HomeMy WebLinkAbout1274th CSC Meeting (July)1274' REGULAR MEETING OF THE
CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
The 1274'^ Regular Meeting of the Civil Service Commission was held on Wednesday,
July 21, 2010. The meeting was called to order at 5:33 p.m.
Members Present:
Also Present:
Charles Locke, President, AFSCME Union
Local 192
Dominic Romano, Chief Clerical Steward,
AFSCME Union Local 192
Steve Schoonover, Vice -President,
AFSCME Union Local 192
Debra Seeman, Executive Board Member,
AFSCME Union Local 192
Charlotte S. Mahoney, Chairperson
Harry C. Tatigian
Ronald E. Campau
Shadd A. Whitehead, Fire Chief
Brian Wilson, Superintendent of Public
Service
Robert F. Biga, Human Resources Director
Gretchen Guisbert, Secretary III
Upon a motion by Mr. Tatigian, seconded by Mr. Campau and unanimously adopted, it was
10-348 RESOLVED, That the minutes of the 1273rd Regular Meeting held
Thursday, June 17, 2010, be approved as submitted.
Upon a motion by Mr. Tatigian, seconded by Mr. Campau and unanimously adopted, it was
10349 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the memorandum of July 15,
2010, from Vickie Wuerth, Personnel Clerk, to Robert F. Biga, Human Resources
Director, regarding the passing point for the written examination for Equipment
Mechanic II (1311 p.), the Civil Service Commission does hereby affirm the
administrative approval of the passing point of 70% or a score of 70 out of a
maximum score of 100 for the written examination for Equipment Mechanic II
(1311 p.).
10350 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the memorandum of July 19,
2010, from Gretchen Guisbert, Secretary III, to Robert F. Biga, Human
Resources Director, regarding the passing point for the written examination for
Fire Equipment Mechanic (929 o.c.), the Civil Service Commission does hereby
affirm the administrative approval of the passing point of 70% or a score of 70 out
of a maximum score of 100 for the written examination for Fire Equipment
Mechanic (929 o.c.).
10351 RESOLVED, That the Civil Service Commission does hereby
confirm the administrative approval of the eligible list for Equipment Mechanic II
(1311 p.).
Paget 1274th Regular Meeting July 21, 2010
The Commission received and fled the following:
Status of Temporary Employees Report for June 2010.
Non -Resident Report as of July 1, 2010.
Current Open -Competitive and Promotional Eligible Lists as of
July 1, 2010.
Affirmative Action Report for June 1, 2010.
Removal of names from active eligible list report for the month of
June 2010. No changes.
Council Resolutions from the June 21, 2010 meeting, with minutes to be
approved July 7, 2010:
#219-10, reappointing Sam Caramagno, to the Zoning Board of Appeals
for a three-year term expiring July 12, 2013.
#220-010, reappointing Craig S. Pastor, to the Zoning Board of Appeals
for a three-year term expiring July 12, 2013.
Letters dated July 1, 2010, to AFSCME Union Locals 192 & 1917 and
LPDA regarding the termination of the collective bargaining agreements
and letters to LFFU and LLSA regarding discussions on the financial state
of the City.
Expiring eligible lists for the month of August 2010 — None.
Upon a motion by Mr. Campau, seconded by Mr. Tatigian and unanimously adopted, it was
10-352 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the Departmental
Correspondence of June 21, 2010, from Thomas Maher, Senior Police
Lieutenant, as approved for submission by Robert Stevenson, Police Chief,
requesting an extension of the three-year vacation day carry over limit in
anticipation of retirement based on a revised retirement date of June 21, 2013,
the Civil Service Commission does hereby approve this request;
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the employee must reduce his vacation
balance to thirty-two (32) days, effective December 31, 2012, since his basic
vacation credit on January 1, 2013, is twenty-seven (27) working days, and the
maximum number of days the employee can have in the vacation bank is 59;
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the maximum number of days payable
at retirement will be increased by any bonus vacation days earned for not using
more than five (5) sick leave days in the last three years of employment;
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that it is the employee's responsibility to
manage his vacation time to avoid losing excess accrued time prior to retirement
by scheduling sufficient time off prior to retirement, subject to the operating
needs of the department.
Page 1474th Regular Meeting July 21, 2010
Robert Biga, Human Resources Director, explained that Kimberly Griffen, Firefighter, has
requested an additional extension of an unpaid personal leave of absence. He further
explained that Ms. Griffen had twins and used all the time permitted under FMLA. Chief
Whitehead was present to discuss the issue.
Shadd A. Whitehead, Fire Chief, stated the Civil Service Commission had previously granted
Ms. Griffen a sixty-day unpaid leave of absence which expired on July 8, 2010. The next
option for Ms. Griffen is to either submit a letter of resignation or return to work. At this point
Ms. Griffen was hoping to get an extension to her unpaid leave of absence and returning to
work after that.
