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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. 11.36.21 LIRE AV CIi i4 AV AV W I— la— V) > AV From the Riverside Area 215 South 74 East (Florida Avenue) Leff on N. Carmelite Street Corner of N. Carmelite & E. Devenshire From the Desert 10 West 79 South Sanderson Avenue 74 East (Florida Avenue) Left on N. Carmelite Street Corner of N. Carmelite & E. Devenshire OAKLAI ME. ST Ni cf)) [ DATE ;== f Y E Zf DEVONSHIRE �+ Z� o; Ni !a; O i ct IF— A� 'TAI WMIN1 ==,J a; z �; PS CH FS zi `z; LATHAM AV vai JfE ■■Ls I ■: cc i , z a; �'' "; fiat, SAI�i JOMN PL ��. ': i RAMI�NA ��-,�' ' N; MF�1.{ L-IB t T� = El . PLAZA AV o j r- ; - CAMPUS J Q; ,•Q )— �;. ST iQ c) N N—^ ' JACKSON W WY 3, MID � E HErE•r' = Le): of CC �; VALLEY U PLVI' MEDCR� 17; ` II ~• E KIMBALL z I N MOPTON lye CC Q OJ = a N 0 z Q MID I''3 E ACACIA 13 PL Hemet Neighborhood Center 305 E. Devonshire Avenue, Stage Room Hemet, CA 92543 -o 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 • • • 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.