ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT

Date: November 26, 2001
Author/Local: J. Rogers/7626

RTS No. 02435

CC File No. 1361

Council: December 4, 2001

TO:	Vancouver City Council
FROM:	City Manager
SUBJECT:	Increase in Administrative Support: Office of the City Manager

RECOMMENDATION

THAT Council approve the reinstatement of the Administrative Assistant IV position in the Office of the City Manager from an 0.5 FTE to 1.00 FTE, effective immediately. This is an increase to the operating budget of $17,500, without offset.

POLICY

Council approves the establishment of all regular full-time positions, except where such authority has been delegated to the Park Board, as part of their Global Budget Arrangement.

PURPOSE

This report seeks Council approval to re-instate the Administrative Assistant IV position (#50009325) in the City Manager's Office to full time equivalency from part-time status.

BACKGROUND

Prior to April of 1994, the City Manager's Office consisted of the City Manager, the Deputy City Manager, the Assistant City Manager and 3 administrative support positions. On April 19, 1994, City Council accepted the budget reductions and revenue enhancements recommended by the City Manager, including the reduction of the "City Manager's Secretary" from 1.00 FTE to 0.5 FTE. Subsequently, as part of the Exempt Staff Job Evaluation Review, this regular part-time position was reclassified to an Administrative Assistant IV in April, 2000.

DISCUSSION

The Vancouver-Whistler 2010 Olympic Bid, the Downtown Eastside Revitalization Program, and the growing role of senior managers as City representatives with various levels of government and other organizations, have placed significant demands on the Manager's Office. The reinstatement of the Administrative Assistant position will ensure that office support is at a more appropriate level to accommodate these demands and provide consistent coverage in the office.

BUDGET ISSUES

Increasing the Administrative Assistant position to full time will have an incremental cost to the City of $17,500 annually (including fringe benefits) over present costs. The required funds will be provided for in the annual Operating Budget.

PERSONNEL IMPLICATIONS

The proposed reinstatement will not affect other staff. Recruiting is currently underway and it is hoped that the position will be filled by the beginning of January, 2002.

CONCLUSION

The Administrative Assistant position in the City Manager's Office should be re-established as a regular full-time position.

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(c) 1998 City of Vancouver