HomeMy WebLinkAbout1196th CSC MEETING1196th REGULAR MEETING OF THE
CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
The 1196th Regular Meeting of the Civil Service Commission was held on Thursday, January
15, 2004. The meeting was called to order at 5:30 P.M.
Members Present: Ronald E. Campau, Chairperson
Charlotte S. Mahoney
Harry C. Tatigian
Also Present:
Nora Brock, Clerk -Typist II Brian Wilson, Assistant Superintendent of
Yvonne Lillibridge, President, AFSCME Public Service
Union Local 192 David Woodcox, Director of Inspection
Vickey Steier, Animal Control Officer Mary E. Rulan, Human Resources Director
Cheryl Wallman, Chief Clerical Steward, Gretchen Guisbert, Secretary III
AFSCME Union Local 192
Upon a motion by Mr. Tatigian, seconded by Ms. Mahoney and unanimously adopted, it was
RESOLVED, That the revised minutes of the 1190 Regular Meeting held
Thursday, November 20, 2003, reflecting the corrected retirement date for
Marion Hansen, Program Supervisor, Inspection Department, be approved as
submitted.
Upon a motion by Mr. Tatigian, seconded by Ms. Mahoney and unanimously adopted, it was
RESOLVED, That the minutes of the 1195th Regular Meeting held Thursday,
December 5, 2003, be approved as submitted.
The Commission received and fled the Status of Temporary Employees Report for December
2003.
The Commission received and fled the Non -Resident Report as of January 1, 2004.
The Livonia Lieutenants and Sergeants Association (LLSA) Grievance #03-3, dated October
22, 2003, from Anthony Cracchiolo, Police Sergeant, regarding denial of request for tuition
reimbursement, was withdrawn, at the request of the Union to permit the bypass of Step 4 of
the grievance procedure and allow the grievant to proceed directly to Step 5 arbitration.
Discussion commenced regarding the letter of December 5, 2003, from Nora Brock, Clerk -
Typist II, as approved for submission by David M. Woodcox, Director of Inspection, requesting
approval of late dental reimbursement. Ms. Brock summarized that she didn't receive a dental
bill from her dentist for services provided October 29, 2002, until after the deadline for dental
turn -ins for the fiscal year 2001-02. She further stated that she was told a portion of the bill
would be denied due to contract language which states that "under no circumstances will
reimbursement be made for any requests submitted more than thirty (30) days after the fiscal
year end." The tum in deadline for that fiscal year had already passed. Ms. Brock stated she
incurred dental expenses that exceeded the amount her husband's insurance would cover.
Paget 1190th Regular Meeting January 15,2004
Ms. Brock continued that she saved the bill for almost a year and turned it in at the end of the
next fiscal year 2002-03 dental reimbursement period to eliminate the need for additional
paperwork.
Mr. Tatigian explained that the Civil Service Commission had denied, pursuant to language
outlined in collective bargaining agreements, previous requests for late dental reimbursement
submitted from Ms. Sogoian and Mr. Unruh, even though they had submitted their requests for
reimbursement much earlier in the following fiscal year.
Upon a motion by Mr. Tatigian, seconded by Ms. Mahoney and unanimously adopted, it was
RESOLVED, That after having reviewed the letter of December 5, 2003, from
Nora Brock, Clerk -Typist II, as approved for submission by David M. Woodcox,
Director of Inspection, requesting approval of late dental reimbursement and after
having had discussion with Ms. Brock, the Civil Service Commission does hereby
deny Ms. Brock's request on the basis of lack of timeliness.
Upon a motion by Mr. Tatigian, seconded by Ms. Mahoney and unanimously adopted, it was
RESOLVED, That having reviewed the letter of December 22, 2003, from Robert J.
