HomeMy WebLinkAbout1340th CSC Meeting (January 20, 2016)1340th REGULAR MEETING OF THE
CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
The 1340th Regular Meeting of the Civil Service Commission was held on Wednesday, January
20, 2016. The meeting was called to order at 5:44 p.m. by Acting Chairperson Charlotte
Mahoney.
Members Present:
Members Absent:
Also Present:
Patricia Burklow, Judicial Secretary, 16th District
Court
Dennis Burklow, Police Officer
Curtis Caid, Police Chief
Toni LaPorte, Library Director
Lori Miller, AFSCME Union Local 192 Secretary
Bonnie Murphy, Secretary I
Susan Nash, City Clerk
Charlotte S. Mahoney, Commissioner
Harry C. Tatigian, Commissioner
James R. Cambridge, Chairman
Ken Widmer, AFSCME Union Local 192
Chief Roads/Parks Steward
Denise Maier, SPHR, Human Resources
Director
Derrick L. Washington, SPHR, Personnel
Analyst II
Gretchen Guisbert, Secretary III
Ms. Mahoney staled Chairman Jim Cambridge was ill and would not be present at the meeting.
Acting as Chairperson, Ms. Mahoney stepped down to second all the motions for the meeting.
Upon a motion by Mr. Tatigian, seconded by Ms. Mahoney, and adopted, it was
16-01 RESOLVED, that the Minutes of the 1339th Regular Meeting held
Wednesday, December 9, 2015, be approved as submitted.
Ms. Mahoney wanted to let the audience know that since there are only two (2)
Commissioners present, they would like to move NB -10, the AFSCME Union Local 192
Grievance, to a meeting when there are all three (3) Commissioners present. She apologized
and said they did not know Mr. Cambridge was ill, but she thought that would be in their best
interest to wait if that was ok with them. Ken Widmer, Chief Roads/Parks Steward for
AFSCME Union Local 192, said that was fine.
Due to a conflict, Ms. Mahoney requested to move the February 17, 2016 Civil Service
Commission meeting to one week later, or February 24, 2016. There were no objections to
this request. This was subject to Mr. Cambridge's schedule and with proper notification to all
City employees, the meeting will be moved to Wednesday, February 24, 2016.
Upon a motion by Mr. Tatigian, seconded by Ms. Mahoney, and adopted, it was
16-02 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the memorandum of January 6,
2016, from Derrick L. Washington, SPHR, Personnel Analyst 11, to Denise C.
Maier, SPHR, Human Resources Director, regarding the passing point for the
written test for Building Mechanic 1 (1018 o.c.), the Civil Service Commission
does hereby affirm the administrative approval of the passing point of 70% out of
a maximum of 75 or a score of 53 on the written test for Building Mechanic I
(1018 o.c.).
Paget 1340'" Regular Meeting January 20,2016
Upon a motion by Mr. Tatigian, seconded by Ms. Mahoney, and adopted, it was
16-03 RESOLVED, that the Civil Service Commission does hereby affirm
the administrative approval of the eligible list for Building Inspector/Environmental
Control Officer (1019 o.c.).
The Commission received and filed the following:
a. Temporary Report as of December, 2015.
b. Non -Resident Report as of January 1, 2016.
C. Council Resolution from the meeting of December 14, 2015, with minutes
to be approved January 11, 2016:
#392-15, regarding a request for an amendment to the City of Livonia
Retiree Health and Disability Benefits Plan (V.E.B.A.) to include language
to ensure all employees and Judges of the 16'^ District Court are included
in the City's VEBA Plan.
#398-15, directing that a Closed Committee of the Whole meeting be held
in connection with pending litigation, Gregory Pertlunen and Shelley
Holloway v City of Livonia.
#399-15, directing that a Closed Committee of the Whole meeting be held
in connection with pending litigation, John Nolan v City of Livonia.
#401-15, approving the appointment of Glen W. Long, Jr., to the City
Planning Commission, to fill the unexpired term of office of Lynda Scheel,
which will expire on June 9, 2017.
J. Letter of January 6, 2016, from Dennis K. Wright, Mayor, appointing
Susan Nash as a member of the Municipal Building Authority of Livonia,
with a term expiring on November 10, 2018.
e. Expiring eligible lists for the month of February 2016 — Clerk 1 (980 o.c.),
Custodian (996 o.c.), Firefighter (1000 o.c.) and Program Supervisor —
Property Room/Evidence Manager (1003 o.c.).
