HomeMy WebLinkAbout1319th CSC Meeting (April 16, 2014)13W REGULAR MEETING OF THE
CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
The 1319' Regular Meeting of the Civil Service Commission was held on Wednesday,
April 16, 2014. The meeting was called to order at 5:45 p.m.
Members Present: Harry C. Tatigian, Chairman
Ronald Reinke
Charlotte S. Mahoney
Also Present:
Curtis Caid, Police Chief
Francis Donnelly, Sr. Police Lieutenant
James Green, Police Sergeant
Brandon Grysko, Police Officer
Shelley Holloway, Retired Police Sergeant
Sean Kavanagh, 16th District Court Judge
Jeff Krzskowski
Kevin Maillard, Director of Public Works
Angela Menti
Scott Morgan, President, LPDA
John Nolan, Police Officer
Greg Perttunen, Retired Police Sergeant
Greg Rohl, Attorney
Gregg Schultz, Schultz and Young
Robert F. Biga, Human Resources Director
Gretchen Guisbert, Secretary III
Upon a motion by Ms. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Reinke and unanimously adopted, it was
14-40 RESOLVED, that the Minutes of the 1318t' Regular Meeting held
Wednesday, March 12, 2014, be approved as submitted.
Upon a motion by Ms. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Reinke and unanimously adopted, it was
14-41 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the letter dated March 25,
2014, from Terry Marecki, requesting an unpaid medical leave of absence on
behalf of Adriane Spencer, Elections Systems Operator, the Civil Service
Commission does hereby affirm the administrative approval of Ms. Marecki's
request for a ninety (90) day unpaid medical leave of absence for Ms. Spencer;
after exhaustion of all donated vacation time;
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that should Ms. Spencer 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. Spencer 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. Spencers control.
Upon a motion by Ms. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Reinke and unanimously adopted, it was
14-42 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the correspondence dated
January 23, 2014, from Ronald Taig, Police Captain, and the military orders
dated March 25, 2014, and received in the Civil Service Department on April 1,
2014, from Daniel Horning, Police Service Aide, noted by Curtis Caid, Police
Chief, requesting a military leave of absence, the Civil Service Commission does
Page 2 1319u Regular Meeting April 16, 2014
hereby affirm the administrative approval of Mr. Horning's request for a military
leave of absence for the period of May 3, 2014 through June 1, 2014.
Upon a motion by Ms. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Reinke and unanimously adopted, it was
14-43 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the memorandum of April 8,
2014, from Derrick L. Washington, Personnel Analyst 11, to Robert F. Biga,
Human Resources Director, regarding the passing point for the written test for
Secretary 1 (983 o.c.), the Civil Service Commission does hereby affirm the
administrative approval of the passing point of 46% out of a maximum total score
of 200 or a score of 92 on the Short Employment Tests, and a passing point of
46% out of a maximum total score of 50 or a score of 23 on the Wondedic
Personnel Test written test for Secretary 1 (983 o.c.).
Upon a motion by Ms. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Reinke and unanimously adopted, it was
14-44 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the memorandum of April 8,
2014, from Derrick L. Washington, Personnel Analyst 11, to Robert F. Biga,
Human Resources Director, regarding the passing point for the written test for
Program Supervisor (982 o.c.), the Civil Service Commission does hereby affirm
the administrative approval of the passing point of 56.06% out of a maximum
total score of 330 or a score of 185 on the written tests for Program Supervisor
(982 o.c.).
Upon a motion by Ms. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Reinke and unanimously adopted, it was
14-45 RESOLVED, That the Civil Service Commission does hereby affirm
the administrative approval of the eligible list for Police Sergeant (1354 p.).
Upon a motion by Ms. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Reinke and unanimously adopted, it was
14-46 RESOLVED, That the Civil Service Commission does hereby affirm
the administrative approval of the eligible list for Police Lieutenant (1355 p.).
