PURPOSE

The purpose of this report is to request City Council adoption of the proposed resolution revising the specifications for the classifications of Equipment Mechanic Helper (CTC No. 0326) to Fleet Maintenance Apprentice (CTC No. 0369), Equipment Mechanic (CTC No. 0320) to Fleet Maintenance Technician (CTC No. 0370), and Senior Equipment Mechanic (CTC No. 0801) to Senior Fleet Maintenance Technician (CTC No. 0801), as shown in the attachments.

BACKGROUND

The Equipment Mechanic series that is currently utilized in the Burbank Water and Power and Public Works Departments was last revised in 1993.  The revisions in 1993 consisted of updates to the specifications to include hydraulic and electric systems that were state of the art technology at the time.  Over the past thirteen years, the industry has again evolved. Today�s vehicles use alternate fuels, hi-tech operating systems, and contain many computerized components.  The principle functions of these classifications have changed from making major mechanical repairs to preventative maintenance, hence the proposed revisions to the series.

The changes in the state of the art in this industry need to be reflected in the knowledge, skills, and abilities required of current and future incumbents in these job classifications.  Part of this progression and evolution is the addition of the requirement of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certifications.  ASE tests certify automotive professionals in all major technical areas of repair and service.  With nearly 400,000 currently certified professionals, the ASE program is national in scope and has industry-wide acceptance and recognition.  This certification program benefits the City by assuring the public that its fleet is maintained by individuals who have demonstrated to an objective third party that they have appropriate technical competency.  By passing these national tests, ASE-certified technicians prove their technical competence.  Both the Burbank Water and Power and Public Works Departments will be able to demonstrate that vehicles have been maintained by mechanics who meet industry standard certification criteria, should a City vehicle ever be involved in a mechanically related traffic collision.  These certifications are widely used today in the industry to gage the level of an employee�s service and maintenance expertise. The combination of training, work experience, and successful certification completion should support the Departments� goal of enhancing the level of expertise in its maintenance shop and in keeping pace with technological advancements.

ANALYSIS & CONCLUSION

The Burbank Water and Power and Public Works Departments must keep pace with industry standards.  In order to do so the Equipment Mechanic series needs to be revised to properly reflect these evolving standards.  The Departments must also keep pace with modern technology and make sure that its staff is able to properly maintain its new equipment. The ASE certification requirements will assist in ensuring that employees have the expertise necessary to be successful.  As ASE certifications are becoming an industry standard, this new requirement will also help the Departments be more competitive with the private sector as it recruits for these positions in the future. 

The incumbents in the Equipment Mechanic series will transition directly across to the new titles.  This will be directed by a Transition Plan that has been developed jointly by the City and the Burbank City Employees� Association (BCEA).  Management and BCEA representatives have met on several occasions with all the affected employees to allow for their input and comments on the changes in the specifications and the Transition Plan.

The classification of Fleet Maintenance Apprentice will be exempt from Civil Service but will be subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).  There are no incumbents in this classification and therefore no employees will be affected.  The classifications of Fleet Maintenance Technician and Senior Fleet Maintenance Technician will be subject to Civil Service rules and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).  These classifications will not be included in the City�s Conflict of Interest Code.  The BCEA will continue to represent these classifications and the BCEA has been advised of these revisions.  The General Manager - BWP and Public Works Director concur with these recommendations.  The Civil Service Board reviewed these revisions at their meeting on June 7, 2006 and recommended approval of these changes to the Council.

FISCAL IMPACT

There will be no change in the salaries to the revised specifications.  There will be a Transition Plan in place that will give all current employees until December 1, 2008 to acquire all of the ASE certifications required for their classification.  As the 16 Equipment Mechanics and seven Senior Equipment Mechanics acquire each required certification, they will receive a salary differential of $0.22/hour per certification.   This increase in salary for all classifications combined will be approximately $47,700 per year.    While this is the maximum amount that will be paid once all mechanics have received the ASE certifications, it will likely take several years before all employees are in a position to receive the full differential amount.  These salaries are all non-general fund monies.

RECOMMENDATION

Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the resolution revising the specifications for the classifications of Equipment Mechanic Helper (CTC No. 0326) to Fleet Maintenance Apprentice (CTC No. 0369), Equipment Mechanic (CTC No. 0320) to Fleet Maintenance Technician (CTC No. 0370), and Senior Equipment Mechanic (CTC No. 0801) to Senior Fleet Maintenance Technician (CTC No. 0801), as shown in the attachments.

Respectfully submitted,

Judie Sarquiz

Management Services Director