared to discuss items two
through five under the. public hearings. Chairperson Morrison replied he was not.
Commissioner Gooch noted he had refreshed his memory of the September meeting and.was
prepared to proceed. He suggested the Commission hear the staff presentations on the items
and then decide whether to take action tonight. Commissioner Hunt agreed. Commissioner
Taylor noted he had reviewed the material.
Commissioner Hunt asked for an explanation of what occurred on the Classification and
Compensation study since it was received from the consultant. Mr. Martin explained that the
consultant interviewed employees and went through a process of analysis and review. A report
was presented to the Municipal Employees' Association. The association and the City's
negotiating team discussed the report. At the end of that process, the information was
incorporated into the Memorandum of Understanding that was presented to the City Council. At
that time it became a document that was no longer bound by the "meet and confer" process and
staff and the consultant presented it to the Personnel Commission. He noted that one of the
issues planned for discussion at the November 20 workshop is how the "meet and confer"
process impacts the role of the Personnel Commission.
Commissioner Hunt asked if there was an appeal process for affected employees. Mr. Martin
explained that the process included extensive employee input. Employees completed a job duty
survey, they were then provided a draft of the specification and the ability to appeal. This was
all done as part of the "meet and confer" process and was ultimately included in the final report
incorporated into the MOU. Commissioner Gooch commented that he recalled that the
consultant had reported that there was extensive interaction with the employees throughout the
process. Mr. Martin agreed.
Chairperson Morrison noted that the loop is not complete until it comes to the Personnel
Commission. The City Council was able to discuss the study at length in closed session, but
the Commission did not have the same opportunity.
Page 2 of 6
Commissioner Deight noted that this issue will be discussed at the workshop. Since the MOU
takes precedence over the Personnel Rules, Commissioner Deight inquired about the
Commission's role. Counsel Miller said that when the personnel rules were first developed thirty
years ago, the negotiating process was fairly new and now a lot of classification issues are
subject to the negotiation process. The rules (labor law) say that negotiations take precedence
over some of the processes the Commission engages in. This conflict has evolved and there is
a need to rectify. it._ The discussion.at the workshop may result in recommendations to be
submitted to the City Council if the Commission wants a role in this process.
Chairperson Morrison said that if the Commission is kept in the dark relative to the MOUs and
the changes that have come about, then the Commission is out of the loop. Counsel Miller
agreed that there is an informational role incumbent upon staff. He offered that if there is
interest in MOUs, which are an integral part of the personnel system, they can be brought to the
Commission with a briefing at the appropriate time.
Commissioner Hunt asserted that through the charter, the Personnel Commission still has a role
to advise the City Council on personnel matters. He added that he saw a move in the past ten
months to eliminate.the role of the Personnel Commission. Counsel Miller replied that staff and
he have never spoken of a desire to eliminate the commission and that is important to maintain
the viability of the Commission amid the changes happening around it. Commission Hunt
agreed that a workshop is very timely, that rules, regulations and procedures can be eroded
over time until there is no longer a commission.
IV. PUBLIC HEARINGS
Chairperson Morrison opened the public hearing in accordance with Personnel. Rule 12 .
regarding amendments to the City's classification plan.
Public Hearing in accordance with Personnel Rule 12 regarding amendments to
the City's Classification Plan.
1. Classification changes for new, modified, and deleted classes as recommended
by the classification and compensation study conducted by Public Sector
Consultants, February, 2002, for City of Huntington Beach Municipal Employees'
Association.
A motion was made by Commissioner Taylor and seconded by Zeleznikar to defer
item 4-1 to the November meeting (Passed-5 in favor, Deight opposed).
2. New and revised classifications in .the Administration Department: Special
Projects Manager, Community Relations Officer and Video Engineer
Human Resource Manager Youssefieh reported that the Video Engineer position was a new
position that the Commission had not yet seen. The Special Projects Manager and the
Community Relations Officer were approved by the Commission in September, but were
brought back to be acted upon as part of a public hearing. She noted that the Video Engineer is
to replace a Video Engineer, Supervisor, due to the continued need for continued technical
support for the City's cable television operation. She directed the Commission to the two
organization charts, current and proposed, that outline the restructuring of the division. She
noted that the current plan is to fill the position on a part time basis.
Page 3 of 6
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Chairman Morrison stated that the position once was a contracted position, but the position of
Video Engineer Supervisor was created to give the Director of Communications and Special
Projects a salary increase by creating another position in his department. He noted that the two
staff members in the classification of Television Producer/Director are capable of running the
department and that they can contract engineering services at a much better rate.
Commissioner Hunt inquired if the Special Projects Manager would be.continued-into the future.
Mr. Martin answered that the expectation was that when the incumbents in that position
separate from the City, the job title would be eliminated. Commissioner Taylor suggested that if
that is the case, then a sunset clause should be included in the job specification. Mr. Martin
offered that if that was the recommendation of the Commission, it can be added to the job
description.
A motion was made by Commissioner Taylor and seconded by Hunt to approve
the new position of Special Projects Manager modified by the insertion of part
time and at will, (Passed 6-0).
In making the motion Commissioner Taylor also requested that the minutes reflect that it is the
Commission's expectation that these positions include a sunset-clause and will vanish.
A motion was made by Commissioner Delight and seconded by Commissioner
Hunt to approve the revision of the classification of Community Relations Officer,
amending the City's Classification Plan, (Passed 6-0).
Commissioner Gooch noted that his experience of the video operation at the Long Beach Fire .
Department,,which originally contracted out engineering services.and now uses in-house staff to
fulfill those duties, is that the latter is preferable.
A motion was made by Commissioner Gooch and seconded by Commissioner
Hunt to approve the new classification of Video Engineer, amending the City's
Classification Plan (Passed 5-0, Morrison abstain)
3. New classifications in the Community Services Department: Facilities,
Development & Concessions Manager and Recreation, Human & Cultural Services
Superintendent
Ms. Youssefieh said that these classifications were brought to the Commission in September,
and were resubmitted for Commission approval to fulfill the public hearing requirements before
.modifying the classification plan.
A motion was made by Commissioner Taylor and seconded by Commissioner
Hunt to approve the new classifications of Facilities, Development & Concessions
Manager and Recreation, Human & Cultural Services Superintendent, amending
the City's Classification Plan (Passed 6-0)
Page 4 of 6
4. Revised classifications in the Public Works Department: Park, Tree and
Landscape Operations Manager and Water Operations Manager
Paul Emory, Deputy Director of Public Works reported to the Commission that both these
management positions are currently vacant. He directed the Commission to their packets,
which included the revisions-staff recommends to the specifications and organization charts
showing reporting. relationships. He noted that the vacancies were the result of recent
retirements and that there is no recommendation to modify the current salary for the positions.
A motion was made by Commissioner Taylor and seconded by Commissioner
Deight to approve the modifications to the classifications of Park, Tree and
Landscape Operations Manager and Water Operations Manager, amending the
City's Classification Plan (Passed 6-0).
5. Revised classification in the Police Department: Police Services Specialist
Shirleen McNamee,-Senior Administrative Analyst for the Police Department requested that the
current Police Service Specialist classification, which is used throughout the department, be
expanded to include functions in the Administrative Division of the Police Department to support
the personnel function.
A motion was made by Commissioner Hunt and seconded by Commissioner
Gooch_ to approve the modification to the classification of Police Services
Specialist, amending the City's Classification Plan (Passed 6-0).
V. COMMENTS FROM COMMISSIONERS
Commissioner Taylor reported that in Chairperson Morrison's absence, he was asked by the
City Administrator and the City Attorney to review a document for the City Council regarding the
confusion surrounding the creation of the at-will position of Information Systems Director and a
series of steps to clear the air. He noted that in his opinion item four, which stated that the
Commission reviewed and commented on the specification, was stretching it a bit. He added
that he did not think that this was enough of a reason to delay the City Council's approval of the
resolution. The intent of the resolution is to clarify that staff will bring at-will positions to the
Commission on an advisory basis and not on an approval basis.
Commissioner Gooch suggested that at the workshop the terms classified and unclassified
positions be defined with an explanation of what the Commission's jurisdiction over.them is. He
also encourages the use of a script for presenting classifications that would include all the
pertinent information regarding the classification.
Mr. Martin added that he anticipates that an outcome of the workshop will be a definition of all
the information that should be included with all classification reviews.
Commissioner Taylor asked that the Commission's advisory role be defined at the workshop.
He also suggested that the City Administrator and the Police Chief address the Commission.
(He noted that the Police Chief is new and so perhaps should be considered at a later date.)
Commissioners were asked for suggestions for topics for the workshop. Commissioner Gooch
asked for methodology of tracking disciplinary process, to ensure all parties are adhering to time
Page 5.of 6
frame. Commissioner Zeleznikar asked that the discipline process be reviewed. Commissioner
Deight suggested a discussion of the Commission's role visa-vis management.
In response to an issue raised by the POA President, Chairperson Morrison asked staff to
prepare a letter to the Police Chief for his signature, similar to a letter he sent dated December
1, 1999..The letter should indicate that the Commission.feels it is biased to.allow.an employee .
of the police department to conduct an investigation of their own complaint.
Commissioner Hunt inquired about the distribution of the Personnel Commission minutes. Ms.
Youssefieh noted that all department heads, presidents of all associations, and the City Council
receive agenda and minutes.
Chairperson Morrison noted that there was an eight-month lag between the first presentation of
the Classification and Compensation study and tonight. He asserted that the Commission
should have been getting updates on the classifications throughout that period. He stressed
that staff and the Commission need to communicate.
Ms. Youssefieh noted that agendized for the November 20 meeting was both the workshop and
the review of the Classification and Compensation study. She recommended that the
Classification and Compensation study review be postponed to the December meeting. The
Commission agreed.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:00 pm to November 20, 2002.
Page 6 of 6
. ATTACHMENT .# :7--Am
III
•�� CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
COMMISSION COMMUNICATION
Huntington Beach
TO: PERSONNEL COMMISSION
FROM: MICHAEL H. MILLER, LEGAL COUNSEL TO THE
PERSONNEL COMMISSION
SUBJECT: COMMISSION'S ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
DATE: November 20, 2002
INTRODUCTION
This report is to clarify the role of the Commission. It is provided in response to
legitimate questions raised by the Commission members and as a general review for all
members.
The Personnel Commission, like all governmental boards and commissions, is a
creature of -limited jurisdiction. This means that Commission authority stems from
specific sources that define its role and function, with little room for significant implied or
inferred powers. The Commission has only those duties set forth by enabling legislation
and its outgrowth such as related City ordinances and resolutions. These sources of
authority are also impacted by State law and negotiated Memorandums of
Understanding (MOU).
The following sets forth the trail of Commission authority.
CITY CHARTER
The City Charter is the primary legislative authority of the City. Some City Charters
specifically establish certain Boards. and Commissions for the City. These are Charter
created Boards and cannot be changed or eliminated unless there is'a public vote on
the City .Charter change. Huntington Beach does not have any such boards. Section
405 of the City Charter states that "The City Council shall establish such boards,
commissions, and committees as are deemed necessary for the orderly functioning of
the City..." Accordingly, City boards and commissions as created by the City Council
can be modified, limited, or eliminated by a majority vote of the City Council.'
The Personnel System, as established by Charter Section 403 does not make any
reference to the Personnel Commission. Nevertheless, the personnel system, as
At the last Commission meeting I confused the Huntington Beach Charter with another Charter and mistakenly
defined the Commission as a Charter created body.It is not.
1
established in the municipal code creates and defines the Commission as explained
below.
CHAPTER 2.72 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE
Sections 2.72.010 et. seq adopts a personnel system and creates a seven member
Personnel Commission. The following sets forth the enumerated functions of the
Commission as listed by Section 2.72.070. Based on my review of the City personnel
system, I have added an explanation of each function and duty.
(a) Act in an advisory capacity to the City Council and City Administrator on personnel
administration.
EXPLANATION: Chapter 2.72 of the City Council enacted code creates and delineates
the role of the Commission. Charter Section 401 establishes the extensive role of the
City Administrator-including responsibility for management of the personnel system. In
this context, the advisory role of the Commission is primarily responsive to requests or
direction for advice from the Council and City Administrator for personnel administration
advice such as that exemplified in Resolution No.2002-108 (Exhibit #9) concerning
Commission advice regarding classification specifications for department heads not in
the competitive service. The specifics of such requests demarcate the Commission's
advisory function on .a case..by.case basis.
The Commission can also render advice on its own initiative that is limited to subject
matter within the direct jurisdiction of the Commission such as grievance processing,
disciplinary matters, and the City classification plan. This advisory role is narrower than
what is implied by the generic term "personnel." City Charter provisions regarding the
role of certain City officials and ordinance sections concerning the establishment and
function of various City departments are clear indications that, except as directed by the
City Council or City Administrator, everyday management considerations, city decision
making and policy that may effect personnel, the exercise of department head and
subordinate discretion are not covered by the advisory role of the Commission.
(b) Make any investigation upon request of the City Council concerning the
administration of the personnel system and report its findings to the City Council
and City administrator.
EXPLANATION: This is subject to direction of the City Council and limited by the
Charter provision concerning Non-Interference With Administration (Section 307 —
Exhibit#2).
(c) Hear appeals on grievance matters for final decision except such matters as may
be submitted to final and binding arbitration.
EXPLANATION: The Commission has the final say on unresolved grievances and on -
disciplinary appeals unless the parties agree to binding arbitration.
2
(d) Hear appeals from industrial disability retirement determinations made by the
Administrative Services Chief.
EXPLANATION: This applies to disability retirement for safety officers (police and fire).
Based on changes in the law, safety officer appeals are now conducted by hearing
officers from the State Office of Administrative hearings in place of the Commission. U
(e) Hear appeals from decisions of the Administrative Services Chief made pursuant to
the employer-employee relations resolution.
EXPLANATION: The referred to resolution does not refer to an Administrative Services
Chief. The Resolution is replete with reference to a Personnel Director (Human
Resources Manager). The Director makes decisions concerning recognition of
employee organizations, appropriateness of units, de-certification and modifications,
which according to Section 14-4 of the Resolution are appealable to the Commission.
In addition, with regard to de-certification and modification, there is an MOU provision
that changes the resolution to provide a Motion of Unit Modification. This involves a
proposal by the Human Resources Manager and a noticed public hearing and
determination by the Commission. The Commission's decision is appealable to the City
Council.. It should be noted that under current State law, any violation by the City of its
own rules concerning these matters can be deemed an unfair labor practice�by the
State Public Employee Relations Board (PERB). As ex lained under the State Law
( ) P
portion of this report, PERB can also review unit determination decisions if a petition to
review is filed within thirty (30) days of the City's final decision.
(f) Determine hearing procedures and select hearing officers and advisory arbitrators
for hearings.
EXPLANATION: A process is in place to accomplish this purpose.
(g) Review impasse matters as provided in the employer - employee relations
resolution.
EXPLANATION: As set forth below under Employer-Employee Relations Resolution,
the Commission can be part of the impasse process, except for Police or Fire units if
they request binding arbitration.
(h) Review charges alleging discrimination brought by employees or applicants for
employment.
EXPLANATION: Pursuant to recent amendments to State law, a charge of
discrimination based on Union activities would constitute an unfair labor practice-for -.
adjudication by PERB. Other forms of discrimination (race, religion, sex) are-generally-
handled by State and/or Federal agencies such as the Department of Fair Employment
3
and Housing (DFEH) and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and the
judicial system. I recommend conferring with the City Attorney's office on this area of
likely preemption.
(i) Perform such other personnel duties and functions as may be prescribed by
ordinance or resolution.
EXPLANATION: The City Council can amend Commission functions and duties via
ordinance or resolution. The following three headings cover that which is provided by
resolutions as modified by MOU provisions.
PERSONNEL RULES (adopted by Resolution)
The Personnel Rules were adopted by City Council resolution in 1974. Rule 21.13
provides that if a provision of the rules becomes inconsistent with provisions in a
negotiated MOUrthe MOU provision shall supercede the rules. Accordingly, this report
contains a review of MOU provisions in relation to the Personnel Rules. The Personnel
Rules as written involve the Commission in the following:
1. Rule 12: The City employee Classification Plan- The Commission's role including
public hearings shall be discussed in detail in a separate report presented at the
workshop.
A recent City Attorney Opinion and Recommended Council Action confirms that certain
positions not in the competitive service which is synonymous with being exempt from
the Personnel (merit) System for Huntington Beach, do not fall under the direct
jurisdiction of the Commission with regard to various aspects of Commission duties
concerning classifications and related public hearings. For positions that are not in the
competitive service such as appointive department heads, these procedures are not
mandated. Nevertheless, these classification issues can be acted upon by the
Commission as part of the advisory function similar to your recent action concerning the
class specification for the Director of Information Services. Resolution 2002-108
enacted by the City Council on November 6, 2002 formally implements City Council
direction to the Commission to serve as an advisory role concerning exempt appointive
t
department head positions.
2. Rule 14-6: Salary Advancements- Now changed by MOU provisions, this section, in
. part, authorized the Commission to make salary adjustments within the salary range for
( r� jl a class, upon, application by the department head. Negotiated MOU provisions make
this the responsibility of the City Administrator, upon recommendation of the department
head through the Human Resources Officer.
3. Rule 19: Grievance Procedure - Non-disciplinary - The Commission as a final
hearing body at the last step of the grievance process involves review of a
recommended decision from a.hearing officer.
