Civil Service

Official Proceedings of the Battle Creek Civil Service Commission City Hall 10 N. Division Street Via Zoom, Enterprise Video Conferencing Battle Creek, Michigan May 24, 2021 4:00 P.M. MEMBERS PRESENT: Commissioners Chris Dopp, Tim Martinovich and Michael Roller MEMBERS ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Clerk Victoria Houser: Fire Chief Brian Sturdivant: Nancy Mullett, Labor Attorney: Michelle Hughey, Battalion Chief: Jeremy Pratt, Union Representative NOMINATION OF CHAIRPERSON: Clerk Houser noted the first order of business was the nomination of a chairperson for the Civil Service Commission. Commissioner Martinovich nominated Commissioner Dopp as Chairperson of the Civil Service Commission. Commissioner Dopp accepted the nomination of chairperson. All commissioners approved, none opposed. Commissioner Dopp was nominated as Chairperson. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Chairperson Dopp noted the first order of business was to approve the January 25, 2021 Civil Service Commission minutes. Comm. Roller, supported by Comm. Martinovich, made a motion to approve the Civil Service Commission meeting minutes of January 25, 2021. All yes, none opposed. Motion approved. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS: There were none. REPORTS: There were none. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: There was none. NEW BUSINESS: 1. Certify the “2021 Fire Captain Eligibility List” Chairperson Dopp noted the first item on the agenda was to certify the “2021 Fire Captain Eligibility List,” asking if there were any comment. Hearing no discussion, Chairperson Dopp requested commissioners vote. All in favor, none opposed. Motion approved. 2. Certify the top candidate on the “2021 Fire Captain Eligibility List” Chairperson Dopp noted the next item on the agenda was to certify the top candidate, Scott Barnes, on the “2021 Fire Captain Eligibility List,” asking if there were any comment. Hearing no discussion, Chairperson Dopp requested commissioners vote. All in favor, none opposed. Motion approved. 3. Certify the two remaining candidates on the “2021 Fire Captain Eligibility List” Chairperson Dopp noted the next item on the agenda was to certify the second candidate, Scott Williamson, on the “2021 Fire Captain Eligibility List,” asking if there were any comment. Hearing no discussion, Chairperson Dopp requested commissioners vote. All in favor, none opposed. Motion approved. 4. Consideration of Reinstatement of former Battle Creek Fire Fighter Shea Peters 1  Chairperson Dopp noted the next item on the agenda was to consider the reinstatement of former Battle Creek Fire Fighter Shea Peters, asking if there were any comments. Attorney Mullett reminded the Commission that their role was not to rehire the applicate, but instead to determine if the candidates were eligible for rehire. Attorney Mullett informed the Commission that she had reviewed each candidates’ application and personnel file, stating they both had excellent reviews, along with good work history and training, stating nothing in their history would indicate they are not eligible for rehire. Chief Sturdivant stated he would highly recommend both candidates for reinstatement, noting Mr. Peters has the highest level of certification as an EMS paramedic, while Mr. Payne specialized in aircraft rescue, serving in a coordinator position. Chief Sturdivant expressed his belief both candidates would be an asset to the department, stating he was on-board with both individuals returning to the Battle Creek Fire Department. Jeremy Pratt, Fire Lieutenant, on behalf of Local 335, expressed full support for both candidates’ reinstatement to BCFD. Shea Peters expressed appreciation to the Civil Service Commission and the City for consideration of reinstatement to the BCFD, stating he still works with LifeCare in the City and would like to continue to help the residents of Battle Creek. William Payne, stating he left Battle Creek due to family responsibilities, expressed appreciation for consideration of reinstatement. Hearing no additional discussion, Chairperson Dopp requested commissioners vote to consider Mr. Peters’ eligibility for reinstatement to the Battle Creek Fire Department, per section 38.510(4) of PA 78. All in favor, none opposed. Motion approved. 5. Consideration of Reinstatement of former Battle Creek Fire Fighter William Payne Chairperson Dopp noted the next item on the agenda was to consider the reinstatement of former Battle Creek Fire Fighter William Payne, asking if there were any comments. Hearing no additional discussion, Chairperson Dopp requested commissioners vote to consider Mr. Payne’s eligibility for reinstatement to the Battle Creek Fire Department, per section 38.510(4) of PA 78. All in favor, none opposed. Motion approved. Attorney Mullett informed the candidates that Chief Sturdivant would reach out to them when he was ready to fill any vacancies. 6. Authorize the City Clerk to begin the Fire Marshal Promotional Testing Process Chairperson Dopp noted the next item on the agenda was to authorize the City Clerk to begin the Fire Marshal Promotional Testing Process. Chairperson Dopp expressed understanding this position required specialized training, education and certification, and testing was being proposed although a vacancy did not currently exist. Chairperson Dopp asked if there were any comment. Hearing no comments, Chairperson Dopp requested commissioners vote. All in favor, none opposed. Motion approved. PUBLIC COMMENT: There were none. COMMISSION COMMENT: Commissioners Martinovich and Roller both welcomed new Commissioner Dopp. ADJOURNMENT: Chairperson Dopp adjourned the meeting at 4:15 PM. 2