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8.A. - Page 23 of 72 On January 27, 2019, the governing Council of the American Library Association passed a resolution entitled "Resolution on Monetary Library Fines as a Form of Social Inequity' that established a policy statement "that the imposition of monetary library fines creates a barrier to the provision of library and information services," and urged libraries to move toward eliminating fines, and urged governing bodies of libraries to strengthen funding support for libraries to reduce the reliance on library fines as a revenue source. The equity issue is pronounced in Redwood City and North Fair Oaks. In an analysis of cardholder and demographic data by zip code, the percentage of library cards in each zip code blocked because of money owed corresponds directly with both the proportion of Latinx residents and with lower median household incomes. Other library jurisdictions, most notably San Francisco, have conducted in-depth analysis of the distribution of library fines within their communities, and the results have been consistent with our experience — low income residents and communities of color are those whose access to library services is most frequently impeded by overdue fines. Based on the period from July -December 2019, the current annual revenue from library overdue fines is estimated to be less than $40,000 per year. The increased usage of libraries, public relations benefits, and improved customer service interactions created by the elimination of overdue fines are all positive outcomes that offset this loss of revenue. However, the most compelling reason to eliminate daily overdue fines remains the fact that fines provide an access barrier to those most in need of library services. Staffing Reorganization Staff recommended that a 1.0 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) Building Inspector position be added to the budget while eliminating funding for a contract Building Inspector position. This new regular position is necessary because of the difficulty in identifying and retaining qualified staff. Due to consistent development activity in the region and similar needs across cities, the Community Development and Transportation Department has experienced consistent turnover of Building Division staff. Should development activity decrease, the new Building Inspector position could provide additional support to Code Enforcement operations as determined by department needs. A budget amendment will be requested, if needed, during the year-end budget amendment process. Additionally, due to recent staffing transitions, and to better support the City Council's Strategic Initiatives, the incumbent Deputy City Manager position is recommended for reclassification to Assistant City Manager, and will oversee priority areas including Housing, Economic Development, Communications/Community Engagement, and other citywide policy initiatives. A budget amendment will be requested, if needed, during the year-end budget amendment process. Finally, staff recommend updating the Classification Plan to reinstate the classification of Assistant to the City Manager. On December 16, 2019, the City Council approved use of the FY 2018-19 operating balance, distributing 80 percent toward unfunded liabilities and 20 percent toward City Council priorities. One of those actions was to approve funding for two years for administrative support in the City Manager's Office to advance City Council priority issues, including the top three Strategic Priorities. Staff intends to use these funds for a limited term (two year) Assistant to the City Manager position. This position will work closely with the City Manager, Assistant City Managers, and Department Heads to implement City Council policy directives and assist and participate in the development, implementation, and reporting of related goals, objectives, and policies. To move forward as intended, the Classification Plan must be updated to Page 23 of 26 City of Redwood City 1017 Middlefield Road, Redwood City, CA. 94063 Tel: 650-780-7000 www.redwoodcity.org 258