HomeMy WebLinkAbout1257th CSC Meeting1257' REGULAR MEETING OF THE
CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
The 1257"' Regular Meeting of the Civil Service Commission was held on Wednesday,
February 18, 2009. The meeting was called to order at 5:36 p.m.
Members Present:
Members Absent:
Also Present
Daniel Haller, Firefighter
Charles Locke, President, AFSCME Union
Local 192
Ken Pakkala, Firefighter
Steve Schoonover, Vice -President,
AFSCME Union Local 192
Charlotte S. Mahoney (Acting) Chairperson
Harry C. Tatigian
Ronald Campau
Shadd A. Whitehead, Fire Chief
Brian Wilson, Superintendent of Public
Service
Robert F. Biga, Human Resources Director
Derrick L. Washington, Personnel Analyst II
Gretchen Guisbert, Secretary III
Charlotte Mahoney, Acting Chairperson, announced that Mr. Campau, Chairperson, was out
of town and therefore, she would step down to second all motions for the meeting.
Upon a motion by Mr. Tatigian, seconded by Ms. Mahoney and adopted, it was
09-17 RESOLVED, That the minutes of the 1256th Regular Meeting held
Wednesday, January 21, 2009, be approved as submitted.
Upon a motion by Mr. Tatigian, seconded by Ms. Mahoney and adopted, it was
09-18 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the letter of January 5, 2009,
from Glen Malone, Equipment Mechanic I, as approved for submission by Brian
Wilson, Superintendent of Public Service, requesting an unpaid medical leave of
absence, the Civil Service Commission does hereby confirm the administrative
approval of an unpaid medical leave of absence from January 22, 2009 through
April 21, 2009, subject to Mr. Malone submitting required medical documentation
from his physician.
09-19 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the letter of February 9, 2009,
from Linda Czemiak, Clerk -Typist II, as approved for submission by Linda
McCann, Director of Community Resources, requesting carry over of vacation
days based on a projected retirement dale of February 28, 2012, the Civil
Service Commission does hereby confirm the administrative approval to carry
over excess vacation days;
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the maximum number of days is fifty-
seven (57) as established in accordance with Civil Service Commission Rule 25,
LEAVES, Section 25.1 Annual Leave (Vacation), paragraph (f);
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the maximum number of days is based
upon the employee qualifying for the bonus vacation days for not using more
Page 2 1257" Regular Meeting February 18, 2009
than five (5) sick leave days annually in the three (3) years immediately prior to
retirement.
09-20 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the letter of February 6, 2009,
from Elizabeth Duggan, Accountant 111, as approved for submission by Michael T.
Slater, Director of Finance, requesting carry over of vacation days based on a
projected retirement date of February 28, 2012, the Civil Service Commission
does hereby confirm the administrative approval to carry over excess vacation
days;
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the maximum number of days is fifty-
seven (57) as established in accordance with Civil Service Commission Rule 25,
LEAVES, Section 25.1 Annual Leave (Vacation), paragraph (f);
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the maximum number of days is based
upon the employee qualifying for the bonus vacation days for not using more
than five (5) sick leave days annually in the three (3) years immediately prior to
retirement.
09-21 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the letter of January 30, 2009,
from Gay Ware, Administrative Assistant, as approved for submission by Linda
McCann, Director of Community Resources, requesting carry over of vacation
days based on a projected retirement date of January 31, 2012, the Civil Service
Commission does hereby confirm the administrative approval to carry over
excess vacation days;
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the maximum number of days is fifty-
seven (57) as established in accordance with Civil Service Commission Rule 25,
LEAVES, Section 25.1 Annual Leave (Vacation), paragraph (f);
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the maximum number of days is based
upon the employee qualifying for the bonus vacation days for not using more
than five (5) sick leave days annually in the three (3) years immediately prior to
retirement.
09-22 RESOLVED, That the Civil Service Commission does hereby
confirm the administrative approval of the passing point of 70% or 70 out of the
maximum score of 100 on the written test for Parks Foreman (1288 p.).
09-23 RESOLVED, That the Civil Service Commission does hereby
confirm the administrative approval of the eligible list for Building Mechanic IV —
Plumbing (919 o.c.).
The Commission received and fled the following:
a. Status of Temporary Employees Report for January 2009.
b. Non -Resident Report as of February 1, 2009.
C. Current Open -Competitive and Promotional Eligible Lists as of February 1,
2009.
