HomeMy WebLinkAbout1185th CSC MEETING1185th REGULAR MEETING OF THE
CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
The 1185th Regular Meeting of the Civil Service Commission was held on Thursday, February
20, 2003. The meeting was called to order at 5:31 P.M.
Members Present: Ronald E. Campau, Chairperson
Charlotte S. Mahoney
Harry C. Tatigian
Also Present:
Thomas Ambers, Sr. Police Sergeant
Robert J. Beckley, Director of Public Works
Todd Bredin, Sr. Police Lieutenant
Yvonne Lillibridge, President, AFSCME
Union Local 192
Daniel Loftus, Sr. Police Sergeant
Lisa Loftus, Wife of Sgt. Loftus
Katie Loftus, Daughter of Sgt. Loftus
Brian Mills, Mills and Motley, LLC
Kathleen Monroe, City Librarian, Acting
George Roumell, Jr., Attorney, Riley, Roumell
and Connolly
Derrick L. Washington, Personnel Analyst II
David G. Beecher, Personnel Analyst II
Aurora Vigil, Personnel Analyst I
Mary E. Rutan, Human Resources Director
Gretchen Guisberl, Secretary III
Upon a motion by Mr. Tatigian, seconded by Ms. Mahoney and unanimously adopted, it was
RESOLVED, That the minutes of the 1184'^ Regular Meeting held Thursday, January
16, 2003, be approved as submitted.
The Commission received and fled the Status of Temporary Employees Report for January
2003.
The Commission received and fled the January 14, 2003 medical statement received January
22, 2003; the Civil Service Department correspondence sent February 12, 2003; and the
response correspondence received February 14, 2003 conceming the extension of a medical
leave of absence regarding Virginia Wilson, Tax Clerk I.
The Commission received and fled the Non -Resident Reports as of February 2003.
Upon a motion by Mr. Tatigian, seconded by Ms. Mahoney and unanimously adopted, it was
RESOLVED, That having reviewed the letter of February 3, 2003, from Alan W.
Brandemihl, Jr., Fire Chief, requesting an extension of the probationary period for
Jonathan R. Pokrzywnicki, Firefighter, the Civil Service Commission does hereby
approve an extension of the original probationary period for six (6) months from
the date Mr. Pokrzywnicki is medically approved to return to work without
restrictions.
Upon a motion by Ms. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Tatigian and unanimously adopted, it was
Paget 1185th Regular Meeting February 20, 2003
RESOLVED, That having reviewed the letter of February 13, 2003, from Robert
J. Beckley, Director of Public Works, and Kevin G. Roney, Public Utility Manager,
requesting an extension of the lateral transfer probationary period for Walter
Rost, Custodian (PFT), the Civil Service Commission does hereby grant the
extension of the lateral transfer probationary period for Mr. Rost, to May 7, 2003,
pursuant to AFSCME Union Local 192 Contract, Article 19, TRANSFERS C.6., to
allow for further evaluation of his skills and performance in the Custodian (PFT)
position.
Upon a motion by Mr. Tatigian, seconded by Ms. Mahoney and unanimously adopted, it was
RESOLVED, That having reviewed the letter of February 3, 2003, from Robert J.
Beckley, Director of Public Works, transmitting the letter of January 27, 2003,
from Charon Normand -Widmer, requesting consideration for employment
reinstatement, the Civil Service Commission does hereby grant this request,
pursuant to Civil Service Commission Rules and Regulations, RULE 16,
CERTIFICATION, APPOINTMENT AND REINSTATEMENT, Section 16.6
Reinstatement; subject to approval by the Personnel Review Committee (PRC);
and subject to Ms. Normand -Widmer passing a pre-employment medical
examination conducted by the City Physician.
Upon a motion by Ms. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Tatigian and unanimously adopted, it was
RESOLVED, That having reviewed the letter of January 30, 2003, from Jack E.
Kirksey, Mayor, recommending salary and fringe benefit adjustments for the
classification of Fire Chief, the Civil Service Commission does hereby approve
the recommended salary and fringe benefit adjustments for the period December
1, 2002 through November 30, 2005, pursuant to the attached summary;
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That all other fringe benefits not elaborated
in the attached summary as extended to Livonia Fire Fighters in their December
1, 2002 through November 3, 2005 Agreement be afforded to the classification of
Fire Chief,
AND BE IT
FURTHER RESOLVED,
That this
resolution
is to
be effective
immediately
and is hereby submitted
to City
Council for
their
review and
concurrence.
