FRESNO LOCAL AGENCY FORMATION COMMISSION (LAFCO) EXECUTIVE OFFICER S REPORT

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1 FRESNO LOCAL AGENCY FORMATION COMMISSION (LAFCO) EXECUTIVE OFFICER S REPORT DATE: January 9, 2013 AGENDA ITEM NO. 13 TO: FROM: Local Agency Formation Commission Jeff Witte, Executive Officer SUBJECT: Consider Approval and Authorization: Recruitment of New Executive Officer RECOMMENDATION: Approve recruitment material and authorize the Executive Officer to start the recruitment process for a new Executive Officer on behalf of the Commission using the attached material as shown on Exhibits A through E. BACKGROUND: Previously, when the Executive Office notified the Commission of his plans to retire after the first of the year due to health issues, a Recruitment Subcommittee was established consisting of Commissioners Perea and Santoyo. The attached materials were reviewed by the Subcommittee and are being presented to the Commission for approval. SUMAMRY OF EXHIBITS: Exhibit A (advertisement) contains general information about the position and the closing of the filing period. The salary proposed in this exhibit is $5,000 more than what is paid to the present Executive Officer, but is reflective of what senior level city or county planners with substantial experience with public agencies and various land use related issues, would expect to receive. With approval of the Commission, the application period would open on January 10, 2013, and close on January 22, Given that applications are now usually filed electronically, a 10-day recruiting period should be adequate. Exhibit B (information about the position) contains information that provides a more complete job description of the position and benefits. I would like to call the benefits package section to the Commission s attention. Presently, LAFCo does not make any retirement or health contributions on behalf of the Executive Officer, but for future LAFCo employees, staff is recommending offering the ICMA RC plan, which is a defined contribution plan in lieu of a defined benefit plan. This plan would provide matching contributions up to 7.5% of the employee s salary. This plan is very similar to what the Fresno COG uses, as well as most of the cities. 1

2 Exhibit C (application form). This form would be available on-line, accessible through our web site, by mail, or in the office. Because many of the potential applicants frequently file their applications electronically, it is anticipated that most of the applications will be filed on-line via the internet. Included in this application is a requirement for the applicant to authorize LAFCo to perform a background check which will be required for the final candidates, along with a credit report. Exhibit D (time table). The recruitment process will start on January 10, 2013, after the Commission s acceptance of this recruitment plan and information on January 9, Ideally, the process will conclude with a new Executive Officer being in place between March 4 th and March 18, Exhibit E (salary survey). This provides background information related to the proposed salary for a new Executive Officer. STEPS FOLLOWING APPROVAL Based on approval of the aforesaid exhibits, staff will start the recruitment for a new executive officer on January 10, The Following Have Received Copies of This Report: LAFCo Commissioners and Alternates Ken Price, LAFCo Counsel, Baker, Manock, and Jensen G:\LAFCO WORKING FILES\JANUARY 9, 2013\neweo.doc 2

3 Exhibit A Advertisement EXECTIVE OFFICER FRESNO LOCAL AGENCY FORMATION COMMISSION (LAFCO) $95,000 to $115,000 DOQ Fresno LAFCo is one of 58 Local Agency Formation Commissions in the state of California. The Executive Officer is responsible for conducting the day to-day business for the Fresno Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo). LAFCo is a statemandated commission which is comprised of five members that employ the Executive Officer. LAFCo is charged with the responsibility for the orderly growth of cities and special districts and discourages irregular or distorted boundaries. The Executive Officer is also responsible for conducting the Commission s monthly public hearings. The Executive Officer needs to be able to coordinate between LAFCo, the County of Fresno, the 15 cities in Fresno County, and over 120 special districts. The LAFCo Executive Officer must have strong oral and written communication skills, initiative and imagination, and be able to accomplish job assignments timely. The incumbent is expected to be able to relate well with various groups of people, use good judgment, demonstrate initiative, and maintain a high-level of maturity. For a more complete job description, list of qualifications, key dates, and application material, please visit our web site at The recruitment closes for this position at 4:00 p.m. on January 22, G:\LAFCO WORKING FILES\2013 EO Recruitment\eoad.docx

