Civil Service Commission

MONTHLY MEETING OF THE COHOES CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION December 11, 2019 Present: Rose Vohs, Chairperson Sandy Bonkoski, Commissioner Peter Kusaywa, Commissioner Carol Ratigan, Secretary to the Commission MONTHLY MINUTES – Council Chambers Meeting called to order Rose Vohs, seconded by Sandy Bonkoski at 6:00 p.m. REVIEW OF MINUTES – Monthly Meeting of 11/6/19 Rose Vohs asked if there were any corrections or additions to the above minutes. Sandy Bonkoski made a motion to approve the minutes as published. Peter Kusaywa seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. REVIEW OF NEW POSITION DUTIES SATEMENT – Personnel Assistant Commissioners reviewed NPDS and draft spec for the title Personnel Assistant. Sandy Bonkoski made a motion to approve the new position to the classification plan as competitive. Peter Kusaywa seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. REVIEW OF NON-COMPETITIVE EMPLOYMENT APPLICATIONS* Nancy Czepiel – Teacher Aide Erica Brown – Teacher Aide Kayla Donovan – Teacher Aide REVIEW OF TEMPORARY APPOINTMENT* Kathy Donovan – Personnel Assistant REVIEWED OF ANNOUNCED/UPCOMING EXAMINATIONS School Security Officer will be held February 29, 2020. REVIEW OF RETIREMENT AND SOCIAL SECURITY LAW 370 Per the request of Chief Heslin, Carol Ratigan sent email requesting clarification from NYSCS. All Commissioners and Chief Heslin were cc’d on the requested email. Chief Heslin addressed the Commissioners and Secretary stating that he believed the law to be a form of age discrimination and he would seek legal representation if needed. Chief Heslin requested Carol Ratigan to call NYS Comptroller’s Office. Carol Ratigan stated she was working with NYSCS which is the local civil service commission’s reporting agency and that she would not call NYS Comptroller’s office at this time. Carol Ratigan suggested Chief Heslin contact NYS Comptroller’s Office. UPDATE OF OFFICE FILE REVIEW Carol Ratigan briefly updated the Commissioners on the progress made with office records and the assistance of Kathy Donovan. NEW BUSINESS CERTIFICATION OF EXAMINATION RESULTS – RECEPTIONIST #19114 During the file review over the past month, it was learned that the examination results for Receptionist were never properly certified for a specific duration of time. That said, Peter Kusaywa made a motion to certify the examination results with a four year expiration. Rose Vohs seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Expiration date is 6/27/2023. Chief Heslin requested to address the Commission and Secretary regarding the review by NYSCS. Chief Heslin said there were many individuals represented here this evening concerned about what they are hearing. Chief Heslin asked Carol Ratigan to explain what was happening with NYSCS as many are concerned they will lose their job. Carol Ratigan acknowledged the NYSCS was in house reviewing files and appointments but it was premature to disclose any information as there was nothing specific at this time. Carol Ratigan stated at the appropriate time, administration will notify the union regarding the findings by NYSCS. Chief Heslin stated that he is hearing there are missing documents and there should be a criminal investigation. Chief Heslin questioned the Commission on where the documents went and implied that they have gone missing. Chief Heslin again pressed for information and answers. Rose Vohs stated that there are no answers at this time and that she and the other commissioners were just beginning to fully understand the totality of the situation. Rose Vohs stated that she and other commissioners inherited this problem and that the commissioners were seeking to rectify the problems created prior to their appointments to the commission. Carol Ratigan stated she walked into a huge mess in the office when she started back in late September and with the approval of the commissioners, she immediately reached out to NYSCS seeking assistance on how best to proceed in bring the office into compliance. Commissioners Vohs, Bonkoski and Kusaywa stated they are all committed to fixing the problems. Motion to adjourn made by Peter Kusaywa. Seconded by Sandy Bonkoski. Motion passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned 6:58 p.m. *Per Resolution, previously approved by the Secretary to the Commission