PURPOSE:

The purpose of this report is to request City Council approval of a revision to the specification and title for the classification of Environmental Coordinator (CTC No. 0327) to Environmental and Safety Manager (CTC No. 0327).

BACKGROUND:

Historically, high level Burbank Water and Power (BWP) management staff have been responsible for providing oversight of the utility�s safety programs.  Safety has always been an important priority for BWP, and this high level oversight has been successful in ensuring compliance with general safety regulations.  However, it has also resulted in a safety program that is general in nature with less of a focus on the specialized safety needs created by the work performed by a utility.  A recent safety audit recommended that BWP implement certain best management practices to ensure that the safety program is more targeted to the unique safety needs of a utility.  To implement this recommendation, BWP wishes to move the management of the safety programs from high level management staff to a more specialized position that can spend significant time and energy on developing, implementing, and continually managing the best management practices.   

ANALYSIS & CONCLUSION:

BWP is proposing to move the management of the utility safety programs to the Environmental Coordinator and amend the specification and title for the classification to reflect these additional duties.  The proposed revised title is Environmental and Safety Manager. 

Currently, the Environmental Coordinator monitors all BWP facilities for compliance with environmental regulations, performs regulatory reporting, and reviews environmental rule making.  The duties that BWP proposes to add include the implementation of safety practices, procedures, and equipment approvals.  BWP believes the addition of these duties is appropriate because there is a strong nexus between environmental and safety oversight.  Environmental and safety regulatory requirements are often interrelated, including in the areas of safe storage, handling, and disposal of chemicals; equipment emission and leakage control; and management of lead, asbestos, mercury, and other hazardous materials. 

BWP also believes that the reassignment of safety duties from higher level management staff to a more specialized position will strengthen the relationship between BWP and the Safety Office in Management Services, which is responsible for the safety of all City employees and ensures compliance with federal and state safety regulations to reduce injuries and illnesses.  BWP will have one specialized position focused on safety issues with whom the Safety Office can more effectively develop an ongoing relationship. 

The attached proposed specification accurately reflects the specialized duties and requirements of the revised classification and meets the current and ongoing needs of the department.  The classification will continue to be a Civil Service position, exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act, and included in the City�s Conflict of Interest Code with a requirement to disclose in categories D and E.  The Burbank Management Association (BMA) will continue to represent the classification, and BMA has been advised of the revision.  The General Manager - BWP concurs with this recommendation. 

FISCAL IMPACT:

There is no fiscal impact associated with revising the specification and title of Environmental Coordinator to Environmental and Safety Manager.  The salary will remain at its current range of $7,070 to $8,590. 

RECOMMENDATION:

Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the proposed resolution approving the revision to the specification and title for the classification of Environmental Coordinator (CTC No. 0327) to Environmental and Safety Manager (CTC No. 0327).

Attachments

Exhibit A � Proposed specification for Environmental and Safety Manager

Exhibit B � Redline version of proposed specification for Environmental and Safety Manager