Civil Service Commission

CITY OF LONG BEACH WEDNESDAY, JULY 15, 2020 CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION TELECONFERENCE, 8:30 AM MINUTES Susana Gonzalez Edmond, President Phyllis O. Arias, Commissioner Heather Morrison, Vice President Brandon Dowling, Commissioner Joen Garnica, Commissioner Christina Pizarro Winting, Executive Director FINISHED AGENDA AND MINUTES CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION MEETINGS ARE HELD VIA TELECONFERENCE PURSUANT TO EXECUTIVE ORDER N-29-20 ISSUED BY GOVERNOR GAVIN NEWSOM. THE CIVIC CHAMBERS WILL BE CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC. President Gonzalez Edmond called the meeting to order at 8:31 a.m. FLAG SALUTE President Gonzalez Edmond asked Ms. Pizarro Winting to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL Commissioners Phyllis O. Arias, Brandon Dowling, Joen Garnica, Heather Present: Morrison and Susana Gonzalez Edmond 1. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC – PUBLIC WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO ADDRESS THE COMMISSION BY SUBMITTING WRITTEN COMMENTS VIA EMAIL TO MARLA.CAMERINO@LONGBEACH.GOV. There were no public comments received. 2. 20-182CS Recommendation to approve minutes: Regular Meeting of July 1, 2020 Page 1 of 8 CITY OF LONG BEACH WEDNESDAY, JULY 15, 2020 CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION TELECONFERENCE, 8:30 AM MINUTES Commissioner Garnica made modifications to the meeting minutes of July 1, 2020. Under Agenda Item No. 9 paragraph 8, the words “virtually or outdoors” will replace “in an altered state.” In paragraph 9, the words “regarding the tipping point” will be added to the middle of the first sentence. The minutes will now read as follows: Commissioner Dowling asked if conversations have taken place with attorneys regarding reviewing cases that can be heard virtually or outdoors. Commissioner Arias commented that Commissioner Garnica made a good point regarding the tipping point and believes that at some point we do need to move forward. A motion was made by Vice President Morrison, seconded by Commissioner Garnica, to approve the minutes of July 1, 2020, as amended. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 5 - Phyllis O. Arias, Brandon Dowling, Joen Garnica, Heather Morrison and Susana Gonzalez Edmond CONSENT CALENDAR (3 – 6): Passed the Consent Calendar A motion was made by Commissioner Arias, seconded by Commissioner Dowling, to approve Consent Calendar Items, except for items. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 5 - Phyllis O. Arias, Brandon Dowling, Joen Garnica, Heather Morrison and Susana Gonzalez Edmond 3. 20-183CS Recommendation to approve examination results: Civil Engineer Test #16 (Established 07/07/20) Electrician Test #07 (Established 07/09/20) Senior Traffic Engineer Test #08 (Established 07/07/20) Page 2 of 8 CITY OF LONG BEACH WEDNESDAY, JULY 15, 2020 CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION TELECONFERENCE, 8:30 AM MINUTES A motion was made to approve recommendation on the Consent Calendar. 4. 20-184CS Recommendation to receive and file retirement(s): Mark Echmalian, Administrative Analyst III, Airport (27 yrs., 1 mo.) Myron Vander Beek, Airport Operations Assistant, Airport (13 yrs., 6 mos.) On behalf of the Civil Service Commission, Executive Director Christina Pizarro Winting, acknowledged Mark Echmalian for 27 years, 1 month of dedicated service to the City of Long Beach. She stated we are excited as Mr. Echmalian is the first retiree to be recognized virtually through our Commission meeting held via teleconference. She also acknowledged that we would mail his certificate of appreciation to him. Juan Lopez-Rios, Deputy Director of the Airport and Matthew Brookes, Airport Properties Officer, provided highlights of Mr. Echmalian’s career while at the Airport. The Commission congratulated Mr. Echmalian on his retirement. Mr. Echmalian expressed his gratitude for his career with the City of Long Beach. A motion was made to approve recommendation on the Consent Calendar. 5. 20-185CS Recommendation to receive and file resignation(s): Diandra Burns, Ambulance Operator, Fire Department (3 yrs., 8 mos.) Christopher Chatham, Business Systems Specialist, Technology and Innovation Department (7 yrs., 19 days) James Evans, Water Utility Mechanic II, Water Department (3 yrs., 5 mos.) Alexander Fowler, Ambulance Operator, Fire Department (6 mos., 14 days) Eduardo Hernandez Lomeli, Civil Engineer, Water Department (13 yrs., 10 mos.) Cristo Salazar, Gas Construction Worker II, Energy Resources (1 yr., 1 mo.) Page 3 of 8 CITY OF LONG BEACH WEDNESDAY, JULY 15, 2020 CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION TELECONFERENCE, 8:30 AM MINUTES A motion was made to approve recommendation on the Consent Calendar. 6. 20-163CS Recommendation for Permanent Assignment After Rehabilitation and/or Training - Diana Alonso, Customer Service Representative Communication from Sandra Kennedy, Administrative Officer, Financial Management Staff report prepared by Sheree Valdoria, Personnel Analyst A motion was made to approve recommendation on the Consent Calendar. REGULAR AGENDA 7. 20-186CS COVID-19 RELATED: RECOMMENDATION FOR EXTENSION OF PROBATIONARY PERIOD - Christopher Khim, Special Services Officer III-Armed Communication from Stacey V. Lewis, Director of Human Resources, Harbor Department Staff Report prepared by Sheree Valdoria, Personnel Analyst Ms. Pizarro Winting introduced Sheree Valdoria who briefed the Commission regarding this item. Representatives from the Harbor Department were available to answer questions. A motion was made by Commissioner Dowling, seconded by Commissioner Arias, to approve recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 5 - Phyllis O. Arias, Brandon Dowling, Joen Garnica, Heather Morrison and Susana Gonzalez Edmond 8. 