Civil Service

Official Proceedings of the Battle Creek Civil Service Commission City Hall 10 N. Division Street Commission Chambers Battle Creek, Michigan October 24, 2016 4:00 P.M. MEMBERS PRESENT: Commissioners Judith Mudge and Samuel Gray MEMBERS ABSENT: Tim Martinovich STAFF PRESENT: Victoria Houser, Chief Dave Schmaltz, Battalion Chief Marty Erskine CALL TO ORDER: Commissioner Mudge called the meeting to order at 4:00 PM and recognized that a quorum was present. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS There were none. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. A motion was made by Comm. Gray, supported by Comm. Mudge, to approve the Civil Service Commission meeting minutes of April 25, 2016. All yes, none opposed. Motion approved. REPORTS There were none. UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was none. NEW BUSINESS 1. Structured Oral Interview Panel for Entry Level Commissioners discussed the history of the Structured Oral Interview Panel, noting the Civil Service Commissioners previously made up the interview panel. Commissioners discussed the concerns the Commissioners would not necessarily know the correct responses to technical questions, expressing a desire for a more expert panel. Ms. Houser referenced Civil Service Rules 3 and 4, which allowed the Commission to permit an appropriate qualified agency or individuals appointed by the Commission to conduct the interviews. Commissioners discussed recent staff concerns that the appointment of a BCFD union member to the interview panel may be perceived as an unfair advantage. Commissioners agreed they also needed to maintain the integrity of the interview process. Commissioner Gray confirmed he would serve on the interview panel as the union representative to the Civil Service Commission. Chief Schmaltz noted the Fire Department administrative member of the interview panel could address any technical questions, agreeing this action would remove any perception of unfairness. A motion was made by Commissioner Gray, supported by Commissioner Mudge, to remove the union member, of Lieutenant rank or higher, from the Structured Oral Interview Panel, and to have the Union-appointed representative to the Civil Service Commission serve on the Structured Oral Interview Panel. All in favor, none opposed. Motion passed. PUBLIC COMMENTS 1 Marty Erskine, Battalion Chief, expressed his appreciation to Commission Gray for agreeing to sit on the Structured Oral Interview panel, stating this would help to alleviate concerns. Battalion Chief Erskine informed the Commission that a lot of consideration was given to the Agility test from prior years, stating they had concerns the test was too focused on the technical skills, in addition to endurance and strength. Chief Erskine also expressed concern the gear and masks did not fit all of the candidates, stating they could often be a hindrance to the candidates. Chief Erskine stated they considered going to a nationally recognized test, but the cost was very high. Chief Erskine stated the department could train Entry Level Fire Fighters the technical skills upon hire, noting they now focus on physical endurance and skill during the agility test. Chief Erskine also noted the department provided several practice opportunities for the candidate to ensure they understood the requirements. COMMISSION COMMENTS Commissioners Mudge and Gray expressed appreciation to the Fire Department for allowing numerous practice sessions for the candidates. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Mudge adjourned the meeting at 4:21 PM. 2