Upon a motion by Ms. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Reinke and unanimously adopted, it was
14-47 RESOLVED, That the Civil Service Commission does hereby affirm
the administrative approval of the eligible list for Account Clerk III (1358 p.).
Upon a motion by Ms. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Reinke and unanimously adopted, it was
14-48 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. Reinke and unanimously adopted, it was
14-49 RESOLVED, That the Civil Service Commission does hereby affirm
the administrative approval of an extension of probation for David Flahan, Water
Page 3 13W Regular Meeting April 16, 2014
Operations Mechanic I, for frrty-three days from the date of his return to work on
April 21, 2014.
The Commission received and fled the following:
a. Status of Temporary Employees Report for March 2014.
b. Non -Resident Report as of April 1, 2014.
C. Current Open -Competitive and Promotional Eligible Lists as of April 1,
2014.
d. Affirmative Action Report for March 2014.
e. Removal of names from active eligible list report for the month of March
2014.
f. Letter of March 20, 2014, to Terry A. Marecki, City Clerk, from Mayor Jack
E. Kirksey, regarding the Livonia Police Officers Association (LPDA)
Contract Agreement for the period December 1, 2013 through November
30, 2017, with notification he did not intend to use his veto power regarding
this matter.
g. Letter of March 20, 2014, to Terry A. Marecki, City Clerk, from Mayor Jack
E. Kirksey, regarding the Livonia Police Lieutenants and Sergeants
Association (LLSA) Contract Agreement for the period December 1, 2013
through November 30, 2017, with notification he did not intend to use his
veto power regarding this matter.
h. Council Resolution from the meeting of March 2, 2014 with Minutes to be
approved March 19, 2014:
#54-14, confirming the reappointment of Lora Weingarden, to the Livonia
Board of Ethics for a three-year term starting March 1, 2014 and expiring
March 1, 2017.
i. Council Resolutions from the meeting of March 19, 2014 with Minutes to be
approved April 7, 2014:
#69-14, Confirming the appointment of Jason Rhines, to the Zoning Board of
Appeals to fill the unexpired tens of Kathleen E. McIntyre, for a term that will
expire on July 12, 2015.
#72-14, confirming the reappointment of Glen Long, Jr., to the Local
Officers Compensation Commission for a seven-year term expiring April 2,
2021.
#83-14, approving the agreement between the City of Livonia and the
Livonia Police Officer Association (LPDA), for the period December 1, 2013
through November 30, 2017, and the necessary amendments to the
Compensation Plan, the Insurance and Disability Plans and the Retirement
Ordinance.
#84-14, approving the agreement between the City of Livonia and the
Livonia Lieutenants and Sergeants Association (LLSA), for the period
December 1, 2013 through November 30, 2017, and the necessary
amendments to the Compensation Plan, the Insurance and Disability Plans
and the Retirement Ordinance.
j. Summary of Medical Benefits for the period March 2013 through February
2014.
Page 4 1319u Regular Meeting Algal 16, 2014
Upon a motion by Ms. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Reinke and unanimously adopted, it was
14-50 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the expiring eligible lists for the
month of May 2014 — Assistant City Attorney, (963 o.c.), the Civil Service
Commission does hereby affirm the administrative approval of an extension of the
Assistant City Attorney, (963 o.c.) eligible list for six months to October 16, 2014.
Upon a motion by Ron Reinke, seconded by Ms. Mahoney and unanimously adopted, it was
1451 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the letter of March 21, 2014,
from Kevin L. Maillard, Director of Public Works, and Brian Wilson,
Superintendent of Public Services, requesting an open -competitive examination
for Building Mechanic IV — Electrician 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:
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 valid equivalency certificate; and
Possess and maintain a State of Michigan Electrical Journeyman or Master
Electrician License; and
Have five (5) years full-time paid experience in the electrical trade; and
Possess and maintain a valid drivers license and have an acceptable
driving record: and
Possess or be eligible for a Commercial Drivers License -Group A; and
Possess or be eligible for a valid Industrial Truck Driving Permit for the
operation of a fork lift.
