HomeMy WebLinkAbout1207tha CSC minutes1207th REGULAR MEETING OF THE
CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
The 1207th Regular Meeting of the Civil Service Commission was held on Thursday,
December 2, 2004. The meeting was called to order at 5:30 P.M.
Members Present: Charlotte S. Mahoney, Chairperson
Harry C. Tatigian
Ronald E. Campau
Also Present:
Fred Benson, Retiree, Livonia Police
Department
David Benson, Park Maintenance Worker III
Kenneth Grzembski, Chief Parks Steward,
AFSCME Union Local 192
Walter Krause, Water Foreman
Yvonne Lillibridge, President, AFSCME
Union Local 192
Kevin Roney, Public Utility Manager
Steven Schoonover, Roads Section Steward,
AFSCME Union Local 192
Cheryl Wallman, Chief Clerical Steward,
AFSCME Union Local 192
Brian Wilson, Assistant Superintendent of
Public Service
David Woodcox, Director of Inspection
Robert F. Biga, Human Resources Director
Derrick L. Washington, Personnel Analyst II
Gretchen Guisberl, Secretary III
The Commission welcomed Mr. Biga as the new Human Resources Director.
Upon a motion by Mr. Campau, seconded by Mr. Tatigian and unanimously adopted, it was
RESOLVED, That the minutes of the 1206'^ Regular Meeting held Wednesday,
November 10, 2004, be approved as submitted.
The Commission received and fled the Status of Temporary Employees Report for
December 2004.
The Commission received and fled the Non -Resident Report as of December 1, 2004.
Upon a motion by Mr. Tatigian, seconded by Mr. Campau and unanimously adopted, it was
RESOLVED, That having reviewed the letter of November 8, 2004, from
Roger Degen, Senior Police Officer, as approved for submission by Robert
Stevenson, Police Chief, requesting an extension of the three-year retirement
limit for excess vacation accrual, the Civil Service Commission does hereby
approve this request with the understanding that Mr. Degen be required to not
exceed forty-one (41) eight (8) hour accrued vacation days as of December 31,
2004, 2005 and 2006, which will then pennit the maximum accrual of sixty-eight
(68) eight (8) hour vacation leave days, including nine (9) bonus days for payout
purposes in anticipation of his retirement date on or before December 2, 2007.
Upon a motion by Mr. Campau, seconded by Mr. Tatigian and unanimously adopted, it was
Paget 1207th Regular Meeting December 2, 2004
RESOLVED, That having reviewed the letter of November 10, 2004, from
Walter Krause, Water Foreman, as approved for submission by Robert J.
Beckley, Director of Public Works, requesting an increase to the December 31,
2004 accrual limit of thirty-five (35) days, the Civil Service Commission does
hereby approve this request to carry over seventy-two (72) excess vacation
hours into 2005, with the understanding that these hours will be used in 2005,
which will keep Mr. Krause within normal limits for payout purposes on December
31, 2005 in anticipation of his retirement date on or before September 25, 2006.
Upon a motion by Mr. Campau, seconded by Mr. Tatigian and unanimously adopted, it was
RESOLVED, That having reviewed the Departmental Correspondence of
November 9, 2004, from John Bargowski, Firefighter, as approved for submission
by Alan W. Brondemihl, Jr., Fire Chief, requesting additional Family Illness leave,
the Civil Service Commission does hereby approve three (3) additional twenty-
four (24) hour paid Family Sick leave days, beyond the maximum four (4) twenty-
four (24) hour paid Family Sick leave days allowed per calendar year.
Upon a motion by Mr. Tatigian, seconded by Mr. Campau and unanimously adopted, it was
RESOLVED, That having reviewed the letter of November 12, 2004, from
David Woodcox, Director of Building Inspection, requesting a promotional
examination for Environmental Control Officer 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
the announcement, have:
Regular status as a Code Enforcement Officer; and
At least three (3) years full-time work experience in environmental control
and ordinance enforcement.
