HomeMy WebLinkAbout1325th CSC Meeting (October 15, 2014)1325M REGULAR MEETING OF THE
CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
The 1325th Regular Meeting of the Civil Service Commission was held on Wednesday, October
15, 2014. The meeting was called to order at 5:41 p.m. by Chairman Ronald Reinke.
Members Present: Ronald Reinke, Chairman
Charlotte S. Mahoney
Harry C. Tatigian
Also Present:
Paul Bernier, Assistant City Attorney II (T) Robert F. Biga, Human Resources Director
Donald L. Knapp, Jr., City Attorney Derrick L. Washington, Personnel Analyst II
Gretchen Guisbert, Secretary III
Upon a motion by Ms. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Tatigian and unanimously adopted, it was
14-124 RESOLVED, that the Minutes of the 1324th Regular Meeting held
Wednesday, September 17, 2014, be approved as submitted.
Upon a motion by Ms. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Tatigian, and unanimously adopted, it was
14-125 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the Departmental
Correspondence of September 15, 2014, from Matthew Bernelis, Firefighter, as
approved for submission by Shadd A. Whitehead, Fire Chief, requesting
additional family illness leave, the Civil Service Commission does hereby affirm
the administrative approval of Mr. Bernelis' request to use an additional three (3)
twenty-four (24) hour days for the calendar year 2014 from his sick bank to be
charged as family illness.
Upon a motion by Ms. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Tatigian and unanimously adopted, it was
14-126 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the letter received on October 8,
2014, from Craig Hanosh, Building Inspector, as approved for submission by Alex
Bishop, CBO, Director of Inspection, requesting an unpaid medical leave of
absence, the Civil Service Commission does hereby affirm the administrative
approval of a thirty (30) day unpaid medical leave of absence beginning October
20, 2014;
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that should Mr. Hanosh not return to work for
at least thirty (30) calendar days after the approved unpaid medical leave of
absence, he will be responsible to reimburse the City of Livonia for any cost for
benefits paid for Mr. Hanosh during his time off, in accordance with Section
25.6(c), Insurance Premium Payments, of the Civil Service Commission Rules and
Regulations and Final FMLA Regulations (29 C.F.R.), unless circumstances for not
returning to work are beyond Mr. Hanosh's control.
Page 2 1325" Regular Meeting OHober 15, 2014
Upon a motion by Ms. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Tatigian, and unanimously adopted, it was
14-127 RESOLVED, That the Civil Service Commission does hereby affirm
the administrative approval of the eligible list for Police Officer (1332 p.).
Upon a motion by Ms. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Tatigian, and unanimously adopted, it was
14-128 RESOLVED, That the Civil Service Commission does hereby affirm
the administrative approval of the eligible list for Police Dispatcher (988 o.c.).
The Commission received and fled the following:
a. Status of Temporary Employees Report for September 2014.
b. Non -Resident Report as of September 1, 2014.
C. Current Open -Competitive and Promotional Eligible Lists as of October 1,
2014.
d. Affirmative Action Report for September 2014.
e. Removal of names from active eligible list report for the month of
September 2014: None.
f. Council Resolution from the meeting of September 3, 2014 with Minutes to
be approved September 15, 2014:
#260-14, RESOLVED, that having considered a communication from the
Mayor, dated August 4, 2014, which bears the signature of the Director of
Finance, to which is attached a communication from the Director of Human
Resources, dated July 31, 2014, which recommends certain salary and
fringe benefit adjustments for Appointed Department Heads, for the period
December 1, 2013 through November 30, 2016, which are as follows:
1. Wage adjustments:
a. Effective December 1, 2013 — 1%
b. Effective December 1, 2014 — 0%
C. Effective December 1, 2015 — 2%
2. Lump sum payment of $400 in lieu of wage increase effective
December 1, 2014, will be paid in second pay period after December
1, 2014 to all employees on the payroll as of December 1, 2014.
Regular part-time employees will receive $200.
3. Employees hired on or after September 8, 2011 who are in the
Retiree Health Savings Plan, will receive a contribution from the City
effective December 1, 2013 of $60/per pay period for full-time
regular employees and $30/per pay period for Regular part-time
employees.