PARTS OF EXAMINATION AND WEIGHTS
Written Test -50%' Interview -50%
Background Investigation — Pass/Fail
'NOTE: The ten (10) applicants with the highest passing score on the Written Test will be
invited to the Interview part of examination. Applicants must pass the Written Test and
Interview parts of examination and a pass/fail Background Investigation in order to be placed
on the eligible list.
Upon a motion by Ms. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Reinke and unanimously adopted, it was
14-52 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the letter of April 8, 2014, from
Kevin Maillard, Director of Public Works, and Brian Wilson, Superintendent of
Pages 1319u Regular Meeting April 16,2014
Public Service, requesting an open -competitive examination for Account Clerk 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
By the closing date of this announcement, applicants 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 a
minimum of two years of full-time paid accounting, bookkeeping or related
clerical experience, including experience with office machines in the last
five years; OR
3. Have a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or Finance from an accredited
college or university; OR
4. Have an equivalent combination of experience and education.
NOTE: Candidates are required to submit an ORIGINAL HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA OR GED
CERTIFICATE AND/OR ORIGINAL DEGREE OR OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS at the
time of Interview.
PARTS OF EXAMINATION AND WEIGHTS
Written Test -50% Interview -50%
A minimum of the top fifteen (15) qualified candidates with the highest passing scores on the
Written Test will be invited to the Interview. Candidates must pass the Written Test and the
Interview in order to be placed on the eligible list.
Kevin Maillard, Director of Public Works, requested modifications to the compensation plan to
include the ability to compensate employees including members of Local 192, Local 1917 and
unrepresented employees, (including Administrative & Professional, Exempt & Confidential
and Appointees) for standby, on-call duty. Mr. Biga stated we presently have no provision in
the compensation plan for this activity. Mr. Biga also brought a correspondence from Cheryl
Wallman, Chairperson, AFSCME Union Local 1917 regarding this matter, and noted
Ms. Wallman was not in attendance at the meeting.
Mr. Maillard explained that for a number of years the Department has had four people on-call
from December through March, during the week. Their compensation was three days of
compensatory time for every weekend that they were available on an on-call basis. Mr.
Maillard stated this became very expensive for the City and a lot of the foremen were ending
up with two to three months compensatory time. Mr. Maillard also slated they were having
problems at times with the Police Department having four numbers to call, so a couple of
years ago they came to an agreement with AFSCME Union Local 1917 where, for $450 per
week, one person would be designated as the on-call contact for DPS. The Police
Page 1319u Regular Meeting Apnli6,2014
Department would only need to call one number. That contact handled all the DPW
emergencies during the week.
Some weeks, the on-call individual would take 20 to 25 phone calls. Other weeks less. There
was a one-year agreement with 1917 and it worked very well. This system was continued on a
month-to-month basis for an additional year. During contract negotiations, 1917 did not want
to participate in the program.
Currently we have supervisors performing this activity. He requests that people other than
supervisors be available to provide these on-call services. The Police Department would have
one number to call for situations that the DPW handles such as snow and ice control, water
breaks, sanitary sewer problems, flooding, City building issues, etc. The system has worked
well. However he needs more people to be available to share the workload. He has
contacted non-union and union represented employees and has found many employees
willing and capable to perform the work.
Ms. Mahoney requested clarification of the issues presented in Ms. Wallman's
correspondence. She questioned if union employees would lose overtime opportunities with
this proposal. Mr. Maillard indicated that employees would still be able to work overtime if
needed. This system would permit more employees to participate in the "on call" system and
spread the burden on more people. This proposal was discussed with Local 1917 in
negotiations. Their requested compensation was not acceptable.
