Civil Service

Official Proceedings of the Battle Creek Civil Service Commission City Hall 10 N. Division Street Commission Chambers Battle Creek, Michigan June 23, 2014 4:00 P.M. MEMBERS PRESENT: Commissioners Judith Mudge and Gary Green MEMBERS ABSENT: STAFF PRESENT: Vicki Houser, Susan Bedsole, Nancy Mullett, Chief Schmaltz CALL TO ORDER: President Mudge called the meeting to order at 4:03 PM and recognized that a quorum was present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. A motion was made by Comm. Green, supported by President Mudge to approve the Civil Service Commission February 24, 2014 meeting minutes. All yes, none opposed. Motion approved. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS: Ms. Houser noted there were two applications for the Civil Service Commission Neutral member position. REPORTS: There were none. UNFINISHED BUSINESS President Mudge requested Mr. Martinovich and Mr. Gray introduce themselves and discuss their interest in serving on the Civil Service Commission. Tim Martinovich talked about his interest in serving on the Civil Service Commission, stating his interest in the community, including serving as a member of NPC #11, a volunteer in the Watch Dog program at Riverside Elementary School and the Calhoun County Safe School Alliance, stating he has always had an interest in public safety and felt he could be an asset to the Commission. President Mudge asked Mr. Martinovich if he had experience with rules and regulations, and if he was related to any staff member of the City or the City Fire Department. Mr. Martinovich stated he worked with unions as a committee person while working at Post, therefore working within their rules and regulations, stating also that he was not related to any member of the Battle Creek Fire Department or City employee. 1 Commissioner Green asked Mr. Martinovich if he believed he could be neutral, fair to both the City and the Fire Department. Mr. Martinovich responded that he felt he could be completely neutral, stating he always believes in doing what is right, although that may not make him popular. Sam Gray discussed his interest in serving on the Civil Service Commission, noting he is the Chairperson of NPC #2, stating he serves on many community boards, including Calhoun Community High School Board and God’s Kitchen, stating he is also FEMA certified to assist with various disasters. Mr. Gray stated he feels it is very important to be involved and engaged in your community. Mr. Gray also noted he served in the Navy for 21 years, noting he currently works as a contractor at the Battle Creek Federal Center. President Mudge asked Mr. Gray if he had experience with laws, rules or regulations, and if he was related to any staff member of the City or the City Fire Department. Mr. Gray stated his employment at the Federal Center involves many rules and regulations, noting his position dispatches federal officers for the Department of Homeland Security. Mr. Gray stated that he knows many Fire personnel because of his community involvement, noting however that he is not related to any member of the Battle Creek Fire Department or City staff. Commissioner Green asked Mr. Gray if he believed he could be neutral, fair to both the City and the Fire Department. Mr. Gray stated he believed he could be fair and balanced in any situation, stating he would weigh all the information and choose the best option. NEW BUSINESS 1. Deliberation and appointment of Neutral Member of Civil Service Commission President Mudge asked if the City was aware of any type of possible conflict in appointing a Commissioner’s spouse to the Civil Service Commission. Susan Bedsole, Interim City Manager, stated she had not gleaned an official legal opinion, stating she did not believe it would be a conflict of interest, noting spouses have served together on other commissions and/or boards. President Mudge asked Mr. Gray if he served on any other City boards and/or commissions. Mr. Gray stated that he did not serve on any other City boards and/or commissions. Motion: A motion was made by Commissioner Green, supported by Commissioner Mudge, to appoint Mr. Martinovich to be the Civil Service Commission Neutral Member. President Mudge stated she felt either candidate would be suitable to serve on the Civil Service Commission, stating they both appear to be very neutral, while they both have experience working with rules and regulations. President Mudge further stated the Civil Service 2  Commission is responsible for adhering to the guidelines of Public Act 78 of 1935 and the local Civil Service rules, noting there is not a lot of freedom to reinterpret the rules, stating she felt both candidates would fulfill this requirement. Comm. Green stated he had a slight concern that there could be a possible conflict of interest to appoint as a neutral member the spouse of a City Commissioner, stating other members of the Civil Service Commission are not allowed to be personally related to City staff, stating this could pose a conflict of interest. President Mudge noted the Commission has searched for a neutral member for some time, however stating she did believe Mr. Gray would be a fine neutral member of the Civil Service Commission, stating she would support Mr. Martinovich’s appointment to the Civil Service Commission as the neutral member. President Mudge called for a vote to appoint the neutral member of the Civil Service Commission, to replace Jennifer Cappell, with a term to expire December 31, 2018. All yes, none opposed. Motion carried. President Mudge thanked Mr. Gray for offering his service to the Commission. PUBLIC COMMENTS There were no public comments. COMMISSION COMMENTS President Mudge requested an update on the 2014 Entry Level Firefighter test process. Clerk Houser informed the Commission that 167 candidates took the test, with 107 passing the test, noting one candidate has now withdrawn. Clerk Houser further stated the Agility test will begin July 8, 2014. ADJOURNMENT President Mudge adjourned the meeting at 4:15 PM. 3