4 LAFCo Executive Officer Exhibit B-1 FRESNO COUNTY LOCAL AGENCY FORMATION COMMISSION INVITES YOUR APPLICATION FOR LAFCO EXECUTIVE OFFICER Starting Annual Salary: $95,000 - $115,000 (Recommended) The Fresno County s Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) is offering an excellent opportunity for an experienced management and planning professional to conduct the day-to-day business of the Commission serving as its Executive Officer. Policy direction is received from the Commission. Organization Overview LAFCo is a State mandated commission, under the California Government Code, which is charged with the responsibility to insure orderly growth of cities and districts. Among the purposes of the Commission are preserving open-space and prime agricultural lands, discouraging urban sprawl, efficiently providing government services, and encouraging the orderly formation and development of local agencies based upon local conditions and circumstances. Pursuant to State law, LAFCo reviews and holds hearings on all proposals for changes in organization for cities and special districts in the County. The Commission is also responsible for determining and periodically updating the spheres of influence and conducting detailed service reviews of cities and special districts in the County. LAFCo is an independent agency but contracts with Fresno County for some services. The organization s operating budget for fiscal year was approved at $471,638. There are three LAFCo employees, including the Executive Officer. Position Overview The LAFCo Executive Officer is an at-will position and is hired and serves at the discretion of the LAFCo Commissioners with an employment agreement. The Executive Officer is responsible for administering the day-to-day business of the Commission including supervision of staff, and reviewing and analyzing all proposals in accordance with State law. Specific Duties: Conducting hearings; Preparing budgets and administering contracts and agreements for the Commission; Writing analytical reports, making recommendations, and giving presentations; Monitoring Commission-approved projects for compliance with LAFCo policies and regulations; Representing the Commission s goals and policies to the public and other agencies; and Acting as liaison with Fresno County departments, State/local governments and special districts, and community groups. Position Requirements Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor s Degree that is acceptable within the United States accredited college or university system (Master s Degree preferred). Four (4) years of full-time, paid work experience in a management level position with a City, County, special district, or other with LAFCo experience. Any combination of experience and/or education acceptable to LAFCo may be substituted for the above education/experience (local land use experience highly desirable). Valid Driver License may be required.

5 Challenges/Objectives Oversee Sphere of Influence updates for 122 special districts and 15 cities together with their related Municipal Service Reviews every five years. Successfully collaborate with the cities and Fresno County to resolve irregular boundaries and unincorporated island issues. Educate the public and provide workshop opportunities to promote the goals of LAFCo. Support and participate in various activities of the California Association of Local Agency Formation Commissions (CALAFCO). Develop and maintain the Fresno LAFCo Policies, Standards, Rules, and Procedures Manuals including those related to Personnel. Oversee the continued transition of LAFCo as a completely stand-alone agency separate from the County of Fresno. Required Attributes and Personal Characteristics Excellent analytical, organizational, and management skills; Strong oral and written communication skills; including the ability to make clear and concise presentations. Ability to take initiative, be imaginative, and follow through on job assignments. Highest degree of maturity, integrity, and good judgment. Ability to establish and maintain effective interpersonal relations. Ability to work with the Commission, legal counsel, and consultants as required. Community Located in the heart of California, Fresno County has an unmatched diversity of natural beauty and recreational opportunities, not to mention its proximity to three national parks, national forests and wilderness areas. In addition to country farm trails featuring the bountiful harvest of the nation s #1 agricultural county, majestic lakes and rivers, and awe-inspiring foothills and mountain ranges, Fresno County offers a wide variety of unique entertainment opportunities in the Fresno metropolitan area, featuring California s fifth largest city. From the cultural diversity displayed in area museums, restaurants, and festivals, to the recreation opportunities in the region s many lakes, rivers, foothills, and mountains - Fresno County has it all! Fresno County also offers a wide selection of housing ranging from metro, suburban, rural, and mountain/foothill locations with commute time from the outlying areas being accessible and convenient. Fresno is home to nationally recognized collegiate and semi-pro sporting events; the site of a California State University campus, as well as a number of other colleges and universities; and location of several school districts with award winning schools as denoted by the California Distinguished School award. Please visit to learn more about what Fresno County has to offer. Benefits Package The LAFCo Executive Officer will receive an excellent benefits package including: Retirement Plan, defined contribution, ICMA RC plan with LAFCo contributing up to 7.5% of salary based on an employee contribution of 7.5% of salary Health Insurance or an additional $400 a month if insurance is declined Disability Insurance Deferred Compensation Plan Paid Holidays Paid Vacation State Disability Insurance Auto Allowance of $400 per month

