CC 2021-02-23_08e Transfer of NST Positions to CDD
MEMORANDUM
TO: CITY COUNCIL
FROM: WHITNEY McDONALD, CITY MANAGER/ACTING COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
MICHAEL MARTINEZ, CHIEF OF POLICE
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF AUTHORIZATION TO REALLOCATE THE
EXISTING NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES TECHNICIAN POSITIONS
FROM THE POLICE DEPARTMENT TO THE COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT AND APPROVE THE ASSOCIATED
BUDGET TRANSFER BETWEEN DEPARTMENTS
DATE: FEBRUARY 23, 2021
SUMMARY OF ACTION:
Authorization of the reallocation of the Neighborhood Services Technician (NST)
positions and their associated salaries and benefits budget from the Police Department
to the Community Development Department.
IMPACT ON FINANCIAL AND PERSONNEL RESOURCES:
Staff is proposing to transfer the existing 1.4 full-time equivalent (FTE) NST positions from
the Police Department to the Community Development Department, along with the
budgeted salaries and benefits for those positions which is equivalent to $73,430 per
year.
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended the City Council authorize the reallocation of the existing 1.4 FTE NST
positions from the Police Department to the Community Development Department and
approve the transfer of the associated budget for salaries and benefits for these positions
between the departments.
BACKGROUND:
NSTs act as the City’s code compliance staff, assisting the Police Department and
Community Development Departments with efforts to enforce the City’s parking, building,
and development codes. NST staff have been allocated to the Police Department since
2010, which currently has 1.4 FTE positions that may be filled by up to three part-time
employees. As of February 2015, two of the three possible positions were filled. This was
reduced to one part-time NST in July 2019 when one NST retired. In June 2020, the City’s
remaining NST moved out of state. Since that time, the City’s code enforcement needs,
Item 8.e. - Page 1
CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF AUTHORIZATION TO REALLOCATE THE EXISTING
NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES TECHNICIAN POSITIONS FROM THE POLICE
DEPARTMENT TO THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT AND
APPROVE THE ASSOCIATED BUDGET TRANSFER BETWEEN DEPARTMENTS
FEBRUARY 23, 2021
PAGE 2
including COVID-19 related enforcement, have been largely handled by the City’s
Building Official.
ANALYSIS OF ISSUES:
In evaluating the nature of code enforcement needs in the City, staff has determined that
development, building, and health and safety code issues generally predominate the
inquiries, complaints, and calls for service from the community. These issues are all
functions handled by the Community Development Department. As a result, NST staff are
required to confer with building, planning, and engineering staff daily on complaints and
inquiries that are related to potential violations of the City’s Development Code, Building
Code, and State Health and Safety Codes. Both the Chief of Police and the Community
Development Director have determined that reallocating the City’s NST positions to the
Community Development Department will support more efficient communication, training,
and coordination with the appropriate staff in evaluating and responding to code
enforcement issues.
As mentioned in the background section above, a portion of the NST job description under
the Police Department includes duties associated with parking enforcement. The Police
Chief has determined that these duties may be covered by cadets within the Police
Department, as has been occurring successfully since June 2020. A modified job
description (Attachment 1) has been prepared to remove the parking enforcement duties
and ensure that NST staff will report to the Community Development Director.
The existing 1.4 FTE positions amount to $73,430 in budgeted salaries and benefits,
which are currently allocated to the Police Department. It is recommended that Council
approve both the reallocation of the 1.4 FTE NST positions and the transfer of the
associated budgeted salaries and benefits from the Police Department to the Community
Development Department.
Following approval by Council, staff plan to complete the recruitment process for one part-
time NST who will report to the Community Development Director. Management staff will
continue to monitor and evaluate the need for additional NST staff and take steps to utilize
the full allocation of 1.4 FTE as the transition to the Community Development Department
is completed and enforcement efforts are standardized in that department.
ADVANTAGES:
Reallocating the NST positions to the Community Development Department will ensure
greater efficiency of communication, coordination, and training for responding to the
planning, building, and health and safety issues that predominate the City’s code
enforcement needs.
Item 8.e. - Page 2
CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF AUTHORIZATION TO REALLOCATE THE EXISTING
NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES TECHNICIAN POSITIONS FROM THE POLICE
DEPARTMENT TO THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT AND
APPROVE THE ASSOCIATED BUDGET TRANSFER BETWEEN DEPARTMENTS
FEBRUARY 23, 2021
PAGE 3
DISADVANTAGES:
No disadvantages noted at this time.
ALTERNATIVES:
The following alternatives are provided for the Council’s consideration:
1. Approve the reallocation of the existing NST positions and their associated budget
from the Police Department to the Community Development Department;
2. Do not approve the reallocation of the existing NST positions and their associated
budget from the Police Department to the Community Development Department;
or
3. Provide further direction to staff.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
No environmental review is required for this item.