4. Increase in the optical reimbursement to $200 every two years and
dental reimbursement from $700 per year to $800 per year for
expenses incurred after December 1, 2013.
5. Limit the Administrative supplement for worker's compensation
benefits to ninety (90) days atter injury. Employees may use their
leave banks to supplement workers compensation benefits if the
disability lasts more than ninety (90) days.
Page 1325" Regular Meeting October 15, 2014
6. Change the method for calculating Defined Contribution participant
disability benefits to an actuarial equivalent of the Defined
Contribution Account value using the actuarial assumptions used in
the Defined Benefit plan for annuity withdrawal calculations instead
of obtaining quotations from insurance companies.
The Council does hereby concur in and approve the recommendation of the Civil Service
Commission regarding such changes to be effective as outlined in the aforementioned
communication.
g. Council Resolution from the meeting of September 15, 2014, with Minutes
to be approved October 6, 2014:
#279-14, RESOLVED, that having considered a communication from the
Human Resources Director, dated August 21, 2014, which bears the
signature of the Director of Finance and is approved for submission by the
Mayor, transmitting a resolution adopted by the Civil Service Commission at
its regular meeting of August 20, 2014, recommending salary and fringe
benefit adjustments for the classification of Fire Chief for the period
December 1, 2012 through November 30, 2015, the Council does hereby
concur in the recommendation of the Civil Service Commission and the
salary and benefit adjustments for the classification of Fire Chief is hereby
approved for the period December 1, 2012 through November 30, 2015 as
set forth in the memorandum dated August 5, 2014 from Robert F. Biga,
Human Resources Director, which is attached to the aforesaid
communication.
h. Expiring eligible lists for the month of November 2014: Account Clerk III
(979 o.c.) and Assistant City Attorney II (963 o.c.).
Upon a motion by Mr. Tatigian, seconded by Ms. Mahoney, and unanimously adopted, it was
14-129 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the letter of October 8, 2014,
from Donald L. Knapp, Jr., City Attorney, as approved for submission by Jack E.
Kirksey, Mayor, requesting an extension of the temporary employment of Paul A.
Bernier, as Assistant City Attorney II, the Civil Service Commission does hereby
approve the extension of temporary employment for Paul A. Bernier, as Assistant
City Attorney II for an additional six (6) months to April 15, 2015.
Upon a motion by Mr. Tatigian, seconded by Ms. Mahoney, and unanimously adopted, it was
14-130 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the letter of September 23,
2014, from Alex Bishop, CBO, Director of Inspection, requesting an open -
competitive examination for Building Inspector, 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, an applicant must:
Page 1325" Regular Meeting OHober 15, 2D14
Be a citizen of the United States or resident alien with the right to work in the
United States; AND
Possess a high school diploma or valid equivalency certificate; AND
Be familiar with local, state and national building codes, have thorough
knowledge of construction methods and techniques and have some
knowledge of electrical, plumbing and heating codes; AND
Have either:
a. Al least five (5) years of full-time paid experience in responsible residential
and/or commercial building construction work, four (4) years of which have
been within the past twelve (12) years; OR
b. At least three (3) years of full-time paid experience in responsible
residential and/or commercial building construction work within the past
twelve (12) years, PLUS either:
i. An Associate's degree related to a building construction
program from an accredited college or university; OR
ii. One (1) year of full-time paid experience as building inspector
(Registered in accordance with P.A. 54) within the past five (5)
years; OR
c. An equivalent combination of the above experience and education; AND
Have Act 54 State Certification as Building Inspector and Plan Reviewer or be
able to become certified within six (6) months of hire. If not Act 54 Stale
certified as Building Inspector and Plan Reviewer, must have the credentials
and experience needed to obtain state certification as defined in the State of
Michigan Construction Code Commission General Rules for Building Officials,
Plan Reviewers and Inspectors. Failure to obtain and maintain registration will
be cause for dismissal; AND
Obtain International Code Council (ICC) certification as a Residential Building
Inspector, Commercial Building Inspector and Plan Reviewer within one (1)
year of hire. This certification and renewals will be at the applicant's own time
and expense. Failure to obtain and maintain registration will be cause for
dismissal; AND
Possess and maintain a valid Michigan Driver's license and have an
acceptable driving record.