6 Application and Selection Process Interested individuals should submit the following by 4:00 p.m., Friday, January 22, 2013 (postmarks are not accepted): Completed Fresno LAFCo Application Current, Comprehensive Resume including three professional references Responses to Supplemental Questions A Qualifications Appraisal Panel may be convened to evaluate candidates education, experience, and personal qualifications based on materials submitted. Top candidates will be interviewed and an oral exam may also be convened (tentatively scheduled January 30-February 8, 2013). An extensive background and reference check process may be conducted on the top candidate(s) including a credit check. March 4-18, 2013 is the anticipated start date for the selected candidate. Supplemental Questions Please limit all answers to supplemental questions to no more than one page each. The following questions are designed to assist you in presenting your qualifications for this position. Your answers to these questions, along with your employment application and resume, will be evaluated to determine if you will be considered further. 1. Describe your professional experience as it relates to the following: urban planning, CEQA, organization of local government, LAFCos, local government finance, growth management, agricultural land preservation, the Williamson Act, and special districts. (Include the size and location of agencies and your level of involvement.) 2. Describe your experience interacting with each of the following (including making presentations): State and city governments; boards; commissions; elected officials; community groups; and special districts. 3. Describe your leadership style and experience (including project management). For Application Materials and/or Additional Information: Jeff Witte LAFCo Executive Officer 2607 Fresno Street, Suite B, Fresno, CA (559) Visit for information about the history, objectives, composition, responsibilities, authority and public involvement of California LAFCo s. Equal Opportunity Employer G:\LAFCO WORKING FILES\2013 EO Recruitment\Brochure Text.doc

7 Exhibit B-2 FRESNO LOCAL AGENCY FORMATION COMMISSION (LAFCo) EXECUTIVE OFFICER DEFINITION: Administers Fresno LAFCo business and related functions and conducts special studies as directed by the Commission as per State law and LAFCo adopted policies. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: The LAFCo Executive Officer is responsible for conducting the day-to-day business of the Fresno Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO). LAFCo is a State mandated commission which is charged with the responsibility to insure orderly growth of cities and districts and to discourage the creation of islands, peninsulas, and other irregular city and district boundaries. The Commission is also charged with preserving prime agricultural lands. LAFCo functions as an Independent agency as per State law (Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Local Government Act of 2000). The LAFCo Executive Officer reports directly to the Commission and is responsible for reviewing and analyzing all proposals in conjunction with Commission policies and State law requirements. The Executive Officer is also responsible for conducting monthly public hearings. The incumbent coordinates activities with county departments, state and city governments, special districts, and community groups. The Executive Officer may be called upon to speak to and educate special interest groups such as the Fresno County Grand Jury, service clubs, and neighborhood groups. Also, special workshops may be conducted on such topics as agricultural preservation, municipal service review, and sphere of influence program updates. The LAFCo Executive Officer must be strong in oral and written communication skills, initiative and imagination, and timely accomplishment of job assignments. Because of the sensitive nature of relationships and assignments, the incumbent is expected to be able to relate well with various groups of people, use good judgment, demonstrate initiative, and maintain a high-level of maturity. SAMPLES OF DUTIES: The information listed below is meant to serve as samples of job duties and responsibilities for positions in this classification. This list is neither inclusive nor exclusive, but indicative of several types of duties performed. Consequently, this information does not reflect essential functions for any given position in this classification. 1. Administers the day-to-day operations of the Local Agency Formation Commission. 2. Reviews and analyzes all proposals submitted to Fresno LAFCo according to Commission Policies, Standards, and Procedures. 3. Prepares reports and recommendations pertaining to each proposal. 4. Conducts public hearings and issues certificates of completion for all approved projects.

