Civil Service Commission

CITY OF LONG BEACH WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2021 CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION TELECONFERENCE, 8:30 AM MINUTES Susana Gonzalez Edmond, President Phyllis O. Arias, Commissioner 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 8:30 a.m. FLAG SALUTE President Gonzalez Edmond asked Commissioner Dowling to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL Commissioners Brandon Dowling, Joen Garnica and Susana Gonzalez Edmond Present: Commissioners Phyllis O. Arias Absent: 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. 21-046CS Recommendation to approve minutes: Page 1 of 15 CITY OF LONG BEACH WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2021 CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION TELECONFERENCE, 8:30 AM MINUTES Regular Meeting of February 3, 2021 A motion was made by Commissioner Garnica, seconded by Commissioner Dowling, to approve recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 3 - Brandon Dowling, Joen Garnica and Susana Gonzalez Edmond Absent: 1 - Phyllis O. Arias CONSENT CALENDAR (3 – 13): Commissioner Garnica pulled Agenda Item 9 for a separate discussion. Passed the Consent Calendar A motion was made by to approve Consent Calendar Items, except for items. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 3 - Brandon Dowling, Joen Garnica and Susana Gonzalez Edmond Absent: 1 - Phyllis O. Arias 3. 21-047CS Recommendation to approve examination results: Civil Engineer Test #19 (Established 02/10/21) Electrician Test #10 (Established 02/10/21) Gas Construction Worker (Established 02/04/21) Public Health Nurse Test #12 (Established 02/10/21) Safety Specialist (Established 02/03/21) Special Services Officer Test #50 (Established 02/10/21) A motion was made to approve recommendation on the Consent Calendar. 4. 21-048CS Recommendation to receive and file disability retirement(s): Scott Miller, Police Officer, Police Department (17 yrs., 6 Page 2 of 15 CITY OF LONG BEACH WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2021 CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION TELECONFERENCE, 8:30 AM MINUTES mos.) A motion was made to approve recommendation on the Consent Calendar. 5. 21-049CS Recommendation to receive and file resignation(s): Louie Rodriguez, Motor Sweeper Operator, Department of Public Works (4 yrs., 5 mos.) A motion was made to approve recommendation on the Consent Calendar. 6. 21-050CS COVID-19 RELATED: Recommendation to Extend Non-Career Hours - Armando Lomeli, Maintenance Assistant Communication from Jodie Griner, Administrative Officer, Department of Health and Human Services Staff report prepared by Elsa Ramos, Personnel Analyst A motion was made to approve recommendation on the Consent Calendar. 7. 21-051CS COVID-19 RELATED: Recommendation to Extend Non-Career Hours - John Balagtas, Administrative Analyst Communication from Meg Rau, Administrative Officer, Fire Department Staff report prepared by Shellie Goings, Personnel Analyst A motion was made to approve recommendation on the Consent Calendar. 8. 21-052CS COIVD-19 RELATED: Recommendation to Extend Non-Career Hours - Omar Monroy, Lifeguard Communication from Meg Rau, Administrative Officer, Fire Department Staff report prepared by Shellie Goings, Personnel Analyst Page 3 of 15 CITY OF LONG BEACH WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2021 CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION TELECONFERENCE, 8:30 AM MINUTES A motion was made to approve recommendation on the Consent Calendar. 9. 21-053CS COVID-19 RELATED: Recommendation to Extend Non-Career Hours (Exceeded Hours) - Javier Aguilar, Andre Balanji, Marc Barcelos, Amairani Cortez, Julia Couto, Soledad Jacot, Francisca Orozco, Public Health Associate Communication from Jodie Griner, Administrative Officer, Department of Health and Human Services Staff report prepared by Elsa Ramos, Personnel Analyst Commissioner Garnica asked staff to explain why the request is coming to the Commission after the employees exceeded their hours. Ms. Pizarro Winting responded that it was an oversight by the Department of Health and Human Services due to the volume of work that they are managing since the pandemic. She stated that staff has been working with the department and a plan is in place moving forward to assist all departments with the monitoring of non-career hours. A motion was made by Commissioner Garnica, seconded by Commissioner Dowling, to approve recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 3 - Brandon Dowling, Joen Garnica and Susana Gonzalez Edmond Absent: 1 - Phyllis O. Arias 10. 