HomeMy WebLinkAboutS31 - City Clerk RecruitmentCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Agenda Report No. S31
June 24, 2008
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: City Clerk Ad Hoc Recruitment Committee
SUBJECT: APPROVAL OF JOB DESCRIPTION, RECRUITMENT PLAN AND
TIMELINE FOR CITY CLERK RECRUITMENT
ISSUE:
1. Does the City Council want to hire a Recruitment Consultant or do the
recruitment with City Staff?
2. What steps should be taken in the recruitment process and on what timeline
should these steps be taken?
3. What job description and required qualifications are desired by the City
Council for the City Clerk's position?
4. What is the appropriate salary maximum to be used for the City Clerk's
position?
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Authorize the use of City Human Resources to directly manage the
recruitment process for the City Clerk position under the direction of the Ad
Hoc Committee.
2. Provide input to the Ad Hoc Committee on desired modifications and changes
to the proposed timeline, job description, qualifications and maximum salary.
3. Approve recommended job description, recruitment plan and timeline,
qualifications and maximum salary with changes as recommended by the City
Council.
City Clerk Recruitment
Page 2
DISCUSSION:
The City Clerk has announced her retirement date of November 17, 2008. This
position is appointed by the City Council and our goal is to have a new City Clerk
appointed prior to her retirement.
The City Council appointed an Ad Hoc Recruitment Committee comprised of
Council Members Henn, Gardner and Curry. The committee has met and
worked with the Human Resources Department to develop a draft job
description, proposed salary, and recruitment plan and timeline.
The Committee requests the full Council review, comments and approval on the
proposed items.
Proposed Timeline for the Recruitment Process:
The following time and action plan is recommended to prosecute a thorough and
timely search for the best candidate to fill the position and have the incumbent
begin employment with Newport Beach early in November, to provide a transition
period with the existing City Clerk. Barbara Ramsey, Director of Human
Resources will be the principal staff support for this project.
06/24/08 Obtain City Council review and approval (inclusive of
requested changes) relating to the proposed job description,
qualifications, salary and recruitment plan.
06/27/08 HR to prepare draft job flyer based on approved job
description. Send to committee for final approval and have
copies printed.
06/30/08 Place all advertisements by this date.
• City Clerks Association of California (CCAC) website
and listserv. This would send information directly to
all City Clerk's offices in California.
• Jobs Available — The City typically advertises in this
publication for any professional level positions,
including directors.
• Direct mailing of job flyer to So. Calif. Cities.
• City Website — It is standard practice to advertise our
available jobs on our City website.
• Monster.com advertisement
• Due to the time constraints and the intention to
directly send the recruitment materials to all City
Clerks in the State of California, we do not
recommend placing an ad in Western Cities for this
recruitment.
City Clerk Recruitment
Page 3
07/01/08 Recruitment opens. (Open 3 weeks)
07/21/08 Recruitment closes.
07/23/08 City HR staff screens applications for minimum qualifications
and prepares books for Ad Hoc Committee screening of
appropriate candidates
07/28/08 Ad Hoc Committee meets to determine short list for
preliminary first round interviews by the Ad Hoc Committee.
08/08/08 Ad Hoc Committee completes first round interviews and
selects short list of candidates to be interviewed by the full
City Council in closed session.
08/23/08 (Sat) Full Council Interviews of final candidates in closed session.
HR staff will prepare a background ring binder with
appropriate materials on each candidate, along with
suggested preset questions and a rating sheet for ease of
comparison. Council preliminarily determines the selected
finalist following completion of interviews, and authorizes HR
to perform reference checks and prepare a formal offer
including recommended salary, the final form of which will be
reviewed and approved by the Ad Hoc Committee prior to
conveyance to the selected candidate.
08/27/08 Staff completes the reference checks.
08/28/08 Assuming reference checks are satisfactory, HR conveys the
offer to the selected candidate.
09!5!08 Complete the negotiation and acceptance of the offer,
including the expected start date of no later than 11!3!08.
09/09/08 Council approves new City Clerk contract.
11/03/08 New City Clerk on the job with two week overlap.
The above schedule can be adjusted if necessary to allow for delays and
variations, while still meeting an early November target start date.
City Clerk Recruitment Council Memo
June 24, 2008
Job Description, Attributes and Qualifications:
See the attached proposed job description, desired attributes and qualifications
for the position. The Ad Hoc Committee will make appropriate modifications
based upon input from Council at the meeting of 6/24/08.
Maximum Salary:
See the attached survey information for a summary of relevant comparisons for
City Clerks. The Ad Hoc Committee preliminarily recommends that a maximum
salary of $138,000 ($11,500 per month) be used for inclusion in recruiting
materials for the position. This level of salary compensation is at the high end of
salary comparisons due to the potential need to offset the typically lower level of
medical and other fringe benefits available for Newport Beach. This preliminary
recommendation will be subject to a revised recommendation from the Ad Hoc
Committee at the Council meeting based upon its analysis of additional survey
information analyzing total compensation comparisons, which will enable
comparisons taking into account both salary and fringe components of
compensation.
