HomeMy Public PortalAbout05 May 12, 1999 Executive76462
RIVERSIDE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
(Commissioners Alex Clifford, Dick Kelly, Tom Mullen, Ron Roberts,
John Tavaglione, Jack van Haaster, Jim Venable)
Hemet Neighborhood Center (Map Attached)
305 E. Devonshire Avenue, Hemet
9:30 A.M.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 12, 1999
*Action may be taken on any item(s) listed on the agenda.
1. CALL TO ORDER.
2. PUBLIC COMMENTS.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES = April 14, 1999.
4. PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER.
Overview
The Executive Committee will review the Commission's need of the position, review
the options for this position, and develop a recommendation for the Commission.
5. ADJOURNMENT.
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RIVERSIDE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
April 14, 1999
MINUTES
1`. Call to Order.
Due to the absence of the Chairman and Vice Chairman, the meeting of the Executive
Committee was called to order at 1 1 :01 a.m., by Eric Haley, Executive Director, at UCR
University Extension, 1200 University Avenue, Suite 2, Riverside.
The Committee elected Commissioner Jim Venable to be the Chairman Pro Tempore of
the Committee. Chairman Pro Tem Venable assumed the Chair.
Commissioners Present Commissioners Absent
Alex Clifford
Dick Kelly
Ron Roberts
John Tavaglione
Jim Venable
Others in Attendance
Steve DeBaun
Eric Haley
Naty Kopenhaver
2. Public Comments.
There were no public comments.
3. Approval of Minutes.
Tom Mullen
Jack van Haaster
IVI/S!C {Kelly/Tavaglione) to approve the Executive Committee minutes of the
March 10, 1999 meeting.
Public Information Officer.
Eric Haley stated that this position was previously approved by the Commission as a part-
time position. He proposed that the position be changed to a full-time position. If
approved, staff will recruit and fill the position the beginning of the FY 99/00 fiscal year.
The Public Information Officer position and the Commission's needs for the position were
discussed at length. The following proposals were raised to be discussed at the next
meeting:
Executive Committee Meeting
April 14, 1999
Page 2
I
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A shared position between the Commission and the County of Riverside.
Hiring a public relations firm with a dedicated staff to the Commission.
Use a private firm to recruit eligible candidates.
Fill the position with an at-wiil employee and in two years, review the
Commission's need for the position and determine whether to continue the
position.
• The candidate hired be knowledgeable in computers, and various computer
software.
It was determined that this item be continued to the next Executive Committee meeting.
At this time, the Committee adjourned to Closed Session.
5. Closed Session.
A. Public Employee Performance Evaluation, Pursuant to Section 54957.
Title of Position: Executive Director
B. Public Employee Salary and Benefits, Pursuant to Section54957.
Title of Position: Executive Director
6. Amendments to Executive Director Contract.
A review of the proposed amendments to the Executive Director contract was made.
M/S/C (Tavaglione/Kelly) that the Executive Director's contract be amended as
foilows: A) An annual contribution of $8,000 be made to Eric Haley's 457
Deferred Compensation Plan; and, B) Extend the contract for one year.
Dissent: Clifford
7. Adjournment.
Respectfully submitted,
Nat ti Kdtfenhaver
Clerk of the Board
RIVERS/DE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
DATE:
May 12, 1999
TO:
Executive Committee
FROM:
Naty Kopenhaver, Director of Administrative Services
THROUGH:
Eric Haley, Executive Director
SUBJECT:
Public Information Officer
The Commission, at their September 9, 1998 meeting, approved the addition of a Public
Information Officer classification to the staffing plan. At that time, the position was
approved as a half time position.
i
As indicated to the Commission last year, RCTC has never had a comprehensive public
information program and has never developed a media strategy to communicate the
Commission's achievements and the transportation challenges facing Riverside County.
In the review of this position and further evaluating the Commission's needs for a
formalized public information program for upcoming transportation issues, the Public
Information Officer must: 1') develop and maintain open lines of communication with the
Commissioners, staff, the news media, public agencies and the community; 2) anticipate
public relations and public information needs, and identify opportunities to meet them;
3) develop and maintain effective media contacts; and, 4) interpret technical and complex
reports and issues to the media for public consumption, and generate public awareness
and enthusiasm. Attached is the job description for the Public Information Officer. In
view of the above proposed responsibilities and the duties/responsibilities on the job
description for this position, it is recommend that this position be changed from a part-
time position to a full-time position.