NOTE: PREFERENCE WILL BE GIVEN TO APPLICANTS WITH ADDITIONAL ACT 54
CERTIFICATION IN MECHANICAL, PLUMBING AND/OR ELECTRICAL
CLASSIFICATIONS.
NOTE: ORIGINAL LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, COLLEGE TRANSCRIPTS, HIGH
SCHOOL DIPLOMA OR GED MUST BE SUBMITTED AT TIME OF INTERVIEW.
NOTE: THE APPLICANT MUST PASS THE STATE CERTIFICATION FOR BUILDING
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%
Page 5 1325" Regular Meeting OHober 15, 2014
Background Investigation — Pass/Fail
NOTE: In the event the number of qualified applicants exceeds fifteen (15), an evaluation will
Ne 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 Mr. Tatigian, seconded by Ms. Mahoney, and unanimously adopted, it was
14-131 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the memorandum of October 2,
2014, from Derrick L. Washington, Personnel Analyst II, to Robert F. Biga,
Human Resources Director, requesting an open -competitive examination for
Clerk -Typist I, 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, an applicant 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 a valid equivalency certificate; and
3. Have a minimum of one (1) year of full-time paid work experience as a
Clerk -Typist or in a similar classification which involved typing as a
requirement. (Part-time experience may not be substituted for full-time
experience required.)
NOTE: CANDIDATES WILL BE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT ORIGINAL HIGH SCHOOL
DIPLOMA OR GED CERTIFICATE AT THE TIME OF INTERVIEW.
PARTS OF EXAMINATION AND WEIGHTS
Performance -30% Written Test -30% Interview -40%
'A minimum of twenty (20) applicants who score highest on the Performance and Written Test
will be invited to the Interview part of the examination. The required minimum typing speed is
45 words per minute without error.
Applicants must pass the Written Test, Typing Performance Test and Interview in order to be
placed on the eligible list.
Upon a motion by Ms. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Tatigian, and unanimously adopted, it was
14-132 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the memorandum of October
15, 2014, from Robert F. Biga, Human Resources Director, requesting a
promotional examination for Police Sergeant, 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:
Page 6 1325" Regular Meeting OHober 15, 2014
QUALIFICATIONS
This examination is open only to employees of the City of Livonia, who, at the closing date of
this examination, are employed in the Police Division of the Department of Public Safety; have
regular status in the classification of Police Officer; and have had at least five (5) years of
experience, immediately preceding the closing date of the examination, as a Police Officer with
the City of Livonia. Experience is counted through April 8, 2015.
PARTS OF EXAMINATION AND WEIGHTS
The proposed parts of examination and weights are unchanged from the past examination and
are as follows:
Written Test - 60% Interview - 15% Departmental Rating - 25%
Candidates must pass the Written Test, Interview and Departmental Rating in order to be
placed on the promotional eligible list.
Upon a motion by Mr. Tatigian, seconded by Ms. Mahoney, and unanimously adopted, it was
14-133 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the memorandum of October
15, 2014, from Robert F. Biga, Human Resources Director, requesting a
promotional examination for Police Lieutenant, 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, at the closing date of
this examination, are employed in the Police Division of the Department of Public Safety; as a
Senior Sergeant or have regular status in the classification of Sergeant and, have had at least
four (4) years of experience, immediately preceding the closing dale of the examination, as
Sergeant in the City of Livonia. Experience counted through April 8, 2015.
PARTS OF EXAMINATION AND WEIGHTS
The proposed parts of examination and weights are unchanged from the past examination and
are as follows:
Written Test - 50% Interview - 25% Departmental Rating - 25%
Candidates must pass the Written Test, Interview and Departmental Rating in order to be
placed on the promotional eligible list.
Upon a motion by Mr. Tatigian, seconded by Ms. Mahoney, and unanimously adopted, it was
14-134 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the letter of October 6, 2014,
from Shadd A. Whitehead, Fire Chief, requesting an opens nnpelilive
Pagel 1325" Regular Meeting OHober 15, 2D14
examination for Firefighter, 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 Stales or a resident alien with the right to work in
the United States.
