Civil Service

Official Proceedings of the Battle Creek Civil Service Commission City Hall 10 N. Division Street Commission Chambers Battle Creek, Michigan April 27, 2015 4:00 P.M. MEMBERS PRESENT: Commissioners Judith Mudge, Gary Green and Tim Martinovich MEMBERS ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Victoria Houser, Nancy Mullett, Susan Bedsole, Dave Schmaltz, Derek Malone CALL TO ORDER: President Mudge called the meeting to order at 4:01 PM and recognized that a quorum was present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. A motion was made by Comm. Martinovich, supported by Comm. Green, to approve the Civil Service Commission March 23, 2015 meeting minutes. All yes, none opposed. Motion approved. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS Clerk Houser noted only one communication from Fire Captain John Hausman, which has been provided to the Commission. REPORTS There were none. UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was none. NEW BUSINESS 1. Removal of John Hausman from the “2015 Battalion Chief Eligibility List” President Mudge stated the first order of business was to remove John Hausman from the “2015 Battalion Chief Eligibility List.” President Mudge opened the floor for public comment. Seeing no public comment, a motion was made by Comm. Green, supported by Comm. Martinovich, to remove John Hausman from the “2015 Battalion Chief Eligibility List.” All yes, none opposed. Motion approved. 2. Authorize the City Clerk to proceed with a second 2015 “Battalion Chief Exam” President Mudge stated the next order of business was to authorize the City Clerk to begin a second Battalion Chief Testing process. President Mudge opened the floor for public comment. Seeing no public comment, a motion was made by Comm. Matinovich, supported by Comm. Green, to authorize the City Clerk to proceed with a second 2015 Battalion Chief Testing process. All yes, none opposed. Motion approved. 3. Rule Change (Rule 6, #2) “Maintenance of Eligibility Lists” to add Training Officer President Mudge stated the next order of business was to discuss a change to Rule 6, #2, to remove Head Fire Inspector and to add Training Officer as an exception. President Mudge opened the floor for public comment. 1  Commissioner Green asked Chief Schmaltz if the Fire Department was in agreement that an eligibility list did not need to be maintained for the Training Officer position and the removal of the Head Fire Inspector position. Chief Schmaltz stated contract negotiations were agreed upon regarding the Head Fire Inspector position and that he also did not feel there was a need for an eligibility list for the Training Officer position at this time. A motion was made by Comm. Green, supported by Comm. Martinovich, to add the Training Officer to Rule 6, #2, to not test for the position of Training Officer until such time that a vacancy occurs. All yes, none opposed. Motion approved. PUBLIC COMMENTS Lt. Derek Malone asked if the recently promoted Captains would be eligible to sign up for the Battalion Chief exam if the current Captains that are eligible do not sign up, clarifying whether the recently promoted Captains, who were still on probation, would be provided an opportunity before current lieutenants were provided an opportunity. President Mudge asked Ms. Mullett if an opinion had been determined or if she needed time to review. Susan Bedsole, Assistant City Manager, stated it is determined by their status at the time the sign-up sheet is made available, noting their status at the time will be as Captains, although they are on probation. Nancy Mullett, Labor Relations Attorney, agreed to research the issue and provide a response later. COMMISSION COMMENTS Comm. Martinovich asked if the Fire Department was at full staff. Chief Schmaltz stated a few positions were vacant simply due to recent promotions, noting 3 other positions remain unfunded. ADJOURNMENT President Mudge adjourned the meeting at 4:12 PM. 2