PARTS OF EXAMINATION AND WEIGHTS
100% Interview`
'In the event there is only one qualified applicant for the position, the Parts and Weights will be
changed to 100% Departmental Rating. Candidates must pass the Interview or Departmental
Rating in order to be placed on the eligible list.
Upon a motion by Mr. Tatigian, seconded by Mr. Campau and unanimously adopted, it was
Page 3 1207th Regular Meeting December 2, 2004
RESOLVED, That having reviewed the letter of November 12, 2004, from
David Woodcox, Director of Building Inspection, requesting an open -competitive
examination for Code Enforcement Officer 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:
Be a citizen of the United States or an alien with the right to work in the
United States; and
Have a high school diploma or its equivalent; and
Possess and maintain a valid drivers license; and
Have either:
a. One (1) year full-time, paid experience in inspection work, dealing
with codes and/or law enforcement, or
b. Completion of at least twenty (20) hours in law enforcement or
psychology at an accredited college or university.
NOTE: Applicants must have the ability to meet and deal effectively with the public and to be
able to write clear, concise reports. It is also desirable that applicants have mathematical
ability and mechanical aptitude. PREFERENCE WILL BE GIVEN TO CANDIDATES WHO
ARE QUALIFIED TO BE REGISTERED AS A BUILDING INSPECTOR IN ACCORDANCE
WITH PUBLIC ACT 54 OF 1986.
PARTS OF EXAMINATION AND WEIGHTS
Interview -100%'
'NOTE: In the event the number of qualified applicants exceeds fifteen (15), an evaluation will
be made of the applicants 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.
Discussion commenced regarding the announcement of Building Mechanic IV — HVAC.
Robert Biga, Human Resources Director suggested recruitment at the Building Mechanic III
level instead of the proposed Building Mechanic IV — HVAC level, which dropped the State of
Michigan Mechanical Contractors License with a minimum of classification codes #2 (HVAC
equipment), #6 (Unlimited heating service) and #7 (Limited Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
Service). Brian Wilson, Assistant Superintendent of Public Service, stated that the Department
has been in front of the Commission twice in an attempt to fill this position. The first time
neither of the two candidates was qualified for the position and the second time, of the three
candidates; one was not qualified, one was borderline and one candidate was offered the
position, but later declined. Mr. Wilson continued that the pay level may be an issue and that
may be a reason to add the benefit range under the salary range to give potential candidates a
true understanding of the total benefit package. Mr. Tatigian clarified that the Department's
request was to approve the announcement with the deleted requirement for State of Michigan
Page 4 1207th Regular Meeting December 2, 2004
Mechanical Contractor's License. Derrick Washington, Personnel Analyst II, stated the Civil
Service Department was not recommending their request, but suggested modifying the job
description of work of the Building Mechanic III position and use the same basic qualifications.
Mr. Wilson stated the difficulty was the salary. He continued that there is a pool of potential
candidates that do not have the license but are working in the heating and cooling business
under the company's license. Mr. Tatigian expressed concern that a person may not be
qualified. Mr. Wilson replied that the previous requirement was that the individual would later
obtain the license. Kevin Roney, Public Utility Manager, added that the Department's concern
was that they would go through the whole process again and not end up with a candidate that
they could hire because of the salary. Ms. Mahoney inquired by removing the licensing
requirement, why would that make the salary any better. Mr. Roney responded that it would
give a greater pool of potential candidates. Mr. Tatigian inquired if this matter could be held
over for another month to allow time for the Department to meet with Mr. Biga to further
discuss this matter. Mr. Campau inquired if there were any Building Mechanic III employees.
Mr. Wilson responded there was one employee in a Temporary position right now. Mr. Wilson
confirmed that a Building Mechanic III did not require a license. Mr. Wilson explained that this
position would be for the Recreation Center for equipment that is now out of warranty. Mr.
Washington stated that the slight difference in wage would likely result in the same level of
candidate. Ms. Mahoney clarified that the Civil Service Department would be recommending
that the position be filled as a promotional opportunity once the candidate would obtain the
license and leave the Building Mechanic IV — HVAC as it stands. Mr. Roney stated that the
person they hire would be working at the IV level. He continued that there is a lot of equipment
that needs the care.