Beckley, Director of Public Works, as approved for submission by former Mayor
Jack E. Kirksey, requesting permission to carry over excess vacation leave, the
Civil Service Commission does hereby approve Mr. Beckley's request to carry over
eight point seven five (8.75) days or seventy (70) excess vacation hours with the
understanding that these hours will be used in 2004;
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That no future request will be considered to
carry over excess vacation into 2005.
RESOLVED, That having reviewed the letter of December 8, 2003, from Michael
J. Boyle, Building Maintenance Foreman, as approved for submission by Robert
J. Beckley, Director of Public Works, requesting to carry over excess vacation
leave, the Civil Service Commission does hereby approve Mr. Boyle's request to
carry over two point seven five (2.75) days or twenty-two (22) excess vacation
hours into 2004;
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That no future request will be considered to
carry over excess vacation into 2005.
RESOLVED, That having reviewed the letter of December 26, 2003, from Peter
W. Bryant, Equipment Operator I, as approved for submission by Robert J.
Beckley, Director of Public Works, requesting to carry over excess vacation
leave, the Civil Service Commission does hereby approve Mr. Bryant's request to
carry over five point five (5.5) days or forty-four (44) excess vacation hours into
2004;
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That no future request will be considered to
carry over excess vacation into 2005.
Page 3 1190th Regular Meeting January 15,20N
RESOLVED, That having reviewed the letter of December 26, 2003, from Allen
Jagosz, Park Maintenance Worker III, as approved for submission by Robert J.
Beckley, Director of Public Works, requesting to carry over excess vacation
leave, the Civil Service Commission does hereby approve Mr. Jagosz's request
to carry over one point forty-four (1.44) days or eleven point five (11.50) excess
vacation hours into 2004;
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That no future request will be considered to
carry over excess vacation into 2005.
RESOLVED, That having reviewed the letter of December 19, 2003, from
Theresa P. MacDonald, Administrative Assistant, as approved for submission by
Robert J. Beckley, Director of Public Works, requesting to carry over excess
vacation leave, the Civil Service Commission does hereby approve Ms.
MacDonald's request to carry over five (5) days or forty (40) excess vacation
hours into 2004;
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That no future request will be considered to
carry over excess vacation into 2005.
RESOLVED, That having reviewed the letter of January 6, 2004, from Marcia A.
Reiser, Program Supervisor, as approved for submission by Robert J. Beckley,
Director of Public Works, requesting to carry over excess vacation leave, the Civil
Service Commission does hereby approve Ms. Reiser's request to carry over
three point five nine (3.59) days or twenty-eight point seventy-five (28.75) excess
vacation hours into 2004;
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That no future request will be considered to
carry over excess vacation into 2005.
RESOLVED, That having reviewed the letter of January 5, 2004, from Paul Sl.
Henry, Assistant Superintendent of Public Service, as approved for submission
by Robert J. Beckley, Director of Public Works, requesting to carry over excess
vacation leave, the Civil Service Commission does hereby approve Mr. Sl.
Henry's request to carry over eight (8) days or sixty-four (64) excess vacation
hours into 2004;
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That no future request will be considered to
carry over excess vacation into 2005.
The Civil Service Commission will reconsider the letter of December 30, 2003, from Matthew
Ream, Firefighter, as approved for submission by Alan W. Brandemihl, Jr., Fire Chief,
requesting to carry over excess vacation hours, at their next regular meeting of February 19,
2004.
Upon a motion by Ms. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Tatigian and unanimously adopted, it was
Page 1190th Regular Meeting January 15,2004
RESOLVED, That having reviewed the correspondence of January 2, 2004, from
David M. Woodcox, Director of Building Inspection, requesting a leave of
absence from the classified service, the Civil Service Commission does hereby
approve a leave of absence from the classified service for Mr. Woodcox for one
(1) year pursuant to Civil Service Commission RULE 16 Section 16.5
Appointment of an Employee in the Classified Service to a Position in the
Unclassified Service.
Upon a motion by Mr. Tatigian, seconded by Ms. Mahoney and unanimously adopted, it was
RESOLVED, That having reviewed the letter of January 7, 2004, from Jason W.
