Civil Service Commission

CITY OF LONG BEACH WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2014 CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION 333 WEST OCEAN BLVD., 7TH FLOOR MINUTES CIVIL SERVICE BOARD ROOM, 8:00 AM Charles Hicks Jr., President Lawrence Keller, Vice President Jonathan Gotz, Commissioner Jeanne Karatsu, Commissioner Carolyn M. Smith Watts, Commissioner Tara M. McLean, Acting Executive Director FINISHED AGENDA AND MINUTES ROLL CALL Tara M. McLean, Acting Director & Secretary Melinda George, Deputy Director Marilyn Hall, Executive Assistant Christina Checel, Principal Deputy City Attorney Salvador Ambriz, Personnel Analyst Debbie McCluster, Personnel Analyst Lourdes Ferrer, Personnel Analyst Donna de Araujo, Personnel Analyst Ken Walker, Personnel Operations Manager, Human Resources Commissioners Jonathan Gotz, Carolyn M. Smith Watts, Jeanne Karatsu, Present: Charles Hicks and Lawrence Keller 1. 14-027CS Recommendation to approve minutes: Regular Meeting of February 5, 2014 Dismissal Hearing 32-D-1213 & 33-D-1213 Minutes of January 15, 22 & 29, 2014 Dismissal Hearing 36-D-1213 Minutes of February 5, 2014 Suspension Hearing 27-S-1213 Minutes of February 12, 2014 A motion was made by Commissioner Gotz, seconded by Vice President Keller, to approve recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 5 - Jonathan Gotz, Carolyn M. Smith Watts, Jeanne Karatsu, Charles Hicks and Lawrence Keller Page 1 of 9 CITY OF LONG BEACH WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2014 CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION 333 WEST OCEAN BLVD., 7TH FLOOR MINUTES CIVIL SERVICE BOARD ROOM, 8:00 AM A motion was made by Vice President Keller, seconded by Commissioner Gotz, to approve recommendation for Dismissal Appeals 32-D-1213 and 33-D-1213 hearing minutes of January 15, 22 & 29, 2014. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 5 - Jonathan Gotz, Carolyn M. Smith Watts, Jeanne Karatsu, Charles Hicks and Lawrence Keller A motion was made by Commissioner Gotz, seconded by Commissioner Karatsu, to approve recommendation for Dismissal Appeal 36-D-1213 hearing minutes of February 5, 2014. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 5 - Jonathan Gotz, Carolyn M. Smith Watts, Jeanne Karatsu, Charles Hicks and Lawrence Keller A motion was made by Commissioner Karatsu, seconded by Commissioner Gotz, to approve recommendation for Suspension Appeal 27-S-1213 hearing minutes of February 12, 2014, as amended. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 5 - Jonathan Gotz, Carolyn M. Smith Watts, Jeanne Karatsu, Charles Hicks and Lawrence Keller CONSENT CALENDAR (2-5): Passed The Consent Calendar On behalf of the Commission, the Secretary presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Nadja Grays, Customer Service Representative, in recognition of 33 years of dedicated service to the citizens and City of Long Beach. A representative from her department was present and spoke on her behalf. Ken Walker, Manager, Personnel Operations, also spoke on her behalf. The Commission thanked Ms. Grays for her service to the City and congratulated her on her retirement. A motion was made by Commissioner Smith Watts, seconded by Commissioner Gotz, to approve Consent Calendar Items. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 5 - Jonathan Gotz, Carolyn M. Smith Watts, Jeanne Karatsu, Charles Hicks and Lawrence Keller Page 2 of 9 CITY OF LONG BEACH WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2014 CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION 333 WEST OCEAN BLVD., 7TH FLOOR MINUTES CIVIL SERVICE BOARD ROOM, 8:00 AM 2. 14-028CS Recommendation to approve examination results: Department Librarian - 10 Applied, 10 Qualified Office Automation Analyst - 68 Applied, 46 Qualified Port Security System Operator - 474 Applied, 95 Qualified Public Safety Dispatcher - Lateral - 363 Applied, 4 Qualified Registered Nurse - 93 Applied, 46 Qualified A motion was made to approve recommendation on the Consent Calendar. 3. 14-029CS Recommendation to receive and file retirements: Dena McQuarn/Clerk Typist II/Harbor (33 yrs., 6 mos.) Bennie Offill/Special Services Officer II/Police (8 yrs., 6 mos.) A motion was made to approve recommendation on the Consent Calendar. 4. 14-030CS Recommendation to receive and file resignations: Ron Bartyzel/Electrician/Water (2 yrs., 2 mos.) Racy Pel/Systems Support Specialist III/Technology Services (16 yrs., 10 mos.) Robert Williams/School Guard/Police (31 yrs., 7 mos.) A motion was made to approve recommendation on the Consent Calendar. 5. 14-031CS Recommendation to reschedule hearing: Suspension/Dismissal Appeal 01-S/D-1314, Suggested Date May 21, 2014 A motion was made to approve recommendation on the Consent Calendar. REGULAR AGENDA Page 3 of 9 CITY OF LONG BEACH WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2014 CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION 333 WEST OCEAN BLVD., 7TH FLOOR MINUTES CIVIL SERVICE BOARD ROOM, 8:00 AM 6. 