Upon a motion by Mr. Campau, seconded by Mr. Tatigian, it was
RESOLVED, That having reviewed the letter of November 18, 2004 from Robert
J. Beckley, Director of Public Works, and Kevin Roney, Public Utility Manager,
requesting an open -competitive examination for Building Mechanic IV — HVAC
and proposed qualifications and parts of examination and weights, and having
had discussion with Kevin Roney, Public Utility Manager; Brian Wilson, Assistant
Superintendent of Public Service; Yvonne Lillibridge, President, AFSCME Union
Local 192; Robert Biga, Human Resources Director; and Denick Washington,
Personnel Analyst II, 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 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 five (5) years full-time paid experience in the heating and air
conditioning trade, three (3) years of which have been in responsible
commercial or industrial work within the last ten (10) years; and
4. Possess and maintain a valid drivers license and have an acceptable
driving record; and
Pages 12D7th Regular Meeting December 2, 2004
Possess or be eligible for a valid Industrial Truck Driving Permit for the
operation of a forklift.
PARTS OF EXAMINATION AND WEIGHTS
Written — 50% Interview — 50%
Background Investigation — Pass/Fail
After much discussion with the Union, City and staff, Mr. Tatigian withdrew his support.
Upon a motion by Mr. Campau, seconded by Mr. Tatigian and unanimously adopted, it was
RESOLVED, That having reviewed the letter of November 18, 2004 from Robert
J. Beckley, Director of Public Works, and Kevin Roney, Public Utility Manager,
requesting an open -competitive examination for Building Mechanic IV — HVAC
and proposed qualifications and parts of examination and weights, and having
had discussion with Kevin Roney, Public Utility Manager; Brian Wilson, Assistant
Superintendent of Public Service; Yvonne Lillibridge, President, AFSCME Union
Local 192; David Woodcox, Director of Building Inspection; Robert Biga, Human
Resources Director; and Derrick Washington, Personnel Analyst II, 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:
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
Have five (5) years full-time paid experience in the heating and air
conditioning trade, three (3) years of which have been in responsible
commercial or industrial work within the last ten (10) years; and
Possess and maintain a valid driver's license and have an acceptable
driving record; and
Possess or be eligible for a valid Industrial Truck Driving Permit for the
operation of a forklift.
The individual hired will be required to obtain a State of Michigan Mechanical Contractors
License with a minimum of classification codes #2 (HVAC equipment), #6 (Unlimited heating
service) and #7 (Limited Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Service).
Page 6 1207th Regular Meeting December 2, 2004
PARTS OF EXAMINATION AND WEIGHTS
Written — 50% Interview — 50%
Background Investigation — Pass/Fail
Derrick Washington stated that as the Analyst for the examination, he would recommend
opening the Building Mechanic III as an open -competitive also, whether or not they hire from
the list.
Upon a motion by Mr. Tatigian, seconded by Mr. Campau and unanimously adopted, it was
RESOLVED, That having had discussion regarding a request for an open -
competitive examination for Building Mechanic III and proposed qualifications
and parts of examination and weights, and having had previous discussion with
Kevin Roney, Public Utility Manager; Brian Wilson, Assistant Superintendent of
Public Service; Yvonne Lillibridge, President, AFSCME Union Local 192, and
David Woodcox, Director of Building Inspection, 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
Have five (5) years full-time paid experience within the last ten (10) years
in the building maintenance and heating and cooling trades performing
building mechanic and heating and cooling work. A two-year Associate's
Degree in Applied Science specializing in heating and cooling may be
counted towards the five (5) year full-time paid work experience
requirement; and
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.
PARTS OF EXAMINATION AND WEIGHTS
Written Test -50% Interview -50%`
Background Investigation — Pass/Fail
'NOTE: A maximum of twenty-five (25) 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.
Page 7 1207th Regular Meeting December 2, 2004
There were no reported expiring eligible lists for January 2005.