Desmond, former Engineering Assistant II, requesting reinstatement of
employment in the classification of Engineering Assistant II, with the City of
Livonia, and after having discussion with Mary E. Rutan, Human Resources
Director, and with the recommendation from Robert J. Beckley, Director of Public
Works, the Civil Service Commission hereby approves to hold in abeyance
approval to reinstate Mr. Desmond for one (1) year from the date of his
termination (July 11, 2003), subject to receipt of written documentation from a
substance abuse rehabilitation provider confirming that he has successfully
completed an appropriate treatment program, and conditioned upon the review
and concurrence from the City's Substance Abuse Professional (SAP).
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That upon his reemployment that Mr.
Desmond be subject to a one (1) year written probationary agreement which
shall stipulate that should he violate or breach the terms of his rehabilitation
program, and be absent or report to work under the influence due to renewed
substance abuse, he will be permanently discharged and denied future
reinstatements or reemployment with the City of Livonia in any capacity.
Discussion commenced concerning the letter of January 8, 2004, submitted by Vickey Steier,
Animal Control Officer. She summarized that she had a meeting with Brian Wilson, Assistant
Superintendent of Public Service and Marcia Reiser, Program Supervisor on November 24,
2003. A letter was later presented to Ms. Steier concerning behavior issues reviewed in the
meeting that she felt were incorrect and unjust. Ms. Steier requested the letter dated
December 9, 2003, be removed from her file. Ms. Mahoney clarified that Ms. Steier felt the
letter was disciplinary.
Brian Wilson stated that the letter was characterized as a follow-up to the meeting
summarizing what is expected of the employee. Mr. Wilson also stated that the Department
had no objection to removing the letter from Ms. Steier's file. Mr. Wilson stated that an FAP
consultant is currently assisting the Department with conflict resolution issues with employees
and facilitating the development of a performance review form which defines the duties
expected of employees. That position review form will be completed and placed in the file so
an employee will know whatjob duties and responsibilities are expected.
Mr. Tatigian stated the letter from the Department of December 9, 2003 indicated there had
been a series of complaints from various sources. Ms. Steier replied she did not feel that she
Pages 1190th Regular Meeting January 15,2004
ever acted in a non-professional manner. Mr. Tatigian continued that the Westland Humane
Society had commented as well as City employees.
Ms. Steier responded that the Humane Society had been her previous employer. Ms. Steier
continued that one of the problems was that there were issues with the contract with the City of
Livonia. Ms. Steier also stated that there was a relationship problem between her and David
Williams, Director of Operations.
Mr. Campau inquired if all the Humane Society complaints came from David Williams. Mr.
Wilson responded that he was not prepared to respond to Ms. Steier's complaints outside the
grievance procedure. He stated he had not seen any letters that Ms. Steier had provided the
Civil Service Commission. Ms. Mahoney inquired if the intent of the letter was to be
disciplinary in nature. Mr. Wilson replied that he didn't characterize the letters of August 11,
2003 and December 9, 2003 as disciplinary; rather, as a follow up to meetings regarding work
product and procedure. He reiterated that the Department had absolutely no objection to
removing the letter from her file. Mr. Wilson further stated that a detailed position review was
needed and they intend to do that.
Mr. Campau asked how long a disciplinary letter would remain in an employee file. Mr. Wilson
responded that if it was an oral reprimand reduced to writing, the length of time is six (6)
months; if it was a written reprimand, the length of time is eighteen (18) months.
Mr. Campau clarified that on August 11, 2003, the Animal Control Officers were mandated to
attend employee conflict resolution counseling. Ms. Steier responded that they met with
outside consultant, The Incident Management Team, to talk about issues and problems
between she and her coworker and the Department.
