REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
October 23, 2014
FROM: JEFF CARDELL, Director
Personnel Services Department
KEVIN R. MEIKLE, Director of Aviation
Airports Department
SUBJECT
Title
*** Approve a Side Letter of Agreement between the City of Fresno and the Fresno City Employees Association (Non-supervisory White Collar Employees - Unit 3) ending a three-year term limit on the classification of Airport Operations Officer
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Approve a Side Letter of Agreement between the City and the Fresno City Employees Association (FCEA) ending a three-year limitation for the classification of Airport Operations Officers (AOO).
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
When Airports Department (Department) created the AOO positions, one of the thoughts was to restrict the amount of time that incumbents would be able to stay in the position, thereby encouraging them to grow in their profession by seeking similar jobs at other airports. While this concept has some merit, the Department now believes that voluntary (versus forced) separation benefits both the incumbents and the City. The incumbent AOOs will now have the opportunity to continue to grow professionally within the Airports Department and potentially move up within the organization. The City will benefit by continuing to develop and keep staff that will contribute to the organization and become a permanent part of Fresno's growing economic fabric. The Side Letter of Agreement allows the Department to maintain employees hired as AOOs rather than requiring them to leave after three years.
BACKGROUND
In 2011 the Airports Department requested creation of a job classification entitled Airport Operations Officer, which is a common type of position at airports throughout the United States. AOOs are, on a 24/7 basis, the eyes and ears for all operational related issues. The Department has five (5) full time AOOs who regularly interface with airport stakeholders, including but not limited to the airlines, rental car operators, Transportation Security Administration, Customs and Border Protection, Federal Aviation Administration, airport public safety and other front line Department staff. In addition, they play a vital role in disseminating information to Department leadership related to all operational issues at the airport. Examples of their duties and operational enhancements include but are not limited to, airline gate management related to off-scheduled operations, monitoring storm water pollution controls, enhancing customer service related to airline and other stakeholder operations, and providing liaison response related to terminal, airfield, and public safety operations.
A significant operational deficiency was addressed once the Department was able to hire, train and deploy AOOs back in 2011. The AOOs play a vital role in ensuring that the airport continues to operate in an efficient, safe, and secure manner. In addition, considering the unprecedented growth that the airport has been experiencing, and the challenges associated with that growth, the role of the AOOs has been invaluable.
At the request of the Airports Department, the Personnel Services Department reached out to the FCEA, who agreed that the three-year limit be discontinued. The Side Letter of Agreement rescinds the earlier agreement and allows the positions to become regular permanent positions.
The document has been approved as to form by the Office of the City Attorney.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDING
Not applicable as this action does not constitute a project under the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
The City's Local Preference Ordinance (FMC 4-108) does not apply because this item does not involve procurement for goods or services.
FISCAL IMPACT
The agreement does not involve any change to Airports Department FY15 Adopted Budget because the number of funded positions will remain unchanged. There may be some savings long term related to a potential decrease in recruitment frequency and related training, as well as some additional expenses associated with employees receiving step increases within the salary range. However, the specific amount depends upon how long an individual stays employed with the Department. There is no impact to the General Fund from this action.
Attachment: Side Letter of Agreement on Airport Operations Officers