PUBLIC NOTIFICATION AND COMMENTS:
The Agenda was posted at City Hall and on the City’s website in accordance with
Government Code Section 54954.2.
Attachments:
1. Recommended Modifications to the NST Job Description
Item 8.e. - Page 3
Revised 09/18/2020
CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE
NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES TECHNICIAN
(PART-TIME)
Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class.
Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.
DEFINITION
To perform a wide variety of tasks including but not limited to providing information, educating the
public and conducting appropriate investigations and enforcement of violations generated by public
complaints or observation to ensure compliance with regulations in the Arroyo Grande Municipal
Code (AGMC) that most directly and seriously affect public welfare, health and safety, public
nuisances and the general quality of life in residential and commercial neighborhoods. Specific
inclusions in the tasks of the position include enforcement of regulations related to temporary signs
and banners; abandoned, junk, or inoperable vehicles; unauthorized living in recreational vehicles;
and grossly unreasonable accum ulations of garbage, trash or any other material that create an
unsafe or unhealthy condition for the neighborhood or the public in general; . Specific exclusions
from the tasks of the position include building inspections and Uniform Building Code violations;
temporary use permit inspections and issuance; vacation rental inspections and enforcement;
zoning violations; and fire hazards including but not limited to weed abatement, fuel abatement ,
and violations of the Uniform Fire Code.
To perform a wide variety of tasks including but not limited to pro-active enforcement related to
parking control and parking regulations by issuing warnings and/or parking citations and performing
vehicle abatement including but not limited to 24-hour and 72-hour parking violations as defined by
the AGMC.
To perform specific administrative duties related to the assigned areas of responsibility, including.
Specific exclusions from the administrative duties of the position include the receipt and recording
of public complaints and the generation of initial written correspondence soliciting voluntary
compliance related to public complaints.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general supervision from the Community Development Director Support Services
Division Police Commander or theirhis/her designee.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTION STATEMENT--Essential and other important responsibilities and duties
may include but are not limited to the following:
Essential Functions:
1.Investigate and respond to complaints from the public and other City departments regarding
AGMC violations within the defined areas of responsibility by initiating appropriate action to
ensure compliance with the AGMC. Such action may include, but is not limited to negotiation,
education, voluntary compliance, verbal and written warnings, and/or citations.
2.Provide information and respond to questions and inquiries from the public and violators by
telephone, written correspondence, and in person regarding the AGMC and AGMC violations
within the defined areas of responsibility.
3.Assist Police Departmentthe Building Official, Community Development Department, and other
City department staff on an as assigned basis to resolve AGMC violations within the defined
areas of responsibility through voluntary compliance by violators achieved through negotiation
and education.
Attachment 1
Item 8.e. - Page 4
CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE
Neighborhood Services Technician (Part-Time)
Page 2
Revised 07/31/19
4. Patrol City streets on foot, bicycle or in a vehicle to Oobserve and appropriately respond to
AGMC violations within the defined areas of responsibility.
5. Research regulations and prepare and maintain appropriate records/documentation and
information including but not limited to photographs, notes for future inspections, the collection
of appropriate physical evidence and statements, the issuance of citations and/or subsequent
litigation involving AGMC violations within the defined areas of responsibility that cannot be
resolved by alternative measures; appear in court and/or administrative hearings to provide
factual information regarding contested citations.
6. Observe and/or mark vehicles and determine conformity with applicable parking regulations;
issue warnings and/or citations as appropriate for violations of parking regulations, laws, or
ordinances.
7. Locate abandoned vehicles on public property and public right-of-ways including but not limited
to 24-hour and 72-hour parking violations as defined by the AGMC by reviewing reports and
citizen complaints and through pro-active patrol activities; confirm through inspection or inquiry
whether or not the vehicles are abandoned; mark vehicles and pavement to corroborate
abandoned condition of vehicles; leave written warnings on vehicles confirmed to be
abandoned; notify last registered owner of a confirmed abandoned vehicle of imminent towing;
arrange for vehicles confirmed as abandoned to be towed as appropriate; issue citations for
violations of applicable parking regulations, laws, or ordinances related to vehicle
abandonment.
8.6. Maintain logs and/or appropriate written documentations and records related to statistics and
job activities.
9. Observe and report to a designated supervisor the need for maintenance or corrective work by
the City related to curb painting, stenciling, and/or vegetation trimming to maintain or improve
parking control.
10. Enforce City and Arroyo Grande High School parking regulations on high school property as
appropriate.
