Title
Classification Consulting Services (NB)
Staff recommends amending the contract for classification consulting services through 2008.
Explanation
Dr. Felix Lopez, an industrial and organizational psychologist, worked with GRU earlier this year through an established contract to audit selected technician classifications for General Government and GRU. Costs for auditing the technician classification were not expected to exceed $25,000 and therefore, did not require City Commission approval. Based on Dr. Lopez's classification expertise, staff requested Dr. Lopez to conduct a complete classification review and render an opinion on two additional classifications (Gas Measurement Technician and Field Service Technician) in order to get these classifications placed appropriately in the CWA hierarchy and complete the 2006 Compensation Study. Expenses associated with the latter review resulted in costs exceeding the $25,000 threshold. A change order for $6,900 has been reported to the City Commission.
The current contract will expire on January 31, 2007 and has provisions for the continuation of the contract for two one year periods. Since these projects will extend over the one year, this amendment will cover the two available extensions. The work to be performed under the amended contract will also include funds to evaluate and update the current series of Information Technology positions for General Government and GRU. These positions have been added ad-hoc since the late 1980's to meet the growing technological demands of the City. An overall review of these classifications is needed to update these positions. Additional funds have been allocated in the event other classification reviews are required during the term of this contract.
Dr. Felix Lopez has provided a high level of expertise for reclassifying the Staff Assistant, Engineer, and Technical Support Specialist series, and has developed validated selection tools for Customer Service Representatives, Line Workers, and the GRU Utility Academy. Based upon the success of these reclassifications and Lopez and Associates' understanding of the organization, staff recommends a continuation of the contract for these services.
Recommendations
The City Commission: 1) authorize the Interim General Manager, or her designee, to negotiate and execute an amendment to the contract for two years with Lopez and Associates, Inc., a specified source, to provide classification consulting services, subject to the approval of the City Attorney as to form and legality, and 2) approve the issuance of purchase orders to Lopez and Associates, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $100,000 for each year of the contract (total new not to exceed amount $231,900).
Fiscal Note
Funds for these services have been included in the FY 2007 budget and will be requested in subsequent years.
Drafter
Prepared by: Sandy Barnard, Organizational Development Director
Submitted by: Karen Johnson, Interim General Manager