4
c
4. Rule 20: Disciplinary Matters - The Commission is the final hearing body pursuant to
review of a recommended decision from a hearing officer.
EMPLOYER- EMPLOYEE RELATIONS RESOLUTION
This .Resolution and its amendments (1969 and 1984) have been supplanted, in part, by
various factors including changes in State law that will be discussed in this report. `The
Resolution as worded involves the Commission as follows:
1. Impasse Procedures - Section 9-2 of the Resolution provides that an impasse (in
negotiations) may be referred to the Personnel Commission for a hearing and
recommendation to the City Council. (emphasis added).
2. Impasse resolution - Section 9-2 states that if no agreement can be reached by the
parties to the impasse regarding impasse resolving procedures (fact finding, advisory
arbitration, mediation), the impasse is automatically submitted to the Commission at a
private session for determination and transmittal of a written report to the City Council.
3. General Appeal - Section 14-4 provides that any decision of the City Administrator or
Personnel Director made pursuant to the Employer-Employee Resolution may be
appealed to the Personnel Commission, with further appeal to the City Council. By its
terms, .this could involve the Commission in decisions pertaining to organization
recognition, employee unit modification, and de-certification. Per recent State statutes,
Commission decisions in this arena are subject to review by the State Public Employee
Relations Board (PERB).
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU)
Every current MOU contains a section or exhibit that amends the Personnel Rules and
in some instances, the Employer-Employee Relations Resolution. The changes in
each MOU are generally comparable. City staff will have to review each MOU to assure
that the particular process that has been changed applies to the represented unit or
employee under consideration. Many of the changes affect a particular procedure, but
do not necessarily alter the direct role of the Commission.
The following is a summary of what I have gleaned as the negotiated rule changes most
germane to the authority of the Commission:
1. Concerning the grievance procedure for non-disciplinary matters (grievances), at
step 5, in lieu of the hearing officer process, the Commission may agree to hear
a case directly if agreed upon by mutual consent of the parties.
2. Concerning disciplinary appeals, the revised rule as set forth in the MOU clarifies
that the Commission's jurisdiction applies to terminations, suspensions,
demotions, or other reductions in pay and that the Commission makes_ a final
decision based on a recommended decision of a hearing officer and -after a
5
potential supplemental hearing by the Board as prescribed in the rules and
procedures.
3. Concerning unit modification, a Section 7.3 entitled Human Resources Officer
Motion of Unit Modification, .has been. added to the Employer-Employee
Relations Resolution. It.,provides that, .after certain preliminary steps, the
Commission shall conduct a noticed public hearing regarding the motion for unit
modification. The Commission's decision may be appealed to the City Council.
4. Any grievance as defined in Rules 19 and 20 of the Personnel Rules may by
mutual agreement be resolved by final and binding arbitration before a neutral
arbitrator. To the extent this process occurs with regard to grievance and
disciplinary appeals, the Commission's role is supplanted.
5. Concerning voluntary reduction in lieu of layoff, this can be denied if the
employee does not possess the necessary qualifications for the lower position.
Under the general appeal provision of the Personnel Rules, this determination on
qualifications would be appealable to the Commission. Per the MOU revision, it is
� ,,��,,�� appealable to a mediator from the State Mediation and Conciliation Service.
6. Concerning salary advancements, this is a function of the department head,
human resources officer, and City Administrator in lieu of the Commission.
POTENTIAL IMPACT OF STATE LAW
Since 1968 the Meyers-Milias-Brown Act (MMBA) has regulated labor relations for city
government. In addition to wages, hours, and working conditions, the scope of what
must be negotiated has broadened over the history of the Act. This includes bargaining
over most personnel rules, scheduling and even the effect of exercising management
rights such as the impact of lay off decisions. These requirements have evolved mostly
from California case law applying the MMBA based on private sector precedents (cases
citations available upon request). This impacts the Commission by according more
stature and scope to the subject matter of the negotiation (meet and confer) process.
The consequence is negotiated provisions that often take precedence over other rules
and.regulations. involving the Commission.
The adoption of SB 739 in 2001 and SB 402 in 2000 make significant changes to the
MMBA that could effect the Commission. SB 739 added cities to the jurisdiction of the
State Public Employee Relations Board (PERB). In lieu of the courts, PERB now has
jurisdiction to administer and enforce the MMBA via unfair labor practice charges.
PERB is also authorized to enforce and apply rules adopted by a city concerning unit
determinations, representation, recognition, and elections. These changes to the MMBA
do not apply to management employees or peace officers.
SB 402 mandates binding (interest or economic) arbitration for police and -fire: The
validity of this statute is before the California Supreme Court. If it is not overturned by
6
the Court, to the extent binding arbitration is requested by police and fire units, it takes
the place of any local impasse procedure involving the Commission.
With regard to SB 739, to the extent an appeal or grievance is deemed to be an unfair
labor practice charge. it could be initially filed.with PERB rather than the Commission. A
hand out listing unfair labor charges will be provided. If PERB determines that the. City
has an adequate means of resolving the matter through binding arbitration, they will
defer it back to the City for a final decision. It should be noted that various MOU
provisions for the City provide for use of binding (grievance) arbitration in lieu of
processing through the Commission.
Concerning unit determinations, recognition, organization modification and related
issues PERB will allow the exhaustion of local procedures to resolve these matters.
Within 30 days following these local procedures a party can petition PERB to review the
representation issues. The Personnel Commission and City Council can still hear
appeals, however,it is now possible for their decision to be reviewed by PERB.
The application of PERB to cities is new and subject to additional rule making by that
agency. Accordingly, there are still questions on how the new, law will be applied. The
Commission will be kept informed.
The..case of Haas v. San Bernardino decided by the California Supreme Court on May
6, 2002 should be considered with regard to the City's current. practice concerning the. ..
hiring of hearing officers. In sum, that decision called into question the hiring of
temporary hearing officers based on the (cynical) view that the prospect of financial gain
by being called back by the City for hearings (future remunerative employment) created
a financial interest and bias that calls into question the hearing officer decision. The City
Attorney office and I believe the City's procedure is still valid, however, we will be
conferring in order to report back to the Commission.
CONCLUSION
Based on the above, the following summarizes the current jurisdiction and authority of
the Commission.
The Commission has jurisdiction.with regard to the following:
1. Acting in an advisory capacity to the City Council and City Administrator over matters
within the authority of the Commission and in response to requests for personnel
administration advice from the City Council or City Administrator.
2. Investigatory authority upon request of the City Council concerning the administration
of the personnel system subject to City Charter limitations regarding non-interference
with administration and the powers and duties prescribed in the Charter for other City
officials.
;A
3. Hearing appeals on grievance matters including discipline (termination, suspension,
demotion, reduction in pay) except those submitted to final and binding arbitration per
agreement of the parties. Non-disciplinary grievances such as issues of contract (MOU)
interpretation can be heard directly by the Commission in lieu of a hearing officer if
agreed upon by the parties to the grievance.
4. Determine hearing procedures and select hearing officers and arbitrators for
hearings, except as otherwise provided in MOU provisions and as may be impacted by
the Haas Case referred to above.
5. Review impasse matters as part of the city impasse procedures if agreed upon.
Automatic consideration of impasse if no other procedure agreed upon. This does not
apply where police or fire units request binding arbitration under State law.
6. Review and conduct public hearings regarding class specifications and
reclassifications. This function is advisory with regard to positions that are exempt from
the competitive service.
7. Conduct public hearing regarding a Motion for Unit Modification.
8. Conduct appeal hearings from decisions by the Personnel Director (Human
Resources Manager) regarding those decisions set forth at Sections 6 and 7 of the
Employer-. Employee Relations Resolution involving recognition of employee
organizations/appropriateness of units, de certification and.modification of units.
The Commission no longer has jurisdiction over the following:
1. Appeal hearings regarding the qualifications of an employee seeking a voluntary
demotion in lieu of layoff.
2. To the extent an appeal or grievance constitutes an unfair labor practice charge, the
Commission no longer has jurisdiction under the general appeal section of the
employer-employee relations resolution.
3. Discrimination charges. (will review and consider possible code amendment with City.
.Attorney)
4. Industrial Disability Retirement Appeals.
5. Salary advancements upon application of a department head.
The Commission does not have jurisdiction over the following:
1. Matters that do not fit the above items 1 through 8 above.
2. Matters that involve appointments to employment by the City Administrator,or by any
department heads, or the removal of anyone from such positions, except as an
8
1
appellate body with regard to disciplinary appeals or grievances from employees
covered by the competitive service.
3. Everyday administrative services and management discretion of the city that includes
matters -under the jurisdiction of the City Administrator and other City officials and
Departments as set forth in the Charter and Municipal Code.
RECOMMENDED FUTURE ACTION
It is recommended that the Commission determine whether you have any questions or
need additional input and then approve adoption of this report at a future meeting as
part of a proposed Personnel Commissioner's Handbook.
[legal citations involving the above report will be submitted upon request]
9 -
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A -
CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
•� COMMISSION COMMUNICATION
Huntington Beach
TO: PERSONNEL COMMISSION
FROM: MICHAEL H. MILLER, LEGAL COUNSEL TO THE
PERSONNEL COMMISSION
SUBJECT: LEGAL DEVELOPMENTS AND TRENDS -
Employment & Labor Law
DATE: November 20, 2002
This memorandum of significant legal developments over the past 2 decades is a
summary to highlight issues for the Personnel Commission. Periodically, it will be
supplemented by,this legal counsel, the City Attorney's office, and in response to
Commission requests. Some key developments already referred to under the heading
State Law Impacts in the report on Commission jurisdiction will also be set forth in the
following. For this initial report, significant developments are as follows:
AMENDMENTS TO THE MEYERS-MILIAS BROWN ACT (MMBA)
SB 739 that became effective on July 1, 2002 places'local agency (city) labor relations
under the jurisdiction of the Public Employee Relations Board (PERB). The new law
does not apply to peace officers and to managers. In lieu of the courts, for the first time
PERB will enforce all violations of the MMBA and regulations adopted by cities pursuant
to MMBA. In addition, PERB will exercise exclusive jurisdiction to determine and
remedy unfair labor practices and will have the power to enforce and apply rules
concerning unit determinations, representation, recognition and elections. Common
examples of unfair labor practice charges are those that involve:
-Discrimination based on union activities.
-Bad faith bargaining.
-Interference with employee's protected rights..
-Unilateral changes in a matter within the scope of representation.
Until SB 739, the MMBA was the only one of four major public sector labor relations
statutes not under PERB jurisdiction. In most instances, the City still enacts and applies
local rules and procedures involving labor relations, impasse procedures, unit
determinations etc. Nevertheless, they are now under the oversight, interpretive, and
enforcement role of the PERB. Although a substantial body of case law interpreting
MMBA exists and may still get some deference from PERB, PERB also has a long
history of its own precedents that they can apply to cities.
1
:t1
Claims of discrimination based labor union
activities
es wi I now be heard by PERB,other
not
grievances that are really unfair practice char 9
the Commission or Superior Court.
SB 402 - BINDING. INTEREST ARBITRATION
Adopted by the legislature in 2000 and effective in 2001, binding interest arbitration.was
extended to police and fire personnel. It authorizes, as an impasse resolving procedure,
the rendition of a final and binding decision on economic issues by a third party
arbitrator of the negotiation impasse between police and/or fire units and management.
Several legal challenges to this statute have evolved towards culmination in the
California Supreme Court where the validity of SB 402 is pending. The major focus of
the challenges to the law is that it constitutes an illegal delegation to a private person
(arbitrator) of the power, control, money, and function of government. It eliminates
accountability to the electorate for the expenditure of tax dollars by eliminating elected
officials from budget control in the area of police and fire expenditures.
If this law is deemed valid, it may eliminate the Commission from certain impasse
procedures involving police and fire units.
PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICER PROCEDURAL BILL OF RIGHTS
Applicable to peace officers (police) the State statute.establishing the police bill of rights
was adopted in 1974: It establishes various rights to police officers facing complaints;
investigations, and discipline. It deals with interrogations of officers and their personnel
files. A reoccurring issue pertains to Section 3304 (b) of the Act (Government Code).
This section provides that no punitive action shall be taken without an opportunity for an
administrative appeal. Punitive action is defined more expansively than most local
agency disciplinary appeal rules. For example, it includes written reprimands, reductions
in salary including loss of premium pay, and transfers for purposes of punishment.
Administrative appeals shall be conducted in conformance with rules adopted by the
local agency. Some agencies have adopted such rules and tailored the hearings to
accord variable due process hearings depending on the issue. For example, it can be
argued that a full trial type hearing is not mandated for a written reprimand since there is
no deprivation of a property rights. Some agencies have not adopted procedures and
the question arises as to the type of. hearing and who has jurisdiction. The increased
demand by legal counsel for peace officers to have full evidentiary hearings no matter
what the issue, is part of the due process expansion trend discussed below.
EXPANSION OF DUE PROCESS
A number of cases, particularly those stemming from 1970 to date, confer Constitutional
protection to permanent public employees with civil service status. They have a property
right entitling them to due process protections. The case of Skelly v. State Personnel
Board decided by the.California Supreme Court in 1975 extended due process to the
pre-disciplinary process by mandating certain protections for protected employees
before they incur significant discipline such as a suspension, demotion, or termination.
2
These protections involve notice with reasons including materials upon which the
charges are based and a right to respond orally and/or in writing to the disciplinary
authority imposing the discipline. This response may involve a meeting, not a full scale
evidentiary process. The latter comes during the appeal stage, after discipline has been
imposed.
All public employees, whether tenured or probationary, permanent or temporary, may in
some instances possess liberty interests in employment. This can arise if the agency
impugns the employee in a manner that can effect future employment. If this occurs the
employee may be entitled to a hearing to , at least, clear his name. This is a simplified
summary of the law in this area, however, particularly since the 1979 case of Lubey v.
San Francisco, public agencies are advised to say nothing with regard to why the
terminate a probationary employee. To do otherwise, can raise the spectra of a liberty
interest hearing.
Recent attempts to expand the hearing process and to broaden its scope for peace
officers under the bill of rights referred to above are another example of the ongoing
trend to seek expansion of due process and the concomitant rights to and scope of
hearings.
The tug of war over what process is due with regard to various employee rights is
generally healthy and will continue to take place, attempting to strike a balance between
what is .at stake for the employee and,management's right to act and not be overly tied
up or economically hampered by due process factors. It -is possible that these
developments will evolve into expanded jurisdiction for the Personnel Commission on
certain issues.
DISCRIMINATION LAWS
Over the past decades Title VII of the Federal Civil Rights Act and the California Fair
Employment & Housing Act (FEHA) along with the EEOC guidelines, Family Medial
Leave Acts, the Disabilities Act (ADA) ,Labor Code, MMBA, Immigration Reform and
Control Act, and Confidentiality of Medical Information Act deals with discrimination
based on race, religion, national origin, gender, sex, mental and/or physical disability,
marital status, pregnancy, childbirth - related medical conditions, political activities,
protected. union activities, citizenship, and certain.medical issues. The regulations and .
litigation stemming from these statutes- including "harassment' cases creates a
substantial body of law, which will continue to develop with regard to discrimination in
the work place. The scope of these statutes and their remedies generally preempt the
Commission from adjudicating issues of discrimination that fall under their scope.
THE EXPANSION OF RIGHTS AND BENEFITS IN THE WORK PLACE
All of the statutes referred to under the above heading of Discrimination Laws also
provide an expansion of.work place benefits such a family and medical leave-rights,
certain rights of accommodation in the work place. In addition, various safety statutes
including OSHA , and the workers compensation laws, along with the Fair Labor
3
Standards Act (FLSA) continue to impact local government. Most of these laws preempt
local adjudication and therefore do not impact on the City grievance procedure or
hearing jurisdiction of the Personnel Commission.
FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS
Significant developments with regard to the above and in other areas not dealt with in
this initial report shall be provided in the future.
Please advise if there are any questions regarding this report and if you want additional
information on any of the above subjects or additional items of interest.
- 4
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•�; Aq CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
COMMISSION COMMUNICATION
Huntington Beach
TO: PERSONNEL COMMISSION
FROM: MICHAEL H. MILLER, LEGAL COUNSELTO THE
PERSONNEL COMMISSION
SUBJECT: ROLE OF COMMISSION LEGAL COUNSEL
DATE: November 20, 2002
BACKGROUND
In the past, legal services for the Commission were provided for by the City Attorney's
Office. Because that office sometimes appears before the Commission in a
representational and/or advocacy role, it was determined to provide special counsel to
the Commission.
Commission legal counsel serves pursuant to a professional services contract with the
City for Legal Services Involving Matters Before the Personnel Commission and other
related matters as the City.Attorney may assign. The Agreement;also provides that the.
City shall assign a staff coordinator to work directly with Consultant (attorney) in the
performance of the Agreement.
The Personnel Commission is an arm of the City government through its creation by
ordinance of the City Council. Accordingly in view of the above, the role-of legal
counsel to the Commission can be summed up as follows:
ROLE
Provide legal services to the Commission and City regarding personnel and labor issues
involving the Commission including their authority and jurisdiction with assistance from
Staff and in coordination with the City Attorney's office. Legal services include the
provision of legal advice at meetings, written legal opinions and memoranda, and the
preparation of documents for the Commission including findings of fact and conclusions'
of law in support of a Commission decision to reject or modify a hearing officer's
decision.
