SR-103-001 (3)~i~~ . .
City Council Report
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5anta Monica
CityCouncil Meeting: December 5, 2006
Agenda item: ~
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Marsha Jones Moutrie, City Attorney
Subject: Adoption of Resolution Preserving the Classified Status of City Employees
in the City Clerk's Office Other than the Assistant City Clerk
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the attached resolution preserving the
classified status of City employees in the City Clerk's Office other than the Assistant
City Clerk.
Executive Summary
As explained in the Information Item posted on October 31, 2006, Proposition U
provides that the status of City workers in the City Clerk's Office will be changed from
"classified" to "unclassified" "unless the City Council by resolution determines
otherwise." Through a bargaining unit, workers in the City Clerk's Office have
expressed concern about this change. They note that it would affect their disciplinary
appeal rights and contend that it was improperly undertaken without fulfilling "meet and
confer" requirements. Accordingly, staff recommends adopting the attached resolution
which would preserve the employees' current status and rights, except for the Assistant
City Clerk, whose position would become unclassified pursuant to Proposition U.
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Discussion
Staff has considered concerns expressed by the bargaining unit's attorney and has
reviewed the history of the formulation of the ballot proposal. As to the City Clerk's
Office, the proposed change was intended to facilitate opportunities for employees and
expedite hiring. The City Clerk discussed the proposed change with the affected
employees several times, addressing both the benefits and burdens of the proposed
change. No "meet and confer" session was requested.
Nonetheless, in view of the bargaining unit's concerns and claims, staff does not object
to maintaining the employees' current status. Therefore, the attached resolution is
recommended. It would preserve employees' current status and rights, except for the
Assistant City Clerk. Her position would become unclassified pursuant to Proposition U.
Alternatives
The Council could modify the attached resolution to include the Assistant City Clerk.
However, both the City Clerk and Assistant recommend that Proposition U be
implemented as to the Assistant's position, and her bargaining unit does not object.
Additionally, the Council could direct staff to prepare an ordinance which would have the
effect of codifying the substance of the proposed resolution. The bargaining unit
requests this change as providing additional protection to members.
2
Budget/Financial Impact
Adopting the attached resolution would have no direct financial impact.
Prepared by: Marsha Jones Moutrie, City Attorney
Approved: Forwarded to Council:
e erence
eso u ~ o n o.
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