Mr. Tatigian noted the letter from Ms. Wallman was received in the Civil Service Department
today and he asked if Mr. Biga had an opportunity to review it. Mr. Biga just read it and he
understood where Ms. Wallman was coming from. Her position of this being bargaining unit
work is not shared. This is work that can be done by anyone; it is not exclusive to any one
bargaining unit. If we do something that will affect 192 as well as 1917, he believed it should
be discussed with them. Mr. Biga stated that this provision could be adopted for non -
represented employees. Mr. Biga thought this matter could be referred to him to discuss with
the bargaining units because he didn't want to have any potential unfair labor practices.
Mr. Maillard stated this was purely a voluntary situation across the board, even for the
foremen. Mr. Tatigian was surprised Ms. Wallman wasn't present at the meeting to discuss
this matter.
Upon a motion by Ron Reinke, seconded by Ms. Mahoney and unanimously adopted, it was
14-53 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the letter of April 10, 2014, from
Kevin Maillard, P.E., Director of Public Works, requesting modification to the City
of Livonia Compensation Plan to include the ability to compensate employees
including members of Local 192, Local 1917 and unrepresented employees
(including Administrative & Professional, Exempt & Confidential and Appointees),
$450.00 for one week of twenty-four hour/seven day on-call duty as assigned by
Department of Public Works management, and having discussion with Kevin
Maillard, P.E., Director of Public Works; and Robert F. Biga, Human Resources
Director, the Civil Service Commission does hereby approve adding the following
provision to section 4.1 of the City of Livonia Compensation Plan:
Page 7 1319" Regular Meeting April 16, 2014
4.1 (12) On -Call Duty: Employees assigned to perform on-call
duties in the Department of Public Works shall receive $450.00 per
week for performing these duties on a twenty-four (24) hour/seven (7)
day work period.
Upon a motion by Ron Reinke, seconded by Ms. Mahoney and unanimously adopted, it was
14-54 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the memorandum of April 4,
2014, from Gretchen Guisbert, Secretary III, transmitting requests from employees
to donate vacation time to Adriane Spencer, Elections Systems Operator, the Civil
Service Commission does hereby approve the donation of vacation time which will
be converted to an equivalent time off based on Ms. Spencer's rate of pay.
Upon a motion by Ms. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Reinke and unanimously adopted, it was
14-55 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the letter of April 1, 2014, from
Kevin Maillard, Director of Public Works, and Brian Wilson, Superintendent of
Public Service, requesting the removal of a name from the Custodian (967 o.c.)
eligible list, the Civil Service Commission does hereby approve the removal of a
name from the Custodian (967 o.c.) eligible list as permitted under Civil Service
Commission RULE 14, ELIGIBLE LISTS, Section 14.7 (m) Removal from Lists.
Sean Kavanagh, 16g District Court Judge, was present to discuss the letter of February 25,
2014 from Honorable Kathleen J. McCann, and Honorable Sean P. Kavanagh, of the 16"
District Court requesting inclusion of Court employees into the V.E.B.A. Plan
Judge Kavanagh stated Judge McCann wasn't able to be present because she's been ill for
about a week. Judge Kavanagh stated about a year ago the Court employees started
contributing 2% of their pension wages to the City's VEBA. This was a longstanding request
from the administration because all City employees had done so. Mr. Kavanagh stated that
he was City Attorney in 1997 when the VEBA plan was implemented and was a signator. The
VEBA plan does not specifically include Court employees as participants in the plan. Court
employees are not City employees; they are not State employees; they are Court employees.
There are a couple of reasons he wanted to bring this forward. First he wanted to be sure
everybody is covered at the Court, including the Judges, including himself. Knowing there will
be some turnover in the next few years because people will retire, the Judges want to make
sure that all the employees in the 16'" District Court are covered unless they specifically opt
out. Judge Kavanagh stated he had been a judge almost six years and Judge McCann has
been there almost 20 years. Judge McCann is in the VEBA plan and he is not. Although he
is not in the VEBA plan, he would like to be in the VEBA plan and pay the 2%. Judge
Kavanagh indicated he spoke with Mr. Biga about this matter and he indicated that the judge
should write a letter to the City administration, Civil Service Commission, and Council that
both judges should be included in the Plan. The reason Mr. Biga indicates that Judge
Kavanagh is not included is because he is not a participant in either City pension plan.
