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 Tim Martinovich MEMBERS ABSENT: None 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 Clerk Houser informed the Commission that a communication was received from Union President Chris Love indicating the union would appoint a Civil Service Commissioner in the next 10 days or so, so that it would not be a problem for the interviews. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. A motion was made by Comm. Martinovich, supported by Comm. Mudge, to approve the Civil Service Commission meeting minutes of October 24, 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 Comm. Mudge noted Comm. Gray has submitted his resignation from the Civil Service Commission, noting it was still important to move forward with the Entry Level Fire Fighter candidate structured oral interviews. Attorney Mullett noted the Civil Service Rules and P.A. 78 does not require the participation of the union appointed Civil Service Commissioner to participate in the structured oral interviews (SOI). Attorney Mullett noted a motion was made, and approved in 2012 allowing a union staff member to participate in the SOI. Attorney Mullett noted the Civil Service Commission approved a motion at the October 24, 2016 meeting to instead have the union appointed Civil Service Commissioner to participate in the SOI, expressing concern of a perceived advantage to a union staff member who may seek a promotion after participating on the SOI panel. Attorney Mullett noted a communication was received by the IAFF Union President stating the union would quickly appoint a new representative to the Civil Service Commission so that the SOIs would not be postponed. Attorney Mullett noted interviews were to be scheduled for the next week, but if there was an election recount, they would be postponed to the following week. Comm. Mudge reminded everyone that the union appointed Civil Service Commissioner agreed to be appointed to the SOI panel at the last meeting, noting the motion to appoint him to the SOI panel was approved. Chief Schmaltz asked if the union can appoint a current IAFF member to the Commission. Attorney Mullett stated that if this occurred, the Civil Service Commission could revisit the issue as they do not want to have unfair advantage to any potential candidate. Comm. Mudge noted the union normally appoints retired personnel to the Civil Service Commission. 1  A motion was made by Comm. Martinovich, supported by Comm. Mudge, to continue with the Structured Oral Interviews to be scheduled by the City Clerk, and that in the event the new union appointed Civil Service Commissioner is appointed, it is assumed they will participate, and if not yet appointed, the interviews may go forward as scheduled without the union represented Civil Service Commissioner to the interview panel. All yes, none opposed. Motion approved. 2. 2017 CSC Schedule A motion was made by Comm. Martinovich, supported by Comm. Mudge, to approve the 2017 Civil Service Commission schedule as presented. All yes, none opposed. Motion approved. PUBLIC COMMENTS There were no public comments. COMMISSION COMMENTS Comm. Martinovich inquired as to the reasons for Comm. Gray’s resignation from the Civil Service Commission. Comm. Martinovich stated he would consider serving on the interview panel, noting he was a neutral Commissioner, with no vested interest in the City or the union. Chief Schmaltz stated he had not personally talked with Comm. Gray, stating he had only heard rumors. Chief Schmaltz stated he would not have an issue with Comm. Martinovich serving on the interview panel, noting the union still felt they should have representation at the interviews. Comm. Mudge confirmed the interview panel should still consist of qualified individuals form Fire Administration and Human Resources. Comm. Mudge noted it was important to have someone on the interview panel with fire experience and knowledge. Battalion Chief Erskine noted the entry level structured oral interview had no technical fire questions. Attorney Mullett informed the Commission that they could present a motion to have the neutral Civil Service representative sit on the interview panel in lieu of the absence of the union appointed Civil Service Commissioner, noting that for the upcoming interviews, a plan was now in place. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Mudge adjourned the meeting at 4:22 PM. 2