Upon a motion by Mr. Tatigian, seconded by Ms. Mahoney and unanimously adopted, it was
RESOLVED, That having reviewed the letter of February 18, 2003, from Robert
J. Schron, City Engineer, on behalf of Jason Desmond, Engineering Assistant II,
requesting an extension of an unpaid medical leave of absence, the Civil Service
Commission does hereby approve an extension to the unpaid medical leave of
absence for Mr. Desmond for eight (8) weeks from February 1, 2003 through
March 31, 2003.
Page 1185th Regular Meeting Febmary 20, 2003
Upon a motion by Ms. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Tatigian and unanimously adopted, it was
RESOLVED, That having reviewed the information received on January 20,
2003, from Brian Mills, Mills 8 Motley, L.L.C., and memorandum of February 11,
2003, from Aurora Vigil, Personnel Analyst I, regarding same, the Civil Service
Commission does hereby approve the new HMO Medical Insurance rates for
Health Alliance Plan (HAP) and Blue Care Network (BCN), to be effective March
1, 2003 through February 28, 2004.
Upon a motion by Mr. Tatigian, seconded by Ms. Mahoney and unanimously adopted, it was
RESOLVED, That having reviewed the letter of January 13, 2003, from Robert J.
Schron, City Engineer, requesting a promotional examination for Engineering
Assistant II and proposed qualifications and parts of examination and weights,
and after having had discussion with Robert J. Beckley, Director of Public Works;
Yvonne Lillibridge, President, AFSCME Union Local 192 and Mary E. Rutan,
Human Resources Director, the Civil Service Commission does hereby approve
the following qualifications and parts of examination and weights:
QUALIFICATIONS
This examination is open only to employees of the City of Livonia, who, by the
closing date of the announcement:
Have regular status in the classification of Engineering Assistant I, and;
Have at least two (2) years of full time work experience in the classification
of Engineering Assistant I.
Written Test -80% Departmental Rating -20%
Pursuant to AFSCME Local 192, PROMOTIONS 20.b., in competitive
examinations, which include Department Ratings, the Departmental Rating form 0
to 100 will count 20% of the examination, but a score under 70 will not disqualify
the candidate from continuing the process.
Upon a motion by Mr. Tatigian, seconded by Ms. Mahoney and unanimously adopted, it was
RESOLVED, That having reviewed the letter of February 11, 2003, from Barbara
Lewis, City Librarian, requesting a promotional examination for Library Aide II
and proposed qualifications and parts of examination and weights, the Civil
Service Commission does hereby approve the following qualifications and parts
of examination and weights:
QUALIFICATIONS
Page 1165th Regular Meeting February 20, 2003
This examination is open only to employees of the City of Livonia, who, by the closing date of
this announcement are:
Currently employed in the Library Department; and
Have regular status as a Library Aide I; and
Have completed the equivalent of three (3) years full-time paid experience
as a Library Aide I in the circulation area.
PARTS OF EXAMINATION AND WEIGHTS
Written Test -40% Interview -40% Departmental Rating -20%'
'In the event there is only one qualified applicant for the position, the Parts of Examination and
Weights will be 100% Departmental Rating.
Pursuant to AFSCME Local 192 contract, PROMOTIONS, 20.B., in competitive examinations
which include Departmental Ratings, the Departmental Rating from 0 to 100 will count as 20%
of the examination, but a score of under 70 will not disqualify the candidate from continuing the
process.
Upon a motion by Mr. Tatigian, seconded by Ms. Mahoney and unanimously adopted, it was
RESOLVED, That having reviewed the letter of February 12, 2003, from Robert
J. Beckley, Director of Public Works, and James M. Zoumbaris, Superintendent
of Public Service, requesting a promotional examination for Roads Foreman and
proposed qualifications and parts of examination and weights, the Civil Service
Commission does hereby approve the following qualifications and parts of
examination and weights:
QUALIFICATIONS
This examination is open only to employees of the City of Livonia who, by the closing date of
this announcement, are:
1. Employed in the Public Service Division of the Department of Public
Works; and
2. Have regular status as a Construction Worker II; and
3. Have a minimum of two (2) years experience as a Construction Worker II.
PARTS OF EXAMINATION AND WEIGHTS
Written Examination -35% Interview -35% Departmental Rating -30%'
`In the event there is only one qualified applicant for this position, the Parts of the Examination
and Weights will be 100% Departmental Rating.