Before Judge Kavanagh was elected, the state adopted a rule that a District Court Judge
could not be a participant in both the state pension plan and the local funding agency pension
plan. Therefore, when Judge Kavanagh was elected he could not have a pension plan from
Page 1319u Regular Meeting Apnli6,2014
the City and the State. The way the numbers worked he had to elect the Slate pension plan.
That actually saves the City money because the City doesn't have to contribute to either the
DC plan or the DB plan for him. He wants to make sure that all the employees are covered
under the VEBA. Affected employees are contributing 2%. He wanted to put in 2% and
Judge McCann is already putting in 2%. In order to be a VEBA participate, he agreed that the
retirement ordinance needs to be amended and the VEBA plan needs to be amended and the
judges are asking permission to do so.
Mr. Tatigian told Judge Kavanagh the Commission looked this item over and they agreed that
in order to do anything, the issues are quite complex. They would need to ask for some legal
opinions.
Mr. Tatigian told Judge Kavanagh the Commission wasn't prepared to approve any action
before getting legal opinions. Judge Kavanagh said that's fine and the history has been that
all Court employee pensions and post -employment health care benefits are all administered
by the City. For the Judges, the reason they are administered by the City, is in 1968, when
the District Court was set up, 1/3 of the salary is paid by the City, but 100% is reimbursed by
the slate. The reason it is paid by the City is to attach fringe benefits. He didn't want
anybody disqualified. He didn't want the pension plan disqualified. Judge Kavanagh stated
what they were asking for was already the practice. The money has already been budgeted
for all the employees for the retiree health care.
Upon a motion by Ms. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Reinke and unanimously adopted, it was
14-56 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the letter of February 25, 2014,
from Honorable Kathleen McCann, and Honorable Sean Kavanagh, regarding the
V.E.B.A., and having discussion from Judge Sean Kavanagh, the Civil Service
Commission does hereby seek legal opinion from the Law Department, from our
Labor Attorney, and opinion from the Human Resources Director.
Police Officer Nolan was present at the meeting to discuss LPOA Grievance #14-94, dated
March 31, 2014, from Police Officer Nolan. Officer Nolan explained he was given four
charges with a written reprimand that he did not want placed in his personnel file.
Officer Nolan stated as a result of the disciplinary matter he was made to watch 3-% hours of
videos with Sergeant Green and Lieutenant Donnelly over a three-month period to review his
job and explain what occurred during various situations. Officer Nolan stated he verbally
answered questions and later provided written answers to some of the same questions he
had already answered verbally.
Officer Nolan asked for all charges and discipline to be removed from his file and for negative
comments to be removed from his service ratings. Officer Nolan stated this situation has
caused him so much stress he went off work on an FMLA leave. Officer Nolan felt his job
was in danger and that the discipline was retaliatory in nature. Officer Nolan also felt he
should have been given answers to his written responses to the questions posed to him. He
slated this issue is very important to him, as is his reputation.
Page 1319"' Regular Meeting ApnI16,2014
Mr. Tatigian asked Officer Nolan in what way he had been disciplined. Officer Nolan stated
he was verbally counseled on an incident by the Officer -in -Charge, Sergeant Weiss, on the
day after the incident. Officer Nolan staled this was documented on his performance record
at the shift level and put on his service rating, for the period ending July 31, 2013, and he
received a one -point reduction in his service rating. Officer Nolan provided a copy for the
Commissioners.
