Budget Request from Sr Engr Tech for PE reimbursement

From: Gerald Fisher

Sent: Mon Dec 17 12:22:10 2018

To: Dan Huff

Subject: Budget Request from Sr Engr Tech for PE reimbursement

Importance: Normal

Attachments: Molalla - Senior Engineering Technician 2016-09.pdf;

Microsoft Exchange Server;converted from html;

Dan,

I’m starting work on budget today and have all of the requests in for my staff. Brenda is requesting budget be added to FY 19/20 for reimbursement of expenses to take the PE test. Her job description lists “EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: A minimum of 5 years of experience related to engineering and project management duties. Licensed as an Engineering-in-training or professional engineer in the State of Oregon or be able to attain license within six months is preferred.” An EIT or PE is preferred but it is not a requirement of the job. Required Qualifications are as follows:

1. Excellent written and oral communication skills are required which includes the ability to translate technical data into terms understandable to the general public.

2. Demonstrated ability to effectively supervise publicly funded projects is required.

3. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with division supervisors, representatives of other public agencies, and the general public is required.

4. Knowledge of contemporary principles and practices of heavy construction.

5. Demonstrated ability to complete projects on-time.

6. Demonstrated ability to plan, design, and execute programs and capital projects.

7. Demonstrated ability to respond to citizen complaints and questions on related projects and helps to resolve these problems.

Preferred Qualifications are as follows:

1. Knowledge of The City of Molalla’s public works operations.

2. Knowledge of contemporary principles and practices of civil engineering.

3. Educational background and work experience related to municipal infrastructure.

4. General knowledge of federal and state regulations.

No where does it say that an EIT or PE is a requirement of the position.

I support Brenda’s efforts in pursuing her PE as part of her career, but have never promised that we would pay for it. I have always stated to her that reimbursement would have to be approved by the CM since it is not a requirement of the position. I am not in support of reimbursement for the position just like I would not be in support of reimbursement if a utility worker wanted to sit for an operator position. While it may advance that person’s career it does not necessarily provide any additional benefit to the organization for a specific position. If you are of the same opinion on the reimbursement then I can let her know that the City will not be reimbursing her for the exam costs since the PE is not a requirement of the position nor is reimbursement for professional development hour training. I believe she has misinterpreted the job description. Thanks.

Regards,

Gerald Fisher, P.E. | Public Works Director

City of Molalla

117 N Molalla Ave. | PO Box 248 |Molalla, OR 97038

Office: 503.829.6855 | Direct: 503.759.0218

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From: Brenda Reiner

Sent: Monday, November 19, 2018 12:22 PM

To: Gerald Fisher

Subject: RE: Budget Request

I would like to get more training in soils, stormwater, and personal communication skills. I will find a class that is the most bang for the buck but wanted to get a line item now as the deadline is near.

#3. My job description says I can have a PE or not so it seems to be included in my job description. During my job interview you told me that you would support this also.

4. Some more technical resources for storm, soil, maybe a hard copy of the MUTCD. Basically TBD with your input. I just really prefer some written documents vs everything online.

5. I wanted a book case with shelves like you got for your office. Last year when I asked you told me to put in budget.

Thanks,

Brenda Reiner | Senior Engineering Technician

City of Molalla

117 N Molalla Ave. | PO Box 248 |Molalla, OR 97038

Office: 503.759.0243 I Fax: 503.829.3676

From: Gerald Fisher gfisher@cityofmolalla.com>

Sent: Monday, November 19, 2018 12:16 PM

To: Brenda Reiner breiner@cityofmolalla.com>

Subject: RE: Budget Request

Thanks Brenda for getting this in. You are first this year. See my questions in red below. Thanks.

Regards,

Gerald Fisher, P.E. | Public Works Director

City of Molalla

117 N Molalla Ave. | PO Box 248 |Molalla, OR 97038

Office: 503.829.6855 | Direct: 503.759.0218

From: Brenda Reiner breiner@cityofmolalla.com>

Sent: Monday, November 19, 2018 7:18 AM

To: Gerald Fisher gfisher@cityofmolalla.com>

Subject: Budget Request

Gerald,

A few items I would like to have funded:

$1500 for training and personal development. Do you have specific training in mind? We will have some 1 hr online available soon too.
$300 for safety equipment and shirts/rain coat/vest/hard hat
$400 reinbursement for PE exam This will need to be approved by the City Manager since your position does not require a PE.
$500 books/manuals/resources Do you have some specific books and manuals in mind?
$2000 furniture for my cubicle Noted. We may need to wrap this into the upcoming upgrade and move of Zinder so that it is coordinated. The upgrade is going to be in the upcoming budget so timing is good.

Thanks,

Brenda Reiner | Senior Engineering Technician

City of Molalla

117 N Molalla Ave. | PO Box 248 |Molalla, OR 97038

Office: 503.759.0243 I Fax: 503.829.3676