Upon a motion by Mr. Campau, seconded by Mr. Tatigian and unanimously adopted, it was
RESOLVED, That the Civil Service Commission does hereby approve the eligible
list for Property Appraiser 11 (1199 p.).
Upon a motion by Mr. Campau, seconded by Mr. Tatigian and unanimously adopted, it was
RESOLVED, That the Civil Service Commission does hereby approve the eligible
list for Assistant City Assessor (1200 p.).
The Commission received and filed the following items:
Council Resolution from the meeting of November 10, 2004 with minutes to be
approved November 22, 2004:
CR# 529-04 Accepting the quoted price of ITT Hartford Insurance, Hartford
Plaza, Hartford, Connecticut 06115, to provide life insurance at the rate of $.180
(Life Insurance) and $.02 (Accidental Death and Dismemberment) per $1,000
payroll per month, this being the lowest quote received; FURTHER, authorizing
an agreement between the City of Livonia and ITT Hartford Insurance to buy Life
Insurance coverage at these rales for a three year period ending November 30,
2007; FURTHER, authorizing this purchase without competitive bidding.
Affirmative Action Report for November 2004.
Kenneth Grzembski, Chief Parks Steward, commenced discussion regarding AFSCME Union
Local 192 Grievance #04-22, dated November 3, 2004, from David Benson, regarding
AFSCME Union Local 192 Contract, Article 11, DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE, Paragraph A,
Reprimands. Mr. Grzembski requested to present a memo dated October 10, 2002, from
Doug Moore, Parks and Forestry Supervisor to David Benson, Park Maintenance Worker III, to
the Commission. Mr. Grzembski stated that on October 4, 2004, the grievant, David Benson,
Parks Maintenance Worker III, reviewed his Civil Service Department personnel file with Fred
Benson, Mary Rutan, Human Resources Director, and Derrick Washington, Personnel Analyst
11. The grievant reviewed his departmental file on October 6, 2004 with Marcia Reiser,
Program Supervisor, present. The grievant stated that the two files did not mirror each other
and that the department should remove letters of reprimand, as they were from the Civil
Service Department personnel file.
After having much discussion with Brian Wilson, Assistant Superintendent of Public Service;
Kenneth Grzembski; Robert Biga, Human Resources Director; Derrick Washington, Personnel
Analyst 11; David Benson, Parks Maintenance Worker III; and Fred Benson, retiree; it was
agreed that there is only one official personnel file and that is the Civil Service Department
personnel file and that the department can maintain what they want in their departmental
personnel files.
Page B 1207th Regular Meeting pecemher 2, 2004
In summary, Mr. Biga stated if it was discovered that something was missing that should be in
the Civil Service Department personnel file, it would be replaced. He continued by slating if a
letter was not supposed to be in the file, it would be removed. Ms. Mahoney restated that if
there are other letters filed with David Benson's that should be replaced to employee files, they
would be replaced, but the Civil Service Department would not be going through each
personnel file.
Upon a motion by Mr. Campau, seconded by Mr. Tatigian and unanimously adopted, it was
RESOLVED, That having reviewed AFSCME Union Local 192 Grievance #04-22,
dated November 3, 2004, from David Benson, regarding AFSCME Union Local
192 Contract, Article 11, DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE, Paragraph A,
Reprimands, and having had discussion with Kenneth Grzembski, Chief Parks
Steward; Brian Wilson, Assistant Superintendent of Public Service; Cheryl
Wallman, Chief Clerical Steward; David Benson, Parks Maintenance Worker III;
Fred Benson, Retiree; Robert Biga, Human Resources Director, and Derrick
Washington, Personnel Analyst II, the Civil Service Commission does hereby
deny the grievance.
Upon a motion by Mr. Tatigian, seconded by Mr. Campau and unanimously adopted, it was
RESOLVED, That the meeting be adjourned at 5:55 p.m.
Gretchen Guisbert, Secretary III
Charlotte S. Mahoney, Chairperson
Harry C. Tatigian, Commissioner
Ronald E. Campau, Commissioner