14-032CS RECOMMENDATION TO REEVALUATE EXAMINATION RESULTS AND/OR ALLOW TO RETAKE EXAMINATION - Survey Technician a. Communication from Juan C. Arias b. Staff report prepared by Melinda George, Deputy Director Mr. Arias addressed the Commission, stating that he received two e-mail notifications for the Survey Technician examination results. He requested that as a result of these conflicting examination results, that the Commission reevaluate his examination results or allow him to retake the examination. President Hicks informed Mr. Arias that staff investigated his concerns and could find no evidence that a second e-mail was sent to him. He informed Mr. Arias that staff requested that he provide a copy of the e-mail he received, but never received it. As a result of the investigation, the Commission concurs with staff's' decision that he did not pass the minimum requirements for the examination. A motion was made by Vice President Keller, seconded by Commissioner Gotz, to deny the request. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 5 - Jonathan Gotz, Carolyn M. Smith Watts, Jeanne Karatsu, Charles Hicks and Lawrence Keller 7. 14-033CS COMMUNICATION REGARDING UNFAIR HIRING PRACTICES a. Communication from Ollie J. Washington b. Staff report prepared by Caprice McDonald, Personnel Analyst The Secretary informed the Commission that at its direction, staff investigated the allegations of unfair hiring practices brought forth by Ms. Washington. She stated that staff's investigation showed that there were no violations of Civil Service Rules and Regulations. Per Counsel, the Commission does not have jurisdiction on where departments assign staff within a division. This CS-Agenda Item was received and filed. Page 4 of 9 CITY OF LONG BEACH WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2014 CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION 333 WEST OCEAN BLVD., 7TH FLOOR MINUTES CIVIL SERVICE BOARD ROOM, 8:00 AM 8. 14-034CS COMMUNICATION REGARDING PROVISIONAL CONSTRUCTION SUPERVISOR Communication from Brian Hinkle, Painter Supervisor Mr. Hinkle addressed the Commission regarding his concerns that the staff he supervised has been reassigned to a Provisional Construction Supervisor, who is working out of classification. President Hicks questioned counsel regarding assignments within departments being a function of departments having the ability to assign people where they feel they are needed. He questioned if the Commission had jurisdiction to dictate how departments assign staff if there is not a reduction or loss of wages. Ms. Checel informed the Commission that it does not have jurisdiction over departments assigning staff, however, the working out of classification is under its jurisdiction. Commissioner Keller requested staff work with the Harbor Department regarding the alleged provisional appointment working out of classification. President Hicks requested that staff report back within 60 days, however, Stacey Lewis, Assistant Director of Human Resources, Harbor, informed the Commission that they would be able to report back in two weeks. A motion was made by Vice President Keller, seconded by Commissioner Karatsu, to refer the matter to staff to investigate and report back to the Commission on March 5, 2014. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 5 - Jonathan Gotz, Carolyn M. Smith Watts, Jeanne Karatsu, Charles Hicks and Lawrence Keller 9. 14-035CS PROTEST OF WRITTEN EXAMINATION ITEM(S) - Customer Service Representative Staff report prepared by Deborah McCluster, Personnel Analyst A motion was made by Commissioner Gotz, seconded by Vice President Keller, to approve staff's recommendation of protested question. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 5 - Jonathan Gotz, Carolyn M. Smith Watts, Jeanne Karatsu, Charles Hicks and Lawrence Keller Page 5 of 9 CITY OF LONG BEACH WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2014 CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION 333 WEST OCEAN BLVD., 7TH FLOOR MINUTES CIVIL SERVICE BOARD ROOM, 8:00 AM 10. 14-036CS RECOMMENDATION TO APPROVE BULLETINS Staff report prepared by Tara M. McLean, Acting Executive Director Civil Engineering Associate Maintenance Assistant Public Safety Dispatcher The Secretary recommended that due to the large number of applications expected to be received for Maintenance Assistant, that it be pre-posted for one and one-half weeks and opened for a three-day filing period. The Commission stated that three days was not enough time and requested a two-week pre-post and five-day filing period. A motion was made by Commissioner Karatsu, seconded by Commissioner Smith Watts, to approve recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote: A motion was made by Commissioner Gotz, seconded by Vice President Keller to approve recommendation for Civil Engineering Associate and Public Safety Dispatcher bulletins. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 5 - Jonathan Gotz, Carolyn M. Smith Watts, Jeanne Karatsu, Charles Hicks and Lawrence Keller Page 6 of 9 CITY OF LONG BEACH WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2014 CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION 333 WEST OCEAN BLVD., 7TH FLOOR MINUTES CIVIL SERVICE BOARD ROOM, 8:00 AM MANAGERS' REPORT Melinda George, Deputy Director informed the Commission that the show rate for the Customer Service Representative examination was approximately 80% or better. She also stated that the Battalion Chief and Fire Captain examinations are moving along quickly. She informed the Commission that some staff attended a training in Irvine last week on Creating Situational Judgment Questions, which will be helpful in preparing questions for oral panels. The Secretary informed the Commission that Civil Service will have a "Civil Service Update" once a month on the Administrative Officer's agenda. She is hoping that providing them with monthly updates will establish better communication, and that it is an opportunity for the departments to provide feedback to Civil Service as well. President Hicks thanked the Secretary for the job she is doing, and congratulated staff on the positive feedback he is getting from departments. He thanked staff for doing an excellent job and encouraged them to keep up the good work. COMMENTS FROM PUBLIC – The Civil Service Commission will hear from members of the public on matters within the Commission’s jurisdiction. Reggie Harrison, Deputy City Manager, thanked staff for the excellent work they do administering the Public Safety Dispatcher examination. He stated that the skill sets required for Public Safety Dispatcher are one of the most difficult in the City. He stated that the process and training is very detailed, and the ability to multi-task, provide good customer service and understand public safety protocol are all very difficult. Commissioner Smith Watts questioned Mr. Harrison regarding if there was a pretest available for candidates where they could provide the results to Civil Service. He stated that he had met with Ms. McLean regarding the National Network Testing for Public Safety Dispatcher, but will have to investigate to make sure their test actually tests the skill sets necessary for Public Safety Dispatcher for the City. Page 7 of 9 CITY OF LONG BEACH WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2014 CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION 333 WEST OCEAN BLVD., 7TH FLOOR MINUTES CIVIL SERVICE BOARD ROOM, 8:00 AM DISCUSSION ON RECRUITMENT AND ESTABLISHING INTERVIEW PANEL FOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Ken Walker, Manager, Personnel Operations, Human Resources, on behalf of Norman Roberts, briefed the Commission regarding the recruitment and establishing interview panels for the Executive Director of Civil Service. Mr. Walker stated that the announcement is posted on the City's Website and that Mr. Roberts will be sending a list of all the postings. He stated the process is as follows: 1) resumes should be submitted to Mr. Roberts by March 17, 2014. Mr. Roberts will pre-screen the resumes to a group of 8-12. 2) On April 2, 2014, a group of 8-12 pre-screened resumes and applicable documents will be given to the Commission in a package and binder, and he will brief the Commission on the process and answer any questions. He is proposing two panels. Panel 1 will be comprised of technical experts, one from each Appointing Authority, the City Attorney's Office, and possibly one or two from the safety component. Panel 2 will be the Commission. Each candidate will be interviewed by both panels on the same day. After completion of the interview process, the panels will screen to five or eight candidates. Panel 1 will debrief the Commission with their results, which the Commission will take under consideration during deliberations to determine which candidates will continue in the process. Mr. Roberts is suggesting April 23 & 24, 2014, as the dates for the interviews and deliberations. Ms. Checel informed the Commission for the panel comprised of technical experts there is no obligation to post the interviews. However, the Commission will be required to post, under the Brown Act, and it can be posted as a Closed Session under "Consideration of Appointment of a Public Employee." When both panels meet, it may also post as a closed session under the same mechanism. She informed the Commission that when they make a decision, they will have to reconvene to the regular meeting to record the decision on public record. Page 8 of 9 CITY OF LONG BEACH WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2014 CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION 333 WEST OCEAN BLVD., 7TH FLOOR MINUTES CIVIL SERVICE BOARD ROOM, 8:00 AM NOTE: If written language translation of the Commission agenda and minutes for non-English speaking persons is desired, please make your request by phone to the City Clerk Department at (562) 570-6101, 72 hours prior to the Commission meeting. Kung ang nakasulat na pagsasalin-wika ng adyenda at mga katitikan ng Komisyon ay hinahangad para sa mga taong hindi nagsasalita ng Ingles mangyaring gawin ang iyong kahilingan sa pamamagitan ng telepono sa Kagawaran ng Klerk ng Lunsod sa (562) 570-6101, 72 pitong oras bago ang pulong ng Komisyon. Si desea obtener la traducción lingüística escrita de la agenda y las actas de la Comisión para las personas que no hablan inglés, realice su pedido por teléfono al Departamento de la Secretaría Municipal al (562) 570-6101, 72 horas antes de la reunión de la Comisión. Page 9 of 9