21-054CS COVID-19 RELATED: Recommendation to Extend Non-Career Hours (Close to Exceeding Hours) - Tristan Bigornia, Diane Brown, Trixie Dar Santos, Yusra Daya, Travis Liberman, Niklas Lombardi, David Lowe, Robert Luna, Nafis Muhammed, Sasha Nielsen, Jacob Parra, Esteban Prado, Romero Rodriguez, Kyle Stone, Christina Waddington, John Zabukovec, Public Health Associate Communication from Jodie Griner, Administrative Officer, Department of Health and Human Services Staff report prepared by Elsa Ramos, Personnel Analyst Page 4 of 15 CITY OF LONG BEACH WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2021 CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION TELECONFERENCE, 8:30 AM MINUTES A motion was made to approve recommendation on the Consent Calendar. 11. 21-055CS COVID-19 RELATED: Recommendation to Extend Non-Career Hours (Expected to Exceed Hours) - James Admondsen, Claudia Diaz, Matthew Deforest, Anthony Ellison, Alexis Esparza, Austin Grego, Antonio Jorgenson, Andrew Olivares, Vanessa Solorzano, Brieida Velez Quesada, Cyan Wedgeworth, Pubic Health Associate Communication from Jodie Griner, Administrative Officer, Department of Health and Human Services Staff report prepared by Elsa Ramos, Personnel Analyst A motion was made to approve recommendation on the Consent Calendar. 12. 21-056CS Recommendation to Transfer from Unclassified to Classified Service - Ian Wilmott, Ambulance Operator, Fire Department Communication from Meg Rau, Administrative Officer, Fire Department Staff report prepared by Shellie Goings, Personnel Analyst A motion was made to approve recommendation on the Consent Calendar. 13. 21-057CS Recommendation to Approve Provisional Appointment - Brian Gutierrez-Hernandez, Stock and Receiving Clerk Communication from Sandra Aguilar, Personnel Officer, Energy Resources Department Staff report prepared by Elsa Ramos, Personnel Analyst A motion was made to approve recommendation on the Consent Calendar. REGULAR AGENDA Page 5 of 15 CITY OF LONG BEACH WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2021 CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION TELECONFERENCE, 8:30 AM MINUTES 14. 21-058CS RECOMMENDATION TO REQUEST PROVISIONAL APPOINTMENT - Payroll/Personnel Assistant II Communication from Ken Walker, Acting Personnel Administrator, Police Department Staff report prepared by Sheree Valdoria, Personnel Analyst Ms. Pizarro Winting introduced Ms. Valdoria who briefed the Commission regarding this item. Representatives from the Police Department were on the call to answer questions. A motion was made by Commissioner Dowling, seconded by Commissioner Garnica, to approve recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 3 - Brandon Dowling, Joen Garnica and Susana Gonzalez Edmond Absent: 1 - Phyllis O. Arias 15. 21-059CS RECOMMENDATION TO REQUEST PROVISIONAL APPOINTMENT - Petroleum Engineer Communication from Sandra Aguilar, Personnel Officer, Energy Resources Department Staff report prepared by Elsa Ramos, Personnel Analyst Ms. Pizarro Winting introduced Ms. Ramos who briefed the Commission regarding this item. A representative from the Energy Resources Department were on the call to answer questions. A motion was made by Commissioner Garnica, seconded by Commissioner Dowling, to approve recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 3 - Brandon Dowling, Joen Garnica and Susana Gonzalez Edmond Absent: 1 - Phyllis O. Arias 16. 21-060CS RECOMMENDATION TO REQUEST PROVISIONAL Page 6 of 15 CITY OF LONG BEACH WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2021 CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION TELECONFERENCE, 8:30 AM MINUTES APPOINTMENT - Storekeeper Communication from Ken Walker, Acting Personnel Administrator, Police Department Staff report prepared by Sheree Valdoria, Personnel Analyst Ms. Pizarro Winting introduced Ms. Valdoria who briefed the Commission regarding this item. Representatives from the Police Department were on the call to answer questions. A motion was made by Commissioner Dowling, seconded by Commissioner Garnica, to approve recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote: 17. 