Upon a motion by Mr. Tatigian, seconded by Ms. Mahoney, and adopted, it was
16-04 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the memorandum of January
14, 2016, from Derrick L. Washington, SPHR, Personnel Analyst 11, to Denise C.
Maier, SPHR, Human Resources Director, transmitting the published health
insurance rates for March 1, 2016 through February 28, 2017, the Civil Service
Commission does hereby accept the Blue Cross/Blue Shield rates for the period
March 1, 2016 through February 28, 2017.
Upon a motion by Mr. Tatigian, seconded by Ms. Mahoney, and adopted, it was
16-05 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the memorandum of January
14, 2016, from Derrick L. Washington, SPHR, Personnel Analyst 11, to Denise C.
Maier, SPHR, Human Resources Director, requesting an open -competitive
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:
Page 1340' Regular Meeting January 20,2016
QUALIFICATIONS
By the closing date of the announcement, applicants must:
1. Be a citizen of the United States 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 Bachelors 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 or be in the process of obtaining 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. Candidates
must have passed both tests to proceed to the next examination process.
5. Possess normal visual functions and acuity in each eye, correctable to 20120
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 operator's 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 II Certificate or equivalent certification in a
state that has reciprocity.
NOTE: CANDIDATES ARE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT ORIGINAL
DEGREES/TRANSCRIPTS, LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS BY THE CLOSING DATE
OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT.
Page 1340'" Regular Meeting January 20,2016
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.
Derrick Washington, Personnel Analyst II, stated the last time the exam for Fire Equipment
Mechanic was conducted there were about six applicants. Most people who are qualified for
this position do well on the written test. Of the six people who took the lest, six people passed.
In addition, these individuals are licensed by the slate of Michigan.
Ken Widmer, Chief Roads/Parks Steward, AFSCME Union Local 192, asked if this was
normally a position that is filled in-house by the mechanics at the garage. Mr. Washington
stated he believed the one that is filled in-house is the supervisor's position. Mr. Widmer
stated he thought the person working in the position was a Local 192 member and he is retiring
and it is normally a job that is filled in-house. Mr. Washington clarified Mr. Widmer was
wondering why it is not being mn as a promotional examination instead of an open -competitive.
He further stated the last time it was run it was as an open -competitive examination. The
employee may have done the best in the interview and with the service credit, may have been
the one who was appointed to the position, but the last time it was filled, it was through the
open -competitive process.
Mr. Widmer asked if there were any changes to the qualifications or weights that would
disqualify any of the 192 members. Mr. Washington stated there were no changes to the
qualifications, but instead of having to take a written test, it would be 100% interview.
Previously the examination consisted of a written test and an interview and now it is being
proposed as 100% interview at his suggestion.
Ms. Mahoney inquired if this was because each time this test has been offered the candidates
all passed. Mr. Washington stated yes. He read the certification requirements to qualify for
the position.
Ms. Mahoney stated the fact that this is open -competitive does not prevent anyone who is
currently employed in the City from applying. Mr. Widmer said true, but not doing a written test
puts them at more of a disadvantage. Mr. Widmer thought that on positions that carry that
many qualifications you would want the most qualified person to get the job and that person is
going to do better on a written test, which could be added to the score along with an interview.
Ms. Mahoney asked if this position was currently vacant and Ms. Maier said not yet. Mr.
Tatigian stated this could be held over to the next meeting so that Chief Whitehead could be
present. Ms. Mahoney staled when there is a written lest that everybody passes, everybody
doesn't pass with the same level of expertise. Mr. Washington explained with the interview you
still have scores for the interview. The employee will still get seniority points whether it is 50%
written plus 50% interview or 100% interview.
Pages 1340'" Regular Meeting January 20,2016
Ms. Mahoney asked if everyone who passes the written gets an interview and Mr. Washington
stated yes. Mr. Tatigian asked Mr. Widmer why not having a written test would put a City
employee at a disadvantage. Mr. Widmer stated when there is a written test you are getting a
better understanding of everyone's knowledge in the field. Ms. Mahoney clarified that in the
past all qualified applicants were given a written test, and there is a passing point of 70% on
that written test, so in order to be invited to the interview, the applicant must have passed the
written test. Ken Widmer agreed this makes sure someone is qualified for the job and when
points are tallied, you add the points from the written test and the interview and if you are a
City employee you get seniority points on top of that if you pass both. He indicated normally
this job has been filled by a 192 member who has worked at the garage and who has history
here. Mr. Widmer thought by doing 100% interview, it wasn't the best method of ensuring the
person was qualified. He staled he wouldn't object to tabling this issue if the Commission
wanted Chief Whitehead to be in attendance to get his opinion.