Page 1257" Regular Meering February 18, 2009
d. Affirmative Action Report for January 2009.
Upon a motion by Mr. Tatigian, seconded by Ms. Mahoney and adopted, it was
09-24 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the expiring eligible lists for the
month of March 2009 — Computer Administrator (907 o.c.), Equipment Mechanic
1 (909 o.c.), Secretary III (908 o.c.), Tax Clerk 1 (906 o.c.), Clerk II (1272 p.) and
Deputy Police Chief (1276 p.), the Civil Service Commission does hereby
approve the extension of the Tax Clerk 1 (906 o.c.) list for six (6) months until
September 2009.
The Commission received and filed the following items:
Removal of Names from Active Eligible List report for the month of
February 2009 and confirms the following removals for the reasons
indicated in the report:
Building Inspector (916 o.c.):
Nicholas, Tony
Featherston, Paul
White, Andrew
Clerk -Typist 1 (889 o.c.):
Lundquist -Burton, Gail
Equipment Operator III (1250 p.):
Tutor, Brian
Locke, Charles
Police Dispatcher (913 o.c.)
Carlson, Tracey
Cameron, Angela
Kirk, Brian
Seay, Lynne
Kos, Kathleen
Vendilelli, Lauren
Rivers, Kathryne
McCulloch, Daryl
Hubbs, Amy
Bush, Deirdre
Hockenberry, Scott
Morrison, John
Police Service Aide (918 o.c.)
Dickens, Angela
Sewer Maintenance Worker 1 (1268 p.):
Sheridan, Philip
Cloutier, Keith
Page 4 1257" Regular Meeting February 18, 2009
Lee, Mildred
Sign Maintenance Worker 1 (1287 p.):
Szymanski, Gerald
Water Meter Repairer 1 (1254 p.):
Grzembski, Kenneth
Water Operations Mechanic 1 (1269 p.).
Cloutier, Keith
Widmer, Kenneth M.
Shinsky, Thomas
West, James
g. Council Resolution #06-09, from the meeting of January 14, 2009, with minutes
to be approved on January 28, 2009, approving the Premium Only Plan with
Essex Benefits Group allowing City employees to contribute for medical benefits
in pre -lax earnings on a voluntary basis beginning January 1, 2009 through
March 31, 2009 and renewed thereafter annually from April 1" through March
31''t and authorizing the Human Resources Director to execute a contract with
Essex Benefits Group.
h. Council Resolution #20-09, from the meeting of January 14, 2009, with minutes
to be approved on January 28, 2009, determining to take no further action
regarding the subject of the appointing authority for the position of City Attorney
and reporting/accountability responsibilities.
I. Council Resolutions #25-09 and #43-09, from the meeting of January 28, 2009,
with minutes to be approved on February 11, 2009, (CR #25-09) confirming the
reappointment of Jollietta Coleman, to the Board of Review and (CR #43-09)
approving the revised dates for City Council Meetings for 2009.
Upon a motion by Mr. Tatigian, seconded by Ms. Mahoney and adopted, it was
09-25 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the Departmental
Correspondence of February 3, 2009, from Michael Carlton, Battalion Chief, as
approved for submission by Shadd A. Whitehead, Fire Chief, requesting
permission to carry over vacation days in excess of the maximum based on a
new projected retirement date of January 5, 2012, the Civil Service Commission
does hereby approve Mr. Carlton's request to carry over excess vacation days up
to a maximum payout of sixty-eight (68) eight (8) hour days as provided by the
Livonia Fire Fighters Union contract.
09-26 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the Departmental
Correspondence of February 6, 2009, from Arthur Scott, Senior Fire Captain, as
approved for submission by Shadd A. Whitehead, Fire Chief, requesting
permission to carry over vacation days in excess of the maximum based on a
new projected retirement dale of February 28, 2012, the Civil Service
Commission does hereby approve Mr. Scott's request to carry over excess
vacation days up to a maximum payout of thirty-one (31) twenty-four (24) hour
days as provided in the Livonia Fire Fighters Union contract.
Page 5 1257" Regular Meeting February 18, 2009
09-27 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the letter of February 10, 2009,
from Anthony Bellono, Senior Police Officer, as approved for submission by
Robert Stevenson, Police Chief, requesting permission to carry over vacation
days in excess of the maximum based on a new projected retirement date of
February 28, 2012, the Civil Service Commission does hereby approve Mr.