21-061CS COVID-19 RELATED: REQUEST FOR EXCEPTION TO CIVIL SERVICE RULES AND REGULATIONS AND RECOMMENDATION FOR EXTENSION OF PROBATIONARY PERIOD - Christopher Khim, Special Services Officer III-Armed Communication from Stacey V. Lewis, Human Resources Director, Harbor Department Staff report prepared by Sheree Valdoria, Personnel Analyst Ms. Pizarro Winting introduced Ms. Valdoria who briefed the Commission regarding this item. Representatives from the Harbor Department were on the call to answer questions. A motion was made by Commissioner Garnica, seconded by Commissioner Dowling, to approve recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 3 - Brandon Dowling, Joen Garnica and Susana Gonzalez Edmond Absent: 1 - Phyllis O. Arias 18. 21-062CS COVID-19 RELATED: REQUEST FOR EXCEPTION TO CIVIL SERVICE RULES AND REGULATIONS AND RECOMMENDATION FOR EXTENSION OF PROBATIONARY PERIOD - Ismael Tafolla, Special Services Officer III-Armed Page 7 of 15 CITY OF LONG BEACH WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2021 CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION TELECONFERENCE, 8:30 AM MINUTES Communication from Stacey V. Lewis, Human Resources Director, Harbor Department Staff report prepared by Sheree Valdoria, Personnel Analyst Ms. Pizarro Winting introduced Ms. Valdoria who briefed the Commission regarding this item. Representatives from the Harbor Department were on the call to answer questions. A motion was made by Commissioner Dowling, seconded by Commissioner Garnica, to approve recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 3 - Brandon Dowling, Joen Garnica and Susana Gonzalez Edmond Absent: 1 - Phyllis O. Arias 19. 21-063CS COVID-19 RELATED: REQUEST FOR EXCEPTION TO CIVIL SERVICE RULES AND REGULATIONS AND RECOMMENDATION FOR EXTENSION OF PROBATIONARY PERIOD - Jose Terrones, Special Services Officer III-Armed Communication from Stacey V. Lewis, Human Resources Director, Harbor Department Staff report prepared by Sheree Valdoria, Personnel Analyst Ms. Pizarro Winting introduced Ms. Valdoria who briefed the Commission regarding this item. Representatives from the Harbor Department were on the call to answer questions. President Gonzalez Edmond asked if the Exception to the Rule policy will help departments to minimize these types of requests. Ms. Pizarro Winting commented that the policy is geared to ensure that the rule is not used extensively for long periods of time. A motion was made by Commissioner Dowling, seconded by Commissioner Garnica, to approve recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote: Page 8 of 15 CITY OF LONG BEACH WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2021 CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION TELECONFERENCE, 8:30 AM MINUTES Yes: 3 - Brandon Dowling, Joen Garnica and Susana Gonzalez Edmond Absent: 1 - Phyllis O. Arias 20. 21-064CS RECOMMENDATION TO APPROVE REVISED CLASSIFICATION SPECIFICATION - Accountant I-III Communication from Fred Verdugo, Acting Director, Human Resources Department Staff report prepared by Desiree Davalos, Personnel Analyst Ms. Pizarro Winting introduced Ms. Valdoria who briefed the Commission regarding this item. Representatives from user departments as well as the Human Resources Department were on the call to answer questions. A motion was made by Commissioner Garnica, seconded by Commissioner Dowling, to approve recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 3 - Brandon Dowling, Joen Garnica and Susana Gonzalez Edmond Absent: 1 - Phyllis O. Arias 21. 21-065CS RECOMMENDATION TO APPROVE REVISED CLASSIFICATION SPECIFICATION - Combination Building Inspector Communication from Fred Verdugo, Acting Director, Human Resources Department Staff report prepared by Sylvana Tamura, Personnel Analyst Ms. Pizarro Winting introduced Ms. Tamura who briefed the Commission regarding this item. Representatives from the Human Resources and Development Services Departments were on the call to answer questions. A motion was made by Commissioner Dowling, seconded by Commissioner Garnica, to approve recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote: Page 9 of 15 CITY OF LONG BEACH WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2021 CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION TELECONFERENCE, 8:30 AM MINUTES Yes: 3 - Brandon Dowling, Joen Garnica and Susana Gonzalez Edmond Absent: 1 - Phyllis O. Arias 22. 