Civil Service

Official Proceedings of the Battle Creek Civil Service Commission City Hall 10 N. Division Street City Commission Chambers – 3rd Floor Battle Creek, Michigan June 27, 2022 4:00 P.M. MEMBERS PRESENT: Commissioners Chris Dopp, Calvin Hardin and Chris McCoy MEMBERS ABSENT: STAFF PRESENT: Victoria Houser, City Clerk: Nancy Mullett, Labor Relations Attorney: Michelle Hull, Human Resource Director: Matt Beauchamp, Battalion Chief: Chelsea Sears, HR Generalist OTHERS PRESENT: Brian Gramza, Entry Level Fire Fighter Candidate CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Dopp called the meeting to order at 4:04 PM. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Chairperson Dopp noted the first order of business was to approve the May 23, 2022 Civil Service Commission minutes. Comm. McCoy, supported by Comm. Hardin, made a motion to approve the Civil Service Commission meeting minutes of May 23, 2022. All in favor, none opposed. Motion approved. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS Clerk Houser noted the only petition/communication was the request for the appeal hearing. REPORTS: There were no reports. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: There was none. NEW BUSINESS: Removal of Candidate #4, Brian Gramza, from the 2021 Firefighter Eligibility List Michelle Hull, Human Resource Director, stated the hiring process requires the passing of a psychological exam as a condition of employment. Ms. Hull noted the City of Battle Creek Civil Service Rules require potential entry level Fire Fighters pass the psychological exam. Comm. McCoy asked if his testing score included the psychological exam. Ms. Hull noted candidates on the Eligibility List are ranked based upon their initial testing assessments, which include a written exam, a physical ability exercise and Structured Oral Interview. Ms. Hull confirmed individuals who are removed from the list may reapply and participate in the next testing process for entry-level fire fighters. Comm. Hardin, supported by Comm. McCoy, made a motion to remove candidate #4, Brian Gramza, from the 2021 Fire Fighter Eligibility List. All in favor, none opposed. Motion approved. APPEAL HEARING: BRIAN GRAMZA Chairperson Dopp called the hearing to order. Chairperson Dopp asked if there were any witnesses. 1  Mr. Gramza confirmed he had no witnesses. Ms. Hull confirmed she would represent the City. As to a question about cross-examination, Attorney Mullett stated she would not be cross-examining the appellant or the city representative. Attorney Mullett confirmed she provided each of the exhibits to the recorder, along with copies to the commission and the appellant. Mr. Gramza read a statement to the Civil Service Commission, expressing appreciation for allowing the appeal and an opportunity to speak with them. Comm. McCoy questioned the psychological testing, asking how a candidate can pass one test, but not the other. Ms. Hull noted the psychological evaluation has parameters and acceptable ranges for passing. Ms. Hull stated the results provide indications of a low risk, medium risk or high risk, stating Mr. Gramza’s results were outside of the city-required limits. Ms. Hull provided additional information regarding the evaluation standards and the reasons for the standards, particularly in a profession where lives of others may be endangered. Commissioner asked additional questions regarding the psychological evaluation and past candidate removal due to failure to pass the psychological exam. Comm. McCoy, supported by Comm. Hardin, made a motion to uphold the removal of Mr. Gramza from the 2021 Entry Level Fire Fighter Eligibility List. All in favor, none opposed. Motion approved. PUBLIC COMMENT: There were no public comments. COMMISSION COMMENT: There were no commission comments. NEXT MEETING: July 25, 2022 at 4:00 PM. ADJOURNMENT: Chairperson Dopp adjourned the meeting at 4:38 PM. 2