Bellono's request to carry over excess vacation days up to a maximum payout of
sixty-eight (68) eight (8) hour days as provided in the Civil Service Commission
Rules and Regulations.
09-28 RESOLVED, that having reviewed the letter of February 9, 2009,
from Michael Bremenour, Senior Police Sergeant, as approved for submission by
Robert Stevenson, Police Chief, requesting permission to carry over vacation
days in excess of the maximum based on a new projected retirement date of
February 28, 2012, the Civil Service Commission does hereby approve Mr.
Bremenour's request to carry over excess vacation days up to a maximum
payout of sixty-eight (68) eight (8) hour days as provided in the Civil Service
Commission Rules and Regulations.
09-29 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the letter of February 9, 2009,
from Curtis Caid, Deputy Police Chief, as approved for submission by Robert
Stevenson, Police Chief, requesting permission to carry over vacation days in
excess of the maximum based on a new projected retirement date of February
28, 2012, the Civil Service Commission does hereby approve Mr. Caid's request
to carry over excess vacation days up to a maximum payout of sixty-eight (68)
eight (8) hour days as provided in the Civil Service Commission Rules and
Regulations.
09-30 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the letter of February 11, 2009,
from Roger Degen, Senior Police Sergeant, as approved for submission by
Robert Stevenson, Police Chief, requesting permission to carry over vacation
days in excess of the maximum based on a new projected retirement date of
February 28, 2012, the Civil Service Commission does hereby approve Mr.
Degen's request to carry over excess vacation days up to a maximum payout of
sixty-eight (68) eight (8) hour days as provided in the Civil Service Commission
Rules and Regulations.
0931 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the letter of February 9, 2009,
from Cheryl Henderson, Senior Police Officer, as approved for submission by
Robert Stevenson, Police Chief, requesting permission to carry over vacation
days in excess of the maximum based on a new projected retirement date of
January 31, 2012, the Civil Service Commission does hereby approve Ms.
Henderson's request to carry over excess vacation days up to a maximum
payout of sixty-eight (68) eight (8) hour days as provided in the Civil Service
Commission Rules and Regulations.
0932 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the letter of February 9, 2009,
from Wesley McKee, Senior Police Sergeant, as approved for submission by
Robert Stevenson, Police Chief, requesting permission to carry over vacation
days in excess of the maximum based on a new projected retirement date of
Page 6 1257" Regular Meeting February 18, 2009
February 28, 2012, the Civil Service Commission does hereby approve Mr.
McKee's request to carry over excess vacation days up to a maximum payout of
sixty-eight (68) eight (8) hour days as provided in the Civil Service Commission
Rules and Regulations.
0933 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the letter of February 9, 2009,
from Mark La Berge, Police Captain, as approved for submission by Robert
Stevenson, Police Chief, requesting permission to carry over vacation days in
excess of the maximum based on a new projected retirement date of February
28, 2012, the Civil Service Commission does hereby approve Mr. LaBerge's
request to carry over excess vacation days up to a maximum payout of sixty-
eight (68) eight (8) hour days as provided in the Civil Service Commission Rules
and Regulations.
09-34 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the letter of February 9, 2009,
from Benjamin McDermott, Police Captain, as approved for submission by
Robert Stevenson, Police Chief, requesting permission to carry over vacation
days in excess of the maximum based on a new projected retirement date of
February 28, 2012, the Civil Service Commission does hereby approve Mr.
McDermott's request to carry over excess vacation days up to a maximum
payout of sixty-eight (68) eight (8) hour days as provided in the Civil Service
Commission Rules and Regulations.
0935 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the letter February 9, 2009,
from Robert Stevenson, Police Chief, as approved for submission by Jack
Kirksey, Mayor, requesting permission to carry over vacation days in excess of
the maximum based on a new projected retirement dale of February 28, 2012,
the Civil Service Commission does hereby approve Mr. Stevenson's request to
carry over excess vacation days up to a maximum payout of sixty-eight (68) eight
(8) hour days as provided in the Civil Service Commission Rules and
Regulations.
0936 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the letter of February 9, 2009,
from David Sludt, Senior Police Sergeant, as approved for submission by Robert
Stevenson, Police Chief, requesting permission to carry over vacation days in
excess of the maximum based on a new projected retirement date of February
28, 2012, the Civil Service Commission does hereby approve Mr. Studt's request
to carry over excess vacation days up to a maximum payout of sixty-eight (68)
eight (8) hour days as provided in the Civil Service Commission Rules and
Regulations.