20-187CS COVID-19 RELATED: RECEIVE AND FILE STIPULATED AGREEMENT REGARDING POSTPONEMENT OF CIVIL SERVICE HEARINGS DUE TO COVID-19 Page 4 of 8 CITY OF LONG BEACH WEDNESDAY, JULY 15, 2020 CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION TELECONFERENCE, 8:30 AM MINUTES Mr. Anderson informed the Commission that they were provided a copy of the signed agreement from Mr. Trott and Mr. Peters to postpone hearings for the next 90 days. He stated that both attorneys are not in favor of wearing masks during hearings. He stated that it was also agreed that there will be no due process issues regarding the delay. They understand that this is due to state and local orders. Commissioner Garnica asked if this topic will be revisited in 90 days. Mr. Anderson stated that based on the conversation that the Commission had last week, the idea is to revisit this topic after 90 days, which was confirmed by President Gonzalez Edmond. Commissioner Arias stated that she is relieved that the Commission has the agreement. She also noticed that Mr. Anderson did not sign the agreement and asked if we have a signed copy. Mr. Anderson confirmed that the staff were provided a signed copy. A motion was made by Vice President Morrison, seconded by Commissioner Garnica, to approve recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 5 - Phyllis O. Arias, Brandon Dowling, Joen Garnica, Heather Morrison and Susana Gonzalez Edmond 9. STANDING COMMITTEES A. Executive Committee The Executive Committee did not meet. B. Recruitment and Selection Committee The Recruitment and Selection Committee did not meet. C. Special Projects Committee The Special Projects Committee did not meet. 10. REPORTS FROM MANAGERS Page 5 of 8 CITY OF LONG BEACH WEDNESDAY, JULY 15, 2020 CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION TELECONFERENCE, 8:30 AM MINUTES A. Recruitment Division - Crystal Slaten Ms. Pizarro Winting reported that Maria Cano participated in a virtual job fair at California State University, Long Beach that went very well. Ms. Cano was placed in a virtual room where students were able to come in and ask questions. She was also able to highlight the public health positions that are open. Ms. Pizarro Winting reported that the school is planning for a larger virtual job fair in the fall. B. Employment Services Division - Caprice McDonald Ms. McDonald was not present but asked Ms. Pizarro Winting to share a couple of highlights. Ms. Pizarro Winting reported that staff continue to have success with the Fire Captain examination. Ms. Goings held the writing component at the Police Academy. Prior to conducting the examination, Kevin Burke, City’s Safety Specialist, evaluated the space to ensure that all safety precautions were being taken. She also reported that Ms. Kerr-Jenkins is currently conducting a virtual Building Services Supervisor examination. There is quite a bit of exciting virtual activity taking place in Employment Services. C. Administration Support Services - Maria Alamo Ms. Alamo did not have any new information to report. D. Executive Director - Christina Pizarro Winting Ms. Pizarro Winting announced that the forecasting meeting with the Human Resources Department went well. She is pleased at how well Civil Service and Human Resources are working together. The next forecasting meeting is scheduled in August with the Police Department. There are also follow up meetings taking place with some of the departments that Civil Service met with earlier to discuss a shift in priorities due to the pandemic as well as for budgetary reasons. President Gonzalez believes forecasting meetings are important. Ms. Pizarro Winting informed the Commission that it looks like Wednesdays in August appear to be open for Commissioners to have their retreat. President Gonzalez Edmond stated that based on information that was provided by Mr. Anderson, it looks like the Commission’s retreat would need to be agendized and open to the public even though it is to discuss day-to-day planning. She just wanted the Commission to be informed of this as they begin planning. President Gonzalez Edmond will share Mr. Anderson’s information regarding the retreat with the Commission. Vice President Morrison advised the Commission she is only available at the end of August. Page 6 of 8 CITY OF LONG BEACH WEDNESDAY, JULY 15, 2020 CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION TELECONFERENCE, 8:30 AM MINUTES Commissioner Garnica requested clarification regarding why the retreat is open to the public. President Gonzalez Edmond stated that upon further review of the state’s rules, Mr. Anderson found that any time the Commission meets and there is a quorum, the meeting would need to be open to the public. 11. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Ad Hoc Subcommittees: A. Subcommittee to Develop Civil Service Commission Policy regarding requests to Utilize Classified Positions in the Unclassified Service Ms. Pizarro Winting reported that a meeting with IAM has been scheduled for July 22nd in the afternoon. 12. NEW BUSINESS There was no new business discussed. ADJOURNMENT President Gonzalez Edmond adjourned the meeting at 9:12 a.m. NO HEARING Page 7 of 8 CITY OF LONG BEACH WEDNESDAY, JULY 15, 2020 CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION TELECONFERENCE, 8:30 AM MINUTES 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 Office of the City Clerk at (562) 570-6101, 72 business hours prior to the Commission meeting. Kung nais ang pagsasalin ng nakasulat na wika ng agenda ng Komisyon at ang minutes para sa mga taong hindi nagsasalita ng Ingles, mangyaring isagawa ang iyong hiling sa pamamagitan ng telepono sa Opisina ng Clerk ng Lungsod sa (562) 570-6101, 72 oras ng negosyo bago ang pagpupulong ng Commission. Si desea obtener la traducción escrita en otro idioma de la agenda y actas de la comisión para personas que no hablan inglés, haga su solicitud por teléfono a la Oficina de la Secretaría Municipal al (562) 570-6101, 72 horas hábiles antes de la reunión de la comisión. Page 8 of 8