Legal counsel for the Commission acts independent of the City Attorney's office only in
those situations where the City Attorney's office appears before the Commission such
as representation on a grievance or disciplinary matter. This independent advisory role
could also apply in the rare circumstance where the City Attorney's office or a member
thereof is before the Commission on some personnel issue directly involving that office'.'-
or its member.
This report has been reviewed and concurred in by the City Attorney Office. . -
�Z; '..,*11 1Ir—,I..4P.;j,.--,,,.Iw t - 11"t1t;iVI : 111 Ir, TIf,
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% CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
COMMISSION COMMUNICATION
Huntington Beach
TO: PERSONNEL COMMISSION
FROM: MICHAEL H. MILLER, LEGAL COUNSEL TO THE
PERSONNEL COMMISSION
SUBJECT: COMMISSION AGENDAS, MEETINGS, AND
THE BROWN ACT
DATE: November 20, 2002
California's Open Meeting Law known as the Brown Act commences at Section 54950 of the
California Government Code. The following summary is a brief review of the Act as it applies to
the Commission. Please advise if you want copies of the statute itself.
For Commission consideration and use a recommended Agenda Format and Agenda
Procedures are attached to reflect compliance with the statute.
In sum, the Brown Act requires that the Commission can only discuss and act on subjects that
are before them on an agenda at.an open public meeting. The primary purpose of the Act is to
assure that public business is conducted 'in public and assure that the public is informed by
specific agenda items as to the business of the body for a particular meeting without surprises
as to what is to be discussed and/or acted upon. The goal.is to avoid discussion of items that
the public is unaware of in terms of the printed agenda.
There are limited exceptions for discussion and action on certain items that are not on the
printed agenda. For example, such action may occur if 2/3 of the Commissioners determine
that there is a need to take immediate action that arose after the agenda was posted.
Government Code Section 54954.2 (b)(2).
There are also exceptions allowing an agenda matter to be discussed in Closed Session. This
includes certain, specific issues such as the consideration of public employee discipline.
Government Code Section 54957.
With regard to the agenda item of Comments from Commissioners, the Brown Act provides
some leeway for discussion of non-specified items as set forth in-the attached sample agenda
that is consistent with Government Code Section 54954.2 (a).
Violations of the Brown Act, even if unintentional, often breed public and media criticism and
possible civil or criminal action. As legal counsel to the Commission, I shall keep you advised of
any problems that could arise in order to avoid these problems.
The attached sample agenda and agenda procedure are presented to assure compliance with
the Brown Act.
CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
COMMISSION COMMUNICATION
Huntington Beach
TO: PERSONNEL COMMISSION
FROM: MICHAEL H. MILLER, LEGAL COUNSEL TO THE
PERSONNEL COMMISSION
SUBJECT: AGENDA PROCEDURE
DATE: November 20, 2002
PURPOSE:
To assure compliance with the Brown Act. The noticed agendas of the Commission is a
calendar and blueprint to the public and interested parties as to the business of the
Commission. In general, the public is entitled to rely on the order of business and the
specification of agenda items as the business of the Commission for a particular
meeting. It should be noted that without a Staff Report, those attending the meeting may not comprehend the particular agenda subject.
PROCEDURE:
1. Proceed in order and read the title of the Agenda item. For good cause including
the convenience of the public, the Commission may move to take an agenda
item out of order.
2. Ask for the Staff Report.
3. Ask if the Commissioners have any questions or comments regarding the Staff
Report.
4. .If the item is a public hearing,..go through the following steps. If not, deliberate
and take action.
a. Announce that this is a public hearing and seek testimony.
b. After testimony, close the public hearing.
c. Deliberate and take action. Roll call is recommended, however, a voice vote
is an alternative.
Sample AGENDA Sample
PERSONNEL COMMISSION
(Mock Meeting)
1. CALL TO ORDER: Roll Call of Commissioners(list names)
2. PUBLIC COMMENTS: The Personnel Commission welcomes public comments on items
of communityy interest that are within the Commission's jurisdiction before our consideration of that
item. If you are.in attendance to participate with regard to a matter scheduled for.a public hearing,
please address the Commission when that hearing is called. Please focus your comments on the issue
and avoid negative, derogatory comments directed at individuals.
Three minutes per person,time may not be donated to others. No action can be taken by the Personnel
Commission on an item that is not agendized.
3. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES: Meeting of September 1,2002.
4. PERSONNEL DISCIPLINARY HEARING: Consideration of recommendation of hearing
officer, supplemental hearing pursuant to Rule 20 of the Personnel Rules and related Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) provisions. (Closed session option pursuant to Government Code Section
54957)-Grievance#02-000.
Recommended Action: Deliberate in closed session, determine whether to sustain, reject, or modify
the hearing officer's recommendation. If the Commission rejects or modifies,direct the Commission's
legal advisor to prepare findings and conclusions reflecting the Commission's action.
Announce decision and vote to the parties. .
5. CONSIDERATION OF REPORT CONCERNING ADVISORY ROLE OF
COMMISSION:
Recommended Action: Review and discuss staff report,adopt(or modify)recommendations.
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
A. A Public Hearing Regarding Amendments to the Classification Plan of the City.
Recommended Action: At the conclusion of the public hearing approve the recommended
amendments.
B. Public Hearing Concerning Revised Class Specifications for Dog Catcher Position.
Recommended Action: At the conclusion of the public hearing, reject the proposed specifications
and remand for further study.
7. COMMENTS FROM COMMISSIONERS: Announcements,brief report regarding
Commissioner activities, ask questions for clarification, request information from Staff, direction to
Staff regarding a future agenda item or for the provision of information for a future meeting.
- - --- -.- .. ..
8. ADJOURNMENT: To the next regularly scheduled meeting of October 18,2002.*-.
*If the next scheduled meeting is regular meeting,this statement is not necessary.
{
CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
COMMISSION COMMUNICATION.
Huntington Beach
TO: PERSONNEL COMMISSION_
FROM: MICHAEL H. MILLER, LEGAL COUNSEL TO THE
PERSONNEL COMMISSION
SUBJECT: REVIEW OF TAPE RECORDING COMMISSION MEETINGS .
DATE: November 20, 2002
This memorandum shall serve to provide the Commission and staff with information
regarding the tape-recording of Commission meetings and related issues.
1. The meetings can be taped as an aid to preparation of the minutes. The recording of
a meeting should be directed by the legislative body (Commission).
2. Pursuant to Government Code Section 54953.5(b), the recording must be available to
the.public for at least 30 days. After.30 days it may be destroyed or erased.
3. Based on any concerns regarding storage of the tapes, the above cited code section
addresses that concern.
4. Concerning the minutes, a caveat may be added at the top of the minutes to the
effect that "The minutes are not a verbatim transcript. They reflect action taken with a
summary of the deliberations."
In view of the above, it is recommended that the Commission consider a Motion to
direct the tape (electronic) recording of Commission meetings for purposes of providing
an aid to the preparation of minutes for the meetings, and that the recordings shall be
maintained for at least 30 days, but no longer than the day after approval of the
respective meeting minutes by the Commission.
A recommended motion at a future Commission meeting is:
Move to direct the Commission Secretary to tape record Commission meetings
consistent with Government Code Section 54953.5(b) as an aid to preparation of
minutes and to retain the recording for at least 30 days or the date after the minutes are
approved by the Commission whichever is later.
Please advise if there are any questions.
•�, T CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
COMMISSION COMMUNICATION
Huntington Beach
TO: PERSONNEL COMMISSION
FROM: MICHAEL H. MILLER, LEGAL COUNSEL TO THE
PERSONNEL COMMISSION
SUBJECT: DEFINITIONS
DATE: November 20, 2002
The following presents certain definitions that are key to the Personnel System in
Huntington Beach. To the extent I have overlooked certain words or concepts, this list
shall be supplemented.
1. City Personnel System - As established by City .Charter Section 403 and City
ordinance provisions (Chapter 2.72), the City's personnel system commonly called a
"merit system" features the traditional elements of a merit based competitive system
such as competitive selection and the exemption of certain non-classified positions.
Competitive service is defined in the Personnel Rules- as.positions and classifications
that.are included within the personnel system by ordinance. These are the positions
generally entitled to full civil service (merit) protection after a probationary period such
as discipline for cause and rights to an evidentiary appeal hearing.
2. Exempt or Excluded Employees - The word "exempt" is commonly used with
reference to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) to denote those employees not
covered (exempt) from eligibility for overtime pay. In the context of the Huntington
Beach Personnel System it also means those employees excluded from the competitive
service. Charter Section 403 and Code Section 2.76.010 excludes the following from
the competitive (civil) service: elected officers, the City Administrator, Assistant City
Administrator, and appointive department heads. Other exclusions from the competitive
service include emergency employees, employees who work a regular work schedule of
less than 1040 hours in any fiscal year and temporary employees. The selection of
those (non-elected) officials is based on merit and competition, however, they are not .
protected employees in the sense of termination. In effect, they are at-will employees. In
situations where the competitive service requirements apply, they are not mandated
with regard to these exempt employees. A recent example applies to the new
Information Services Director (a department head) class specification. Review and
approval by the Personnel Commission is not mandated.
3. Class - A group of positions sufficiently similar in duties, responsibilities, authority
and minimum qualifications to permit combining them under a single title, and to permit..
application of common standards of selection and compensation. Personnel Rule 4.8.-
1
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4. Classification Plan - The Designation of a title for each class, together with the
specifications for each class, as prepared and maintained by the Personnel (HR)
Director with departmental input. Personnel Rule 4.9.
5. ..Class Specifications = A written job description of a classification setting forth
factors and conditions that are characteristic -of positions in . that classification.
Personnel Rule 4A 0.
6. Reclassification - The reassignment of a position from one class to a different class
after reevaluation of the minimum qualifications, duties, authority and responsibilities of
the position. Personnel Rule 4.41.
7. Grievance - The grievance procedure in Huntington Beach applies to non-
disciplinary matters. A separate review procedure 'applies to disciplinary appeals.
Personnel Rule 19 entitled Grievance Procedure Non Disciplinary Matter defines a
grievance as " a dispute concerning the interpretation or application of any provision of
the city's Employer-Employee Relations Resolution, or any provision of this resolution or
any departmental rule governing personnel practices or working conditions...° This
grievance procedure would also apply to interpretation and application issues that arise
under a negotiated MOU, except for negotiation impasse issues. Rule 19 specifically
excludes disciplinary matters from its coverage. These are treated by Personnel Rule
20.
8: Disciplinary Matters- Rule 20 provides for review in disciplinary matters..Confusion,_ .
may arise because this section refers to "grievances of employees arising out of
disciplinary matters..." (emphasis added). The fact that this section refers to the
"grievance procedure for this Rule..." probably creates some confusion with Rule 19
which applies to non-disciplinary grievances. Perhaps the best approach is to divide.
Huntington Beach grievances into two categories: non-disciplinary rule and contract
issues (Rule 19) and disciplinary appeal issues (Rule 20). Both define their subject
matter and prescribe a procedure for processing, as amended by various MOU
provisions. (MOU interpretation is not subject to administrative grievances.)
9. MOU/Memorandum of Understanding - A written, negotiated agreement or contract .
between the. employer and recognized representatives of employees in a bargaining
unit that sets out conditions of employment (wages, hours, fringe benefits, etc.) for a
stated period of time. It is a binding contract when ratified by the governing body.
10. Meet and Confer Process -The duty under the MMBA of the employer to meet and
confer on matters within the scope of representation and fully consider presentations
made by recognized employee organizations prior to arriving at a determination of
policy or course of action; the duty of the parties to meet and confer promptly on request
of either party and continue for a reasonable period of time in order to exchange
information, opinions, and proposals, and to endeavor to reach agreement. The
opposite of meet and confer is the unilateral implementation of a policy or course -of
action by management without meet and confer. The broad scope of representation
usually precludes this from occurring. Even in the area of management rights such as
2
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the imposition of lay offs, there must be some meet and confer on the effects of lay offs.
If something is negotiated into an MOU or rule of the City, it can take precedence over
the Personnel Rules or other existing City regulations. -Section 21.13 of the Personnel
Rules gives precedence to MOU provisions that may be inconsistent with the Rules.
3
1 �
Reference Materials
1. City of Huntington Beach Citizen Groups
New City Council Member Information & Reference Manual:
Role and Function of City Council, pgs. 1-1 to 1-2
2. City Charter
3. Municipal Code
Chapter 2.100 — Operating Policy for Boards and Commissions
Chapter 2.72 — Personnel System
4. Personnel Rules
Rule 4 - Definitions
Rule 12 — Classification Plan
Rule 14 —Additional Pay and Pay Adjustment
Rule 19 — Grievance Procedure Non-Disciplinary Matters
Rule 20 — Review Procedure In Disciplinary Matters
Rule 21 — Grievance Procedures - General
5. Employer/Employee Relations Resolution
6. Memorandums of Understanding '
7. Personnel Commission Procedures
Disciplinary Grievance Appeal Hearing Procedures, 11/25/97
Procedures For Review of Hearing Officer Recommendations
Regarding Discipline Appeals, 11/20/97
Procedures for Empasse Hearings, 2001
8. Definitions
9. City Council Resolution No. 2002-108
Relating to the Establishment of Classification Specifications for
Appointive Department Head Positions
RECEIVED FROM a' u"` �.•vt-tom
AND MADE A PART OF THE RECORD AT
COUNCIL MEETING OF Tr ::a 6
OFRCE OF THE CITY CLERK
CONNIE BROCKWAY,CITY MEW
ITEMS rvj C� /
PREFERENCE MATERIALS
� Section 1
CITY OF HUNTINGTON BE. -ri CITIZEN GROUPS
NEW CITY COUNCIL MEMBER INFORMATION & REFERENCE MANUAL
ROLE AND FUNCTION OF CITY COUNCIL
According to Section 301 of the City Charter, all Powers of the City shall be
vested in the City Council except as otherwise provided in this Charter. A listing
of City Council duties are contained in the City Council Manual (Rev. 1994), but a
short summary is provided below.
1. Holding regular meetings at least twice per month, on the first and third
Mondays at 7:00 pm (Charter Section 303).
2. Calling special meetings by the Mayor or a majority of the City Council
(Charter Section 303).
3. Administering oaths and affirmations in any investigation or proceeding, to
compel attendance of witnesses, to examine them under oath (Charter
Section 304).
4. Adopting ordinances and resolutions (Charter Section 500).
5. Approving city contracts or authorizing the City Administrator so to bind the
city (Charter 613).
6. Providing for the sale or exchange of personal property not needed in city
service (Charter 613) by ordinance or resolution.
7. Appointing the City Administrator and setting his compensation (Charter
400).
8. Removing the City Administrator by majority vote, except within 90 days of a
municipal election (Charter 400).
9. Refraining from interference with the administrative service, except for the
purpose of inquiry. The City Council must deal with the administrative
service through the City Administrator.
10. Providing by ordinance or resolution for the organization, conduct and
operation of the various offices and departments of the city.
11. Controlling all legal business of the city. .
112. Designating depositories for city funds.
13. Fixing by ordinance or resolution amounts and terms of official bonds of all
officials or employees.
1-1
CITY OF HUNTINGTON B. H CITIZEN GROUPS
NEW CITY COUNCIL MEMBER INFORMATION & REFERENCE MANUAL
13. Refraining from having any conflict of interest in any transaction of the city.
14. Refraining from engaging in nepotism.
15. Appointing to and creating the various boards and commissions of the city.
16. Establishing by ordinance a comprehensive personnel system.
17. After public hearings, adopting the annual budget of the city. At subsequent
meetings, the City Council may amend or supplement the budget.
18. Establishing by ordinance, the procedure for assessment, levy and
collecting of taxes upon property within the city.
19. Incurring bonded indebtedness for the city which does not exceed twelve
percent of the total assessed valuation.
20. Providing for an independent audit of the city each fiscal year.
21. By ordinance, regulating the granting of franchises.
Term of Office
The City Council is comprised of 7 members elected from the city at large for
terms of four years. No person shall be elected as a member of the City Council
for more than two consecutive terms. No person who has been a member for
more than two years of a term to which some other person was elected a
member shall be elected to the City Council more than one further consecutive
term (Charter 300).
The election of City Council Members is staggered in two cycles. Four City
Council Members are elected at one general municipal election, which is followed
by the election of the remaining three City Council Members two years later.
Vacancies on the City Council for whatever reason shall be filled by appointment
of the City Council (Charter 312). If the vacancy is not filled 60 days, an election
must be held.