Ms. Mahoney clarified that the Department didn't have a problem with establishing a time when
the letter would be removed from the file. Mr. Wilson replied that removing the letter wouldn't
remove the responsibilities of the position. He also stated that a position review was currently
in the process of defining the specific roles, responsibilities and behaviors, which would be
adhered to by the Animal Control Officer employees.
Mr. Campau stated he viewed the letter as disciplinary and inquired if all the allegations from
the Humane Society were from one person. Mr. Wilson stated, "No; they were from several
people. Ms. Steier responded that nothing specific had been addressed to her. Ms. Steier
discussed problems that were encountered such as returning animals to owners and security
access codes for after hours being taken away, as well as Contract issues which she
expanded upon.
Ms. Mahoney restated the issue at hand was that Ms. Steier was asking for the letter to be
removed from her file. Mr. Tatigian indicated that previously discipline wasn't issued without it
first being approved by the Law Department. Ms. Lillibridge, President, AFSCME Union Local
192 stated that the Law Department still previews disciplinary letters. She also stated she
would not like to see this letter stay in Ms. Steier's file until guidelines are established. Ms.
Lillibridge summarized that Ms. Steier answered all the questions asked of her.
Ms. Steier referenced the December 17, 2003 letter to Mr. Kavanagh and stated it had been
left in the Human Resources Directors office by mistake. Ms. Rutan, Human Resources
Page 1190th Regular Meeting January 15,2004
Director, stated that under the Bullard-Plawicki Act, Ms. Steiers response could be attached if
the letter was determined to be disciplinary. Mr. Tatigian stated he didn't view the letter as
disciplinary, rather directional and constructive recommendations concerning future behavior.
Further, he stated, since the Department doesn't view it as a problem, that the letter be
removed from the file.
Upon a motion by Mr. Tatigian, seconded by Ms. Mahoney and unanimously adopted, it was
RESOLVED, That having reviewed the letter of January 8, 2004, from Vickey L.
Steier, Animal Control Officer, requesting the letter dated December 9, 2003,
from Brian Wilson and Jim Zoumbaris, to be removed from all files, and after
having discussion with Brian Wilson, Assistant Superintendent of Public Service;
Yvonne Lillibridge, President, AFSCME Union Local 192; and Mary E. Rutan,
Human Resources Director, the Civil Service Commission does hereby approve
to have the letter of December 9, 2003, retained in the Civil Service personnel file
for a period not to exceed two (2) months from issuance, to be removed on
February 9, 2004.
Upon a motion by Ms. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Tatigian and unanimously adopted, it was
RESOLVED, That having reviewed the letter of January 5, 2004, from Peter
Kunst, Police Chief, recommending an hourly rate increase for the Temporary
Classification of Police Reserve Officer, the Civil Service Commission does
hereby approve the recommended hourly rale increase from $7.25 to $10.00, to
be submitted to City Council for their review and consideration.
Upon a motion by Mr. Tatigian, seconded by Ms. Mahoney and unanimously adopted, it was
RESOLVED, That having reviewed the letter of January 8, 2004, from Robert J.
Beckley, Director of Public Works, and Kevin Roney, Public Utility Manager,
requesting an open -competitive examination for Building Mechanic III 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
By the closing date of this announcement, applicants must:
Be a citizen of the United States or resident alien with the right to work in
the United Slates; and
Have a high school diploma or a valid equivalency certificate; and
Have five (5) years full-time paid experience within the last ten (10) years in
the building maintenance trade performing building mechanic work; the
individual hired will be required, by the end of the probationary period, to
obtain a State of Michigan Mechanical Contractors License with a minimum
of classification codes #1 (Hydronic heating and cooling process piping), #2
(HVAC equipment), #6 (Unlimited heating service) and #8 (Unlimited
refrigeration and air conditioning service); and
Page 7 1196th Regular Meeting January 15, 2004
NOTE: A two (2) year Associate's Degree in Applied Science specializing
in healing and cooling may be counted towards the five (5) year full-time
paid work experience requirement.