11. Issue and monitor parking permits issued to City residents.
12.7. Prepare follow-up correspondence to complainants and violators.
13.8. Input and retrieve information related to job activities using a computer.
14.9. Participate in training exercises and classes as directed.
15.10. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required by the Community Development
Director Police Chief, Police Commander, Police Sergeant, and/or Senior Police Officer to meet
the needs of the Community DevelopmentPolice Department and the community.
16.11. Carry out duties and responsibilities in compliance with appropriate federal, state, county,
City laws and ordinances and City personnel rules without bias, favoritism, or prejudice.
17.12. Responsible for self-compliance and accountability with Police DepartmentCity
regulations, policies and procedures.
18.13. Accept responsibility and exercise reasonably appropriate discretion in matters not
specifically defined or described in the Police DepartmentCity’s regulations, policies,
procedures, and job description.
Item 8.e. - Page 5
CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE
Neighborhood Services Technician (Part-Time)
Page 3
Revised 07/31/19
19.14. Consistently demonstrate exemplary courtesy, initiative, diligence, tact, diplomacy,
truthfulness, attention to duty, and observance of proper personal discipline in accordance with
Police DepartmentCity standards during all interactions with members of the public, co-
workers, other City department staff, outside agencies and all those contacted in the course of
the performance of duties.
20. Assist Police Department and other City department staff during special events including traffic
control, message board deployment and parking enforcement.
21.15. Respond and perform assigned duties in the event of a City declared emergency.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Basic verbal and written English language and grammar to be able to reasonably
communicate information with the public and/or complete relevant written documentation
required by job activities.
Basic principles of effective customer service.
Basic principles of public relations and dispute resolution/persuasion techniques.
Modern office methods, practices and equipment including applicable computer software
applications.
Basic record keeping practices.
Basic principles and practices of report preparation.
Applicable federal, state and local laws, rules, and regulations.
Ability to:
Perform a variety of code enforcement activities.
Enforce AGMC violations within the defined areas of responsibility in a professional manner
with tact, firmness as appropriate, and objectivity; evaluate reason(s) for such violations to
determine the most reasonably appropriate response/enforcement.
Listen to and comprehend complaints about AGMC violations within the defined areas of
responsibility.
Explain information about AGMC violations within the defined areas of responsibility to the
public in a manner that can be reasonably comprehended including situations in which an
individual may be upset and/or argumentative.
Effectively and courteously interact with and respond to people in conflict or stressful
situations.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both verballyorally and in writing.
Read, comprehend, interpret, and apply City laws, rules, regulations, and Department
procedures related to AGMC violations within the defined areas of responsibility.
Comprehend and follow written and verbal instructions including but not limited to those
related to AGMC violations within the defined areas of responsibility.
Exercise sound and reasonable independent judgment within established guidelines and
make immediate and sometimes critical decisions related to enforcement independently or
with minimal direct supervision.
Learn the geography of the City.
Learn police radio communication procedures.
Operate a motor vehicle with reasonable safety.
Maintain accurate records and prepare reports including electronic computer entries.
Testify in court and/or administrative hearings to provide factual information regar ding
contested AGMC violations within the defined areas of responsibility.
Recognize and respect limits of authority and job responsibility.
Work flexible hours including evening and weekends as reasonably necessary.
Item 8.e. - Page 6
CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE
Neighborhood Services Technician (Part-Time)
Page 4
Revised 07/31/19
Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious relationships with those contacted
in the course of work.
Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination objectivity and perception needed for making
observations, communicating with others, reading, writing and operating assigned
equipment.
Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and
responsibilities.
EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINES
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities
is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience:
One (1) year of general work experience involving substantial public contact or work in and/or with
a law enforcementpublic agency.
Training:
Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade, e.g. a high school diploma or a GED.
License or Certificate
Possession of or ability to obtain, and maintain a valid California driver's license.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Environmental Conditions:
Office/field environment; travel from site to site; exposure to computer screens, noise, dust, fumes,
heat, inclement weather conditions; moving objects/vehicles; irregular work hours; and substantial
contact with the public.
Physical Conditions:
Essential functions require maintaining physical condition necessary for walking or standing for
prolonged periods of time; visual acuity to make observations, read written materials and, a
computer screen, and operate assigned equipment; hearing and speech to communicate in person
and over the telephone; finger dexterity to write reports, access, enter, and retrieve data using a
computer keyboard and to operate standard office equipment; maintain effective audio-visual
perception needed for making observations, communicating with others, reading, writing and
operating assigned equipment;maintaining a field of vision that enables quick movement while
standing in or near vehicular traffic to avoid being struck by a vehicle; moderate or light lifting or
carrying; frequent standing or walking; kneeling, stooping, or repeated bending; and operating
motorized vehicles.
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