Derrick L. Washington, Personnel Analyst II, requested the postponement of the pay step
increase for Daniel Haller, Firefighter, in order to obtain all necessary information pertaining to
the specific hours of previous employment for Mr. Haller.
Shadd A. Whitehead, Fire Chief, stated that typically they look at the previous work experience
and through payroll records of the number of hours the employee worked. Those hours have
to equal one year of work with the Livonia Fire Department of 2912 hours. He referenced
Page 7 1257" Regular Meeting February 18, 2009
information from Novi Fire Department and Mr. Washington indicated there was another
employer involved.
Mr. Washington referred to other information received from Huron Valley and stated he tried to
ascertain the how many of the hours worked were prior to Mr. Haller becoming an employee of
the City of Livonia, but Huron Valley would not give the information to Mr. Washington.
Upon a motion by Mr. Tatigian:
09-37 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the Departmental
Correspondence of February 12, 2009, from Shadd A. Whitehead, Fire Chief,
requesting a pay step increase for Daniel Haller, Firefighter, the Civil Service
Commission does hereby refer this matter to Civil Service Department staff for
further review and a report and recommendation.
Ms. Mahoney supported the motion but asked for further clarification. However, no vote was
taken to adopt this resolution.
Ms. Mahoney clarified that Mr. Washington was not able to get the information from Mr.
Hallers previous employer due to privacy laws and therefore, it would be to Mr. Haller's benefit
to get some documentation from his previous employer as to his last day of work.
Mr. Washington requested that the information pertaining to Mr. Hallers employment be from
January 16, 2007 through February 12, 2008.
Robert Biga, Human Resources Director, suggested that if all the information comes back to
the Civil Service Department and it is verified, that the pay step increase be effective with
today's date. Ms. Mahoney asked Mr. Tatigian if he wished to revise his original resolution so
this matter did not have to be brought back to the Commission is all required information was
verified by Mr. Washington.
Mr. Tatigian revised his original motion as follows:
Upon a motion by Mr. Tatigian, seconded by Ms. Mahoney and adopted, it was
09-37 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the Departmental
Correspondence of February 12, 2009, from Shadd A. Whitehead, Fire Chief,
requesting a pay step increase for Daniel Haller, Firefighter, the Civil Service
Commission does hereby approve a pay step increase for Mr. Haller, to be
effective February 18, 2009, subject to the Civil Service Department being able to
confirm the information regarding the number of hours of Mr. Haller's previous
employment.
Upon a motion by Mr. Tatigian, seconded by Ms. Mahoney and adopted, it was
09-38 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the Departmental
Correspondence of February 12, 2009, from Shadd A. Whitehead, Fire Chief,
requesting a pay step increase for Ken Pakkala, Firefighter, the Civil Service
Page 8 1257" Regular Meeting February 18, 2009
Commission does hereby approve a pay step increase for Mr. Pakkala, to be
effective February 18, 2009.
Charles Locke, President, AFSCME Union Local 192, discussed the pending announcement of
the Water Meter Repairer 11, and requested that this examination be announced as a
promotional examination. He stated there is a Water Meter Repairer I that would meet the
qualifications for Water Meter Repairer 11 and they should be offered an opportunity to be
promoted from within before the announcement is run as an open -competitive examination.
Mr. Wilson explained that this position is one they have had difficulty filling in the past. He
continued that they have employees with the skills, but the employees just haven't had the
interest. He also stated this was run as an open -competitive examination the last time and
there were two (2) individuals apply, but for different reasons did not continue in the exam
process. Mr. Wilson clarified that the individual Mr. Locke is referring to could certainly test for
this examination and if their score put them in the range of the highest three individuals, their
name would be certified, being a union member. Mr. Wilson does not want to delay this
process.
Mr. Locke responded that the individual would receive seniority points based on years of City
service, however, there has been no sense of urgency to f11 this position until now. Mr. Wilson
explained the Department was unable to f11 it pending the results of one of the individual's
medical status.
Mr. Tatigian supported the Charter provision that favors promotion from within rather than
going to an open -competitive examination whenever possible. He asked Mr. Wilson if he was
taking a dual path to filling this position. Mr. Wilson advised there are two (2) positions that are
vacant. One (1) individual has expressed some interest in one of the vacancies. Mr. Tatigian
inquired if the Union had any objection to the second being filled by an open -competitive
examination and Mr. Locke replied no. Mr. Tatigian suggested that they run both a
promotional and an open -competitive examination simultaneously. He stated the Civil Service
Commission's function was only to approve or disapprove the item before them. He didn't see
any reason to deny the open -competitive.