Ms. Mahoney inquired if Ms. Griffen realized this is something that has never been done
before. Mr. Tatigian stated it would set a bad precedent. Chief Whitehead said it was his
hope that she would return to work because she was one of his best employees and has
been with the organization for over ten (10) years. The Chief added that he hoped he had
the opportunity to gain her back because if she resigns, the outlook for the Department is
bleak in terms of hiring for the next three (3) years.
Mr. Tatigian stated he would probably rule to approve the extension as long as there was a
condition that this would not constitute a precedent for any other similar matter. Mr. Biga
pointed out that if an employee is off work on an FMLA leave and does not return to work,
the employee would be responsible for the cost of their health insurance. Mr. Tatigian also
stated this constituted the final extension. Ms. Mahoney recommended that if in the next
sixty (60) days Ms. Griffen chooses not to return to work, she will be notified that she will be
billed for any costs incurred by the City for benefits paid on her behalf.
Upon a motion by Mr. Campau, seconded by Mr. Tatigian and unanimously adopted, it was
10-353 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the Departmental
Correspondence of June 28, 2010, from Kim Griffen, Firefighter, as approved for
submission by Shadd A. Whitehead, Fire Chief, requesting an additional sixty
(60) day unpaid leave of absence, and against the objection of the Human
Resources Director, the Civil Service Commission does hereby approve
Ms. S iffer's request for an additional sixty (60) day unpaid personal leave of
absence beginning July 8, 2010, with the stipulation that if Ms. Griffen does not
return to work for "at least thirty (30) calendar days," as specified in the Family
Medical Leave Act, she will be billed for any costs incurred by the City for
benefits paid on her behalf while she was on an unpaid personal leave of
absence;
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this action
constitutes
the
final
extension of an unpaid personal leave of absence for
Ms. Griffen
and
this
approval is not precedent setting.
Charles Locke, President, AFSCME Union Local 192, explained that he and Mr. Biga have
discussed the request for a promotional examination for Clerk -Typist 11 from Robert
Page 1474th Regular Meeting July 21, 2010
Stevenson, and stated this examination is for someone that is not even in the Clerk -Typist
sequence to be promoted to a Clerk -Typist 11. He further stated there is no opportunity for
the rest of the City employees who are qualified applicants. Mr. Locke stated there was a
similar discussion last week when there was concem about the Police Department
employees. He stated these employees are not Police Officers, they are Clerks. Ms.
Mahoney advised that qualification #3 states the employee must have a minimum of two (2)
years of experience in the classification of Clerk -Typist I or in an equivalent or higher
classification. Mr. Locke believed they would make the employee a Clerk -Typist I and then
turn them into a Clerk -Typist 11.
Ms. Mahoney clarified that if an announcement for a Clerk -Typist 11 is approved, then the
position will be filled as a Clerk -Typist 11, not as a Clerk -Typist 1. Mr. Locke asked Mr. Biga to
elaborate.
Robert Biga, Human Resources Director, explained that the Department would like to have
all the clerical staff be employed in the Clerk -Typist classification. If they were to have this
person become a Clerk -Typist 1, it would actually result in a reduction in pay. This employee
is a Clerk 11 now who makes more than a Clerk -Typist 1. As part of the background
information, this has occurred before in the Police Department, Civil Service Department,
Fire Department, Building Inspection and Engineering, where employees were required to
have status in a Clerk -Typist I or classification at the same or higher pay level to qualify for
promotion to a Clerk -Typist 11. In this particular case, we propose to use the same
qualification which states that the employee must have regular status as a Clerk -Typist I or
classification at the same or higher pay level. This would be consistent to what has been
done in other Departments as well as the Police Department.
Mr. Campau inquired if the Union was objecting to the "equivalent or higher classification"
language. Mr. Locke stated yes. Mr. Tatigian advised this is similar to what has been done
going back to 1985. Mr. Locke informed the Commission that there were other examples of
announcements that were open to other City employees. Mr. Locke stated he was receiving
objections from several Union members. Mr. Campau inquired if the Union wanted this to be
open City wide to all employees, no matter what Department they worked in. Mr. Campau
stated the Union needed to negotiate that. Mr. Tatigian stated that what the Union was
asking was counter to what has been done for a long time and he was going to vote to
approve this as submitted.
Mr. Locke asked if this matter could be tabled until after the next agenda item. Ms. Mahoney
stated there was already a motion on the floor.
Upon a motion by Mr. Tatigian, seconded by Mr. Cant and unanimously adopted, it was
354-10 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the letter of June 22, 2010, from
Robert Stevenson, Police Chief, requesting a promotional examination for Clerk -
Typist II and proposed qualifications and parts of examination and weights, and
having discussion with Charles Locke, President, AFSCME Union Local 192; the
Civil Service Commission does hereby approve the following qualifications and
parts of examination and weights:
Pages 1274th Regular Meeting July 21, 2010
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 Livonia Police Department; and
Have regular status; and
Have a minimum of two (2) years of experience in the classification of
Clerk Typist I or in an equivalent of higher classification.