1-2
REFERENCE MATERIALS
Section 2
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Incorporated, February 17, 1909
REFERENCE MATERIALS
Section 3
Huntington Beach Municipal Code 2.100.010-2.100.065
Chapter 2.100
OPERATING POLICY FOR BOARDS AND CONMSSIONS
(2896-6/87,3124-12/91,3250-10/94,3256-11/94,3323-5/96,3327-5/96,3391-8198)
Sections:
2.100.010 Establishment
2.100.020 Definitions
2.100.030 Budget
2.100.040 Staff
2.100.050 Staff liaison and residency
2.100.060 Service limitation
2.100.065 Statements of Economic Interests
2.100.070 Employment limitation
2.100.080 Duration of terms
2.100.085 Attendance
2.100.090 Open meetings
2.100.100 Rules
2.100.110 Applicability
2.100.010 Establishment. All advisory boards and commissions shall be established by ordinance.
Committees may be established by resolution. The enabling document may establish the duration,
manner of appointment,term of office,and powers and duties. (2896-/87,3124-12/91)
2.100.020 Definitions. .
(a) Board-a body of members appointed pursuant to Huntington Beach Charter§405 to serve in a
continuing advisory capacity to the City Council,except for such Boards which have decision
making authority pursuant to the particular establishing ordinance creating such Board; (3250-lo/94)
(b) Commission-a body of members appointed pursuant to Huntington Beach Charter§405 which
may have decision making authority in those activities delegated to them by the City Council;
(c) Committee-a body of members appointed pursuant to Huntington Beach Charter§405 on an ad
hoc basis to advise the City Council on particular matters. (2896-6/87)
2.100.030 Budizet. When deemed necessary,the City Council may cause to be set aside in the budget
for each fiscal year an amount necessary for the functioning of such boards and commissions. (2896.6/87)
2.100.040 Staff. The city shall assign a staff liaison to each board and commission. (2896-/87)
2.100.050 Staff liaison and residency. Unless otherwise specified,each board or commission is to be
assigned one staff liaison specified by the City Council. All members of boards and commissions shall
be residents and electors of the City of Huntington Beach. (2896.6/87)
2.100.060 Service limitation. No person shall serve on more than one board or commission at any one
time. No person shall serve more than two(2)consecutive terms on any one(1)board or commission,
and no person who has been a member for more than two(2)years of a term to which some other person
was appointed a member shall be appointed to the same board or commission for more that one(1)
further consecutive term. (2896-6/87,3255-11/94,3323-5/96,3327-5/96)
2.100.065 Statements of Economic Interests. Every person appointed to a board,commission,or
committee designated by the City Council resolution adopting the City's Conflict of Interest code,shall
file a Statement of Economic Interests with the City Clerk on forms provided by the City Clerk.
Statements of Economic Interests shall be filed upon taking office,annually no later than thirty(30)days
after the date specified by law,and upon leaving office. Any such person who fails to file a Statement of
Economic Interests as provided in this Section shall automatically vacate the office. (3391-8/98)
8/98
2.100.070-2.100.110 Huntington Beach Munidpal Code
2.100.070 Employment limitation. No person serving on any board or commission shall hold any full
or part-time paid office or employment in the Huntington Beach personnel system while so serving,
unless otherwise specified. (2896-&87)
2.100.080 Duration of terms. Members shall serve until their respective successors are appointed and
qualified. The City Council shall have the power to fill any vacancies. Unless otherwise specified,terms
of members of boards and commissions shall be four(4)years,staggered so that the majority of terms
shall end in odd-numbered years following the election of four(4)council members and remainder of the
terms shall end in odd-numbered years following the election of three(3)council members. (289s-6i87)
2.100.085 Attendance. Any person appointed to any city board,commission,or committee shall
automatically vacate the office upon a fifth(5th)unexcused absence during a calendar year or upon more
than three(3)consecutive absences at any time during the term of office. The appointing authority shall
appoint a successor to fill the vacancy. (3124-12/91)
2.100.090 Open meetings. All meetings of boards and commissions shall be open to the public unless
subject to the closed session exceptions contained in the Ralph M.Brown Act(Government Code
§ 54950). (2898-6/87)
2.100.100 Rules. Each board and commission may adopt such bylaws and rules as may be necessary or
convenient for the conduct of its business, subject to approval of the City Council. (2896-&87)
2.100.110 Applicability. This chapter shall apply to all boards and commissions,unless an ordinance
enacted after the date of this section establishes different requirements. (3124-12/91,3323-5/96)
8/98
Huntington Beach Municipal Code 2.72.010--2.72.065
Chapter 2.72
PERSONNEL SYSTEM
(1225-8/66, 1642-6l71,2058-6/76, 2377-7/79,2464-12/80,2665-12/83,2926-2/88,3323-5/96)
Sections:
2.72.010 Adopted
2.72.020 Division created
2.72.030 Repealed, Ord. 2464-12/80
2.72.040 Director--Duties
2.72.050 Commission created
2.72.060 Commission--Members--Terms
2.72.065 Service limitation
2.72.070 Commission--Functions and duties
2.72.080 Meetings--Chairperson
2.72.090 Oaths--Affirmations
2.72.100 Employer-employee relations
2.72.110 Self-insurer's loss and fund account
2.72.010 Adopted. In order to establish an equitable and uniform procedure for dealing with
personnel matters; to attract to municipal service the best and most competent persons available;
to assure that appointments and promotions of employees will be based on merit and fitness; and
to provide a reasonable degree of opportunity for qualified employees, the following personnel
system is adopted. (1225-8/66)
2.72.020 Division created. A personnel division is created and shall be under the supervision
and control of the chief of administrative services. (1225-8/66, 1642-6/71,2464-12180)
2.72.040 Director--Duties. The Administrative Services Chief shall administer the provisions
of this code relating to personnel and city employees; the personnel resolution; and the employer-
employee relations resolution. He, or his designee, shall be the city's principal representative in
all matters of employer-employee relations, with authority to meet and confer in good faith with
recognized employee organizations within the scope of representation. He, or his designee, shall
serve as secretary to the personnel board. He shall have authority to perform such other duties as
may be assigned him by the City Administrator and the personnel board not inconsistent with the
city Charter, this chapter and the above-named resolution. (1225-8/66, 1642-6n1,2464-12/80)
2.72.050 Commission created. There is hereby created a Personnel Commission to consist of
seven (7) members. (1225-8/66,2377-7/79,2665-12/83)
2.72.060 Commission--Members--Terms. The members of the Personnel Commission shall
be appointed by the City Council from the electors of the city. No member shall hold any paid
office or employment in the city government while serving on the commission or for one (1) year
after ceasing to be a member. Members shall be subject to removal by motion of the City
Council, adopted by the affirmative votes of a majority of the total membership thereof. The
members thereof shall serve for terms of four(4) years and until their respective successors are
appointed and qualified. The terms shall be staggered so that the number of terms expiring in
any year shall not vary by more than one from the number of terms expiring in any other year.
Terms shall expire on June 30 of the appropriate year. A vacancy occurring before the expiration.
of a term shall be filled by appointment for the remainder of the unexpired term. (1225-8/66,
2377-7l79,2926-2188, 3323-5/96)
2.72.065 Service limitation. No person shall serve more than two (2) consecutive terms on the
Commission. The terms of any persons having already served at least two (2) consecutive terms
on the Commission on the effective date of this ordinance shall terminate immediately upon the
City Council appointing their successor. (3323-5/96)
2188
2.72.070-2.72.110(c) Huntington Beach Municipal Code
2.72. 070 Commission--Functions and duties. The Personnel Commission shall have the
power and be required to:
(a) Act in an advisory capacity to the City Council and City Administrator on personnel
administration;
(b) Make any investigation upon request of the City Council concerning the administration of the
personnel system and report its findings to the City Council and City Administrator;
(c) Hear appeals on grievance matters for final decision except for such matters as may be
submitted to final and binding arbitration;
(d) Hear appeals from industrial disability retirement determinations made by the Administrative
Services Chief,
(e) Hear appeals from decisions of the Administrative Services Chief made pursuant to the
employer-employee relations resolution;
(f) Determine hearing procedures and select hearing officers and advisory arbitrators'for
hearings;
(g) Review impasse matters as provided in the employer employee relations resolution;
(h) Review charges alleging discrimination brought by employees or applicants for employment;
and
(i) Perform such other personnel duties and functions as may be prescribed by ordinance or
resolution. (1225-8/66,1642-6/71,2377-7/79,2464-12180)
2.72.080 Meetings--Chairperson. As soon as practicable following the first day of July of each
year, the Personnel Commission shall elect one of its members to serve as chairperson of the
commission.
The City Administrator shall designate a secretary for the Personnel Commission who need not
be a member of such commission, and who shall keep a record of its proceedings and
transactions. The Personnel Commission may prescribe its own rules and regulations subject to
the approval of the City Council. Copies of such rules shall be kept on file in the office of the
city clerk where they shall be available for public inspection. (1225-8/66, 1642-6n1, 2377-7179)
2.72.090 Oaths--Affirmations. Each member of the Personnel Commission and the secretary
thereof shall have the power to administer oaths and affirmations in any investigation or
proceeding pending before such commission. (1225-8/66, 1642-6/71. 2377-7n9)
2.72.100 Employer-employee relations. An employer-employee relations resolution shall be
adopted and may be amended from time to time by the City Council following hearings open to
the public before the personnel board. (1225-8/66, 1642-6/71)
2.72.110 Self-insurer's loss fund trustee account. A "self-insurer's loss fund trustee account"
is hereby created. Such account shall receive as revenues those amounts from those sources as
designated by and appropriated by the City Council. Disbursements from such account shall be
used for the following purposes only:
(a) To pay all medical and disability compensation benefits for city employees who incur job-
related injuries as required by state law;
(b) To pay premiums for workers' compensation insurance or re-insurance;
2/88
Huntington Beach Municipal Code 2.72.110(d)--2.72.110(g)
(c) To pay the costs of workers' compensation claims administration as performed by city staff
or by an outside contractor or consultant;
(d) To pay fees for legal services required to minimize workers' compensation costs from prior
insurers and other third parties;
(e) To pay personnel costs associated with the temporary replacement of injured employees;
(f) To pay the salaries, fees and expenses of medical and safety consultants and staff, including
appropriate city staff personnel and their expenses;
(g) To pay any other charges or costs required for the city to satisfy its legal obligations under
the state workers' compensation laws; to reduce employee injuries and the employee lost time
and suffering associated therewith; and to participate in and pay the dues of organizations
which serve the needs of employers obligated to pay workers' compensation benefits.
(2058-6/76)
2/88
REFERENCE MATERIALS
Section 4
fi rsi„
�/ o s.3„fool A-f" /y�'• Fps T
RESOLUTION N0. 3960 Spy S, -�� d,,.p�tsPs,
A RESOLUTION OF THE` CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF HUNTINGTON BEACH ADOPTING AMENDED RULES AND
REGULATIONS GOVERNING PERSONNEL ACTIVITIES
WI1THIN SAID CITY
WHEREAS, the City Council is authorized and directed,
under the provisions of Article 183 , Chapter 18 of the Huntington
Beach Ordinance Code , to adopt rules and regulations , as amended,
for the administration of the personnel system created by the
city Charter and said code , _
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of
the City of Huntington Beach does hereby adopt the following
amended rules :
RULE 1
PURPOSE
The objectives of these rules are to facilitate efficient
and economical service to the public and to provide a fair and
suitable system of personnel management in the municipal government .
These rules set forth, in detail, procedures to accomplish the
following: to insure similar treatment for all who compete for
employment and promotion; and to define obligations , rights , benefits
and prohibitions on all city employees .
At the same time , it is recognized that individuals differ,
and that no rule or regulation may properly prescribe uniform
conditions applicable to every individual circumstance .
RULE 2
PRINCIPLES
The intent of these rules is to recognize the following
principles : the citizens of Huntington Beach have a right
to expect that the city will employ the best qualified persons
available ; that tenure of every city employee will depend upon
need for the work performed, availability of funds , effective
performance , proper personal conduct, and continuing fitness for
his position; and that each employee will be encouraged and pre-
pared to perform at his optimum level .
1.
/cs
Employees of the city have the right to be fully informed
of expected performance, level of performance, promotion on
the basis of merit and ability, reward for good performance,
discipline for poor performance , and protection from suspen-
sion, demotion, or dismissal without just cause .
RULE 3
GENERAL PROVISION
FAIR EMPLOYMENT. City employment shall be based on merit .
10 appointment to, promotion to or removal from a position in
the competitive service shall be affected or influenced in
any manner by sex, race, color, creed, nationality , age , po-
litical or religious opinion or affiliation, except as provided
elsewhere in these rules .
RULE 4
DEFINITIONS
The following terms , whenever used in these rules , shall
be construed as follows :
4-1 . ACTING APPOINTMENT. The appointment for a limited
period, of a person to a position in a class for which no em-
ployment list exists ; to a position in a higher class occupied
by a permanent appointee on suspension; or to a position in a
higher class occupied by a probationary or permanent appointee
who is on authorized leave of absence; or occupying a position
for which a vacancy exists .
4-2 . ANNIVERSARY DATE. The most recent date of com-
mencement of full-time employment with the city, unless the
term "anniversary date" is used to describe merit salary step
advancement date .
4-3 . APPELLATE AUTHORITY. Any person or board who
has authority to hear an appeal as provided by these rules .
4-4 . APPOINTING AUTHORITY. Appointing authority shall
mean a department head, with respect to personnel in his de-
partment , or the officer or officers of the city designated
by the city .Charter to make appointment to a position.
4-5 . APPOINTMENT. The employment of a person in a
position.
4-6 . BOARD. The Personnel Board established in ac-
cordance with the city Charter.
2 .
RESOLUTION NO. 5386
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
HUNTINGTON BEACH AMENDING SECTION 11 OF EMPLOYER-
EMPLOYEE RELATIONS RESOLUTION NO. 3335 RELATING
TO PERSONS NOT IN UNITS
WHEREAS, the City Council approved the current Memorandum of
Understanding with the Huntington Beach Management Employees
Organization by resolution on August 1 , 1983, and
Such Memorandum of Understanding provides that "The depart-
ment head positions of Chief of Administrative Services , Director
of Community Services , Director of Public Works , Director of
Development Services , Fire Chief, and Police Chief may cease to be
represented by the organization upon mutual agreement . . , " and
Each such listed department head has so agreed by executing
the attached Exhibit "A" hereto, and Section 11 of Resolution No .
3335 does not presently apply to such listed department head
positions , and the City Council desires to amend such resolution
to include such positions and more clearly articulate the proce-
dure to be followed relating to salary and benefit increases ,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the
City of Huntington Beach that Section 11 of Resolution No . 3335 is
hereby amended to read as follows :
Elected and appointed department head positions and all other
employees not included within an appropriate unit and, therefore ,
not represented by a recognized employee organization, hereinafter
referred to as "non-associated, " shall have their base salary
ranges, fringe benefits and other terms and conditions of employ-
ment , insofar as such do. not conflict with the city Charter ,
determined in accordance with the following procedure :
(a) The City Administrator shall assemble relevant data and
information pertinent to the matters encompassed by this section
and shall discuss such data and information with all non-asso-
ciated individuals who shall have the right to present to the City
Administrator additional relevant data and information which shall
be duly received and considered in good faith by the City Adminis-
trator . The relevant data and information shall be prepared not
later than May 1 of each year . Relevant data and information
shall include , but not be limited to, salary surveys of comparable
cities and data regarding salaries and benefits of other employees
of the City of Huntington Beach.
1 .
(b) The City Administrator shall then present recommendations
to the City Council for changes in the salary ranges , fringe bene-
fits and other terms and conditions of employment for such
employees . Such recommendations shall be presented in written and
oral form along with the relevant data and information .
(c) After duly considering all relevant data and informa-
tion received by it, the City Council shall by resolution deter-
mine the matters with which this section is concerned. Such
determination shall be based on relevant data and information . In
the event the City Council rejects the recommendation of the City
Administrator, the City Administrator and the non-associated
individuals shall have the opportunity to appear before - and be
heard by the City Council, with respect to which such individuals
shall have the same rights as enumerated in subsection (a) of this
section, prior to the determination by the City Council of such
matters.
(d) All salary and other adjustments .made pursuant to this
section shall be effective as of July 1 of each year unless other
provision is made , and the funding thereof shall be included in the
city ' s budget .
(e) The purpose of this section is to determine salary and
other adjustments for a position without regard to the individual
occupying such position .
Section 11 of Resolution No . 3335 and all other resolutions in
conflict herewith are hereby repealed.
PASSED AND ADOPTED . by the City Council of the City of
Huntington Beach at. a regular meeting thereof held on the 4th
day of June 1984.
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
n
City Clerk -3=30-JYCity Attorney
I
REVIE D APPROVED: ED N AP OVED:
City Administrator Chief, ministrative Sery ces
2.
EXHIBIT "All
CONSENT BY APPOINTED DEPARTMENT HEAD POSITIONS
We , the undersigned department heads, have read the within
Resolution amending Section 11 of Resolution No . 3335, and hereby
agree therewith pursuant to the provisions of Article 1 of the
Memorandum of Understanding with the Management Employees Organi-
zation mentioned therein .
Police Chief Fire thief
Public Works Director Director , Development Services
Director , Community Services . Chief, A nistrative S vic s
REFERENCE MATERIALS
Section 6
6. Memorandums of Understanding
The following sections are from the Municipal Employees' Association
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU):
• Personnel Rule 19 — Grievance Procedure Non-Disciplinary Matters
• Personnel Rule 20 — Disciplinary Procedure and Appeal
• Personnel Rule 21 — Grievance Procedures — General
• Employer-Employee Relations Resolution; Modification of Section 7 —
Decertification and Modification
• Grievance Arbitration
These are also included in the MOUs of the following associations:
• Management Employees' Organization
• Police Management Association
• Police Officers' Association
• Firefighters' Association
• Fire Management Association
• Marine Safety Officer Association
Res.No.2002-24
ML IPAL EMPLOYEES' ASSOC IA j
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
c) 18-19— Maternity Leave'
The City and the Association agree to modify the present Personnel
Rule 18-19 Maternity Leave to read as follows: "A permanent
employee shall be entitled to a leave of absence without pay due to
inability to work due to pregnancy. The employee will be entitled to use
available sick leave during this period. Said leave must be requested in
writing from the Department Head and must include written notification
from the employees physician stating the last day the employee may
work and the estimated duration of leave. The employee must obtain
written authorization to return to work from the attending physician.