Mr. Biga recommended they approve the promotional examination using the old qualifications
and then also approve the open -competitive examination after that.
Upon a motion by Mr. Tatigian, seconded by Ms. Mahoney and adopted, it was
09-39 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the letter of February 11, 2009,
from Brian Wilson, Superintendent of Public Service, requesting a promotional
examination for Water Meter Repairer II based on the previous qualifications and
parts of examination and weights, the Civil Service Commission does hereby
approve the announcement of a promotional examination for Water Meter
Repairer 11, and the following qualifications and parts of examination and weights:
Page 9 1257" Regular Meeting February 18, 2009
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 Department of Public Works; and
Have regular status as a Water Meter Repairer I and have at least one (1)
year of full-time paid experience in that classification; and
Must possess and maintain 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.
PARTS OF EXAMINATION AND WEIGHTS
Written Test -80% Interview -20%
Pursuant to AFSCME Local 192, Promotions 20.1b., in competitive examinations which include
Departmental Ratings, the Departmental Rating from 0 to 100 will count 20% of the
examination, but a score under 70 will not disqualify the candidate from continuing the
process.
Candidates must pass the written test to be placed on the eligible list.
Upon a motion by Mr. Tatigian, seconded by Ms. Mahoney and adopted, it was
09-40 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the letter of February 11, 2009,
from Brian Wilson, Superintendent of Public Service, and Patrick A. Hogan,
Director of Public Works, requesting an open -competitive examination 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 the announcement, applicants must:
1. Be a citizen of the United States or resident alien with the right to work in the
United States; and
2. Have a high school diploma or valid equivalency certificate; and
3. Have five (5) years experience in the maintenance and repair of water meters;
and
4. Be eligible for or possess and maintain a Michigan Department of
Environmental Quality S4 Water Distribution Certificate; and
5. Be eligible for or possess, and maintain a valid Group "A" or "B" Commercial
Drivers License with Air Brake; and
Page 10 1257" Regular Meeting February 18, 2009
6. Be eligible for or possess and maintain a valid Industrial Truck Driving Permit
for the operation of a forklift.
NOTE: An employee in this classification is subject to all requirements of the Federal Omnibus
Transportation Employee Testing Act of 1991, as amended.
Written Test -50% Interview -50%
Background Investigation — Pass/Fail
NOTE: The twelve (12) candidates with the highest passing score on the written lest will be
invited to the interview portion of the examination.
Upon a motion by Mr. Tatigian, seconded by Ms. Mahoney and adopted, it was
09-41 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the letter of February 18, 2009,
from Jack Kirksey, Mayor, requesting the establishment of a Deputy Fire Chief
classification, the Civil Service Commission does hereby approve the
establishment of the classification of Deputy Fire Chief and forwards same to City
Council for their approval.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the two-step salary range for this
classification, effective December 1, 2007 is:
Step 4 Maximum
$95,742.40 Annual $99,569.60 Annual
$3,682.40 Biweekly $3,829.60 Biweekly
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the classification will have the same
benefits as those extended to the Fire Chief.
Upon a motion by Mr. Tatigian, seconded by Ms. Mahoney and adopted, it was
09-42 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the letter of February 9, 2009,
from James Harper, Senior Police Officer, as approved for submission by Robert
Stevenson, Police Chief, requesting permission to carry over vacation days in
excess of the maximum based on a new projected retirement date of February
28, 2012, the Civil Service Commission does hereby approve Mr. Harpers
request to carry over excess vacation days up to a maximum payout of sixty-
eight (68) eight (8) hour days as provided in the Civil Service Commission Rules
and Regulations.
The Commission received and filed the Blue Cross Blue Shield monthly Health
Insurance Rates for March 1, 2009 through February 28, 2010.
Page 11 1257" Regular Meeting Febnuary 18, 2009
Upon a motion by Mr. Tatigian, seconded by Ms. Mahoney and adopted, it was
RESOLVED, That the meeting be adjourned at 5:59 p.m.
Gretchen Guisbert, Secretary III
Charlotte S. Mahoney, Acting Chairperson
Harry C. Tatigian, Commissioner