Ms. Maier stated if it was a matter of getting this through tonight she recommended that we
give a written test in this instance and it could be brought back at another time with the change.
Mr. Washington staled the test developer that wrote the previous test is no longer in business.
Ms. Mahoney asked if there were old copies of the test still available. Mr. Washington stated
he would have to check and see. Ms. Mahoney stated the old test may be useless if it was
very old and the technology had changed. She thought Ms. Maier's recommendation was a
good one at this point in time.
Upon a motion by Mr. Tatigian, seconded by Ms. Mahoney, and adopted, it was
16-06 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the memorandum of January
15, 2016, from Derrick L. Washington, SPHR, Personnel Analyst II, to Denise C.
Maier, SPHR, Human Resources Director, requesting an open -competitive
examination for Fire Equipment Mechanic and proposed qualifications and parts
of examination and weights, and having discussion with Ken Widmer, Chief
Roads/Parks the Civil Service Commission does hereby approve the
qualifications and parts of examination and weights as revised:
QUALIFICATIONS
By the closing date of the announcement, applicants must:
Be a citizen of the United States or a resident alien with the right to work in
the United Stales; and Have a high school diploma or a valid equivalency
certificate; and Possess and maintain a valid Driver's License and have an
acceptable driving record; and
A State of Michigan Mechanic's certification in Heavy Duty (HD)
Truck/Engine Repair (diesel), HD Truck/Brakes and Braking Systems, HD
Truck/Electrical Systems and at least one other area is required; and
Have three (3) years of current full-time, paid experience in the repair and
maintenance of diesel engines, Allison Automatic Transmissions, as well
as automobiles and other mechanically operated tools. National
Association of Emergency Vehicle Technicians (NAEVI) Certification is
preferred.
Page 6 1340'" Regular Meeting January 20, 2016
NOTE: ORIGINAL HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA OR GED AND ORIGINAL MECHANIC
CERTIFICATION DOCUMENTATION MUST BE SUBMITTED AT TIME OF INTERVIEW.
NOTE: SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE MAY HAVE TO OBTAIN A GROUP "B"
COMMERCIAL DRIVERS LICENSE WITH AIR BRAKE.
PARTS OF EXAMINATION AND WEIGHTS
Written Test -50%' Interview -50%
*NOTE : The fifteen (15) 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 part of examination in order to be placed on the eligible list.
Alex Bishop, Director of Inspection requested advance step increases for two (2) relatively new
employees due to the number of years of experience in their respective fields. Specifically, Mr.
Bishop requested Robert Baumgardner's salary be advanced from step 2 to step 4; and Joel
Tobias' salary be advanced from step 1.5 to step 3.5. Mr. Bishop explained that this would be
effective March 1, 2016, or upon Commission approval, along with their obtaining the three (3)
required International Code Council (ICC) certifications, whichever is later. So even if the
Commission approved it, if they don't have the three (3) ICC certifications, it would not go into
effect until that time.
Upon a motion by Mr. Tatigian, seconded by Ms. Mahoney, and adopted, it was
16-07 RESOLVED, that having reviewed the letter of December 21, 2015,
from Alex Bishop, CBO, Director of Inspection, requesting advance step
increases for two (2) employees, and having discussion with Alex Bishop,
Director of Inspection; the Civil Service Commission does hereby approve a step
increase from step 2 to step 4 for Robert Baumgardner, Heating Inspector; and a
step increase from step 1.5 to step 3.5 for Joel Tobias, Electrical Inspector, to be
effective March 1, 2016, with the understanding that both employees' step
increases will depend on them obtaining the three (3) required International Code
Council (ICC) certifications, whichever date is later.
Curtis Caid, Police Chief, was present to discuss his request for a pay step advancement for a
Police Officer that has prior police experience from the state of North Carolina. He has over
two (2) years of experience as a Police Officer in that stale and in concurrence with the current
compensation plan, he was recognizing that prior police experience and requested an advance
in his pay by one step, which is outlined in his letter to the Commission.
Chief Caid also asked that the step increase, if approved, be retroactive to the employee's date
of hire, December 14, 2015.
Ms. Mahoney asked if there was any reason they weren't asked to do this upon hiring this
individual. Chief Caid said no, the Union president brought it to his attention but he can't hire
him at a higher rate without the Commission's approval.
