#04 - PW Operational Assessment Recommendation

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18 CITY OF LAKE ELMO, MN the Operators is likely to be compounded in the short and medium term. In the short term, the addition of new Operators will reduce the frequency of the on-call rotation for each Operator if the current scheme of rotation amongst all Operators continues. If the Department hires an additional three Operators, which it may do over the next year or so, each Operator will be on call once every 12 weeks, or roughly once every three months. It will be even harder to gain familiarity with the system with reduced exposure. In the medium term, the addition of new PFAS treatment plants will further complicate the water system’s operation. Reportedly, these treatment plants should not have a large impact on labor needs but will be a complicating factor in gaining mastery of the water system operations for the Operators. Additionally, as existing equipment ages, it will require more know-how to keep it running properly, further emphasizing the need for expertise in the system. To address the issues noted above, Raftelis recommends that the Department designate approximately six Operators as Utility Specialists. The primary differentiation of Utility Specialists from other Operators is that the on-call rotation would be staffed only by the Utility Specialists. The on-call Operator would continue to have primary responsibility for the daily rounds, as well. Specifically, Raftelis recommends that both Lead Operators be designated as Utility Specialists. As to the other four positions, it would be preferable that they be staffed with four of the most senior operators (e.g., Public Works Operator I’s). There is a question as to the desirability of this role. Historically, in the water and wastewater industry, the opportunity to earn compensation and overtime from being on call was considered a perk among Operators. However, in recent years, Raftelis’ experience shows that overtime work is increasingly difficult to recruit for. It appears that younger employees increasingly value their time. The Department has evidence of this trend as well. Recent retirements/vacancies have opened two weekly on-call “slots,” and these slots have remained open for a considerable time. (The on-call work is still being covered, but out of requirement rather than opportunity.) Further, when given the choice of receiving overtime pay or comp time, the Operators have exhibited a strong preference for comp time, indicating that their time is worth more than their wages. It may be that the role of Utility Specialist requires incentives beyond the compensation received for being on-call. There are several potential mechanisms that could be explored and could include things such as:  A uniform increase in base wages for Operators designated as Utility Specialists  An increase in step on the pay scale  More generous terms of on-call compensation (e.g., instead of one hour of automatic pay when on call, an increase to one and a half hours)  Preferential scheduling for overtime requests when not on call (e.g., if desired, they could be last to be called out for weekend plowing work if not on-call) Should there be significant interest in the Utility Specialist role, preferential selection should be made of the most experienced Operators (i.e., Operator I’s) before opening the role to less experienced positions. It should be noted that any of the approaches mentioned above will likely require negotiation with the Operators’ union. It should also be noted that the intention of this recommendation is not to segregate the Operators into utility and non-utility skillsets. Currently, there is no need to divide the Operators such that one Lead Operator leads the Utility Specialists and the other leads the non-Utility Specialists. All Operators should continue to be required to earn the licenses appropriate for their level (III, II, or I) and encouraged to advance their licensure. Rather, the intention is to ensure that those who respond to after-hours call outs are experienced, comfortable, and competent in working independently to solve whatever issues have arisen with utility infrastructure.