HomeMy WebLinkAbout1309th CSC Meeting (June 18, 2013)13W REGULAR MEETING OF THE
CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
The 1309' Regular Meeting of the Civil Service Commission was held on Tuesday, June
18, 2013. The meeting was called to order at 5:38 p.m.
Members Present: Harry C. Tatigian, Chairman
Charlotte S. Mahoney
Also Present:
Curtis Caid, Police Chief Robert F. Biga, Human Resources Director
Mary Kavanagh Derrick L. Washington, Personnel Analyst II
Sean Kavanagh, 16t' District Court Judge Gretchen Guisbert, Secretary III
Brian Wilson, Superintendent of Public Service
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
13-68 RESOLVED, that the Minutes of the 1308th Regular Meeting held
Wednesday, May 8, 2013, be approved as submitted.
Commissioner Mahoney requested that, item NB -1.c.3., the eligible list for Police Dispatcher
(959 o.c.), dated June 5, 2013, be removed from the consent agenda for further background
information from the Civil Service staff.
Upon a motion by Ms. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Tatigian and adopted, it was
13-69 RESOLVED, that the Civil Service Commission does hereby
remove Item NB-l.c.3., the eligible list for Police Dispatcher (959 o.c.), dated
June 5, 2013, from the consent agenda.
Upon a motion by Ms. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Tatigian and adopted, it was
13-70 RESOLVED, that having reviewed the Departmental
Correspondence from Peter Keen, 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. Keen's request to use an additional three (3) twenty-four (24) duty days for
the calendar year 2013 from his sick bank to be charged as family illness.
Upon a motion by Ms. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Tatigian and adopted, it was
13-71 RESOLVED, that having reviewed the memorandum of June 4,
2013, from John Cammarata, Police Officer, as approved for submission by
Curtis Caid, Police Chief, requesting additional family illness leave, the Civil
Service Commission does hereby affirm the administrative approval of
Mr. Cammarata's request to use an additional six (6) eight (8) hour days for the
calendar year 2013 from his sick bank to be charged as family illness.
Page 2 1309u Regular Meeting June 18, 2013
Upon a motion by Ms. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Tatigian and adopted, it was
13-72 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the letter of June 4, 2013, from
Alex Bishop, Director of Inspection, requesting an extension of his leave of
absence from the classified service, the Civil Service Commission does hereby
approve a leave of absence from the classified service for Mr. Bishop for one (1)
year, commencing June 1, 2013, pursuant to Civil Service Commission Rules
and Regulations, RULE 16, CERTIFICATION, APPOINTMENT AND
REINSTATEMENT, Section 16.5, Appointment of an Employee in the Classified
Service to a Position in the Unclassified Service.
Upon a motion by Ms. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Tatigian and adopted, it was
13-73 RESOLVED, that having reviewed an email communication dated
June 13, 2013 from Laura Duncan, Clerk I, and a letter dated June 13, 2013,
from Brian Wilson, Superintendent of Public Service and Kevin L. Mallard,
Director of Public Works, requesting an unpaid medical leave of absence, the
Civil Service Commission does hereby affirm the administrative approval of an
unpaid medical leave of absence for Ms. Duncan, not to exceed sixty (60) days
beginning June 17, 2013, with the understanding that Ms. Duncan is responsible
during her unpaid medical leave of absence to pay the copayment for her
medical insurance;
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that should Ms. Duncan's physician extend
her disability, approval is not to exceed a total of three (3) calendar months or
through September 17, 2013;
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that should Ms. Duncan not return to work
for at least thirty (30) calendar days after the approved unpaid medical leave of
absence, she will be responsible to reimburse the City of Livonia for any cost for
benefits paid for Ms. Duncan during her 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 Ms. Duncan's control.
Upon a motion by Ms. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Tatigian and adopted, it was
13-74 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the memorandum of June 13,
2013, from Derrick L. Washington, Personnel Analyst II, to Robert F. Biga,
Human Resources Director, regarding the passing point for the written test for
Custodian (967 o.c.), the Civil Service Commission does hereby affirm the
administrative approval of the passing point in the written test, of a raw score of
42 out of a maximum score of 60.
