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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1310th CSC Meeting (July 17, 2013)13W REGULAR MEETING OF THE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION The 1310t' Regular Meeting of the Civil Service Commission was held on Wednesday, July 17, 2013. The meeting was called to order at 5:32 p.m. Members Present: Also Present: Cathryn White, Assistant City Attorney III Jerome Hanna, Assistant Director of Inspection Harry C. Tatigian, Chairman Charlotte S. Mahoney Robert F. Biga, Human Resources Director Derrick L. Washington, Personnel Analyst II Gretchen Guisbert, Secretary III The Chairman stepped down to second the motions for the meeting: Upon a motion by Ms. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Tatigian and adopted, it was 13-85 RESOLVED, that the Minutes of the 1309th Regular Meeting held Tuesday, June 18, 2013, be approved as submitted. Upon a motion by Ms. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Tatigian and adopted, it was 13-86 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the memorandum of July 9, 2013, from Derrick L. Washington, Personnel Analyst II, to Robert F. Biga, Human Resources Director, regarding the passing point for the written test for Civil Engineer II (969 o.c.), the Civil Service Commission does hereby affirm the administrative approval of the passing point in the written lest of 70%, or a raw score of 70 out of a maximum score of 100. Upon a motion by Ms. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Tatigian and adopted, it was 13-87 RESOLVED, That the Civil Service Commission does hereby affirm the administrative approval of the eligible list for Custodian (967 o.c.). Upon a motion by Ms. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Tatigian and adopted, it was 13-88 RESOLVED, That the Civil Service Commission does hereby affirm the administrative approval of the eligible list for Property Appraiser 1 (973 o.c.). Upon a motion by Ms. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Tatigian and adopted, it was 1339 RESOLVED, That the Civil Service Commission does hereby affirm the administrative approval of the eligible list for Plumbing Inspector (970 o.c.). Page 2 131 Dr' Regular Meeting July 17, 2013 Upon a motion by Ms. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Tatigian and adopted, it was 13-90 RESOLVED, That the Civil Service Commission does hereby affirm the administrative approval of the eligible list for Senior Plumbing Inspector (971 o.c.). Upon a motion by Ms. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Tatigian and adopted, it was 13-91 RESOLVED, That the Civil Service Commission does hereby affirm the administrative approval of the eligible list for Civil Engineer II (969 o.c.). The Commission received and fled the following: a. Status of Temporary Employees Report for June 2013. b. Non -Resident Report as of July 1, 2013. C. Current Open -Competitive and Promotional Eligible Lists as of July 1, 2013. d. Affirmative Action Report for June 2013. e. Removal of names from active eligible list report for the month of June 2013. f. Council Resolutions from the meeting of June 17, 2013, with Minutes to be approved on July 1, 2013: #204-13, approving the proposed revised Letter of Understanding between the City of Livonia and the Livonia Police Officers Association (LPDA) establishing a Police Retention Program. #205-13, approving the proposed revised Letter of Understanding between the City of Livonia and the Livonia Lieutenants and Sergeants Association (LLSA) establishing a Police Retention Program. #206-13, approving the proposed revised Letter of Understanding between the City of Livonia and Livonia Police Command establishing a Police Retention Program. g. Council Resolutions from the meeting of July 1, 2013, with Minutes to be approved on July 15, 2013: #222-13, reappointing Sam Caramagno to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a three-year term expiring July 12, 2016. #223-13, referting to the Legislative Affairs Committee the subject matter of all elected officials' salary and compensation packages for its report and recommendation. #224-13, reappointing Craig Pastor to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a three year term expiring July 12, 2016. #228-13, referring the subject of appointments to the Zoning Board of Appeals to the Committee of the Whole for its report and recommendation. In. Memorandum of July 3, 2013, from Terry Marecki, City Clerk, regarding the Determination of the Local Officers Compensation Commission — Salaries of Elected Officials. i. Expiring eligible lists for the month of August 2013 — Service Representative (1335 p.). Page 3 131 Dr' Regular Meeting July 17, 2013 Upon a motion by Ms. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Tatigian and adopted, it was 13-92 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the letter of June 18, 2013, from John Cammarata, Police Officer, as approved for submission by Curtis Caid, Police Chief, requesting a waiver of the residency requirement, the Civil Service Commission does hereby grant a request for a waiver of the residency requirement for Mr. Cammarata until further notice. Robert Biga, Human Resources Director, stated at the June 18, 2013 Civil Service Commission meeting there was a question regarding a letter dated June 17, 2013, from Mary Kavanagh, an applicant for the Police Dispatcher (959 o.c.) examination. The matter was referred back to the Civil Service Department for a report and recommendation. The issue is there was an eligible list with five individuals and the first two people withdrew. There was a certification and by Charter, a valid certification must have three names. Whenever someone rejects a job offer, their name is removed from the eligible list and certification. When the two people withdrew, we should have certified numbers 4 and 5 so the department would have a viable certification. Then the Department should have made a selection from those three before any more candidates were processed. Mr. Tatigian asked if this could still be done. Mr. Biga confirmed that it could. Ms. Mahoney stated we should go back to the step that was missed in the process and create a new letter of certification using the candidates, #3, #4 and #5 from the first testing. Derrick Washington, Personnel Analyst II, explained that there was a Certification created with candidates #3, #4 and #5 which went to the Department on April 30, 2013. But on April 26, 2013 we began the process for the second performance test. The Department never interviewed candidates #3, #4 and #5. The Chairperson stated that they are referring that Certification back to the Department to interview those candidates. Mr. Washington stated he understood. Upon a motion by Ms. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Tatigian and adopted, it was 13-93 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the letter dated June 17, 2013, from Mary Kavanagh, regarding the Police Dispatcher (959 o.c.) examination, and having discussion with Derrick L. Washington, Personnel Analyst II, and Robert F. Biga, Human Resources Director, the Civil Service Commission does hereby request that the Letter of Certification for Police Dispatcher (959 o.c.), dated April 30, 2013, be resubmitted to the Department for action before any further processing by the Civil Service Department. The Commission reviewed a letter from Rob Domenzain, President of the Livonia Fire Fighters Union requesting that we add a loan program to our Nationwide Plan. Mr. Biga, Human Resources Director, explained that the Nationwide 457(b) plan is one of the providers for the City's Deferred Compensation program. Deferred Compensation programs are governed by IRS regulations. Our particular plan is an older plan and we did not have loans in our plan. At that time the IRS didn't permit loans. The regulations have changed over time and the IRS now permits loan programs. There is a loan program in our Defined Contribution pension plan Page 4 131 Du Regular Meeting July 17, 2013 where employees can get loans from their Defined Contribution retirement fund very similar to this. The one major difference in the 457 plan is that it is all the employee's money, before tax money. With the IRS change this could give the employees an opportunity to get access to their money from the 457 plan early. Ms. Mahoney inquired if the Commission approves this, would it need City Council approval as well. Mr. Biga responded yes. The manner in which the employee uses and accesses their money has consequences. These are explained in the booklet provided by Nationwide. Ms. Mahoney also inquired if a City employee calls Nationwide to inquire how they get a loan, does Nationwide provide the employee with some of the potential consequences of the taking the loan. Mr. Biga said yes. If someone terminates employment and has an outstanding loan, the employee may owe taxes. That is the employee's responsibility, not the City's. Mr. Biga explained that if an employee defaults on a payment, it is the employee's responsibility. An employee may not be able to get a line of credit somewhere else. This is an opportunity to obtain a line of credit with Nationwide and the employee is obligated to repay the loan. If there are any consequences, all responsibility is on the employee. Ms. Mahoney reiterated that the City has no liability because we offer this program. Mr. Biga agreed. He further explained that the City is just allowing what is permitted under law. The law permits it and as such, we could permit this and he recommended we do so. Upon a motion by Ms. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Tatigian and adopted, it was 13-94 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the letter of July 1, 2013, from Rob Domenzain, President, Livonia Fire Fighters Union Local 1164, and the memorandum from Robert F. Biga, Human Resources Director, dated July 12, 2013, regarding a change to the City's Deferred Compensation plan administered by Nationwide Retirement Solutions, and having discussion with Robert F. Biga, Human Resources Director, the Civil Service Commission does hereby approve updating the Nationwide Retirement Solutions plan to permit participant loans in accordance with applicable IRS regulations and forwards the matter to the City Council for its concurrence. Upon a motion by Ms. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Tatigian and adopted, it was 13-95 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the letter of July 1, 2013, from Michael T. Slater, Director of Finance, and the memorandum of July 9, 2013, from Derrick L. Washington, Personnel Analyst II, to Robert F. Biga, Human Resources Director, requesting a promotional examination for Account Clerk 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 This examination is open only to employees of the City of Livonia who, by the closing date of this announcement: Have regular status as an Account Clerk II. Have at least five (5) years' experience in a regular classification. Page 5 1310"' Regular Meeting July 17, 2013 PARTS OF EXAMINATION AND WEIGHTS Written Test — 70% Departmental Rating — 30%• Candidates must pass the Written Test 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 30% of the examination, but a score under 70 will not disqualify the candidate from continuing the process. 'In the event there is only one (1) qualified applicant, the Parts of Examination and Weights will be 100% Departmental Rating. The Civil Service Commission received a letter dated July 9, 2013, from Donald Knapp, City Attorney, requesting authorization to hire an Assistant City Attorney II at Step 5. Cathryn White, Assistant City Attorney III, stated she was present at the meeting to answer any questions the Commission may have regarding the request. Chairperson Tatigian stated the Commission was going to make one small adjustment from what was requested. The adjustment is that the Commission would approve a Step 3 rate of pay upon hiring. For Steps 4 and 5, Mr. Knapp will need to come back to the Commission at the appropriate time and request those step increases. The next step increase would be at the completion of the six (6) month probationary period. Upon a motion by Ms. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Tatigian and adopted, it was 13-96 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the letter of July 9, 2013, from Donald L. Knapp, Jr., City Attorney, as approved for submission by Jack E. Kirksey, Mayor, requesting authorization to hire an Assistant City Attorney II at Step 5, the Civil Service Commission does hereby pennit hiring an Assistant City Attomey II at Step 3 in the salary range with a six (6) month probationary period; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that any request for step increases will be reviewed atter the six (6) month probationary period has been completed. The request for an open -competitive examination for Code Enforcement Officer was referred to the August 28, 2013 meeting, at the request of the Department. Mr. Biga announced there is a request from Alex Bishop, Director of Inspection, for an open - competitive examination and proposed qualifications and parts of examination and weights for Electrical Inspector. Derrick Washington, Personnel Analyst II, explained that qualification #5 was listed in a previous announcement but hidden in the notes. This new announcement will make it part of the qualifications. Mr. Washington further explained that in the past candidates had to come Page 6 1310"' Regular Meeting July 17, 2013 up with those qualifications in order to be a Certified Electrical Inspector. This was just enumerated as #5. For qualification #6, Mr. Bishop requested it to be listed on the announcement last month for Senior Plumbing Inspector, Plumbing Inspector and Building Inspector and that the requirement is in anticipation of future state requirements. Mr. Washington stated when he was meeting with Building Inspectors from other municipalities during a recent examination interview; they informed him they felt that in the near future the State of Michigan might adopt the ICC regulations. Mr. Tatigian asked if these were now the standard. Mr. Tatigian asked if the Union had reviewed these changes. Mr. Biga stated they have not. AFSCME Union Local 192 had a leadership change. The Union president, Ken Grzembski, resigned and retired. The Union Vice -President, Audrey Young, took over as President pro -tem. The Union Executive Board appointed Ed Hoffman as the new President. Mr. Biga stated the Commission has had this issue before. When the qualifications are for DPW promotions, the DPW automatically forwards a copy to Local 192 leadership to look at and to sign off. Elsewhere in the City, we have never really done that. Mr. Biga staled he didn't want to create a practice citywide. Earlier this year the Commission requested the Union be given an opportunity to sign off that they have seen the qualification changes in the Engineering Department. If the Union had objected, they would have come to the meeting. Ms. Mahoney explained that none of what was being added in qualification #5 was new. This existed as a requirement. It just wasn't listed as a specific qualification. She further explained that the ICC is not something out of the ordinary and an electrical inspector ought to be able to take and pass that test. Ms. Mahoney stated this language was here but she wondered how the Union would know this would be in front of the Commission today. Mr. Biga stated they receive a copy of the Agenda. He explained the issue is more on promotional examinations. Mr. Biga stated this examination is open -competitive so it doesn't necessarily need the Union review. Mr. Tatigian indicated this would be the practice for future open -competitive examinations. Mr. Biga indicated that according to Civil Service Commission Rules, the Commission establishes the qualifications for all examinations. Upon a motion by Ms. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Tatigian and adopted, it was 13-97 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the letter of July 11, 2013, from Alex Bishop, Director of Inspection, and the memorandum of July 17, 2013, from Derrick L. Washington, Personnel Analyst II, to Robert F. Biga, Human Resources Director, requesting an open -competitive examination for Electrical Inspector in the Building Inspection Department, 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 States; and Have a high school diploma or a valid equivalency certificate; and Page 7 131 Du Regular Meeting July 17, 2013 3. Have a Journeyman's or Masters license in electrical work; and 4. Have at least three (3) years of responsible full-time paid experience in the field of electric work; or 5. Have Act 54 State registration as Electrical Inspector and Plan Reviewer or be able to become registered within six (6) months. If not Act 54 State certified as Electrical Inspector and Plan Reviewer, must have credentials and experience needed to obtain Stale certification. Failure to obtain and maintain registration will be cause for dismissal; and 6. Obtain International Code Council Certification for Residential Electrical Inspector, Commercial Electrical Inspector and Plan Reviewer within one (1) year of hire. Failure to obtain and maintain registration will be cause for dismissal; and 7 Possess and maintain a valid drivers license and an acceptable driving record. NOTE: ORIGINAL HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA OR GED AND JOURNEYMAN'S OR MASTER'S LICENSE MUST BE SUBMITTED AT THE TIME OF INTERVIEW. NOTE: THE APPLICANT MUST PASS THE STATE CERTIFICATION FOR ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR AND PLAN REVIEWER WITHIN SIX (6) MONTHS FROM DATE OF HIRE. FAILURE TO DO SO SHALL BE CAUSE FOR DISMISSAL. PARTS OF EXAMINATION AND WEIGHTS Interview - 100 In the event the number of qualified applicants exceeds fifteen (15), an evaluation of applications will be made and the fifteen (15) applicants with the most appropriate and responsible combination of experience and training will be invited to the Interview. Candidates must pass the Interview in order to be placed on the eligible list. Upon a motion by Ms. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Tatigian, and adopted, it was RESOLVED, that the meeting be adjourned at 6:02 p.m. Gretchen Guisbert, Secretary III Harry C. Tatigian, Chairman Charlotte Mahoney, Commissioner