PARTS OF EXAMINATION AND WEIGHTS
Performance Test -60%' Departmental Rating -40%`
Candidates must pass the performance test and departmental rating in order to be placed on
the eligible list.
Pursuant to AFSCME Local 192, PROMOTIONS 20.1b., 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.
Charles Locke, President, AFSCME Union Local 192, stated that regarding the request for a
promotional examination at DPW, the Department was being inconsistent and the last two (2)
times this specific position was filled, it was filled through an open -competitive examination in
which everyone in the City would have an opportunity to take, along with the rest of the
general public if they were qualified. Now the Department wants to limit this to someone in
the Department of Public Works and once again there are several employees throughout the
City that have expressed interest in becoming an Account Clerk I. The Union is requesting
the City remain consistent, although limiting it to a promotional rather than an open -
competitive examination with the previous qualifications.
Brian Wilson, Superintendent of Public Service, responded that it was within the
Department's prerogative by City Charter to request an open -competitive vs. a promotional
examination and he understood the Union's concerns about an open -competitive
examination. He stated this was a promotional opportunity and more than one (1) employee
can apply for this. Mr. Wilson informed the Commission that the Department puts up
postings as a routine that narrows the opportunity for employees to take those positions. He
added that the Union has in some cases asked that requirements be narrowed. Mr. Wilson
also explained that this was the lowest level in the series.
Mr. Tatigian stated he noticed that in 1985 the announcement referred to Public Service
employees and this announcement refers to employees in the Public Service Division
Administration Section. He asked what "Administration Section" meant and if this was a
separate and distinct area in DPW. The Administration section is a separate budget code
within the Department of Public Services. Mr. Biga responded that in prior examinations
applicants had not been restricted to the Administration Section. Mr. Tatigian asked why this
Page 1274th Regular Meeting July 21, 2010
is listed on the current announcement this way. If the words "Administration Section" were
removed, then the announcement would be the same as it was in 1985 and the Union
hopefully, would not have an argument. Mr. Locke stated that was fine for employees in
DPW but what about employees in City Hall? Mr. Tatigian believed that employees in DPW
have a more specialized knowledge. The Union objection is that this was an open -
competitive examination the last two (2) times it was announced. Mr. Tatigian reminded Mr.
Locke that the Union has always preferred a promotional opportunity, so why would they
argue that now? Mr. Locke stated the Union was looking for a promotional examination to be
offered throughout the City. Ms. Mahoney stated that should be something that is
negotiated.
Mr. Tatigian asked Mr. Wilson if removing the words "Administrative Section" was
acceptable. Mr. Wilson stated it would not make any difference to the Department.
Dominic Romano, Chief Clerical Steward, AFSCME Union Local 192, staled he was the last
Account Clerk I in DPW and he didn't see that there was much of a difference in duties
compared to what he does now in Water and Billing. He indicated there was proprietary
software, which anyone would have to learn and in some cases he knew of employees that
still don't know how to use that software, so anyone new coming in would have to learn that.
Mr. Wilson confirmed that the reason this vacancy was here is that Mr. Romano took a lateral
transfer. Mr. Romano clarified he did not want the job back and Mr. Wilson also added there
had been a posting for anyone with status as an Account Clerk I to have the opportunity to
take this position, but there were no employees interested in this position.
Upon a motion by Mr. Campau, seconded by Mr. Tatigian and unanimously adopted, it was
10355 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the letter of June 30, 2010, from
Brian Wilson, Superintendent of Public Service and Kevin Maillard, Director of
Public Works, requesting a promotional examination for Account Clerk I and
proposed qualifications and parts of examination and weights, and the
memorandum of July 14, 2010, from Derrick Washington, Personnel Analyst II as
approved by Robert F. Biga, Human Resources Director, and having discussion
with Charles Locke, President, AFSCME Union Local 192 and Brian Wilson,
Superintendent of Public Service, the Civil Service Commission does hereby
approve the following qualifications and the parts of examination and weights, in
the promotional examination for Account Clerk I as follows:
QUALIFICATIONS
This examination is open only to employees of the City of Livonia who, by the closing date of
the announcement:
Are employed in the Public Service Division; and
Have a minimum of two (2) years of clerical experience with the City of
Livonia.
Page]
1274th Regular Meeting
July 21, 2010
PARTS OF
EXAMINATION AND WEIGHTS
Interview -40% Written Test -40% Departmental Rating -20%
Candidates must pass the Written Test and Interview in order to be placed on the eligible list.
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 Mr. Campau, seconded by Mr. Tatigian and unanimously adopted, it was
RESOLVED, That the meeting be adjourned at 6:00 p.m.
Gretchen Guisbert, Secretary III
Charlotte S. Mahoney, Chairperson
Harry C. Tatigian, Commissioner
Ronald C. Campau, Commissioner