Page 3 1309u Regular Meeting June 18, 2013
Upon a motion by Ms. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Tatigian and adopted, it was
13-75 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 adopted, it was
13-76 RESOLVED, That the Civil Service Commission does hereby affirm
the administrative approval of the eligible list for Assistant City Attorney II
(963 o.c.).
The Commission received and fled the following:
a. Status of Temporary Employees Report for May 2013.
b. Non -Resident Report as of June 1, 2013.
C. Current Open -Competitive and Promotional Eligible Lists as of June 1,
2013.
d. Affirmative Action Report for May 2013.
e. Removal of names from active eligible list report for the month of May
2013.
f. Request to Exceed the Maximum Vacation Accrual for Keith Schoen, Sr.
Police Officer, in Anticipation of Retirement.
g. Council Resolutions from the meeting of May 20, 2013, with Minutes to be
approved on June 3, 2013:
#136-13, confirming the reappointment of Gerald Taylor to the Livonia
Planning Commission for a term which shall expire on June 9, 2016.
#138-13, authorizing the Guaranteed Interest Fund (GIF) Fixed
Account/Guaranteed Sub -Account Rider to the Defined Contribution Plan,
and further authorizing the use of the Moderate Profile fund as the Plan's
default fund, and authorizing the use of the Guaranteed Interest Fund
(GIF) as the investment choice for the forfeiture funds.
Upon a motion by Ms. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Tatigian and adopted, it was
13-77 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the expiring eligible lists for the
month of July 2013 — Equipment Operator II (1327 p.) and Accountant II (951
o.c.), the Civil Service Commission does hereby extend the eligible list for
Equipment Operator II (1327 p.) until such time a replacement list can be
established; and extends the eligible list for Accountant II (951 o.c.) for six (6)
months to January 12, 2014.
Upon a motion by Ms. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Tatigian and adopted, it was
13-78 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the letter of May 16, 2013, from
Brian Wilson, Superintendent of Public Service, and Kevin Maillard, Director of
Public Works, and memorandum of June 13, 2013, from Derrick L. Washington,
Page 4 1309u Regular Meeting June 18, 2013
Personnel Analyst II, to Robert F. Biga, Human Resources Director, requesting a
promotional examination for Equipment Operator II 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:
Are employed in the Department of Public Works; and
Have regular status in any classification; and
Are eligible for either a Temporary Instruction Permit (TIP) for, or have a
valid Group "A" commercial driver's 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; and
Must be able to lift a minimum of fifty (50) pounds.
PARTS OF EXAMINATION AND WEIGHTS
Performance — 70% Departmental Rating — 30%
Candidates must pass the Performance Test in order to be placed on the eligible list.
Pursuant to AFSCME Local 192, PROMOTIONS 20.1h., 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 in the
process.
The Civil Service Commission received a letter dated June 17, 2013, from Mary Kavanagh,
an applicant for the Police Dispatcher (959 o.c.) examination, regarding the Police Dispatcher
Eligibility List. Ms. Mahoney requested to refer this item back to the Civil Service Department
to review the matter for clarification.
Upon a motion by Ms. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Tatigian and adopted, it was
13-79 RESOLVED, that the Civil Service Commission does hereby refer
the letter of June 17, 2013, from Mary Kavanagh, regarding the Police
Dispatcher (959 o.c.) eligible list, as well as the Police Dispatcher (959 o.c.)
eligible list, to the Civil Service Department to provide a report and
recommendation to the Civil Service Commission.
Page 5 1309u Regular Meeting June 18, 2013
Upon a motion by Ms. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Tatigian and adopted, it was
13-80 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the letter of June 10, 2013, from
Kathleen Monroe, City Librarian, and memorandum of June 14, 2013, from
Derrick L. Washington, Personnel Analyst 11, to Robert F. Biga, Human
Resources Director, requesting a promotional examination for Library Aide 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
Applications will only be accepted from employees of the City of Livonia who, by the closing
date of this examination:
Have regular status in the classification of Clerk I or higher; and
Are currently employed in the Library and working with the SIRSI System;
and
Have completed at least two (2) years (60 semester credit hours) at an
accredited college or university;
OR
have two (2) years of full-time paid library experience or the equivalent in
paid part-time library experience; and
Have experience in the use of computers or word processing equipment
other than the SIRSI System.