2. Have a high school diploma or valid equivalency certificate. Applicants will
have two (2) points for a Bachelor's Degree, or one (1) point for an
Associate's Degree, in a Fire Science or an EMS curriculum, added to their
final score.
3. Hold a current State of Michigan Paramedic License or National Registry EMT
- Paramedic and be ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certified, or
currently enrolled in a Paramedic/ACLS curriculum.
4. Possess the Conference of Western Wayne Firefighter Written and Physical
Agility Test Certificates. THE AGILITY TEST CERTIFICATE MUST HAVE
BEEN ISSUED IN THE TWELVE (12) MONTHS PRIOR TO THE CLOSING
DATE OF THE ANNOUNCEMENT.
5. Possess normal visual functions and acuity in each eye, correctable to 20/20
with eyeglasses.
6. Be free from any physical defects, chronic diseases, organic or functional
conditions or mental and emotional instabilities which may tend to impair the
efficient performance of duties or which might endanger the lives of others or
the individual employee.
7. Possess and maintain a valid motor vehicle operators or a basic commercial
driver's license and have an acceptable driving record.
8. AT THE TIME OF CERTIFICATION TO THE DEPARTMENT FOR FINAL
INTERVIEW AND HIRING CONSIDERATION, CANDIDATES MUST
POSSESS:
A. A current State of Michigan Paramedic License or National Registry EMT
- Paramedic, and be currently ACLS certified.
B. A State of Michigan Firefighter I I Certificate or equivalent certification in a
slate that has reciprocity.
NOTE: CANDIDATES ARE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT ORIGINAL
DEGREES/TRANSCRIPTS, LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS BY THE CLOSING DATE
OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT.
Page B 1325" Regular Meeting OHober 15, 2014
PARTS OF EXAMINATION AND WEIGHTS
Written Test — 50%' Oral Interview — 50%
Background Investigation — Pass/Fail
Psychological Evaluation — Pass/Fail
'NOTE: The thirty (30) candidates with the highest passing scores on the Written Test will
be invited to continue to the Interview portion of the examination process. Remaining
candidates who pass the Written Test will have their names kept on file for future reference
during the life of the eligible list.
The Commission received for file the letter of October 6, 2014, from Michael T. Slater,
Director of Finance, regarding a proposed classified Purchasing Manager position.
Discussion began regarding another proposed classified position that will be forthcoming and
that will be Industrial Development Coordinator. For both the proposed positions, they will be
brought to the Commission for review/action in the new budget year.
Mr. Biga stated there is a question regarding whether or not Civil Service Department Heads
are considered Department Heads. It was his contention that in certain Departments, such as
Planning, Civil Service, Library, Parks and Recreation, the Commission, by Charter, is the
Department Head. There is a difference of opinion with the City Attorney, whether or not that
is the case. Mr. Tatigian cited "custom and usage' is the case. Mr. Biga stated the City
Attorney had done an analysis for the Mayor and Mr. Biga referenced the Charter provision
that said, "any positions created after this Charter that are not in the Charter, will be in the
classified Civil Service." Further in the Charter it states positions will be filled by competitive
examination. There is a question as to who is the Appointing Authority for the Superintendent
of Parks and Recreation.
Chairman Reinke believed that when you read the Charter, the Commission is the Appointing
Authority. Mr. Biga agreed, but stated Mr. Knapp has a different opinion. Mr. Tatigian agreed
with Mr. Reinke.
Mr. Biga stated this issue was not before the Commission yet, but Mr. Varga is going to be
Acting Superintendent of Parks and Recreation and there will be Transfer Certificate prepared
to assign him to that position. Mr. Biga felt this is not a promotion because the employee was
not from within the classified Civil Service so the pay rale should begin at the minimum rate or
a request would need to come before the Civil Service Commission to employ above the
minimum for whatever reason.
It was thought that if a current City employee was appointed to the classification of a
Superintendent he/she should get a 4% raise over his/her current wage. Mr. Biga advised
them it doesn't always happen that way. Mr. Biga further stated he hasn't received any
paperwork as yet. He had discussion regarding this action at a Personnel Review Committee
meeting. The Mayor has requested to fill the position on a Temporary basis.