Ms. Mahoney clarified that in a letter of March 12, 2014, there were a series of things Officer
Nolan was being reprimanded for, not just one incident. Officer Nolan stated he didn't know
what the things were that resulted in him being disciplined. Ms. Mahoney asked Officer Nolan
why he didn't go to a Chiefs hearing within ten days, as per contract, to find out why and to
clarify what it was he didn't understand regarding the charges.
Chief Caid stated he appreciated Officer Nolan taking this matter seriously and he also takes
all disciplinary matters very seriously. Chief Caid stated that the events that led up to the
reprimand occurred in August and October. Mr. Tatigian asked Chief Caid if Officer Nolan
was furnished with copies of the summary of the investigation from Lieutenant Donnelly and
Sergeant Green. Chief Caid stated "not that he was aware of," but that Officer Nolan had
discussion with the supervisors which was focused on the incidents on the particular days.
Officer Nolan reiterated he answered questions posed to him, but they did not appear on the
charge letter. Officer Nolan stated he believed that meant there was nothing wrong with his
answers to the questions. Therefore, he should not have been given a discipline letter.
Chief Caid stated that Officer Nolan indicated he met with his supervisors for 3-1/2 hours,
talking through areas of concern, so there was no doubt what the concerns were from the
supervisors.
Lieutenant Donnelly explained that he was the platoon #2 shift supervisor and he met with
Officer Nolan, Officer Morgan, the Union representative and Sergeant Green on Tuesday
November 19, 2013. Lieutenant Donnelly presented questions to Officer Nolan regarding the
job performance concerns that were observed in the videos from August through October.
Lieutenant Donnelly gave examples of incidents involving Officer Nolan. Officer Nolan refuted
all of the incidents. Officer Nolan wanted to clarify they were talking about four days in the
course of his 17 year career with the City of Livonia. Officer Nolan gave explanations for the
different charges against him. He also stated he had documented things that had occurred
and that he wasn't doing anything different than what anybody else does in the Department.
Officer Nolan stated he knew where all this stemmed from and there have been other things
that have happened and that was why he was unwilling to accept the reprimand.
Ms. Mahoney stated Officer Nolan shared with the Commission the issues he could have
presented to Chief Caid at a Chiefs hearing and wondered why he didn't take the time to
attend a hearing and get some information and an interpretation of the answers to the
questions.
Greg Rohl introduced himself as Officer Nolan's attorney and he stated he told Officer Nolan
not to go the Chiefs hearing. Mr. Rohl asked what could be the reason Officer Nolan would
be targeted. Mr. Rohl stated Officer Nolan had his key FOB taken from him, his locker of 15
Page 10 1319u Regular Meeting Apnl i6, 2014
years has been taken from him and he can no longer train officers. Mr. Rohl stated this only
happened in the past eight months. Mr. Rohl stated that eight months ago Officer Nolan went
to the media with documentation regarding an attempt to get the police retention policy
passed. Mr. Rohl stated that retention policy would have meant $25,000 a year for certain
selected officers. Funds would be paid from the Public Safety millage recently approved by
the voters. Mr. Rohl indicated that Officer Nolan was that "whistleblower' and he alleged that
was the reason for Officer Nolan being targeted.
Mr. Tatigian informed Mr. Rohl that a "whistleblower' is someone who reveals something that
was not already made public. This issue had already been reported in the Livonia Observer.
Chief Caid stated this was the first time he heard about Officer Nolan being the "source' to
the media. Chief Caid stated the decisions about the retention program were made in public
discussion and he has no ill -will regarding the subject. Chief Caid also stated that since
Officer Nolan has been back from his leave he has received positive comments on some of
his activities. Nobody is headhunting him. This appeal will not prevent Management from
doing their job with regard to disciplining him or anyone else should something arise. Chief
Caid concluded his remarks by stating he was comfortable that Officer Nolan was treated
fairly in this matter, given the totality of the circumstances. Chief Caid reiterated he was not
targeting Officer Nolan. Chief Caid slated Officer Nolan was aware of the discipline. A
written reprimand was discussed and was not acceptable to him. It was Chiefs responsibility
to police his department and take whatever action he thinks is appropriate.