8 5. Prepares Commission resolutions reflecting Commission actions. 6. Evaluates projects in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirements and recommends appropriate findings. 7 Translates policies and actions of Commission to local agencies and acts as liaison with county departments, state and local governments, special districts, and community groups. 8 Prepares budgets and administers contracts and agreements for the Commission. 9. Guides the preparation of municipal service reviews for special districts and cities as required by state law and prepares sphere of influence updates for said districts and cities at least once each five years. 10. Prepares special studies or research as directed by the Commission. 11. Supervises LAFCo staff and makes staff assignments. Holds regular staff meetings to discuss agendas and proposals and provide general agency direction. 12. Supports a team approach to problem solving and seeks input/communication from staff members in creating a greater sense of agency unity and promoting personal and agency growth. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Education: Experience: Substitution: License: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor s degree that is acceptable within the United States accredited college or university system. Four (4) years of full-time, paid work experience in a management level position with a city, county, special district, or other with LAFCo experience. Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis. Possession of a valid Class C California Driver s License may be required. G:\LAFCO WORKING FILES\2013 EO Recruitment\EO Job Specs.docx

9 Exhibit C Fresno Local Agency Formation Commission Application for Employment 2607 Fresno Street, Suite B, Fresno, CA (559) (559) cfleming@co.fresno.ca.us Position applied for: Applicant's Personal Details: Name: Other names used: Social Security Number: Physical Address: Mailing Address (If different than your physical address): Driver's license (Include number, state, and expiration): Date available for employment:

10 Education: (Please supply copies of relevant certificates) College / University attended: Qualifications: Date: Other Training or Institution attended: Qualifications: Date: Other details pertinent to this position: Employment History: (Start with your current or most recent employer) (1) Company Name and Contact Information: Position Held: Period Employed:

11 Responsibilities / Duties: Salary: Reasons for leaving: Permission to contact them: (2) Company Name and Contact Information: Position Held: Period Employed: Responsibilities / Duties: Salary:

12 Reasons for leaving: Permission to contact them: (3) Company Name and Contact Information: Position Held: Period Employed: Responsibilities / Duties: Salary: Reasons for leaving: Permission to contact them:

13 Have you ever been convicted of a felony? If yes give details: Declarations: I declare that I understand that this is an application for a position only and does not imply any promises of employment on behalf of the Company. I the undersigned applicant hereby declare that all of the information on this Application Employment Form is accurate and true and I understand that any falsehood or omission on my part may be grounds for future dismissal from the position or withdrawal of an offer of employment. Signed on this day of 20 SIGNATURE NOTE: LAFCO is an equal employment opportunity employer. It does not make hiring decisions based on race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, physical or mental disability or medical condition, except where physical fitness is valid occupational qualification, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state or local laws. LAFCO will make reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, unless it would create a undue hardship.

14 Exhibit D Draft Timetable for Executive Officer Recruitment Present material (job description and recruitment flyer) to LAFCo Commission for authorization at January 9, 2013, hearing Start recruitment process on January 10, 2013 Close recruitment on January 22, 2013 January 23 30, Subcommittee meets to review applications and select the top three applicants for interview by the Commission. January 30 February 8, Commission holds special meeting to interview applicants and make selection. March 4 18, New Executive Officer begins employment with Fresno LAFCo G:\LAFCO WORKING FILES\2013 EO Recruitment\timeeo.docx

15 Exhibit E Salary Survey Information CALAFCO started on a new salary survey in 2012, which while not compete as to date, all 58 LAFCOs is a good place to start our discussion. Three years ago when I was hired by LAFCo, the salary was advertised as $90,000 to $110,000. Presently, your LAFCo Executive Officer s salary is $90,000. My recommendation, based on the attached material, is to recommend a salary range of $95,000 to $115,000 per year. Based on the attached chart, Fresno LAFCo appears to have more in common with Kern LAFCo in terms of population, cities, special districts, and proposals. Kern LAFCo Executive Officer s position has a salary of $96,000 to $126,000. There is one limiting issue in terms of salary/compensation and that is retirement. Most LAFCOs listed on the attached have a defined benefit plan; however, Fresno LAFCo utilizes the ICMARC defined contribution plan. A recommendation for LAFCo contribution is included in the job description. G:\LAFCO WORKING FILES\2013 EO Recruitment\eo$$.docx

LIMITED RECRUITMENT. Written exam tentatively scheduled on Tuesday, October 24, 2017

LIMITED RECRUITMENT. Written exam tentatively scheduled on Tuesday, October 24, 2017 COUNTY OF FRESNO invites applications for the position of: SOCIAL WORKER AIDE I SALARY: $10.70 - $13.68 Hourly $856.00 - $1,094.00 Biweekly $1,854.67 - $2,370.33 Monthly $22,256.00 - $28,444.00 Annually