Civil Service

Official Proceedings of the Battle Creek Civil Service Commission Special Meeting City Hall 10 N. Division Street Commission Chambers Battle Creek, Michigan July 29, 2013 4:00 P.M. MEMBERS PRESENT: Commissioners Judith Mudge and Gary Green MEMBERS ABSENT: Commissioner Jennifer Cappell STAFF PRESENT: Vicki Houser, Russ Claggett, Susan Bedsole, Howard Holt and Martin Erskine CALL TO ORDER: President Mudge called the meeting to order at 4:00 PM and recognized that a quorum was present. NEW BUSINESS 1. Certification of the “2013 Fire Training Officer Eligibility List” President Mudge stated the first order of business was to certify the “2013 Fire Training Officer Eligibility List.” President Mudge opened the floor for public comment and discussion. Comm. Green noted Fire Fighter Jeff Slayton only has one seniority point, indicating he only has 2 years with the department and is therefore not eligible for promotion. Mr. Claggett stated the question was the difference in Fire Fighter Slayton’s seniority time and time in the department, noting Fire Fighter Slayton has more than 5 years in the department, although not consecutive. Mr. Claggett stated he would research Comm. Green’s concern regarding consecutive time in the department to determine if the Civil Service Rules, P. A. 78 or the IAFF union contract required consecutive years. Mr. Claggett noted Fire Fighter Slayton was hired as a Fire Fighter in 1995, promoted to Training Officer in 2008, resigned in April 2010, then returned October 2010, therefore noting Fire Fighter Slayton has more than 5 years in the department. Mr. Claggett stated a special meeting would be scheduled if the issue was clarified before the next scheduled meeting. Mr. Claggett noted the only issue was if 5 years consecutive time was required for promotions. A motion was made by Comm. Green, supported by Comm. Mudge, to postpone the certification of the Fire Training Officer Eligibility List and the certification of the top eligible candidate until Mr. Claggett clarified the promotion requirement according to the Civil Service Rules, P.A. 78 and the IAFF union contract. All yes, none opposed. Motion approved. 1  2. Authorize the City Clerk to begin the Fire Lieutenant Testing Process A motion was made by Comm. Green, supported by Comm. Mudge, to begin the Fire Lieutenant testing process. All yes. Motion carried. PUBLIC COMMENT Chris Love, IAFF president, stated he believed there was a mathematical error when calculating the Structured Oral Interview score totals, noting a possibility of 100 points, comprised of 75 points for the interview and 25 points for the file review. Mr. Love stated he has been reviewing the calculations and feels they are not weighting the scores properly, therefore requiring a change to the wording of the local rules. Comm. Mudge and Mr. Claggett requested Mr. Love provide his concerns in writing, along with his recommendations for changes to the formula, for staff to review. COMMISSION COMMENT There were no Commission Comments. ADJOURNMENT: President Mudge adjourned the meeting at 4:17 PM. ___________________ Victoria L. Houser Civil Service Secretary 2