Officer Nolan again stated the discipline was based on eight questions. None appear in the
charge letter. He explained his actions on the four days in question and again stated they
were singling him out.
When Ms. Mahoney again stated she couldn't understand why Office Nolan wouldn't have
wanted to explain that at a Chiefs hearing, Officer Nolan replied that since he had written
eight pages of answers to the questions and if those answers didn't suffice he didn't know
what good it would do him to talk to Chief Caid. That is why he appealed to the Commission.
Mr. Rohl reiterated he advised his client not to go to a Chiefs hearing. Ms. Mahoney staled
that if she felt as strong about something as Officer Nolan said he feels, then she wasn't sure
she would take advice from an attorney if she really felt there was more information.
The Commission took a brief recess at 7:20 p.m.
The meeting reconvened at 7:25 p.m.
Page 11 13W Regular Meeting April 16, 2014
Upon a motion by Ron Reinke, seconded by Ms. Mahoney and unanimously adopted, it was
14-57 RESOLVED, That having reviewed LPOA Grievance #14-94, dated
March 31, 2014, from Police Officer John Nolan, regarding disciplinary charges,
and having had discussion with Police Officer John Nolan; Police Chief Curtis
Caid; Police Lieutenant Francis Donnelly; Police Sergeant James Green; Police
Officer Scott Morgan; and Attorney Greg Rohl, the Civil Service Commission does
hereby deny the grievance.
Upon a motion by Ms. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Reinke and unanimously adopted, it was
14-58 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the letter of April 14, 2014, from
Nitza Ramirez -Blackstock, Librarian I, as approved for submission by Toni
LaPorte, Acting City Librarian, requesting an unpaid medical leave of absence, the
Civil Service Commission does hereby affirm the administrative approval of
Ms. Ramirez -Blackstock -'s request for a ninety (90) day unpaid medical leave of
absence for Ms. Ramirez -Blackstock; beginning April 4, 2014;
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that should Ms. Ramirez -Blackstock not
return to work for at least thirty (30) calendar days atter 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. Ramirez -Blackstock 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. Ramirez-
Blackslock's control.
Upon a motion by Ms. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Reinke and unanimously adopted, it was
14-59 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the memorandum of April 16,
2014, from Robert F. Biga, Human Resources Director, requesting salary and
benefit adjustments for the Police Command, the Civil Service Commission does
hereby approve the recommended salary and benefit adjustments for the period
December 1, 2013 through November 30, 2017, pursuant to the attached
summary;
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That all other benefits not elaborated in the
attached summary as extended to the Livonia Lieutenants and Sergeants in their
December 1, 2013 through November 30, 2017 Agreement be afforded to the
Police Command;
AND BE IT
FURTHER RESOLVED,
That this
resolution is to
be effective
immediately
and is hereby submitted
to City
Council for their
review and
concurrence.
Ms. Mahoney requested a change for the June 2014 Civil Service Commission meeting date.
After checking their schedules, the Human Resources Director and Commissioners agreed on
Tuesday, June 10, 2014, for the new date. A public notice will be distributed to all employees.
Page 12 1319u Regular Meeting April 16, 2014
The Commission thanked Mr. Tatigian for his chairmanship and reappointment to the Civil
Service Commission. The new Chairman for the Civil Service Commission will be Ronald
Reinke, beginning with the May 21, 2014 meeting.
Upon a motion by Ron Reinke, seconded by Ms. Mahoney and unanimously adopted, it was
RESOLVED, that the meeting be adjourned at 7:42 p.m.
Gretchen Guisbert, Secretary III
Harry C. Tatigian, Chairman
Ronald Reinke, Commissioner
Charlotte Mahoney, Commissioner