After a thorough evaluation of the Information Technology (IT) Division, it has been determined that the division is understaffed and positions need to be added to accommodate the changes that occurred during the merge of the Public Works and General Services Departments. Currently, the Public Works-IT Division consists of two subdivisions (Systems Development/GIS and Systems Administration and Support). Descriptions of the staffing changes needed for both subdivisions are described as follows:
Systems Development/GIS Subdivision:
In 2010, the IT Division had two higher-level management positions: the Computer Mapping Services Manager and the Information Systems Manager II. Effective March 31, 2010, both positions were vacated and were not backfilled in an attempt to save the Department money during the layoff period. As a result, the majority of day-to-day administrative tasks and higher-level management tasks, such as staff supervision, timesheet review/approval, vacation requests, and establishing work priorities, previously performed by the two management level positions, fell on the Database Administrator who is still currently performing these tasks. This workload was heavy, but still manageable, until the Public Works Department merged with the General Services Department in 2012. With the merger, the workload and complexity of the Information Systems projects have increased. The Information Systems projects now include the analysis, modification or merging of those systems from Public Works and the former General Services Department. For example, Public Works and the former General Services Department have separate asset management computer systems with ongoing costs associated with each. These systems need to be analyzed and evaluated to determine which system is most cost effective and efficient or whether the systems should remain separate.
The merge also increased the number of software programs and databases and created several new projects that require IT staff, but only one additional Systems Development staff member was added to the Division. Prior to the merge, General Services was outsourcing all their IT needs. Adding an Information Systems Project Manager (LPNA) position would relieve the Database Administrator of all of the day-to-day higher-level management tasks, and administrative tasks, and allow him to assist with major projects that require additional attention. Additionally, this would allow the Database Administrator to perform tasks and complete projects that are within his job description.
Systems Administration & Support Subdivision:
Prior to the merge, the Public Works Department’s Systems Administration and Support Subdivision required only three employees to support the IT needs of departmental employees. A Network Technician II vacated her position effective August 30, 2013, leaving two staff members responsible for all department users. After the post-merge evaluation of the Division, it has been determined that using additional support staff was essential to support the Department that doubled in size, especially since they are taking over more and more of the needs of the former General Services Department (which did not have any IT staff on-site and was previously outsourcing all of its IT needs). Therefore, it has been determined that two Information Systems Technician I positions need to be added to their staff.
If these actions are not carried out, the IT Division of the Public Works Department will not have appropriate staffing levels to perform work for both the Systems Development/GIS and Systems Administration and Support sides of the division.