Pages 1185th Regular Meeting Febmary 20, 2003
Upon a motion by Mr. Tatigian, seconded by Ms. Mahoney and unanimously adopted, it was
RESOLVED, That having reviewed the letter of February 12, 2003, from Robert
J. Beckley, Director of Public Works, and Brian Wilson, Assistant Superintendent
of Public Service, requesting a promotional examination for Sign Maintenance
Worker I and proposed qualifications and parts of examination and weights, and
having had discussion with Robert J. Beckley, Director of Public Works; Yvonne
Lillibridge, President, AFSCME Union Local 192; and Mary E. Rutan, Human
Resources Director, regarding an employee in the classification of Sign
Maintenance Worker I performing snow and ice removal, and adding the
language 'subject to departmental needs as outlined in the Emergency Snow
Removal Policy, in the Description of Work section of the official announcement,
the Civil Service Commission does hereby approve the following qualifications
and parts of examination and weights:
QUALIFICATIONS
This examination is open only to employees of the City of Livonia who, by the
closing date of this announcement are:
Employed in the Public Service Division of the Department of Public
Works; and
Have regular status in a permanent classification; and
Must be eligible for either a Temporary Instruction Permit (TIP), or have
a valid Group "A" or "B" Commercial Drivers License with Air Brake, and
must have or be eligible for, a valid Industrial Truck Driving Permit for
operation of a forklift. An employee in this classification is subject to all
requirements of the Federal Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing
Act of 1991, as amended.
Written Test -80% Departmental Rating -20%
Pursuant to AFSCME Local 192, PROMOTIONS 20 B., in competitive examinations which
include Departmental Ratings, the Departmental Rating from 0 to 100 will count as 20% of the
examination, but a score under 70 will not disqualify the candidate from continuing the
process.
Upon a motion by Ms. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Tatigian and unanimously adopted, it was
RESOLVED, That having reviewed the expiring eligible list for the month of
March 2003 — Account Clerk 1 (835 o.c.) and Equipment Operator III (1153 p.),
the Civil Service Commission does hereby approve to extend the eligible list for
Account Clerk 1 (835 o.c.) and Equipment Operator III (1153 p.) for an additional
six (6) months.
Page 6 1185th Regular Meeting February 20, 2003
Upon a mofion by Mr. Tatigian, seconded by Ms. Mahoney and unanimously adopted, it was
RESOLVED, That the Commission does hereby approve the eligible list for
Building Mechanic II (1168 p.).
RESOLVED, That the Commission does hereby approve the eligible list for
Program Supervisor (1169 p.).
RESOLVED, That the Commission does hereby approve the eligible list for
Police Dispatcher (851 o.c.).
The Commission received and filed the following items:
a) Council Resolutions from the meeting of January 15, 2003 with minutes to be
approved January 29, 2003:
CR# 05-03 Approving the Grant Classifications and compensation plan for staff
employment for fiscal year 2003 through the Department of Community
Resources for the period October 1, 2002, through September 30, 2003, with the
only benefit provided being holiday pay after the completion of 480 hours.
CR# 18-03 Approving the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City of
Livonia and the Livonia Firefighters Union, Local 1164, for the period December
1, 2002 through November 30, 2005.
b) Council Resolutions from the meeting of January 29, 2003 with minutes to be
approved February 12, 2003:
CR# 26-03 Confirming the reappointment of Ms. Jolietta Coleman, 14174
Richfield, Livonia, Michigan 48154, to the Board of Review for a term of three
years commencing February 17, 2003, and expiring on February 16, 2006.
CR# 32-03 Approving the reappointment of Gerald Taylor, 36734 Sunnydale,
Livonia, Michigan 48154, to the Economic Development Corporation of the City
of Livonia Board of Directors for a term expiring June 7, 2008, the Council does
hereby confirm and approve such reappointment.
Response to letter of January 20, 2003, from Ruth Love, Clerk Typist II,
requesting a copy of the Civil Service Commission resolution and payroll formula
that addresses the extension of supplemental military pay to Guard/Reserve
members that are employed by the City of Livonia.
d) Affirmative Action Report for January 2003.
Upon a motion by Mr. Tatigian, seconded by Ms. Mahoney and unanimously adopted, it was
RESOLVED, That having reviewed the Departmental Correspondence dated
February 19, 2003, from Thomas J. Clark, Jr., Assistant Driver, as approved for
submission by Alan W. Brandemihl, Jr., Fire Chief, requesting a military leave of
Page ] 1185th Regular Meeting February 20, 2003
absence, the Civil Service Commission does hereby approve Mr. Clark's request
for a military leave of absence commencing February 25, 2003 for up to one (1)
year with the understanding he will provide a copy of his official orders issued by
the Army Reserves Unit.
The Commission recessed at 6:00 p.m. and reconvened at 6:05 p.m.