PARTS OF EXAMINATION AND WEIGHTS
Written Test -70% Departmental Rating -30%`
In the event the number of qualified applicants is equal to or less than the number of
vacancies available, the Parts of Examination and Weights will be 100% Departmental Rating.
Upon a motion by Ms. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Tatigian and adopted, it was
13-81 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the letter of June 10, 2013,
from Kathleen Monroe, City Librarian, and memorandum of June 13, 2013, from
Derrick L. Washington, Personnel Analyst 11, to Robert F. Biga, Human
Resources Director, requesting an open -competitive examination for Assistant
Branch Librarian — Children's Services, 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 United States citizen or a resident alien with the right to work in the
United Slates; and
Page 6 1309u Regular Meeting June 18, 2013
2. Possess a Masters Degree in Library Science from an accredited
University; and
3. Have a minimum of six (6) years of full-time paid experience as a Librarian
providing direct service to the public in a public library; and
4. Have a minimum of four (4) years full-time paid experience as a direct
supervisor of classification at or above that of Library Page in the last six
(6) years.
Note: Original College Degree or Official Transcripts must be submitted by the fime of
interview.
PARTS OF EXAMINATION AND WEIGHTS
Interview 100%
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.
Robert Biga, Human Resources Director, presented the Letter of Understanding with the City
of Livonia and the Livonia Lieutenants and Sergeants Association (LLSA); the Livonia Police
Officers Association (LPDA); and the Livonia Police Command, regarding the Livonia Police
Retention Program. Mr. Biga advised this matter was acted on by the Civil Service
Commission at its last meeting and it was sent to the City Council. City Council held study
meetings and ultimately did not approve the original Police Retention Program. The Mayor
submitted a revised proposal to the Council. The Council reviewed the revised proposal last
night, June 17, 2013, and it was approved. This matter is back to the Civil Service
Commission for two actions; first to rescind their former action, and second, to adopt this if
they so choose.
The major difference between the new plan and the original plan is the elimination of the
monthly stipend that was to be awarded to participants in the program. What will happen is if
employees who are eligible for retirement, if they chose to participate in this program, they
could slay employed and their health insurance benefits would be locked in based on what
would have been in effect at the time they could have retired. Both the LLSA and LPOA
contracts are up for renegotiation as of December 1, 2013. If there is a change in the
retirement health care provision, it would not apply to employees participating in this program.
Ms. Mahoney indicated it would be for those people eligible for retirement prior to the end of
the contract. Ms. Mahoney asked if they were to approve what was in front of them, does that
override their decision and do they actually have to rescind their last action.
Mr. Biga advised if they approve this, there will be two Letters of Understanding that they
have approved. One has not been confirmed by City Council and one has. The Commission
can rescind it or just leave it there and it is just invalid. Mr. Tatigian believed that rescinding it
clears the books. Mr. Biga agreed with Mr. Taligian.
Page ] 1309" Regular Meering June 18, 2013
Upon a motion by Ms. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Tatigian and adopted, it was
13-82 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the Letter of Understanding
with City the of Livonia and the Livonia Lieutenants and Sergeants Association
(LLSA); the Livonia Police Officers Association (LPDA); and the Livonia Police
Command, regarding the Livonia Police Retention Program, and having
discussion with Robert F. Biga, Human Resources Director, the Civil Service
Commission does hereby rescind their previous resolution 13-60 establishing the
Police Retention Program as submitted to City Council on April 29, 2013, since
this was not approved by City Council.
Ms. Mahoney asked if they did not approve this then, does the matter go back to the City
Council again. She wanted to know what the process is, now that the Council has acted to
approve an amended version of the Livonia Police Retention Program.
Mr. Biga informed the Commission that if they do not approve this item, then there is no
contract. If the Commission chose to take no action, what Council voted on is null and void
and there would be no Police Retention Program. Mr. Biga stated if the Commission
approves this item, that means that one side, the City, has approved it. The proposal now
has to go back to the LLSA and the LPOA to see if they agree with the new program.
Ms. Mahoney stated that up until now there was nothing for the Commission to agree with.
Mr. Biga stated that both the LLSA and LPOA agreed and signed the proposal that the
Commission approved in resolution 13-60.
The action the Commission is considering is agreeing with the revised proposal approved by
the City Council Iasi night. The City Council did not approve the proposal approved by the
Civil Service Commission.