Said authorization must be filed with the Department Head and the
Human Resources Officer."
d) 18-20 — Leave of Absence without Pay
The City and the Association agree that the following sub-paragraph
"C" shall be added to. Personnel Rule 18-20. Leave of Absence without
Pay: Leave of absence without pay, for medical disability reasons,
shall be restricted to six (6) months.
8. Rule 19 — Grievance Procedure Non-Disciplinary Matters
a) 19-5 Grievance Procedure
1) Step 4 —City Administrator
If the grievance is not settled under Step 3, the grievance may
be presented to the City Administrator in accordance with the
following procedure: Within fifteen (15) days after the time the
decision is rendered under Step 3 above, a written statement of
the grievance shall be filed with the Human Resources Officer,
who shall act as hearing officer and shall set the matter for
hearing within fifteen (15) days thereafter and shall cause notice
to be served upon all interested parties. The Human Resources
Officer, or his representative, shall hear the matter de novo and
shall make recommended findings, conclusions and decision in
the form of a written report and recommendation to the City
Administrator within five (5) days following such hearing. The
City Administrator may, in his discretion, receive additional
evidence or argument by setting the matter for hearing within
ten (10) days following his receipt of such report and causing
notice of such hearing to be served upon all interested parties.
Within five (5) days after receipt of report, or the hearing
provided for above, if such hearing is set by the City
Administrator, the City Administrator shall make written decision
and cause such to be served upon the employee or employee
organization and the Human Resources Officer.
01-02 MEA MOU Final 23 3/15/2002 2:40 PM
MUNICI EMPLOYEES' ASSOCIATIC
MEMOKANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
2) Step 5 — Personnel Board Hearing
Hearing. As soon as practicable thereafter, the Human
Resources Officer shall set the matter for hearing before a
hearing officer either selected by mutual consent of the parties
or. from a list provided by the Personnel Commission.
Ratification of the hearing officer selected by mutual consent of
the parties, if from a list approved by the Personnel
Commission, shall not require separate approval or-ratification
by the Personnel Commission. The hearing officer shall hear the
case and make recommended findings, conclusions and
decision in the form of a written report and recommendation to
the Personnel Commission. In lieu of the hearing officer
process, the Personnel Commission may agree to hear a case
directly upon submission of the case by mutual consent of the
parties.
9. Rule 20 —Disciplinary Procedure and Appeal
a) 20-1 — Purpose
The purpose of this rule is to provide a procedure for recommending
and imposing discipline against City employees, and a means by which
an employee's may administratively appeal any such disciplinary
action.
b) 20-2 — Disciplinary Procedures
1) Notice of Proposed Adverse Action
For disciplinary demotions, suspensions or dismissals, an
employee shall be served a written Notice of Proposed Adverse
Action by the employee's department head, or his/her designee,
or by certified mail, prior to the proposed disciplinary action
taking effect. The notice shall state the reasons for and charges
upon which the proposed action is based, and the effective date
of the action the right to respond and the employer's right to
representation. A copy of all materials upon which the proposed
action is based shall be attached to the notice.
2) Employee's Right to Respond
The employee shall be given a minimum of ten (10) calendar
days to respond orally and/or in writing to the charges upon
which the proposed action is based. The employee's response
shall be made to and/or before his/her department head.
3) Time Off
The employee shall be given reasonable time off with pay to
attend disciplinary meetings.
4) Final Notice of Decision
01-02 MEA MOU Final 24 3/15/2002 2:40 PM
Res.No.2002-24
MU► PAL EMPLOYEES' ASSOC IA N
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
After an employee has responded to or waived his/her right to
respond to the proposed adverse action, the employee shall be
served with a final Notice of Decision from his/her department
head. The final written Notice of Decision shall state whether or
not the proposed action shall be taken or modified, and the
reasons therefore and effective date or the action.
c) 20-3—Appeal to Personnel Commission
Disciplinary action involving the termination, suspension, demotion or
other reduction in pay may be appealed to the Personnel Commission
for de novo hearing and final determination in accordance with the
following procedure:
1) Request for Appeal
Within five (5) days after the employee's receipt of a final Notice
of Discipline, a written request for an appeal to the Personnel
Commission shall be submitted to the Human Resources
Officer.
2) Hearing
As soon as practicable thereafter, the Human Resources Officer
shall set the matter for hearing before a hearing officer. The
hearing officer shall hear the case without the Board and shall
make recommended findings, conclusions and decision in the
form of a written report and recommendation to the Board.
3) Final Decision
The Board shall consider the written report and
recommendations of the hearing officer and after due
deliberation in executive session, shall render a decision in the
matter which shall be final and binding on all parties, and from
which there shall be no further appeal.
d) 20-4 — Supplemental Hearing by Personnel Board
1) The Board may, in its sole discretion, after it has received the
written report and recommendation of the hearing officer, set the
matter for private hearing for the purpose of receiving additional
evidence or argument. In the event the Board sets a private
hearing for such purposes, the Human Resources Officer shall
give written notice to all parties concerned in such matter.
01-02 MEA MOU Final 25 3/15/2002 2:40 PM
roes. NO.LUUl-14
MUN 'AL EMPLOYEES' ASSOCIAT:
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDINV
2) The Board, following a consideration of the hearing officer's
written report and recommendation and deliberation thereon
and any supplemental hearing before the Board, shall make
findings, conclusions and decisions which shall be final and
binding on all parties and from which there shall be no further
appeal.
e) 20-5 — Employee Status on Pending Appeal
Notwithstanding the provisions of Rule 7, Section 7-4 (Suspension with
Pay), the disciplinary action shall be effective pending an appeal to the
Personnel Commission.
10. Rule 21 — Grievance Procedures - General
a) 21-7 Hearing Officers
The hearing officer provided for in Rules 19 and 20 shall be from a list
provided by the Personnel Commission or one selected by mutual
consent of the parties.
b) 21-11 Time. Computation of
The period of time in which any act must occur, as provided in these
rules, shall be computed by excluding the first and including the last
day of such period, and in the event the last day falls on a Saturday.
Sunday or legal holiday, such acts may be accomplished on the next
succeeding working day. As used in Rules 19 and 10, all references to
days shall be interpreted to mean calendar days.
c) 21-12 Time. Extension of
The City and the employee, or employee organization may, by mutual
consent, extend the time period within which an act must occur in the
processing of grievances.
B. Emplover-Employee Relations Resolution
1. Modification of Section 7 — Decertification and Modification
a) The City and the Association desire to maintain labor stability within
the representational unit to the greatest extent possible, consistent with
the employee's right to select the representative of his or her own
choosing. For these purposes, the parties agree that this Agreement
shall act as a bar to appropriateness of this unit and the selection of
the representative of this unit, except during the month of August prior
to the expiration of this Agreement. Changes in bargaining unit shall
not be effective until expiration of the MOU Except as may be
determined by the Personnel Commission pursuant to the procedures
outlined below. This provision shall modify and supersede the time
limits, where inconsistent, contained in Section 7 of the current
01-02 MEA MOU Final 26 3/15/2002 2:40 PM
ties.no.LUUl-14
MUNI AL EMPLOYEES' ASSOCIATI
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
Employer-Employee Relations Resolution of the City of
Huntington Beach.
b) The City and the Association have agreed to a procedure whereby the
City, by and through the Human Resources Officer, would be entitled
to propose a Unit Modification. The Association and the City agree to
jointly recommend a modification of the City of Huntington Beach
Employer-Employee Relations Resolution (Resolution Number 3335)
upon the City's having completed its obligation to meet and confer on
this issue with all other bargaining units.
The proposed changed to the Employer-Employee Relations
Resolution is as follows:
7-3. Personnel Direction Motion of Unit Modification — The Human
Resources Officer may propose, during the same period for filing a
Petition for Decertification, that an established unit be modified in
accordance with the following procedure:
1) The Human Resources Officer shall give written notice of the
proposed Unit Modification of Modifications to all employee
organizations that may be affected by the proposed change. Said
written notification shall contain the Human Resources Officer's
rationale for the proposed change including all information which
justifies the change pursuant to the criteria established in Section
6-5 for Appropriateness of Units. Additionally, the Human
Resources Officer shall provide all affected employee
organizations with all correspondence, memoranda, and other
documents which relate to any input regarding the Unit
Modification which may have been received by the City or from
affected employees and/or sent by the City to affected
employees;
2) Following receipt of the Human Resources Officer's Proposal for
Unit Modification any affected employee organization shall be
afforded not less than thirty (30) days to receive input from its
members regarding the proposed change and to formulate a
written and/or oral response to the Motion for Unit Modification to
the Personnel Commission;
3) The Personnel Commission shall conduct a noticed Public
Hearing regarding the Motion for Unit Modification at which time
all affected employee organizations and other interested parties
shall be heard. The Personnel Commission shall make a
determination regarding the proposed Unit Modification which
determination may include a-granting of the motion, a denying of
the motion, or other appropriate orders relating to the appropriate
creation of Bargaining Units. Following the Personnel
01-02 MEA MOU Final 27 3/15/2002 2:40 PM
Res.No.2002-24
Mk ;IPAL EMPLOYEES' ASSOCI� N
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
b) Prior service credit shall be counted toward sick leave and
vacation accruals.
c) Employees may cash in sick leave upon layoff or at any time
after layoff in the manner and amount set forth in existing
Memoranda of Understanding for that employee's unit. Sick
leave shall be paid to an employee when the reemployment
list(s) expire(s), if not previously paid.
d) Upon reinstatement the employee may have his or her sick
leave re-credited by repayment to the City the cashed amount.
Sick leave accumulation of less than 480 hours shall be
restored upon reemployment.
e) The employee shall be returned to the salary step of the
classification held at the time of the layoff and credited with the
time previously served at that step prior to being laid off.
f) The probationary status of the employee shall resume if
incomplete.
2) Employees who have been reduced in class to avoid layoff and are
returned within two (2) years to their former class shall be placed
at the salary step of the class they held at the time of reduction
and have their merit increase eligibility date recalculated.
ARTICLE XIV—MISCELLANEOUS
A. Grievance Arbitration
Any grievance as defined and described in Rules 19 and 20 of the City Personnel
Rules (Resolution No. 3960), shall be settled in accordance with the procedures
set forth in said Rules except that the parties to the grievance may, by mutual
agreement, submit the grievance to a neutral arbitrator whose decision shall be
final and binding on the parties. Tie arbitrator shall be selected by the par-ties
from listings of and pursuant to the rules of the American Arbitration Association.
This procedure, if adopted by the parties, shall be in lieu of Step 5 of Rule 19, or
Step 4 of Rule 20, and the fees charged by the arbitrator or hearing officer and
court reporter shall be paid by the party, which is not the prevailing party.
B. Promotional Procedures
1. Tie Scores
When promotions are to be made, and two or more employees are found to
be equal as a result of promotional examinations conducted by the City, the
employee with the greatest length of service with the City shall receive the
promotion.
2. Salary Upon Promotion
01-02 MEA MOU Final 34 3/15/2002 2:40 PM
REFERENCE MATERIALS
Section 7
DISCIPLINARY GRIEVANCE APPEAL
NEARING PROCEDURES
Section 20-5 of the Personnel Rules of the City of Huntington Beach provides that upon
appealing a disciplinary grievance to the Personnel Commission, the matter is to be referred to a
Hearing Officer, who shall conduct a hearing and make a written recommendation to the
Commission. In order to ensure the fair and expeditious processing of the grievance, the parties
and the Hearing Officer shall comply with the following hearing procedure on appeals of
disciplinary grievances:
A. Selection of Hearing Officer
1. The parties shall select the Hearing Officer and the time for an appeal hearing
within thirty (30) days from the date of the filing bf the appeal. The parties shall
notify the Personnel Commission of these dates. In the event that the parties are
unable to mutually agree upon a hearing officer, the parry imposing disciplinary
action shall provide the Commission-approved list of hearing officers to the
grieving party. The parties shall alternately strike names from the list, with the
party initially imposing the discipline striking the first name. The parties shall set
the hearing at the earlierst date practicable. In the event the parties fail to select
the Hearing Officer within the thirty (30) day period, the Chairperson of the
Commission shall, as soon as practicable, select a Hearing Officer from the
Commission-approved list, and set the place, date and_time for the hearing.
B. Hearing Procedures
2. All hearings shall be held in closed session; provided, however, that the hearing
shall be open to the public at the employee's request.
3. At least twenty-one (21) days before the hearing, the parties shall meet and confer
on a briefing schedule and an exchange of exhibits and witness lists. If the parties
cannot agree on these matters, then the Hearing Officer shall be consulted by
conference call and may establish the procedures and schedules. Unless the parties
agree otherwise, or the Hearing Officer so orders, no later than seven(7) days
prior to the date set for a hearing, each party shall by notice deliver to the other
party and the Hearing Officer their respective lists of witnesses. A party may not
use a witness at a hearing for which notice thereof has not been given, except for
good cause.
4. No opening brief shall be in excess of 15 pages without leave of the Hearing
Officer.
1
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5. The hearing need not be conducted in accordance with technical rules relating to
evidence and witnesses but hearings shall be conducted in a manner most
conducive to determination of the truth. Any relevant evidence may be admitted
if it is the type of evidence on which responsible persons are accustomed to rely in
the conduct of serious affairs, regardless of the existence of any common law or
statutory rules which might make improper the admission of such evidence over
objection in civil actions. Hearsay evidence may be used for the purpose of
"supplementing or explaining any direct evidence but shall not be sufficient in
itself to support a finding unless it would be admissible over objection in civil
actions. The rules dealing with privileges shall be effective to the same extent
that they are now or hereafter may be recognized in civil actions, and irrelevant
and unduly repetitious evidence may be excluded. Decisions made by the
Hearing Officer shall not be invalidated by any informality in the proceedings,
and the Hearing Officer shall not be bound by technical rules of evidence.
6. The hearing shall be recorded by a certified court reporter.
7. The Hearing Officer shall rule on the admission or exclusion of evidence.
8. Each party shall, subject to the provisions of this Procedure, have these rights: To
be represented by legal counsel or other person of his or her choice; to call and
examine witnesses; to introduce evidence; to cross-examine opposing witnesses
on any matter relevant to the issues;to impeach any witness regardless of which
party first called him or her to testify; and to rebut the evidence against him/her.
9. Oral evidence shall be taken only on oath or affirmation under the penalty of
perjury.
10. The hearing shall proceed in the following order, unless the Hearing Officer, for
good cause, otherwise directs:
a. The party imposing discipline shall be permitted to make an opening
statement.
b. The employee shall be permitted to make an opening statement, which
may be reserved until the presentation of his or her case in chief.
C. The party imposing disciplinary action shall present the evidence
supporting the discipline.
d. The employee shall present evidence in support of his or her appeal.
e. In the same order,the parties may offer rebutting evidence.
2
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f. Closing arguments shall be permitted at the discretion of the Hearing
Officer. The party with the burden of proof shall have the right to close
the hearing by making the last argument.
11. The Hearing Officer shall determine relevancy, weight, and credibility of
evidence.
12. The City shall identify its exhibits alphabetically. The employee shall identify its
exhibits numerically.
13. If a party, after due notice, fails to appear at a hearing or any continuation of a
hearing, the Hearing Officer may proceed with the hearing of the controversy. In
such cases, all awards shall be rendered as if each party had entered an appearance
at the hearing.
14. During the examination of a witness, all other witnesses, except the parties, shall
be excluded from the hearing upon motion of either party.
15. The Hearing Officer shall at the request of the parties dismiss the appeal.
16. Any settlement of any matter shall be at the election of the parties.
17. No still photographs, moving pictures, or television pictures shall be taken in the
hearing chambers during a hearing.
18. The Hearing Officer, prior to or during a hearing, may grant a continuance for any
reason he or she believes to be important to its reaching a fair and proper decision.
19. The parties may file post-hearing Iegal briefs pursuant to a schedule and page
limits established by the Hearing Officer.
20. The Hearing Officer shall render his or her report summarizing the evidence, and
making findings of fact, conclusions, and recommendations as soon after the
conclusion of the hearing as possible, and in no event later than thirty (30) days
after concluding the hearing unless otherwise stipulated by the parties. The
Hearing Officer shall not be paid until the recommended decision is delivered.
21. The Hearing Officer may recommend the sustaining, modifying or rejecting of
any or all of the discipline,provided the Hearing Officer may not impose
discipline more harsh than originally imposed by the City.
3
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C. Definitions
22. As used herein, "notice" and"notify" means a writing that is effective when
delivered at the address of the party to whom it is intended as set forth above.
23: As used herein, "party" shall mean the City or employee, as the case may be, or if
represented by another, then that person.
24. _ All time periods set forth herein are measured in calendar days.
25. The laws of the State of California, the Charter of the City of Huntington Beach,
and duly adopted resolutions by the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach
shall take precedence over this procedure.