Possess and maintain a valid drivers license and have an acceptable
driving record; and
Must have or be eligible for a valid Industrial Truck Driving Permit for
operation of a forklift.
CANDIDATES ARE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT ORIGINAL HIGH SCHOOL
DIPLOMA OR GED CERTIFICATE AND/OR TRANSCRIPTS BY THE DATE OF
THE INTERVIEW
PARTS OF EXAMINATION AND WEIGHTS
Written Test -50% Interview -50%
Background Investigation — Pass/Fail
NOTE: A maximum of fifteen (15) qualified applicants with the highest passing
score on the Written Test will be invited to the Interview part of the examination.
Applicants must pass the Written Test, Interview, and Background Investigation
parts of the examination in order to be placed on the eligible list.
The Department further requested that announcement of this examination be
held subject to Personnel Review Committee/Mayoral approval to fill the vacancy
at the Building Mechanic IV level, which has a current eligible list. Should this
request not be approved, they request the Building Mechanic 111 open -competitive
then be announced.
Upon a motion by Ms. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Tatigian and unanimously adopted, it was
RESOLVED, That having reviewed the expiring eligible lists for February 2004 -
Building Mechanic IV (846 o.c.), Building Mechanic II (1168 p.) and Equipment
Operator II (1138 p.), the Civil Service Commission does hereby extend the
eligible list for Building Mechanic IV (846 o.c.) for an additional six (6) months.
Upon a motion by Mr. Tatigian, seconded by Ms. Mahoney and unanimously adopted, it was
RESOLVED, That the Civil Service Commission does hereby approve the eligible
list for Program Supervisor (1181 p.).
Upon a motion by Ms. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Tatigian and unanimously adopted, it was
RESOLVED, That having reviewed the memorandum of January 7, 2004, from
Mary E. Rutan, Human Resources Director, requesting to change the Civil Service
Commission meeting for March 2004, the Civil Service Commission does hereby
approve to change the date for the March Civil Service Commission from March
18, 2004 to March 11, 2004.
Page 8 1190th Regular Meeting January 15, 2004
The Commission received and filed the following items:
a. Council Resolution from the meeting of December 3, 2003, with minutes being
approved December 17, 2003:
CR# 623-03 Resolution by Laura and Vandersloot, unanimously adopted,
appointing Matthew Henzi, 14314 Barbara, Livonia, Michigan 48154, to the
Zoning Board of Appeals effective immediately to fill the unexpired term of
Thomas J. Hagan, ending July 12, 2006, with all the authority and duties as set
forth in the said Zoning Ordinance and Act 207, and further provided that he
takes the Oath of Office as required in Chapter X, Section 2 of the City Charter,
to be administered by the Office of the City Clerk.
b. Council Resolutions from the meeting of December 17, 2003, with minutes being
approved January 14, 2004:
CR# 643-03 Approving grant classifications and compensation plan for staff
employment for fiscal year 2004 through the Department of Community
Resources for the period October 1, 2003, through September 30, 2004, with the
only benefit provided being holiday pay after the completion of 480 hours, and
subject to sufficient funding and these positions shall terminate at such time as
funding is no longer available.
CR# 669-03 Referring the subject of increases for Police Reserve Officer wages
for community events to the Civil Service Commission.
CR# 682-03 Approving the recommended salary and fringe benefit adjustments
for the classification of Deputy Police Chief and Police Captain for the period
December 1, 2003 through November 30, 2006.
C. Affirmative Action Report for December 2003.
Upon a motion by Mr. Tatigian, seconded by Ms. Mahoney and unanimously adopted, it was
RESOLVED, That the meeting be adjourned at 6:35 p.m.
Gretchen Guisbert, Secretary III
Ronald E. Campau, Chairperson
Page 9 1190th Regular Meeting January 15, 2004
Charlotte S. Mahoney, Commissioner
Harry C. Tatigian, Commissioner