PURPOSE:

The purpose of this report is to request City Council approval of the establishment of the specification, title, and salary for the classification of Right of Way Specialist (CTC No. 0728).

BACKGROUND:

The Public Works Department issues and enforces permits for any work performed in the City�s public right of way.  Over the last several years, there has been an increase in the demand for use of the City�s public right of way, due to an increased desire for underground utilities, such as electric, cable, telecommunication services, and high-speed data.  Since 2003, the number of permits issued has increased by approximately 22%.

Permits located in the public right of way are more complicated and involved because they require detailed research to confirm that there will be no conflicts with existing utilities during utility construction and/or operation.  In addition, processing right of way permits also requires a higher skill level.  Therefore, the Department has identified the need for a full-time position dedicated to coordinating work in the City�s public right of way.

ANALYSIS & CONCLUSION:

Based on the growing number and complexity of the right of way permit requests, staff is proposing to establish the specification, title, and salary for the classification of Right of Way Specialist.  The Right of Way Specialist will report directly to the Senior Civil Engineer and will be responsible for processing and facilitating excavation and construction permit approvals in the City�s public right of way, and researching and evaluating right of way land. Some of the specialized duties of this position include coordinating work with City inspectors, engineers, and contractors throughout the construction period, maintaining and administering the Master Address City Cadastrals and right of way maps, and coordinating objectives, priorities and schedules for special events and projects.  The establishment of this classification will not only provide a position dedicated to work located in the City�s public right of way, but the proposed specification also reflects the current and future needs of the Department.

This classification will be a Civil Service position, represented by the Burbank City Employees Association (BCEA), subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act, and will be included in the City�s Conflict of Interest Code.  The BCEA has been advised of this establishment.  The Public Works Director concurs with this recommendation.  The Civil Service Board approved the establishment of the specification and title for this classification at its regular meeting on September 5, 2007.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The proposed salary range for the Right of Way Specialist was established by reviewing the internal salary relationships within the Public Works Department to maintain consistency among positions with similar responsibility levels.  The proposed salary for this classification will be set at $5,389 - $6,730, which is 5% above the Engineering Technician classification. There will be no fiscal impact for the establishment of the classification of Right of Way Specialist.  The Department has included this position in its budget for Fiscal Year 2007-2008.

RECOMMENDATION:

Staff recommends that the City Council approve the establishment of the specification, title, and salary for the classification of the Right of Way Specialist (CTC No. 0728).

Attachment

Exhibit A � Proposed specification for Right of Way Specialist