Approved by the Huntington Beach
Personnel Commission on �'�°-�' - , 1997
airperson, the Dei t Secretary, William Osness
4
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PERSONNEL COMMISSION PROCEDURES
FOR REVIEW OF HEARING OFFICER RECOMMENDATIONS
REGARDING DISCIPLINE APPEALS
The Huntington Beach Personnel Commission shall observe the following procedures when
reviewing recommendations from Hearing Officers on appeals of disciplinary grievances
pursuant to Section 20-6 of the Personnel Rules of the City of Huntington Beach:
A. ' Procedures
1. The Personnel Director shall place the recommendations of the Hearing Officer on any
appeal of discipline on the first Personnel Commission meeting which is fourteen(14)
days or more after receipt of the hearing officer's recommendation. No later than
fourteen(14) days prior to the date of the Commission meeting, the Personnel Director
shall notify each of the parties of the date of the Personnel Commission meeting. Either
party may request that the review before the Commission be continued for at least thirty
(30) days. The Personnel Director shall grant such continuance one (1) time as a matter
of right.Further continuances shall be granted by the Personnel Director upon stipulation
of the parties or upon demonstration of good cause by either party.
2. If a party wishes to submit briefs objecting to the Hearing Officer's recommendation,
he/she shall so notify the opposing party, and shall request an automatic thirty (30) day
extension of the review date. No later than twenty-one (21) days prior to the date of the
Personnel Commission meeting, each party may deliver to the Personnel Director and the
opposing party a brief in support or in opposition to the Hearing Officer's
recommendations. The brief may not be in excess of fifteen(15) pages, except by
stipulation between the parties or leave of the Chairperson of the Commission. The brief
may include as exhibits portions of the record from the hearing conducted by the Hearing
Officer. Such exhibits may include documents filed with the Hearing Officer and
excerpts from the transcript of the hearing. No later than seven(7) days prior to the
Commission meeting, the parties may serve upon each other and the Commission reply
briefs.
3. The Personnel Commission may hear oral argument from the parties in support or
opposition to the Hearing Officer's recommendation. Oral arguments shall not exceed
fifteen(15) minutes from each party and an additional five (5)minutes of rebuttal. The
party opposing the hearing officer's decision will be heard first.
4. All hearings shall be in closed session; provided, however, that the employee may request
a hearing open to the public.
I
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11120/9711120197
5. A party may petition the Commission to accept supplemental evidence The party shall
demonstrate that the evidence being offered could not, with the exercise of reasonable
diligence,have been produced at the hearing or was improperly excluded from evidence
at the hearing. The Commission retains its discretion to schedule a supplemental hearing
under Rule 20-6.
6. Upon conclusion of the hearing, the Commission shall deliberate in closed session. The
Personnel Commission may sustain, reject or modify the recommendation of the Hearing
Officer, provided that the Personnel Commission shall not impose discipline more harsh
than that originally imposed by the City. Unless the issue has been briefed, the
Commission cannot(a) reject or modify the recommended findings of the Hearing
Officer, (b) impose discipline where the Hearing Officer has recommended that no
disciplinary action is warranted, or (c) increase the discipline recommended by the
Hearing Officer without first reviewing in its entirety the complete administrative record,
including a transcript of all testimony and all exhibits received in evidence. If the
Commission rejects or modifies the recommendations, it shall direct its legal counsel to
prepare findings of fact and conclusions of law in support of the Commission's decision.
Such findings and conclusions shall be served on the Commission and each-party at least
ten(10) days before the next Commission meeting. Each-part? may serve objections to
the findings and conclusions not less than three (3) days before the Commission meeting.
B. Definitions
7. The Personnel Commission shall render its decision within thirty (30) days upon the
completion of its hearing or the receipt of any additional briefs it may request.
8. As used herein, "serve," "notice," and"notify" means a writing that is effective when
delivered at the address of the party to whom it is intended as set forth above.
9. As used herein, "party" shall mean the City or employee, as the case may be, or if
represented by another, then that person.
10. All time periods set forth herein are measured in calendar days.
11. All questions of interpretation of this procedure shall be heard by the Personnel
Commission.
2
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12. The laws of the State of California,the Charter of the City of Huntington Beach, and duly
adopted resolutions by the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach shall take
precedence over this procedure.
Approved by the Huntington Beach
Personnel Commission on N a-vt 9 , 1997
G I
Chairp , Blanche Deight
Secretary, William Osness
3
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CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH PERSONNEL COMMISSION
PROCEDURES FOR IMPASSE HEARINGS
Pursuant to the Employer-Employee Relations Resolution of the City of Huntington
Beach, Resolution No. 3335,the Personnel Commission is mandated to conduct impasse .
hearings between the City and employee organizations when impasses have been reached in the
meet and confer process and the parties have been unable to agree on submitting the impasse to
another process such as fact finding, advisory arbitration or mediation. The purpose of these
procedures is to set forth the manner in which the hearing shall be conducted before the
Personnel Commission in a situation where an impasse comes before Commission pursuant to
the Resolution.
The intent of these procedures is to permit the parties to present their positions to the
Commission in a concise and efficient manner and to allow the Commission to discharge its
obligations under the Resolution efficiently and with expediency so that disputes between
employer organizations and the City can be resolved as soon as practicable, thus fiu-ther
advancing the interests of all parties in having harmonious employment relations at the City of
Huntington Beach.
1. Prehearing conference. As soon as possible after an impasse has been determined
to be within the jurisdiction of the Personnel Commission for resolution,the Personnel Director
shall schedule a prehearing conference between the representatives of the employer organization
LosM`eles 16596)v 1,99999.00001 1
and City with representatives of the Personnel Commission. The Commission representatives
may include the Commission chair, the Personnel Director and/or the Commission's legal
advisor,or other representative designated by the Commission. The prehearing conference shall
be held in a location to be arranged by the Personnel Director. The prehearing conference shall
be held at least two weeks before the Commission meeting at which the impasse hearing shall be
first agendized. At the prehearing conference the following issues shall be discussed and the
parties shall cooperate in good faith in an attempt to reach agreements to the greatest extent
possible.
a. Issues. The employee organization and City representatives shall make a
good faith effort to agree on a stipulated list of issues at which the parties
are at impasse. If the parties are able to agree,a stipulated Iist of issues
shall be prepared in writing and signed by the representatives of both
sides.
i. If the parties cannot agree in whole or in part, then each party shall
be required to submit its own written statenAent listing the issues as
to which it believes the parties are at impasse.
ii. If the parties can agree partially as to the issues,the stipulation to
the extent of agreement shall be prepared as called for above,
Where there is no agreement,the parties shall be required to submit
LosAnseles 165963 v 1.99999.00001 2
their own statement of such additional issues as described above.
b. Documents. The parties shall attempt to agree as to documents. As in the
case of issues, to the greatest extent possible, the parties shall stipulate to
documentary exhibits. If there is no agreement, each party shall be
allowed to submit documents it believes relevant, subject to objection
from the other party. The parties shall be directed to the hearing with
adequate copies of exhibits, tabbed, numbered and placed in binders with a
sufficient number of complete sets for each Commissioner, the Personnel
Director,the Commission's legal counsel, the witness chair and for the
parties' representatives. The binder should begin with an exhibit list
followed by the various exhibits with numerical tabs for ready reference
during the course of the hearing. The use of"Bates stamp" page
numbering shall be encouraged. The goal shall be to minimize the loss of
time in bookkeeping,fumbling with and passing out papers.
C. Witness lists. The parties shall be required to submit a list of witnesses at
the prehearing conference. If subpoenas for the attendance of witnesses
are required, the party requesting the presence of such witnesses shall so
indicate at the prehearing conference and shall make its own arrangements
to have subpoenas issued and served.
LosOgales 165963 v 1,90999.00001 3
d. Time estimate. At the prehearing conference the parties shall provide an
estimate of the amount of time each will need to present its case. An effort
shall be made to plan for the number of sessions that will be required to
complete the hearing. The parties representatives shall bring their
calendars to the prehearing conference so that a sufficient number of
potential hearing dates can be selected for scheduling with the
Commission at the initial session. Subsequent sessions shall be scheduled
as soon as possible so that the number of calendars involved can be
coordinated. The parties shall be advised that the Commission may, in its
prerogative, and within reason,(i)place a limitation on the mmiber of
hours each side shall have to present its case, (ii)hold each side to the
maximum number of hours allocated, and(iii)curtail each party's
presentation once the number of hours allocated has been exhausted,
unless good cause appears for allowing the parties additional time to
complete its presentation. The parties shall be made aware that
Commissioners are volunteers with limited time available to discharge
their obligations as Commissioners, and that effortswhich appear directed
at prolonging the proceedings for the purpose of delaying resolution will
not be tolerated. The Commission reserves the right to schedule hearing
sessions and insists on completing the proceedings as soon as practically
possible.
LOSAMples 165963 v 1.9999).DW1 4
C. Recordation. Since it is possible that there will be further review of the
mutter either before the City Council or in a judicial forum, a discussion
shall occur at the prehearing conference as to how and by what method a
record will be kept of the hearing, including means of preparing a
transcript for the hearing,either through the use of a court reporter or tape
recording. The parties shall also discuss allocating the costs of retaining a
court reporter, if such an option is exercised, equally between the parties.
f. Order of presentation. Since it does not appear that in this sort of
proceeding either the City or the employee association necessarily has the
burden of proof,both sides have the equal burden of persuasion.
Accordingly, there is no necessary legal requirement as to which party
shall proceed first. Therefore,a discussion shall occur at the prehearing
conference as to whether the association or City shall proceed first. If the
parties cannot agree on the order of presentation,the Commission shall
decide on the order of presentation at the initial session of the hearing.
2. initial session of hearing. At the commencement of the initial session of the
hearing,the following matters shall be dealt with first:
a. Report on the prehearing conference. The Commission chair, personnel
director, or Commission legal counsel shall report to the Commission on
the prehearing conference.
LosAnpoto 165963 v I,99999,00001 5
b. Plesiding officer. A determination shall be made by the Commission as to
who shall preside at the hearing. Normally the Commission chair shall act
as presiding officer. At the discretion of the Commission, another person
may be designated to act as presiding officer,such as the Commission's
legal counsel, a retained hearing officer or someone else who has not
participated in the meet and confer process from which the impasse arises.
If the presiding officer is someone other than a Commissioner, that person
shall limit his/her functions to calling the hearing to order, ruling on
objections(subject to being overridden by majority vote of the
Commissioners in attendance),calling upon the parties to proceed with
each step of the hearing process, and in other respects acting as would a
presiding officer in a hearing or trial.
C. 1ssues. Any written stipulation of issues agreed to by the parties shall be
first received. if no stipulation has been reached, the written statements of
issues submitted by each side shall be received.
d. Documents. Any documents as to which the parties have agreed shall be
placed into the record. The parties shall have come to the hearing with
exhibits prepared pursuant to section 1(b)of these procedures.
C. Witness Lists. The witness lists created as a result of the prehearing
LwAngela 16"63 v 1.99999.00001 6
conference shall be received.
1 Length of the hearing. The proposed length of the hearing shall have been
discussed as part of the report on the prehearing conference. A
determination shall be made at the first session of the heating as to the
number of sessions which will be required to conduct the hearing.
Subsequent sessions shall be scheduled at this time so that the number of
calendars involved can be coordinated. The Commission may, in its
prerogative, and within reason, place a limitation on the number of hours
each side shall have to present its case. The Commission, again subject to
the rule of reason, shall have the prerogative to hold each side to the
maximum number of hours allocated, and to curtail each party's
presentation once the number of hours allocated has been exhausted,
unless good cause appears for allowing the party additional time to
complete its presentation. All parties must be aware that Commissioners
are volunteers and have limited time available to discharge their
obligations as Commissioners. Efforts which appear directed at
prolonging the proceeding for the purpose of delaying resolution shall not
be tolerated. The Commission shall reserve the right to schedule hearing .
sessions and insist on completing the hearing as soon as practically
possible.
L,OSAn9cleo 165963 v 1,99999.00001 7
i
I
g. Record. The Commission shall ensure that a means is in place for making
a record of the hearing,either through the use of a court reporter or tape
I
I
recording, such that a transcript can be subsequently prepared if necessary.
1
h. OLder of Presentation. A determination shall be made as to which party
shall proceed first in the order of presentation. If the parties have not
agreed at the prehearing conference, then the Commission shall decide on
the order of presentation.
3. Hearing`process. The hearing shall be conducted in the manner of any nornial
administrative proceeding as follows:
a.. Opening statements;
b. Presentation of the case by the first party to
proceed,with each witness sworn, examined and
subject to cross-examination;
C. After the first party has completed its presentation
(or"rested"), the second party shall proceed;
d. After the second party has rested,rebuttal phases
LosAngelec 165963 v 1,99999.OMOI 8
REFERENCE MATERIALS
[ Section 8
_ J
•�, CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
COMMISSION COMMUNICATION
Huntington Bead
TO: PERSONNEL COMMISSION
FROM: MICHAEL H. MILLER, LEGAL COUNSEL TO THE
PERSONNEL COMMISSION
SUBJECT: DEFINITIONS
DATE: November 20, 2002
The following presents certain definitions that are key to the Personnel System in
Huntington Beach. To the extent I have overlooked certain words or concepts, this list
shall be supplemented.
1. City Personnel System - As established by City Charter Section 403 and City
ordinance provisions (Chapter 2.72), the City's personnel system commonly called a
°merit system" features the traditional elements of a merit based competitive system
such as competitive selection and the exemption of certain non-classified positions.
Competitive service is defined in the Personnel Rules as positions and classifications
that are included within the personnel system by ordinance. These are the positions
generally entitled to full civil service (merit) protection after a probationary period such
as discipline for cause and rights to an evidentiary appeal hearing.
2. Exempt or Excluded Employees - The word "exempt" is commonly used with
reference to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) to denote those employees not
covered (exempt) from eligibility for overtime pay. In the context of the Huntington
Beach Personnel System it also means those employees excluded from the competitive
service. Charter Section 403 and Code Section 2.76.010 excludes the following from
the competitive (civil)- service: elected officers, the City Administrator, Assistant City
Administrator, and appointive department heads. Other exclusions from the competitive
service include emergency employees, employees who work a regular work schedule of
less than 1040 hours in any fiscal year and temporary employees. The selection of
those (non-elected) officials is based on merit and competition, however, they are not
protected employees in the sense of termination. In effect, they are at-will employees. In
situations where the competitive service requirements apply, they are not mandated
with regard to these exempt employees. A recent example applies to the new
Information Services Director (a department head) class specification. Review and
approval by the Personnel Commission is not mandated.
3. Class - A group of positions sufficiently similar in duties, responsibilities, authority
and minimum qualifications to permit combining them under a single title, and to permit
application of common standards of selection and compensation. Personnel Rule 4.8.
t
4. Classification Plan - The Designation of a title for each class, together with the
specifications for each class, as prepared and maintained by the Personnel (HR)
Director with departmental input. Personnel Rule 4.9.
5. Class Specifications - A written job description of a classification setting forth
factors and conditions that are characteristic of positions in that classification.
Personnel Rule 4.10.
6. Reclassification - The reassignment of a position from one class to a different class
after reevaluation of the minimum qualifications, duties, authority and responsibilities of
the position. Personnel Rule 4.41.
7. Grievance - The grievance procedure in Huntington Beach applies to non-
disciplinary matters. A separate review procedure applies to disciplinary appeals.
Personnel Rule 19 entitled Grievance Procedure Non Disciplinary Matter defines a
grievance as " a dispute concerning the interpretation or application of any provision of
the city's Employer-Employee Relations Resolution, or any provision of this resolution or
any departmental rule governing personnel practices or working conditions..." This
grievance procedure would also apply to interpretation and application issues that arise
under a negotiated MOU, except for negotiation impasse issues. Rule 19 specifically
excludes disciplinary matters from its coverage. These are treated by Personnel Rule
20.
8. Disciplinary Matters - Rule 20 provides for review in disciplinary matters. Confusion
may arise because this section refers to "grievances of employees arising out of
disciplinary matters..." (emphasis added). The fact that this section refers to the
"grievance procedure for this Rule..." probably creates some confusion with Rule 19
which applies to non-disciplinary grievances. Perhaps the best approach is to divide
Huntington Beach grievances into two categories: non-disciplinary rule and contract
issues (Rule 19) and disciplinary appeal issues (Rule 20). Both define their subject
matter and prescribe a procedure for processing, as amended by various MOU
provisions. (MOU Anterpretation is not subject to administrative grievances.)
9. MOU/Memorandum of Understanding - A written, negotiated agreement or contract
between the employer and recognized representatives of employees in a bargaining
unit that sets out conditions of employment (wages, hours, fringe benefits, etc.) for a
stated period of time. It is a binding contract when ratified by the governing body.
10. Meet and Confer Process - The duty under the MMBA of the employer to meet and
confer on matters within the scope of representation and fully consider presentations
made by recognized employee organizations prior to arriving at a determination of
policy or course of action; the duty of the parties to meet and confer promptly on request
of either party and continue for a reasonable period of time in order to exchange
information, opinions, and proposals, and to endeavor to reach agreement. The
opposite of meet and confer is the unilateral implementation of a policy or course of
,%Me, action by management without meet and confer. The broad scope of representation
usually precludes this from occurring. Even in the area of management rights such as
2
the imposition of lay offs, there must be some meet and confer on the effects of lay offs.
If something is negotiated into an MOU or rule of the City, it can take precedence over
�r the Personnel Rules or other existing City regulations. Section 21.13 of the Personnel
Rules gives precedence to MOU provisions that may be inconsistent with the Rules.