Page] 1340'" Regular Meeting January 20,2016
Upon a motion by Mr. Tatigian, seconded by Ms. Mahoney, and adopted, it was
16-08 RESOLVED, that having reviewed the letter of January 8, 2016,
from Curtis Caid, Police Chief, requesting a pay step advancement in recognition
of prior police experience for Police Office Joshua Kohler, and having discussion
with Chief Caid, the Civil Service Commission does hereby approve a step
increase to step 2 for Officer Kohler, based upon his prior experience as a Police
Officer, to be retroactive to his dale of hire on December 14, 2015.
Chief Caid requested a modification to the Compensation Plan for Police Captains. Currently
the compensation that Police Captains receive for overtime is straight time compensatory time
and there is no limit on accumulation. Chief Caid stated that was a problem for him to
manage. If you accumulate 500 hours of compensatory time, that turns into cash at some
point. The overtime for Police Captains is rare to begin with. But this would allow an easier
management tool for himself and Mr. Slater in that regard. When Police Captains do
accumulate comp time, it is consistent with the labor agreement with the Lieutenants and
Sergeants Association. Going forward, if approved by the Commission, in the event that Police
Captains choose to earn comp time over pay, it is limited to 100 hours and there is the option
of also being compensated at straight time pay.
Ms. Mahoney reiterated the change is the addition of a maximum number of hours that can be
accumulated in compensatory time or a person can elect to be paid at straight time. She then
asked when the employee needed to decide that. Chief Caid advised that each time the
request would go through the employee's supervisor, so either the Deputy Chief or himself.
Upon a motion by Mr. Tatigian, seconded by Ms. Mahoney, and adopted, it was
16-09 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the letter of January 8, 2016,
from Curtis Caid, Police Chief, requesting a modification to the compensation
plan to allow for overtime for Police Captains be in straight time in compensatory
time or pay, and having discussion with Chief Caid, the Civil Service Commission
does hereby approve a modification to the compensation plan to allow for
overtime for Police Captains to be in straight time compensatory time, limited to
100 hours, or to be paid at the straight time rale.
Chief Caid requested a modification to the qualifications for the Police Sergeant promotional
examination and explained this item was a housekeeping item. Chief Caid explained that
some time ago he came before the Civil Service Commission to modify the qualifications for
the position of Police Officer for the open -competitive examination. In the past we always
required applicants to have two (2) years of college in law enforcement or four (4) years of
college in any field to be considered for qualification for the position of Police Officer.
As they have discussed, the City's staffing has been an issue and we have made great
progress with the assistance of the Civil Service Department staff but they still have goals that
need to be achieved. So he came to the Civil Service Commission to ask for the authority to
waive that qualification in lieu of prior police experience or prior military experience, which was
granted.
Page 1340' Regular Meeting January 20,2016
Going forward, Chief said he failed to foresee, as in Agenda item 5, that Police Officer does not
have two (2) years of experience of law enforcement and an Associate's degree. That
individual has college but would not have been hired by us without that initial waiver. What he
is requesting is that we include the same language that was previously in the Police Officer
examination for Police Sergeant. So if someone is going to be considered for Police Sergeant,
they must have at least two (2) years of college in law enforcement or four (4) years in any
other field.
This modification will ensure candidates who are hired without an Associate's degree in
criminal justice or law enforcement obtain the degree prior to being considered for the Police
Sergeant promotional examination.
16-10 RESOLVED, that having reviewed the letter of January 11, 2016,
from Curtis Caid, Police Chief, requesting a modification of the qualifications for
the Police Sergeant promotional examination, and having discussion with Chief
Caid, the Civil Service Commission does hereby approve the modification of the
promotional examination for Police Sergeant to include the following language,
"Have been awarded and provide proof of an Associate's degree in Law
Enforcement or Police Administration, or a Bachelors degree in any non -Criminal
Justice discipline for an accredited college or university."
Denise Maier, Human Resources Director, informed the Commission that NB -8, a letter of
December 30, 2015, from Dennis Wright (then) City Treasurer, requesting a stipend for Sharon
Dolmetsch, Deputy Treasurer, to be effective January 1, 2015, was being pulled from the
Agenda. She stated this item is being sent to City Council, because that position does not fall
under the Civil Service.
Ms. Maier requested that the x -item, regarding a letter of January 14, 2016, from Toni LaPorte,
Library Director, regarding a request for an extension of an unpaid medical leave of absence
from Nitza Ramirez -Blackstock, be reviewed before NB -9 because that item might take some
time to discuss.
Ms. LaPorte was present at the meeting and explained that this employee has been off work
for the past three (3) months and this has presented quite a hardship for the staff to do all of
her work. Ms. LaPorte said this was not just the reference staff but other staff members
coming in to help them out. In addition, this has been a disservice for the patrons because
there are things that the employee did that have not been getting done, such as teaching
certain classes and proctoring, which also provides revenue.
