HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Reallocation of an Unfilled Coal Handler FTE to Create a Temporary 11th Auxilliary Operator Position RESOLUTION NO. 20-106
RESOLUTION APPROVING REALLOCATION OF AN UNFILLED COAL HANDLER
FTE TO CREATE A TEMPORARY 11TH AUXILIARY OPERATOR POSITION
FOR THE CITY OF AMES,IOWA
WHEREAS, the City's Electric Power Plant is a year-round 24/7 operation and the
operational staffing is comprised of a team including an Operator, Fireworker, and two Auxiliary
Operators who work 12-hour shifts; and,
WHEREAS, there are four teams plus one relief team, and the relief positions are used to
cover sick leave, vacations, and training; and,
WHEREAS, since July 2019, several Auxiliary Operators have been out of work for an
extended period due to personal issues,and to continue to operate the Plant,the duties were assumed
by the relief Auxiliary Operators;which brings the functioning auxiliary staffing from ten to eight;
and,
WHEREAS,the short-staffing situation has continued over several months and management
has had to deny vacation requests, and with no clear date on when or if those who are out due to
personal issues will return,staff is requesting a temporary increase of one full-time equivalent(FTE)
in the Auxiliary Operator classification to alleviate the impact on the remaining auxiliary operators;
and,
WHEREAS, the Electric Department has 81 FTEs in its approved budget, and with this
staffing, there exists two vacant Coal Handler positions; and,
WHEREAS, the Department has been developing a long-term plan to reallocate these
positions, along with a Lead Coal Handler vacancy,to other functions within the Department, and
as a result of these vacant positions, the staff is requesting a reduction in one Coal Handler FTE to
offset the proposed increase in Auxiliary Operator FTEs; and,
WHEREAS,staff expects a few retirements to occur within the next year at the Power Plant,
so the increase to an eleventh Auxiliary Operator will eventually be reduced back down to ten
through attrition, and if the Council provides approval for hiring an eleventh Auxiliary Operator,
staff will be able to hire from the Civil Service list and start the eight to ten weeks of training as
quickly as possible; and,
WHEREAS, if everyone returns after the new Auxiliary Operator is trained, there will be
eleven auxiliary operators who are all capable of performing their responsibilities,and staff will use
the increased position to train the next Fireworker and Operator,which are promotional opportunities
within the Auxiliary Operator career path; and,
WHEREAS, once staff is able to reduce back to ten Auxiliary Operators because of
retirements, the reorganization plan utilizing the three vacancies from the former Coal Handler
positions will be undertaken,and there will be no changes to the Electric Department budget because
of this action because the funding for the vacant positions is already included.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Ames, Iowa,
that the reallocation of the unfilled Coal Handler FTE to create an additional temporary eleventh
Auxillary Operator position is hereby approved.
ADOPTED THIS 10`h day of March, 2020.
Diane R. Voss, City Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor
Introduced by: Corrieri
Seconded by: Martin
Voting aye: Beatty-Hansen, Betcher, Corrieri, Gartin, Junck, Martin
Voting nay: None Absent: None
Resolution declared adopted and signed by the Mayor this 1 Oth day of March, 2020.