REFERENCE MATERIALS
Section 9
Council/Agency Meeting Held:/4��D./Udv_ Z
Deferred/Continued to:
O'Approved ❑ Conditionally Approved El Denied
City�ClerW�sSig�ature��
Council Meeting Date: November 6, 2002 Department ID Number:
CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION o
SUBMITTED.TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL ' y :=_=
77
SUBMITTED BY: RAY SILVER, City Administrator� !j
CID --
PREPARED BY: RAY SILVER, City Administrator 6E� C. y
SUBJECT: ADOPT RESOLUTION RELATING TO THE
APPOINTIVE
VE ENT OF
CLASSIFICATION SPECIFICATIONS FOR
DEPARTMENT HEAD POSITIONS ,aS /I/e aooa -/08
[ES�ta eme nt of Issue,Fundi��sourc��%Recommended Action,Alternative Action(s),Analysis,Environmental Status,Attachment(s)
Statement of Issue: A Resolution is needed to clarify the advisory role to the
ns for
Administrator of the Personnel Commission in the development of new class
artment Head positions.
exempt appointive Dep
Funding Source: No funding is required.
Recommended Action: Motion to:
1. Adopt Resolution aoda-io grelating to the establishment of classification
specifications for appointive Department Head positions.
Alternative Action: The City Coulution and dire t thencil may mae the ollowing st staff accordingly.alternative motion(s):
1. Do not approve the proposed Reso
Analysis: The City is recruiting for an Information Services Director. This is a new
appointive Department Head position that will lead the newly created Information Services
Department. During the recruitment, there has been some confusion concerning the
position's classification and its exempt status from the personnel system and Personnel
Commission approval. To clarify the situation, the following has been done:
1. The City Attorney has presented legal opinions confirming the exempt status of the
appointive position.
2. The City Council adopted an ordinance formally establishing the Information Services
Department.
� � I
REQLAT FOR CITY COUNCIL At, dON
MEETING DATE: November 6, 2002 DEPARTMENT ID NUMBER:
3. The Council's Special Committee reviewed the matter.
4. The Personnel Commission reviewed and commented on the position's classification
on an advisory basis to the City Administrator.
5. The Administrative Services Director incorporated the Personnel Commission's
advisory comments into the recruitment process.
6. The Personnel Commission has scheduled a workshop to be updated on State
personnel laws, City personnel rules and Commission duties.
7. The City Administrator has proposed a Resolution setting forth that future new
classifications for exempt appointive Department Head positions will be reviewed by
the Personnel Commission on an advisory basis to the City Administrator.
In conclusion, the Resolution on Personnel Commission advisory review of future new
classifications for exempt appointive Department Head positions is recommended for
adoption.
Environmental Status: Not applicable.
Attachment(s):
City Clerk's
Page Number N .0. Description
1. City Attorney's Opinion titled: Labor; Personnel System;
classification Plan; Charter; Exempt Positions
2. Ordinance Establishing the Information Services Department
3. Class Specification for the Information Services Director position
4. Proposed Resolution Relating to the Establishment of
Classification Specifications for Appointive Department Head
Positions ki ,a-� `yam , a co
RCA Author: Workman
H:\Workman\RCA\RCA 02-01.doc -2- 10/28/2002 8:46 AM
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF
CLASSIFICATION SPECIFICATIONS FOR
APPOINTIVE DEPARTMENT HEAD POSITIONS
WHEREAS, City Charter Section 401 provides that the City Administrator shall have the
power to appoint and remove Department Heads with the approval of the City Council; and
Huntington Beach Municipal Code Section 2.76.010 provides that appointive Department
Heads are exempt from the City's personnel system and competitive service regulations; and
Huntington Beach Municipal Code Section 2.72.070 provides that the Personnel
Commission shall have the power to act in an advisory capacity to the City Administrator and the
City Council regarding personnel administration,
NOW, THERFORE,the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach does hereby
resolve as follows:
1. That the City Administrator will obtain the Personnel Commission's advisory
review and comment on the development of new classification specifications for exempt
appointive Department Head positions.
2. That the City Council hereby reaffirms that such review and comment by the
Personnel Commission shall not provide the appointive Department Head position any of the
rights,privileges or processes in the personnel system or competitive service regulations of the
City.
3. That any such review and comment by the Personnel Commission is advisory
only, and that the City Administrator is not obligated or required to accept, approve or
implement any recommendations that may arise out of such review.
1
PDA:2002 Resol:department head recruitment
a
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach at a
regular meeting thereof held on the day of , 2002.
Mayor
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
City Clerk City A orney
A
INITIATED, REVIEWED AND APPROVED:
Cit dministrator
2
PDA:2002 Res&department head recruitment
ATTACHMENT # 1
JJ
CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
Inter-Department Communication
TO: HON. MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: GAIL HUTTON, CITY ATTORNEY
SUBJECT: PERSONNEL SYSTEM - CLASSIFICATION PLAN
DATE: OCTOBER 16, 2002
INDEX: LABOR; PERSONNEL SYSTEM; CLASSIFICATION PLAN;
CHARTER; EXEMPT POSITIONS
BACKGROUND
The City seeks to recruit and employ a new department head level position
entitled Information Systems Director ("ISD"). At the City Council meeting of October 7,
2002, the City Clerk requested that.the City Council temporarily.suspend the recruitment
of the ISD position, in order for the class specification to be presented to the Personnel'
Commission for review and approval. The City Clerk stated that the process used for
creation and recruitment of the ISD position did not conform to the City's requirements,
and that unless the proper procedures were followed, she could no longer maintain
Council resolutions adopting amendments to the City's Classification Plan.
ISSUE
Must the class specification for the ISD position be presented to the Personnel
Commission for its review and approval?
ANSWER
No.
ANALYSIS
The City Charter requires maintenance by ordinance of a comprehensive
personnel system for the City. (Section 403.) The City's Personnel System is commonly
called a "merit" system, and features the traditional elements of a merit based,
competitive service: competitive selection, advancement and incumbency; structural
adaptability; and exemption of certain non-classified positions. (Placer County
Employee Assn v. Bd. Of Supervisors (1965) 43 Cal. Rptr. 782.)
Page 2 -
Ray Silver
Personnel System - Classification Plan
Among the notable exclusions from the City's competitive service system are: the City's
elective officers; the City Administrator and the Assistant City Administrator; and
appointive department headsl. .(Charter Section 403; HBMC Section 2.76.010.)
For positions in the competitive service, new job classifications must be presented to
the Personnel Commission for review and approval (Personnel Rule 12-8). However,
this requirement_is explicitly limited to positions in the competitive service. Since the ISD
position is excluded from the competitive service, it is not subject to this requirement. Of
course, if the City Administrator finds it necessary or convenient to have the
Commission review the proposed classification, he may request it. But the Commission
is not required to act on such a request, nor is the City Administrator bound by any
determination or recommendation that the Commission may provide relating to the
position.
We have previously addressed similar issues related to the City Administrator's
authority regarding personnel administration, and the recruitment and selection of
department heads. I have attached copies of our previous opinions for your information.
If I can be of further assistance, please contact me at your earliest convenience.
GAIL HUTTON
City Attorney
cc: Members of the Personnel Commission
Ray Silver, City Administrator
Connie Brockway, City Clerk
William Workman, Asst. City Administrator
Clay Martin, Director of Administrative Services
Irma Youssefieh, Human Resources Manager
Attachments: 1. Memorandum Opinion dated 6/13/79
2. Memorandum from Gail Hutton to Michael Uberuaga dated 12/3/93
The City's appointive department heads were specifically excluded from the competitive service by the
adoption of Ordinance No. 3122 in 1994. Because of this specific exclusion, we have not analyzed
whether the previous inclusion of department head positions in the competitive service was consistent
with the City Administrator's authority to remove department heads with the consent of the City Council
pursuant to Charter Section 401(a).
2
PDA:2002 memos:Silver-Personnel System 10-14 —
JA CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
G INTER-DEPARTMENT COMMUNICATION
HUN7INGTON BEACH
To CITY ADMINISTRATOR From OFFICE OF THE CITY ATTORNEY
Subject Development Services Date June 13 , 1979
Director
MEMORANDUM OPINION
QUESTION:
Is it legal to consider a former employee for the Development Services
Director position although he was not on the list created by inter-
views?
ANSWER:
Yes.
.The City Administrator and City Council have .the exclusive discretion
to select department heads .
FACTS:
The city has recruited and created an eligible list for the director
of Development Services. Apparently, several of the highest ranked
candidates have declined offers of employment . At a recent Council
meeting, the prospect of evaluating the former assistant city adminis-
trator was considered, and this opinion is sought on the legality of
such consideration.
ANALYSIS:
As a first point, it should be noted that the position of assistant
city administrator is exempt from .the personnel system. (Charter
§403. ) There is, therefore, no limitation on the manner of employ-
ment for that position, no recruiting requirement , and no limita-
tions on reemployment . (Rule 8-11, limiting reemployment rights
to one year, is not applicable to exempt positions. )
The Charter provides that department heads are appointed by the
City Administrator,. subject to approval of a majority of the
Council (four votes) . C401 (a) ,] The Charter does not address the
manner of .determining the persons 'eligible for appointment or
creating a list. The apparent custom and practice in selecting
department heads has varied considerably.. The appointments have
been made by promotion, transfer, open recruitment , and even without
recruitment . While Personnel Rule 5-1 provides for six types of
appointment , the provisions of Rule 5 do not appear to apply to _
MEMORANDUM OPINION June 13 , 1979
Development Services Director Page Two
department heads. ' In fact , Rule 5-5 specifically excludes depart-
ment heads from the requirement that appointments be made from
among 'those persons certified by. the Personnel Director pursuant
to the examination 'procedure .
Therefore, it appears that the selection of a department head may-
be made, under Charter §1401 (a) , in- whatever manner the Administrator
and the Council deem advisable . Thus , the Council is not restricted
by an eligible list and may disregard. it and confirm the appointment
of any person. The Council is not limited by the Personnel Rules
relating to t IR
lishment of eligible lists.
ROBERT C. SA
Deputy City Attorney APPROVED:
RCS : sh iX
GAIL HUTTON
City Attorney
CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
•'' INTER-DEPARTMENT COMMUNICATION L
HUNnNGTON BEALH
TO: Michael Ubetuaga, City Administrator
FROM: Gail Hutton, City Attorney
DATE: December 3, 1993
SUBJECT: Competitive Service Regulations:
Removal of Department Heads Positions from Competitive Service
City Council Meeting of December 6, 1993, Agenc�,ltem G-2a
QUESTION:
// You have posed the question:
"Does the Charter and associated rules and ordinances require that department head
positions once placed in the competitive service remain in the system until removed by a vote of
the people?"
ANSWER: -
No.
ANALYSIS -
In matters of Personnel Administration,the City Administrator is the city's appointing
authority to hire and fire,to promote and demote city employees. Huntington Beach City
Charter§ 401(a).
The Council designates those positions the incumbents of which are to be members of
the system,those positions which are to be exempt and a scheme for administration of the
system. Huntington Beach City Charter§ 403. ,
The Administrator's authority to appoint,demote,promote and remove individuals to
positions is subject to the limitations imposed by the Personnel Rules.
Competitive Service Regulations\2\s\12/03/93
Michael Uberuaga
December 3, 1993
Page 2
A past Council or one sitting today does not have the power to tie the hands of the future
Councils in deciding which positions are covered ones and which are exempt.
The Charter provides that the list may be amended from time-to-time to add or delete
positions but the incumbent of a position once in the system may not be taken out of his or her
position without a vote of the electors. Huntington Beach City Charter § 403.
The several considerations that are taken into account in interpreting the Charter are the
needs of those of the Council and the Administrator in governance of the city coupled with the
protection of employee rights. The variants do not always coincide.1
CONCLUSION:
The City Council is free to add or remove appointive positions from the list of positions
and deprive or grant future incumbents system protections. The incumbent of a newly
exempted position remains in the system so long as the position exists and he or she holds the
position.
Attached to this opinion are proposed ordinances one of which would amend the
Competitive Service Regulations by removing from the competitive service list of non-exempt
positions the positions of future appointive department heads,the other renames the
Development Services Department and changes the title of the department head.
Such ordinances are approved as to form as meeting the various Charter criteria for
accomplishing the stated goals.
Gail Hutton
City Attorney
Attachments: (1) Ordinance No. 3221 amending HBMC Chapter 2.76 pertaining to competitive
service regulations
(2) Ordinance No. 3222 amending HBMC Chapter 2.32 by changing
"Development Services"to "Community Development"
1 The city does not maintain a full blown civil service system but it is required by its Charter to
maintain a type of merit system. Huntington Beach City Charter§ 403. In Placer County
Employees Association, et al.,v. Board of Supervisors of the County of Placer(1965)
Competitive Service RegulationsMs\12/03/93
f :A
(Footnote 1 continued)
43 Cal.Rptr. 782,the court made the observation, also made here,that there are three salient
features of merit systems competitive selection, and advancement and continued incumbency
based on merit,i.e., "civil service," structural adaptability of the government itself and
maintenance of a category of exe=t or non-classified positions The court said at p. 784,
". . : civil service laws normally except designated offices.and positions such as elective offices,
appointive department heads, confidential assistants and temporary consultants" (emphasis
mine), and further held that"Maintenance of a modes viviendi among these three governmental
principles--civil service, structural adaptability and a category of exempt positions— is bound to
set up occasional tensions and collisions." Courts have adopted the criterion of good faith to
weigh the legality of actions abolishing civil service positions, ". . . upheld if taken in good
faith,but invalidated if it is a subterfuge for the piecemeal dissolution of the. . . system."
Competitive Service ReguMons\2\s\12/03/93
1 •
ORDINANCE NO. 3221
r
AN ORDINANCE OF.THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
AMENDING CHAPTER 2.76. OF THE HUNTINGTON BEACH
MUNICIPAL CODE PERTAINING TO COMPETITIVE SERVICE
REGULATIONS BY ADDING FUTURE APPOINTIVE DEPARTMENT HEADS
TO THE EXCLUSIONS FROM THE COMPETITIVE SERVICE SYSTEM.
Whereas the City Council of City of Huntington Beach wishes to designate the
appointive department heads as exempt from the competitive service system,
NOW, THEREFORE the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach does ordain as
follows:
Section 1. That Section 2.76.010 of Chapter 2.76 of the Huntington Beach
Municipal Code is hereby amended by adding subsection (i); said subsection to read as
follows:
2.76,010 Exclusions from competitive service. Pursuant to Section 403 of the City
Charter, it is declared that all departments and appointive officers and employees of the city
are included within the personnel system and the competitive service except:
(a) Elective officers;
(b) City Administrator,
(c) Assistant City Administrator,
(d) Members of appointive boards, commissions and committees;
(e) Persons engaged under contract to supply expert, professional, technical or
other services;
(f) Emergency employees who are hired to meet the immediate requirements of
the emergency;
(g) Employees who are employed to work a regular schedule of less than 1040
hours in any fiscal year;
(h) Temporary employees;
(i) _ Appointive Department Heads
Section 2. All other sections of Chapter 2.76 shall remain as originally enacted.
Section 3. This ordinance shall take effect 30 days after passage.
. . 1
3/ordinandchap276/12/01/93 =
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach at a
�'. regular meeting thereof held on the day of , 1993.
Mayor
ATTEST:..
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
City Clerk
/'2- /-1,33 ty Attorney
INITIATED, REVIEWED AND APPROVED:
City Administrator
. 2
3/o r d i n a n c/ch a p 27 6112/01/9 3
y , ZA
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
Chanter 2.76
COMPETITIVE SERVICE REGULATIONS
ections:
2.76.010 Exclusions from competitive service.
2.76.020 City employees—Political activity restricted.
2.76.030 Soliciting campaign contributions from other employees.
.2.76.040 City offices barred from contribution notices.
2.76.050 Compliance with bar on governmental premises. _
2.76.060 Exception to section 2.76.040.
2.76.070 Use or threat to use political authority or influence.
2.76.080 Political activity prohibited while in uniform.
2.76.090 Non-exempt employees—Prohibited election activities.
76 010 Exclusions from competitivg service, Pursuant to Section 403 of the City
Charter, it is declared that all departments and appointive officers and employees of the city
are included within the personnel system and the competitive service except:
(a) Elective officers;
' (b) City Administrator,
(c) Assistant City Administrator,
(d) Members of appointive boards, commissions and committees;
(e) Persons engaged under contract to supply expert, professional, technical or other
services;
(f) Emergency employees who are hired to meet the immediate requirements of
the emergency; .
(g) Employees who are employed to work a regular schedule of less than 1040
hours in any fiscal year,
(h) Temporary employees;
(i) Appointive Department Heads
2.76.020 City employees political activity restricted. This chapter applies to all officers
and employees of the competitive service.
2.76. 030 Soliciting campaign contributions from other employees. An officer or
employee of the city shall not, directly or indirectly, solicit or receive political funds or
contributions, knowingly, from other officers or employees of the city or from persons on the
employment lists of the city.
2.76.040 City officers barred from .
contribution notices. Every officers or employee of
the city shall prohibit the entry into any place under his control, occupied and used for the
1
3/draP,276/12/01/93
2 76.040 City officers barred from contribution notices Every officers or employee
�.° of the city shall prohibit the entry into any place under his control, occupied and used for the
governmental purposes of the city, of any person for the purpose of therein making, or giving
notice of any political assessment, subscription or contribution.