If the Commission approves the revised proposals, the proposal still needs confirmation by
the LLSA and LPOA in order for it to be effective for employees represented by those unions.
For Police administration who are not in a union, the revised program will be in effect upon
Commission approval.
Ms. Mahoney inquired what stands between the new Letter of Understanding, and its
implementation are three bodies; the Civil Service Commission and the LLSA and LPOA.
Mr. Biga stated there is also one other person, the Mayor, who needs to agree to this. The
Mayor still has veto authority over the Council action. However, since he prepared the
revised proposal, such veto is unlikely.
Ms. Mahoney stated she was trying to understand the process and procedure and asked if
the Chief could help the Commission understand what action he would like to see in the
process, knowing there are still three steps.
Curtis Caid, Police Chief, stated he would like to see the Commission approve what was
presented to them. He asked if he could back up for just a moment, and explained that the
with the prior Police Retention Program that was presented to the Commission, all the
indicators were that this would be favorably accepted by the City Council or else this never
would have been presented to the Commission in its original fashion, which is now rescinded.
Page 8 1309u Regular Meeting June 18, 2013
Today what is being presented is essentially the same, and as what was approved, minus the
financial incentive. The initial program was brought about with two prongs, one of which is
what the Commission has before them today and then the financial incentive to take care of
the two different retirement systems that the City has and the motivations for people to retire.
As things progressed, even at last month's meeting, it became apparent that this was going to
grow some legs within the media, which took a negative slant on the proposal, even though
the media were wrong.
Chief Caid stated to be quite frank; there has been a lot of disappointment getting to this
stage. Chief Caid said he didn't regret bringing it forward, it was something that needed to be
addressed, but some of the actions that have occurred which have sidelined the proposal
were not true and have been troubling. Chief Caid indicated there are other agendas that
individuals have. Now being presented to the Commission is the program the City Council will
publicly support. The Mayor has indicated his support or the Chief said he wouldn't be here.
As Mr. Biga indicated, the stance that the Unions have had, is that before anything else is
looked at, they want to make sure the City is completely on board. Chief Caid said he needed
the support of the Civil Service Commission, the City Council and the Mayor in order to move
ahead. Chief Caid staled City Council is on board and hopefully, the Civil Service
Commission is on board. The Mayor presented this amended Livonia Police Retention
Program to the City Council at the last Study Meeting.
Upon a motion by Ms. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Tatigian and adopted, it was
13-83 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the Letter of Understanding
with City the of Livonia and the Livonia Lieutenants and Sergeants Association
(LLSA); the Livonia Police Officers Association (LPDA); and the Livonia Police
Command, regarding the amended Livonia Police Retention Program which was
approved at the City Council meeting of June 17, 2013, and having discussion
with Robert F. Biga, Human Resources Director, the Civil Service Commission
does accept the amended agreement establishing the Police Retention Program
as approved by the City Council on June 17, 2013.
Mr. Biga explained that in talking with Civil Service Department staff regarding the
examination for Police Officer, one of the problems we have been experiencing is that our
candidates do not submit complete application packets. Mr. Biga had staff prepare a
checklist. In the process of preparing a checklist, staff was looking at the requirements in the
examination for Police Officer. One is that applicants had to be U.S. citizens or resident
aliens with permission to work in the United States. Mr. Biga directed the staff pull the
MCOLES requirements. The MCOLES requirements do not list "be a resident alien' as an
alternative, they require that candidates "be a U.S. citizen," since police officers must be
MCOLES certified. It is requested we delete the "resident alien' as an option.
Upon a motion by Ms. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Tatigian and adopted, it was
1344 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the memorandum of June 13,
2013, from Derrick L. Washington, Personnel Analyst II, to Robert F. Biga,
Human Resources Director, and having discussion with Robert F. Biga, Human
Resources Director, requesting a change to qualification number one (1) for the
Page 9 1309"' Regular Meeting June 18, 2013
Police Officer examination to read, "Be a citizen of the United Slates" to comply
with the MCOLES requirements, the Civil Service Commission does hereby
approve this change in qualifications.
Upon a motion by Ms. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Tatigian, and adopted, it was
RESOLVED, that the meeting be adjourned at 5:59 p.m.
Gretchen Guisbert
Harry C. Tatigian, Chairman
Charlotte Mahoney, Commissioner