Civil Service

Official Proceedings of the Battle Creek Civil Service Commission City Hall 10 N. Division Street Commission Chambers Battle Creek, Michigan April 22, 2019 4:00 P.M. MEMBERS PRESENT: Commissioners Al Giguere, Tim Martinovich and Michael Roller MEMBERS ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Victoria Houser, City Clerk and Brian Sturdivant, Fire Chief CALL TO ORDER: Comm. Giguere called the meeting to order at 4:01 PM and recognized that a quorum was present. ELECTION OF CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION CHAIRPERSON FOR 2019 Comm. Martinovich, supported by Comm. Roller, nominated Comm. Giguere to serve as Chairperson for the Civil Service Commission for 2019. Comm. Giguere accepted the nomination, agreeing to serve as Chairperson for 2019. APPROVAL OF 2019 CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION MEETING SCHEDULE A motion was made by Comm. Martinovich, supported by Comm. Roller, to approve the 2019 Civil Service Commission meeting schedule. All in favor, none opposed. Motion approved. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Comm. Martinovich, supported by Comm. Roller, made a motion to approve the Civil Service Commission meeting minutes of October 22, 2018. All yes, none opposed. Motion approved. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS: There were no petitions or communications. REPORTS: There were none UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was none. NEW BUSINESS 1. Consideration of Written Test Scores for Entry Level Firefighter Testing Chief Sturdivant and Clerk Houser discussed the issues with the test scores for the Entry Level Firefighter written test, noting the testing provider has changed the score weighting of the two components of the test. Clerk Houser informed the Commission that the City did not receive notice of the change in scoring methods. Clerk Houser presented a comparison of the scores that were received initially, and the second set of scores that were weighted in the same manner as previous test scores, noting that a logarithm has been applied to the second set of scores. Clerk Houser stated she did not know what the logarithm was. Chief Sturdivant and Clerk Houser confirmed the concerns with the scoring method have been discussed with the Fire Chief, the City Manager, the Assistant City Manager and the Labor Attorney. Based upon the discussions, all involved agreed the scores for the “Personality” portion of the test were too subjective and should be discarded, noting the psychological examination required upon job offer would evaluate these same attributes. Chief Sturdivant also noted the oral interview would provide an opportunity for evaluation, as would the probationary period. Chief Sturdivant and Clerk Houser requested the Commission consider accepting the first set of scores received, but to eliminate the scores for the “Personality” portion of the test. Clerk Houser noted only two candidates scored below the required 70% on the “Cognitive” portion of the test. Chief Sturdivant informed the Commission that because of the time constraints to notify candidates of their physical ability test schedule, and in an effort to ensure fairness, all candidates who participated in the written testing were scheduled for the physical ability test. A request was made to the Commission to consider the “Cognitive” score of the initial test results received, to disregard the “Personality” scores, and to allow all candidates continue through the testing process to the physical ability test. 1  Comm. Giguere, supported by Comm. Martinovich, made a motion to proceed with the candidates who scored above the required 70% on the “Cognitive” portion of the test, while also allowing the other two candidates who scored below 70%, to continue in the testing process, with the physical ability test. All yes, none opposed. Motion approved. 2. Future Entry Level Firefighter Testing Clerk Houser informed the Commission of difficulties she has experienced with the current testing provider, I/O Solutions, particularly with scoring discrepancies. Chief Sturdivant discussed his concern that the “Personality” portion of the test was too subjective, stating the candidates answers would vary based upon where they live and their experiences, stating there was not a right or wrong answer to any of those questions. Chief Sturdivant discussed the process IPMA-HR offers, stating he felt they could provide a test for entry-level candidates that was fair and consistent. Clerk Houser noted the Civil Service Commission approved a motion in 2012 to designate I/O Solutions as the testing provider for both Entry Level Firefighter and Promotional Fire Department testing. Clerk Houser requested the Civil Service Commission consider a new motion that allows the Fire Chief and City Administration to determine a testing provider that, upon research, included questions that were relevant to the position, with no subjectivity. Comm. Giguere, supported by Comm. Martinovich, made a motion to allow the Fire Chief, in consultation with City Administration, and the approval of the Civil Service Commission, to determine the testing provider for Entry Level Firefighter testing. All yes, none opposed. Motion approved. 3. Future Promotional Fire Department Testing Process Chief Sturdivant expressed his concern that the promotional testing process does not inform him of the candidates’ experience, knowledge, qualifications or skill set. Chief Sturdivant expressed his concern a written test reflects the ability to study and test well. Chief Sturdivant stated the modern fire service is trending away from written test, moving toward an assessment process that evaluates the skills of the candidate, including the way they assess and command incidents, ensuring they can properly perform the skills necessary for the position. Chief Sturdivant noted an assessment center would also assess the candidates’ time management and organizational skills, while identifying any challenges. As to liability for the municipality, Chief Sturdivant emphasized the importance of skills and knowledge when presented administrative and human resource instances, such as harassment. Chief Sturdivant stated he still valued the written exam and oral interview, but the assessment center would include additional testing components that would provide creditable information for predictable success. Chief Sturdivant stated he would request other fire departments in the state to provide similar or higher qualified staff to serve as assessors. Comm. Giguere asked Chief Sturdivant if he intended to use a company to develop the assessment center, or if he would be building it himself. Chief Sturdivant stated he has done both, noting it would be very labor intensive to create an assessment center himself. Chief Sturdivant stated his preference was to use a company to develop and facilitate the assessment center, as it would ensure the confidentiality, integrity and credibility of the process. Chief Sturdivant stated he would research different assessment center providers for their qualifications and experience. Comm. Giguere agreed it would be best to use an outside company to avoid any risk or challenge to the process. Comm. Roller noted the importance of maintaining some direction, not relinquishing everything to an outside agency. Comm. Roller stated the IAFF members he represented were accepting of the idea of an assessment center, but did not want the City or Fire Administration to do the test. Chief Sturdivant agreed it was important to maintain control and stay connected with the testing provider, to ensure the assessment center would test the skills, experience and knowledge necessary for the position. Chief Sturdivant also agreed it would be best to have an outside company facilitate the testing, while also preparing the candidates for the assessment process. Comm. Giguere, supported by Comm. Roller, made a motion to allow the Fire Chief to pursue an assessment center process, with the responsibility to return to the Civil Service Commission with a recommendation. All in favor, none opposes. Motion approved. PUBLIC COMMENT: Chief Sturdivant expressed appreciation to the Civil Service Commissioners for their service to the City and the Fire Department. COMMISSION COMMENT: There were no commission comments. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Giguere adjourned the meeting at 5:03 PM. 2