Page 1325" Regular Meeting October 15, 2014
Ms. Mahoney inquired if this would result in a pay decrease and Mr. Biga stated he thought it
would because Mr. Varga is making more than the minimum rate for Superintendent of Parks
and Recreation. Mr. Biga reiterated he hasn't seen any paperwork on this. Mr. Biga stated
he instructed Mr. Varga as to what could be done. If the Mayor wanted to change his title to
Superintendent of Parks and Recreation, he could remain in his classification and just call him
Director of Administration/Acting Superintendent of Parks and Recreation.
Mr. Reinke asked if Mr. Varga would need to take a leave of absence from his position and
Mr. Biga said no, he isn't in the classified service; he's an appointee. An issue would be
raised if the Mayor wished to appoint a new Director of Administrative Services and it would
need the Council's approval. Ms. Mahoney asked what the title was and Mr. Biga stated it
could be called Interim Director. Ms. Mahoney inquired how long someone could be in an
Interim position. Mr. Biga advised the person could be interim for six (6) months. If a regular
appointment is not made in six (6) months, the appointment would have to come back to the
Civil Service Commission for an extension. Mr. Biga reminded the Commission they
approved a six (6) month extension of a Temporary appointment earlier in the meeting.
Ms. Mahoney confirmed that at this time, this discussion was for informational purposes only.
Mr. Biga stated the first X -item was as a result of a Union representation election. The Police
Officers Association of Michigan obtained enough signatures to hold an election to represent
the Police Service Aides. At one point in time when the Police Service Aide classification was
created, the LPDA did not want to represent them. Subsequently, we have hired a lot of
Police Service Aides and for whatever reason, they now to represent them. The next step
after the successful election was to negotiate a contract. This was done and reviewed by the
Mayor and Finance Director. The Police Service Aides are considered a subunit to the LPOA
and they have an independent contract. The Police Service Aides are not Public Act 312
eligible employees so they cannot go to compulsory arbitration. The Police Service Aides are
eligible to the Right to Work, so they could opt out of the Union if they do not want to join.
Ms. Mahoney confirmed this was a contract solely with the City of Livonia. Mr. Tatigian asked
how many Police Service Aides we had and Mr. Biga stated it could be between six (6) and
fifteen (15), with fifteen being the maximum budgeted. Mr. Biga informed the Commission
that we conduct this examination on a continuing basis. One in seven Police Service Aides of
the applicants eventually gets hired by the City as a Police Officer.
Upon a motion by Mr. Tatigian, seconded by Ms. Mahoney, and unanimously adopted, it was
14-135 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the letter of October 15, 2014,
from Gregg Schultz, Attorney, transmitting the Tentative Agreement between the
City of Livonia and the Livonia Police Officers Association (LPDA), Subunit B,
Police Service Aides, and having discussion with Robert Biga, Human
Resources Director, the Civil Service Commission does hereby approve the
Agreement between the City of Livonia and the Livonia Police Officers
Association (LPDA), Unit B, with an effective date of City Council ratification, with
an ending date of November 30, 2017, and submits same to City Council for
their review and consideration.
Page 10 1325" Regular Meeting October 15, 2014
Mr. Biga informed the Commission that in the new tentative agreement with AFSCME Union
Local 192, the big change is the major reorganization of DPW classifications. The City is
eliminating many classifications. In the future the City will use two (2) classifications; Publics
Service Worker I and Public Service Worker II. These are 'broad banded" so they can
perform a variety of work activities. This allows the Department to cross train employees in
Parks, Roads, Water, Sewer and Sign Shop. This change will best serve the community.
Upon a motion by Ms. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Tatigian, and unanimously adopted, it was
14-136 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the letter of October 15, 2014,
from Gregg Schultz, Attorney, transmitting the Tentative Agreement between the
City of Livonia and AFSCME Union Local 192, for the period December 1, 2013
to November 30, 2016, the Civil Service Commission does hereby approve the
Tentative Agreement between the City of Livonia and AFSCME Union Local 192
for the period December 1, 2013 through November 30, 2016, and submits same
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 the meeting be adjourned at 6:21 p.m.
Gretchen Guisbert, Secretary III
Ronald Reinke, Chairman
Charlotte Mahoney, Commissioner
Harry C. Tatigian, Commissioner