Upon a motion by Mr. Tatigian, seconded by Ms. Mahoney and unanimously adopted, it was
RESOLVED, That having reviewed the Livonia Police Lieutenants and Sergeants
Association (LLSA) Grievance 2002-01, dated December 18, 2002, from Daniel
Loftus, Senior Police Sergeant, regarding denial of dental reimbursement for
service rendered in FY 2000-01, and submitted after January 1, 2003, and after
having discussion with George Roumell, Attorney, Riley, Roumell and Connolly,
the Civil Service Commission does hereby grant the request for dental
reimbursement, based on extraordinary circumstances.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this grievance was approved on the
basis of the individual merits of this case and should not be considered
precedent setting.
Lieutenant Todd Bredin, former President of the Livonia Police Lieutenants and Sergeants
Association (LLSA), presented Grievance 2002-02 on behalf of the grievant, Sgt. Daniel Loftus.
Briefly, Lt. Bredin stated that Sgt. Loftus purchased a dental insurance policy for himself and
his family during FY 2001-02 (December 1, 2001 through November 30, 2002). The cost of
the premium was $354.90. He submitted a timely request for reimbursement of that amount.
His request was denied based upon the determination that the insurance plan was not an
actual dental service. The Union's position is that the contract does not distinguish between
dental services and expenses. Further, he argued that the Livonia Police Officer's Association
(LPDA) arbitration over the Optical benefit plan allowed the purchase of optical insurance, in
lieu of reimbursement for specific optical services. Sgt. Loftus testified that the language in the
labor contract, Article 20.M.4., which states "an employee who has been or will be reimbursed
for dental expenses by a dental plan other than the City plan or from some other source, will
not be eligible to receive reimbursement from the City of Livonia," is not applicable. His dental
insurance plan did not reimburse him; rather, it only paid the dentist for charges relating to his
daughter's $10,000 to $12,000 orthodontic expenses.
George Roumell, Jr., Labor Counsel for the City, presented the management response to the
grievance. Briefly, he reported the contract language, as stated in the LLSA agreement, as
well as all other City of Livonia employee labor contracts, has been in effect for over 25 years.
The language stales that the City will provide a dental reimbursement program. Recent
negotiations permitted up to five (5) years of annual benefit accumulation, but the request for a
"dental insurance program" was rejected at the bargaining table. Mr. Roumell reviewed the
LPDA arbitration regarding P.O. Kahn's request for reimbursement for optical insurance. The
LPDA Union attorney's brief argued that the Optical and Dental programs were not the same
and that the Dental reimbursement program only paid benefit after an employee received and
paid for specific services. Therefore, he stated, to grant the LLSA grievance 2002-03 was
Page 8 1185th Regular Meeting February 20, 2003
contrary to the language of the centrad, the practice for over years in the dental
reimbursement program and the LPDA Optical plan arbitration.
Lt. Bredin reiterated that the contract states reimbursement for expenses, not services.
Commissioner Mahoney clarified expenses refers to dental services not the purchase of added
insurance. Commissioner Campau stated the City has a long-standing past practice to
reimburse for dental service provided and has not negotiated to change the practice.
Commissioner Tatigian commended Sgt. Loftus for the intelligent decision to purchase
insurance. He must, however, base his determination on how the centrad provision has been
interpreted in the past since there is no clear cut language that says the employee is entitled to
reimbursement for purchase of dental insurance.
Upon a motion by Ms. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Tatigian and unanimously adopted, it was
RESOLVED, That having reviewed the Livonia Police Lieutenants and Sergeants
Association (LLSA) Grievance 2002-02, dated December 20, 2002, from Daniel
Loftus, Senior Police Sergeant, regarding denial of reimbursement of dental
insurance premium payments, and after having had discussion with Todd Bredin,
Senior Police Lieutenant and past LLSA President; Sergeant Daniel Loftus; and
George Roumell, Attorney, Riley, Roumell and Connolly; and the Civil Service
Commission does hereby deny this grievance.
Upon a motion by Mr. Tatigian, seconded by Ms. Mahoney and unanimously adopted, it was
RESOLVED, That the Commission refers the Livonia Police Officers Association
(LPOA) Grievance 0349, dated January 28, 2003, from Kenneth Hitchcock,
Senior Police Officer, regarding denial of dental reimbursement, to the next
regular Civil Service Commission meeting on March 20, 2003.
Upon a motion by Mr. Tatigian, seconded by Ms. Mahoney and unanimously adopted, it was
RESOLVED, That the meeting be adjourned at 6:40 p.m.
Gretchen Guisberl, Secretary III
Ronald E. Campau, Chairperson
Page 9 1105th Regular Meeting February 20, 2003
Charlotte S. Mahoney, Commissioner
Harry C. Tatigian, Commissioner