Ms. Maier stated at this time, there is no updated medical doctor's note indicating when Ms.
Ramirez -Blackstock can return to work.
Ms. Mahoney asked if this individual was a full-time employee. Ms. Maier said yes. Mr.
Tatigian inquired how long this had been going on and Ms. LaPorte stated for this instance,
three (3) months. Ms. Mahoney asked if the employee has had any previous medical leaves
and 6 they were for the same issue. Ms. LaPorte said yes.
Page 1340'" Regular Meeting January 20,2016
Upon a motion by Mr. Tatigian, seconded by Ms. Mahoney, and adopted, it was
16-11 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the letter of January 14, 2016,
from Toni LaPorte, Library Director, regarding a request for an extension of an
unpaid medical leave of absence for Nitza Ramirez -Blackstock, and having
discussion with Toni LaPorte, Library Director, the Civil Service Commission
does hereby deny the request for an extension of unpaid medical leave for Ms.
Ramirez -Blackstock, due to the hardship it has placed on the department.
Patricia Burklow, Judicial Secretary, 16'^ District Court, was present at the meeting to discuss
her request for an appeal of denial of dental benefits. Ms. Burklow asked if she should wait for
Chairman Cambridge to be present at the meeting in order for there to be a majority. Ms.
Mahoney stated if there were a split vote on the appeal, Ms. Burklow would have to come back
to another meeting to have all three Commissioner's votes. Ms. Burklow asked if there was an
appeal process if both Ms. Mahoney and Mr. Tatigian voted no. Ms. Mahoney stated there is
an appeal process, but not through them, it was not a grievance. Ms. Mahoney stated Ms.
Burklow was certainly welcome to come back when there are three (3) Commissioners
present. Otherwise, she could be presenting her issue twice.
Mr. Tatigian staled she might be better off if all three of the Commissioners were present. Ms.
Burklow had one more question about procedure. She wanted to know if the Civil Service
Commission was like the Zoning Board, after everything was presented everyone goes around
the table and gives their opinion, or does the Commission just make a motion? Ms. Mahoney
stated they make a motion and they are done. Because they do all of the questioning and
discussion during the meeting. Mr. Tatigian indicated the Zoning Board decisions are
appealable to the Wayne County Circuit Court. This is not like that because this is an
employee matter and if it was a grievance, it could go to arbitration, if both sides agree to go
that route, with the loser paying all the costs. Ms. Mahoney stated they will voice their
concerns and questions in the process of listening to Ms. Burklow as they did in the meeting
tonight. Ms. Mahoney stated in her mind Ms. Burklow was at a little bit of a disadvantage if Mr.
Cambridge wasn't here because if they did split their decision, and when Mr. Cambridge
returns he wouldn't have the information that caused one of them to vote either way. Ms.
Burklow said ok.
Ms. Burklow slated she had yet another question. She didn't want to leave her dentist hanging
with this bill and she heard them say the next meeting is going to be some time in February.
By her paying the bill, she didn't want it to be an admission that she felt she owed this bill. But
she didn't want to leave him hanging. Ms. Mahoney said there were a couple of options. The
fact that Ms. Burklow was on this agenda tonight says that she disagreed with the fact that she
should pay it; and that Ms. Burklow felt she was entitled to the reimbursement. Ms. Burklow
didn't want this to come back and the Commission say she's paid the bill, she must have felt
she wasn't entitled to it. She wanted to go on the record as saying she will pay it because she
didn't think this was fair to the dentist. Ms. Mahoney thought personally, it would be in Ms.
Burklow's best interest to call the dentist, and let them know this is in dispute, but whatever
happens, as long as he knows it is being delayed, it shouldn't be an issue.
Ms. Burklow didn't want her payment of the bill to reflect she didn't think she should get paid
the benefit. Ms. Maier clarified that dental reimbursement is either to the dentist or to the
employee, so by Ms. Burklow paying the bill it is no admission of her thinking she should not be
Page 10 1340'" Regular Meeting January 20,2016
entitled to the benefit. Ms. Burklow stated ok and thanked the Commission for their time. She
asked if she needed to apply again to go on the next agenda. Ms. Mahoney said no, it will
automatically be placed on the February Civil Service Commission agenda.
Upon a motion by Ms. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Tatigian, and adopted, it was
RESOLVED, that the meeting be adjourned at 6:21 p.m.
Gretchen Guisbert, Secretary III
Charlotte S. Mahoney, Acting Chairman
Harry C. Tatigian, Commissioner