The Public Information Officer salary remains the same level as the Program Manager
position, $4,61.2 - $5,857 per month. Note that this was the same salary level approved
by the Commission last year, but at a half time position salary level.
At their April 12`h meeting, the Executive Committee discussed the position at length.
They discussed the following options: 1) A shared position with the County of Riverside;
2) Hire a public relations firm with a dedicated staff for RCTC; or, 3) The candidate hired
for this position be an at -will employee for two years. At the end of two years, review
RCTC's needs for the position.
1) Shared Position with the County of Riverside
The County of Riverside Administrative Office has, over the past few months,
reviewed the feasibility of creating a position to do public relations, press releases,
etc. Based on information received by staff, in reviewing the position's job
responsibilities, the County found that there was not sufficient assignments,
based on the County's needs, to warrant a full-time position. Therefore, the
position is currently on hold. If the Commission determines to move towards a
shared position with the County, the Commission should authorize the Executive
Director to work with the County Administrative Officer and to authorize the
County Human Resources to recruit for the position.
This proposal is similar to the arrangement that RCTC has with San BAG as it
relates to the Director of Intergovernmental and Legislative Affairs position.
2) Contract with a Public Relations Firm
Rather than hiring an RCTC employee, the Committee proposed contracting with
a public relations firm. However, in order for such an arrangement to work, the
firm hired must dedicate a staff to RCTC. The Commission will need to authorize
staff to go out for a Request for Proposal (RFP). At this time, staff was not able
to determine the cost for hiring a public relations firm.
3) At -Will Employment
The Committee felt that it might be beneficial to the agency, if the Commission
determines to recruit for this position, that the candidate hired be offered an at -will
employment contract. The Committee acknowledged that there is a clear need in
the next two years, with the drive towards the extension of the sales tax measure
and with CETAP activities, for a public information officer. However, after two
years, it was felt that there should be a review of RCTC's need of the position.
The Committee also discussed the possibility of hiring a firm to recruit for this
position. The Commission, last year for the Executive Director recruitment,
discussed using a recruiting firm. However, they decided against it because of the
cost. A recruitment firm could run from $15,000 (joint recruitment with RCTC)
to a minimum of $25,000 plus expenses.
Staff Recommendation
Review, discuss and develop a recommendation to the Commission.
nk
PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER
Definition
Underdirection; develops, administers and implements all components of RCTC's Public Information
Program, including media relations, community relations, public education, and marketing; develops•and
implements public participation opportunities for county residents; performs other related duties as
required.
Duties and Responsibilities
Develops, maintains and monitors an effective public information program; assists in the development of
strategies for addressing critical issues; develops public education opportunities and programs on RCTC
and countywide issues; researches and writes news releases, media advisories, public service
announcements, fact sheets, media kits, articles for trade journals and other publications; develops and
disseminates regular RCTC publications including annual reports and periodic bulletins targeted to specific
audiences; serves as a liaison with other broad based community organizations and public agencies to
coordinate public information gathering and distribution; participates on various committees and task
forces as assigned; coordinates RCTC consultants in relation to public information tasks; develops and
implements RCTC media events, news conference, etc.; prepares RCTC audio/visual presentations;
coordinates RCTC advertising program; develops strategic marketing plan for RCTC programs and
activities; develops electronic bulleting board program and related electronic dissemination opportunities;
performs other related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Knowledge of: Principles, techniques, and methods used to develop, plan and coordinate an effective
comprehensive public information program; graphics production including the use of desktop publishing
and various printing technologies; writing, editing, photography and video production; practices and
procedures used in both print and electronic journalism; marketing principles and strategies; media event
development and coordination; and strategic planning techniques. The candidate must be knowledgeable
in the use of computers and various computer softwares.
Ability to: Communicate effectively both orally and in writing; establish goals and priorities; research and
analyze information on a wide range of topics; effectively articulate and interpret RCTC positions on a
variety of topics and programs to media and other audiences; maintain effective relationships and
communication with RCTC staff, elected officials, city officials and staff, other agencies, members of the
general public; advise RCTC management of strategies to advance the organization's mission; develop
marketing partnerships with public and private sector agencies.
Education and Experience
Experience, education or training which would demonstrate application of the knowledge and skills listed
above, such as:
A bachelor's degree in communication, public relations, journalism, or related field;
AND
Five years of increasingly responsible experience in a governmental or transportation environment
practicing professional public relations and marketing techniques.