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
CITY CLERK
SALARY: Salary may be offered up to $ annually
depending on qualifications (DOO)
Serving as one of three appointed positions reporting directly to the City Council, the
City Clerk shall plan, direct and review the activities, operations and financial aspects of
the City Clerk's Office to assure achievement of high standards of service and
efficiency; serve as the chief elections officer and principal resource to the City and the
City Council relating to the prosecution of municipal elections, referendums initiatives
and the like; manage compliance with FPPC regulations and reporting; provide highly
accurate and effective stewardship of City records, bids and contracts; assure accurate
and timely administration of City Council meetings, minutes and notices; maintain
professional and effective inter - departmental relations and support; supervise timely
processing of Public Records Act requests; and perform such other duties as directed
by the City Council from time to time.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED: Receives policy direction from the
Mayor and members of the City Council. Exercises direct supervision over assigned
staff.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES: Duties may include, but are not limited to, the
following:
Essential Job Duties
• Develop, plan and implement defined departmental goals and objectives;
recommend and administer policies and procedures in accordance with City
Charter and associated ordinances and regulations and direction from the City
Council;
• Attend City Council meetings and Study Sessions and record all official
proceedings; supervise the preparation of minutes and other documents; direct
the publication, filing, indexing and safekeeping of all proceedings of the
Council;
• Supervise the preparation, organization, printing and distribution of the agenda
for City Council meetings;
• Supervise and coordinate City elections; train election staff; order and maintain
election supplies and equipment; serve as a resource to City Council, staff and
the public regarding election processes and requirements;
City Clerk
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City of Newport Beach
• Coordinate Department activities with those of other departments and outside
agencies and organizations; provide staff assistance to the City Council and
City Manager; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary
correspondence;
• Identify, implement and maintain efficient systems for the control and
distribution of City records, meeting minutes, etc., and respond promptly to
requests for information and Public Records Act requests
• As the chief elections officer of the City, provide objective, unbiased and prompt
advice in response to requests for information relating to election procedures
and campaign regulations. In consultation with the City Attorney, resolve
questions of interpretation of election laws and regulations.
• Assure that regular reporting requirements of City officials relating to the Fair
Political Practices Act and campaign disclosure laws are filed timely and
complete in accordance with the regulations:
• Select, train, motivate and evaluate personnel; provide or coordinate staff
training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline and
termination procedures;
• Supervise and participate in the development and administration of the City
Council and City Clerk's Office budget; direct the forecast of additional funds
needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitor and approve
expenditures; implement mid -year adjustments;
• Process and maintain claims, summons and complaints; notify claimant of City
Council action;
• Plan and direct the maintenance, updating and filing of official municipal
documents;
• Supervise the publication of all legal advertising;
• Assist the public and City staff by providing information and research
assistance on matters relating to the City Clerk's duties;
• Perform related duties as assigned.
City Clerk
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ESSENTIAL ATTRIBUTES:
City of Newport Beach
Creative problem solver that is receptive to new and innovative solutions.
Strong leadership skills and a steady, calm demeanor that inspires confidence
among the public, co- workers and the City Council.
Maintenance of high levels of personal deportment and professional bearing at
all times.
Consistent demonstration of a constructive and helpful attitude.
Maintenance of both the perception and the reality of the highest levels of
integrity and objectivity.
Exercise of good judgment and maturity in critical decision making situations.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Thorough Knowledge of and experience with:
Applicable Federal, State and municipal laws and procedures;
Election laws and procedures;
Political Reform Act and associated regular reporting requirements;
Advanced techniques and systems in support of operational, organizational and
management needs of a City Clerk office;
Advanced principles and methods of record keeping and report writing; and
Demonstrated mastery of budget development and administration.
Ability to:
Establish and maintain a highly organized and readily accessible record keeping
environment;
Direct the retention /destruction of official records in accordance with applicable
laws and regulations;
City Clerk
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City of Newport Beach
Provide the highest level of service and responsiveness to the public, the City
Council and other City staff;
Establish and maintain strong working relationships with, and the respect of,
other key members of the City staff and the City Council; and
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Experience and Training: The following are desired minimum levels of
achievement for the position; although, the City reserves the right to value
special strength or achievement in any requirement as an offsetting factor in
relation to a shortfall in another requirement:
Experience: Seven years of municipal city clerk management experience,
preferably with at least two years in a senior supervisory or lead capacity.
Education: A Bachelor's degree in public administration, records
management, public policy or a related field from an accredited college or
university, or equivalent educational achievement in another discipline
License or Certificate: Certification as a Municipal Clerk (CMC) by the
International Institute of Municipal Clerks.
Contract At -Will Employment
Revised May 2008
City Clerk Salary Survey
Updated 6 -19 -08
Agency
Agency Title
Monthly
Year ap
HUNTINGTON BEACH
CITY CLERK (ELECTED)
$13,500.00
2004
IRVINE
CITY CLERK (APPOINTED)
$12,466.00
2007
MISSION VIEJO
CITY CLERK (APPOINTED)
$11,987.00
2004
NEWPORT BEACH
CITY CLERK (APPOINTED)
$10,700.00
1996
BUENA PARK
CITY CLERK (APPOINTED)
$10,617.00
1997
SANTA ANA
CLERK OF THE COUNCIL (APPOINTED)
$10,138.00
2000
COSTA MESA"
CITY CLERK (APPOINTED)
$9,833.00
2005
ANAHEIM
CITY CLERK (APPOINTED)
$9,635.00
2007
FULLERTON
CITY CLERK/CLERK SERVICES MANAGER
$9,517.00
2002
(APPOINTED)
ORANGE
CHIEF CLERK (ELECTED)
$9,301.00
2005
GARDEN GROVE
CITY CLERK (APPOINTED)
$9,097.00
2008
LAGUNA BEACH
CITY CLERK (ELECTED)
$8,908.00
2004
FOUNTAIN VALLEY
CITY CLERK (APPOINTED)
$8,682.00
2006
Average
$10,306.75
Median
$9,734.00
Difference NPB from Average
3.7%
Difference NPB from Median
9.0%
Note: NB also deducts 3.5% for LIUNA, disability insurance, and MERP.
All cities except Fullerton have 2.5% or 2.7% PERS deductions which vary by City from 8% in Garden Grove to 1 % in Anaheim.
A total compensation study is in preparation that will give a fulsome comparison of all elements of compensation.