2 76 050 Compliance with bar on governmental premises A person shall.not enter or
remain in.any such place described in section 2.76.040 for the purpose of.therein making,
demanding or giving notice of any political assessment, subscription or contribution.
2,76,060 Exception to section 2.76.040. This chapter shall not apply to any
auditorium or other place used for the conduct of public or political rallies or similar events, nor
to any park, street, public land or other place not being used for the governmental purposes of
the city.
2,76.070 Use or threat to use political authority or influence. No one who holds, or who is
seeking election or appointment to any office or employment in the city shall; directly or
indirectly, use, promise, threaten or attempt to use, any office, authority or influence, whether
then possessed or merely anticipated, to confer upon, secure for any person or to aid or
obstruct any person in securing or to prevent any person from securing any position,
nomination, confirmation, promotion, change in compensation or political influence or action of
such person or another shall be given partly or upon any other corrupt condition or
consideration.
2 76 080 Political activity prohibited while in uniform. No officer or employes of the city
shall participate in political activities of any kind while he is in uniform..
? 76 090 Nonexempt employees—Prohibited election activities. No officer or
employee whose position is not exempt from the operation of the personnel system of the city
shall take an active part in any campaign for or against any candidate, except himself, for an
officer of such city, or for or against any ballot measure relating to the recall of any elected
official of the city.
2
3/draft276/12/01/93 —
ORDINANCE NO. 3222
ram: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
AMENDING CHAPTER 2.32 OF THE HUNTINGTON BEACH
MUNICIPAL CODE BY CHANGING 'DEVELOPMENT
SERVICES'TO'COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach desires to change the
name of"development services department"to "community development department,
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach does ordain as
follows:
SECTION 1. That the name "development services" shall be changed to "community
development" throughout Chapter 2.32.
SECTION 2. This ordinance shall take effect 30 days after passage.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach at a
regular meeting thereof held on the day of 1993.
Mayor
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
City Clerk City Attorney
/2-/-93
REVIEWED AND APPROVED: INITIATED AND APPROVED:
City Administrator Director of Administrative Services
3/kt T_xcmpt\12/01/93
Legislative Draft
ChUter 2.32
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SFRAWEcr
Sections:
2.32.010 Department established.
2.32.020 Director—Appointment
2.32.030 Director--Powers and duties.
2,32,010 Department established. There is hereby created the department of
community development seniees of the city of Huntington Beach.
2,32,020 Director—Appointment. The director of community development
seniees shall be the head of the department of devel e.,._,eiat seniees and such director shall be
appointed by the city administrator, subject to approval by a majority vote of the full city
council.
2.32.030 Director—Powers and duties. (a) The director of community
development sues shall be responsible for the administration and enforcement of the
following:
(1) Huntington Beach Building Code(Chapter 17.04)
(2) Huntington Beach Housing Code(Chapter 17.08)
(3)_ Moving of Buildings (Chapter 17.20)
(4) Driveways and Parking Area(Chapter 17.20)
(5) Sun Decks and Windscreens (Chapter 17.24)
(6) Trailer Parks (Chapter 17.36)
(7) Huntington Beach Code for Abatement of Dangerous Buildings
(Chapter 17.12)
(8) Huntington Beach Electrical Code(Chapter 17.46)
(9) Huntington Beach Mechanical Code(Chapter 17.40)
3/l ezisl adcommdev3/12/01/93
(10) Huntington Beach Plumbing Code(Chapter 17.44)
(11) Huntington Beach Oil Code (Title 15) .
(12) Standing Water--Fences (Chapter 8.32)
(13) Rubbish Abatement(Chapter 8.36)
(14) Inoperable Vehicles (Chapter 8.48)
(15) Planning laws (Huntington Beach Ordinance Code)
(16) Zoning regulations (Huntington Beach Ordinance Code)
(17) State and local environmental regulations
(b) In addition to the foregoing,the director of community developments
shall perform other acts or duties,not inconsistent with the city Charter, as may be required by
the city council or the laws of the state of California.
(c) Whenever in this.code, the Huntington Beach Ordinance Code, or any resolution,-
adopted by the city council,reference is made to the departments of building and community
development, planning, and environmental resources and/or the directors'of such departments,
such references shall mean the department of community development sees and the
director of community development^e�
M eais l adco mmd ev3/12101/93
ATTACHMENT
#2
C• MA-1�Nl
Council/Agency Meeting Held: October 7, 2002
Deferred/Continued to:
A proved ❑ Conditionally Approved ❑ Denied Z--A-City Clerk's Un ure
. �
Council Meeting Date: October 7, 2002 Department D Number.
O ..
CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
G
REQUEST FOR ACTION `
r
SUBMITTED TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY CpUtICIL MEMBERS > >
U
SUBMITTED BY: RAY SILVER, City Administrator, ti
L >
_J
PREPARED BY: RAY SILVER, City Administrator
SUBJECT: ADOPT ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING THE DEPARTMENT OF
INFORMATION SERVICES
Statement of Issue,Funding Source,Recommended Action,Alternative Action(s),Analysis,Environmental Status,Attachments)
Statement of.Issue: The Information Services function is presently under the Fire
Department with the Fire Chief serving as the Department Head. The oversight of the
function is scheduled to change from the Fire Chief to a Department Head.'who will be hired
in the position Information Services Director and reporting to the Assistant City Administrator.
Rather than transferring the function to Administration, it is recommended that a new
Department of Information Services be established by Ordinance that details department
objectives and the duties and responsibilities of the Director.
Funding Source: NIA ;. • (, _ ;. , , '~~._ _, i __..
Recommended Action: Adopt Ordinance No. An Ordinance of the City of
Huntington Beach amending the Huntington Beach Municipal Code by adding Chapter 2.114
relating to the Department of Information Services.
Alternative Action(s): Do not adopt the Ordinance and direct staff accordingly.
pp
REQUEST FOR ACTION
MEETING DATE: October 7, 2002 DEPARTMENT ID NUMBER: AS-02-37
Analysis: For the past four years, Information Services has been a function of the Fire
Department with the Fire .Chief as the designated department head. With the expansion of
City technology needs and services, this function requires a designated department head to..
focus on the City's technology priorities. In September 2001, City Council approved the
operating budget for Information Services that included the position of Information Services
Director. In September 2002, the City Council adopted the 2002-03 City budget including the
operating budget for the Information Services Department and the compensation level for the
department Director.
The position of Information Services Director is a department head position authorized by
City Council Resolution and excluded from the competitive service per Municipal Code
Section 2.76.010(i). Avery Associates was contracted by the City to conduct an executive
search to fill the position of Information Services Director. Additionally, Avery Associates
conducted a salary review for the position and recommended compensation to effectively
recruit the position. The salary range established is at the same level as four other City
department head positions, pay grade 623, which is $8,451 to $10,469 per month. The
recruitment for the position was opened on August 26, 2002 and closed on September 27,
2002. Avery Associates will present eight to twelve candidates from a pool of approximately
236 candidates to the City by November 1, 2002. It is anticipated that final interviews
conducted by the City will be held soon thereafter, and an appointment.made .by the end of
the year.
As a newly created department, it is recommended that the City Council adopt an Ordinance
establishing the Department of Information Services that provides the department.objectives
and the duties and responsibilities of the department Director.
Attachment(s):
1page Number No. Descrip
1 Ordinance No.33'c3
RCA Author. Clay Martin
^.%C^Al- •f M'1 A MOr-A 4nn-rnn 10 .4--b A-- nronrnnnn n.Ae MA
ORDINANCE NO. 3583
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
AMENDING THE HUNTINGTON BEACH MUNICIPAL
CODE BY ADDING CHAPTER 2.114 RELATING TO THE
DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION SERVICES
The City Council of the City of Huntington Beach does hereby ordain as follows:
SECTION 1. Chapter 2:114 is hereby added to the Huntington Beach Municipal Code
said chapter to read as follows:
Chapter 2.114
DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION SERVICES
Sections:
2.114.010 Department Established
2.114.020 Director--Appointment
2.114.030 Department Objectives
2.114.040 Director--Powers and duties
2.114.050 Appointment of Subordinates
2.114.010 Department established. There is hereby created the Department of Information
Services of the City of Huntington Beach.
2.114.010 Director--Appointment. The Director of Information Services shall be the head of
the department and such Director shall be appointed by the City Administrator, subject to
approval by a majority vote of the full City Council.
2.114.030 Department Objectives. The objectives of the Department shall be as follows:
(a) Develop, implement, operate, and maintain technology systems for all City
departments.
(b) Direct, plan,organize and coordinate programs and activities of the Department
of Information Services.
2.114.040 Director--Powers and duties. The Director shall have the following powers
and duties:
a) Plans, organizes and directs telecommunication and information services within
the City of Huntington Beach.
b) Develops, implements, and maintains a City technology plan.
c) Implements, integrates, and administers technology hardware and software solutions.
SIC . -
GAORD1,ANC1200211nfornation Services-chap 2114.DOC I
Ord. No. 3583
d) Establishes and maintains a system of procedures for use and control of City technology
systems.
e) Prepares and administers the department budget.
f) Such other acts or duties, not inconsistent with the City Charter, as maybe required by
the City Council or the laws of the State of California.
2.114.050 Appointment of Subordinates. The Director,with the approval of the City
Administrator, shall appoint all other officers, assistants, deputies and employees of the
Department of Information Services.
SECTION 2. Section 2.12.030(g) is deleted from the Municipal Code and Section
2.12.030(h) shall be redesignated as Section 2.12.030(g).
SECTION 3. This ordinance shall become effective 30 days after its adoption.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach at a
regular meeting thereof held on the day of 2002.
Mayor
ATTEST:_
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
City Clerk ZL:4
City Attorney j f '
Id' v c
REVIEWED AND APPROVED: INITIATED AND APP OVED
City ministrator Director f Administra ve Services
G\ORDNANC\2002\Information Services-chap 21 i4.DOC 2
ATTAC H M E N T #3
CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
CLASS SPECIFICATION
HUNTINGTON BEACH
==TITLE. irector of Information Services DATE: October, 2002
DUTIES SUMMARY -- Under administrative direction of the Assistant City
Administrator, responsible for directing, planning, organizing, and managing the
telecommunication and information services of the City.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS -- This is a department head position.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES — Plans, assigns, controls, and supervises the
operations of the department. Determines policies and procedures affecting the
operation of Information Services. Develops, implements, and maintains a City
technology plan. Develops, implements, operates, and maintains technology systems
for all City departments. Establishes and maintains a system of.procedures for use and
control of City technology systems. Plans and directs the implementation of
department programs and special projects. Implements, integrates, and administers
technology hardware and software solutions. Performs and delegates authority to
supervisors to engage in employment activities related to hiring, promotion, transfer,
training, discipline, and termination. Evaluates employee. performance and conducts
performance reviews. Prepares, administers, and controls the department budget.
Prepares and reviews requests for council action, studies, contracts and '
correspondence. Encourages and delivers quality customer service. Participates in the
executive team of the City. Performs other related duties as assigned.
The preceding duties have been provided as examples of the essential types of work
performed within this job classification. City Council/Administration reserves the right to
add, modify, change or rescind work assignments as needed.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Knowledge of: Hardware and software systems on both mainframe and client-
server platforms and insight on current trends in information technology,
principles of budget development, administration, and control; principles and
practices of basic supervision and employee evaluation; and principles and
practices of quality customer service. Knowledge of municipal operations is
helpful, but not required.
Ability to: Plan, organize and direct the activities of technical and management-
level employees performing a variety of functions; develop and implement policy;
handle a variety of high level tasks concurrently; communicate effectively, both
orally and in writing; administer and manage a department within the framework
of the City Charter, City Council and City Administrator policies and direction,
and legislation including ordinances, resolutions, rules and regulations; interact
CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
CLASS SPECIFICATION
HUNnNGTON BEACH
effectively with a variety of individuals and groups including elected officials,
employees and members of the general public; effectively supervise and lead
staff members; work as a team member; deliver quality customer service.
Education: A Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related field is
required. A Masters degree in business or public administration, or a related
field is highly desired.
Experience: At least three full-time years of information technology
management and five years of professional level experience in the
computer/information systems technology field is required. The proven ability to
communicate and implement technology programs and systems as a viable
business solution is essential.
PHYSICAL TASKS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS -- See Physical task
questionnaires. Employee accommodations for physical or mental disabilities will be
considered on a case-by-case basis.
ATTACHMENT #4
(12) November 6, 2002 - Council/Agency Agenda - Page 12
E-12. (City Council) Approve Affordable Housing Declaration of Conditions, Covenants
and Restrictions Between the City and Southridge Homes for Property Located at
19172 B and 19172 C Holly Street(n/o Clay Avenue) Tract 15964 (13 — Lot Single
Family Residential Subdivision) ( )—Approve the Declaration of Conditions,
Covenants and Restrictions for Property(Re-Sale Restrictions) by and Between the City
of Huntington Beach and Southridge Homes, a California.General..Partnership, and
Authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to Sign, Execute and Record. Submitted by the
Planning Director. Funding Source: Not applicable.
Approved 7-0
E-13. (City Council) Receive & File Report from the October 16, 2002 Committee Mee)ng
Regarding Procedure to Create New City Department Head Classifications
Receive and File the Report from the October 16, 2002 meeting held at direction of
Council on October 7, 2002, relative to the past and present city procedure used to
create new Department Head classification. Jointly submitted by the City Administrator
and City Clerk. Funding Source: Not applicable.
Approved 7-0
Received and ed by the City Council
at its Meetii eld November 6, 2002
t ,
with direction -to Be attached to the minutes
of said meeting.
REPORT
FROM THE OCTOBER 16, 2002 MEETING DIRECTED TO BE HELD BY THE
CITY COUNCIL AT ITS OCTOBER 7, 2002 COUNCIL MEETING REGARDING
AGENDA ITEM F-1 SUBMITED BY THE CITY CLERK RELATIVE TO THE
PROCEDURE FOR THE CREATION OF NEW CITY DEPARTMENT HEAD
POSITIONS
Pursuant to City Council direction on October 7, 2002, a meeting was held between
Mayor Debbie Cook, Councilmember Grace Winchell, City Clerk Connie Brockway,
accompanied by George W. Shaeffer, Jr. Attorney at Law, City Administrator Ray Silver,
Personnel Commission Chair Flint Morrison, Personnel Commission Vice Chair Rick
Taylor, City Attorney Gail Hutton, Mike Miller, City Attorney's representative assigned
to the Personnel Commission, Assistant City Attorney Paul D'Alessandro Assistant City
Administrator William Workman, Administrative Services Director Clay Martin.
As a result of this meeting an understanding was reached between the participants
relative to the City Clerk's concern expressed in Agenda Item F-1 on the October 7, 2002
City Council Agenda regarding the change in procedure used by the city to establish a
new city department head position.
The City Attorney clarified that department head positions are, in addition to being
exempt from the Competitive Services, are also exempt from the Personnel System of the
City. It was clarified that establishment of a position description, and review by the
Personnel Commission, for subsequent recommendation to the City Council, is no longer
necessary and that an ordinance establishing the department is not required, although may
be enacted.
The City Clerk has the responsibility for maintaining all City Council adopted
Resolutions. The last newly established City Department Head position(Director of
Organizational Effectiveness)was created in 1999 by adoption of Resolution No. 99-10
amending the City Classification Plan. At the October 16, 2002 meeting attended by the
above stated parties the City Clerk's concerns were understood due to her anticipation
that a similar process would be used and a resolution establishing the position would be
adopted by Council for maintenance in the official City Council records.
It was agreed upon by all parties present that the portion of the City
Administrator's report presented to the City Council at the October 7, 2002 Council
Meeting containing the statement"Additionally, the City Clerk's action as an elected
official attempting to influence the personnel process is prohibited in Municipal Code
Section 2.76.070 Use or threat to use political authority or influence—and setting forth
the text of the code is withdrawn by the City Administrator. The City Clerk has the
responsibility under the charter to maintain books recording all resolutions and that she
relied upon Resolution No. 99-10 adopted February 16, 1999 as the process by which she
could continue to maintain city resolutions of city personnel classifications.
At the October 16, 2002 meeting it was agreed that necessary steps will be takeff to correct the identified inconsistency. Following clarification by the City Attorney, the
City Clerk now understands that since 1993, pursuant to a city ordinance, and in
conformance with the City Charter, department head positions are exempt from the city's
competitive service and.the personnel system. As such, the City Charter does not require
that new department head classifications and job descriptions be created,processed .
through the Personnel Commission, and transmitted to the City Council to adopt by
Resolution; that it is not required that departments be established by ordinance due to the
exemption of department heads from the competitive service and from the City Personnel
System.
Pursuant to Municipal Code § 2.72.070,the Personnel Commission has the power
to act in an advisory capacity to the City Council and the City Administrator on personnel
administration.
The City Clerk and the City Administrator mutually respect each other's roles,
responsibilities and authority as defined in the City of Huntington Beach Charter and
Municipal Code.
The City Administrator and the City Clerk will continue to work with the City
Council in their combined efforts to improve the overall quality of municipal service to
the citizens of Huntington Beach.
A copy of this Report shall be attached to the official minutes of this Council.
meeting.
C:VNIyDocuments\BrockwayVo intStatement.004.doc