21-066CS RECOMMENDATION TO APPROVE REVISED CLASSIFICATION SPECIFICATION - Electrical Engineer Communication from Fred Verdugo, Acting Director, Human Resources Department Staff report prepared by Sheree Valdoria, Personnel Analyst Ms. Pizarro Winting introduced Ms. Valdoria who briefed the Commission regarding this item. Representatives from the Harbor and Human Resources Departments were on the call to answer questions. President Gonzalez Edmond commented that she wants Civil Service to be mindful of the reconciliation report in case some individuals may have been unintentionally left out. Ms. Pizarro Winting stated that we are using the reconciliation equity lens to ensure we are making it more accessible. A brief discussion ensued with Commissioner Garnica and Ms. Valdoria regarding the revisions under Knowledge, Skills and Abilities related to the driving record. It was discussed that the specifics related to a driving record is not listed on the classification specification. This information is typically placed on the bulletin. A motion was made by Commissioner Garnica, seconded by Commissioner Dowling, to approve recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 3 - Brandon Dowling, Joen Garnica and Susana Gonzalez Edmond Absent: 1 - Phyllis O. Arias 23. 21-067CS RECOMMENDATION TO APPROVE REVISED CLASSIFICATION SPECIFICATION - Water Utility Supervisor Communication from Fred Verdugo, Acting Director, Human Page 10 of 15 CITY OF LONG BEACH WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2021 CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION TELECONFERENCE, 8:30 AM MINUTES Resources Department Staff report prepared by Sylvana Tamura, Personnel Analyst Ms. Pizarro Winting introduced Ms. Tamura who briefed the Commission regarding this item. Representatives from the Human Resources and Water Departments were on the call to answer questions. Commissioner Dowling thanked staff from Civil Service as well as the departments for their diligence and work on this item and the other items on today’s agenda. He stated that it is clear our workforce has progressed as some of the classification specifications have not been updated in more than 20 years and looks forward to seeing more. President Gonzalez Edmond agreed with Commissioner Dowling’s comments. A motion was made by Commissioner Dowling, seconded by Commissioner Garnica, to approve recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 3 - Brandon Dowling, Joen Garnica and Susana Gonzalez Edmond Absent: 1 - Phyllis O. Arias 24. 21-068CS RECOMMENDATION TO APPROVE BULLETIN(S): Accountant I-III Combination Building Inspector Electrical Engineer Water Utility Supervisor Ms. Pizarro Winting briefed the Commission regarding this item. Going back to Commissioner Garnica’s question regarding the driving record, President Gonzalez Edmond wanted to clarify requirements will be placed on the bulletin. Ms. Pizarro Winting responded that it would. Page 11 of 15 CITY OF LONG BEACH WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2021 CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION TELECONFERENCE, 8:30 AM MINUTES A motion was made by Commissioner Dowling, seconded by Commissioner Garnica, to approve recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 3 - Brandon Dowling, Joen Garnica and Susana Gonzalez Edmond Absent: 1 - Phyllis O. Arias 25. 21-069CS RECOMMENDATION TO APPROVE REVISED CLASSIFICATION SPECIFICATION - Geographic Information Systems Technician Communication from Fred Verdugo, Acting Director, Human Resources Department Staff report prepared by Sheree Valdoria, Personnel Analyst Ms. Pizarro Winting introduced Ms. Valdoria who briefed the Commission regarding this item. Representatives from the Harbor and Human Resources Departments were on the call to answer questions. President Gonzalez Edmond stated that a lot of work went into preparing staff reports and thanked everyone for their work. A motion was made by Commissioner Dowling, seconded by Commissioner Garnica, to approve recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 3 - Brandon Dowling, Joen Garnica and Susana Gonzalez Edmond Absent: 1 - Phyllis O. Arias 26. STANDING COMMITTEES A. Executive Committee There were no updates from the Executive Committee. B. Recruitment and Selection Committee There were no updates from the Recruitment and Selection Committee. Page 12 of 15 CITY OF LONG BEACH WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2021 CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION TELECONFERENCE, 8:30 AM MINUTES C. Special Projects Committee Commission Garnica reported that a mock hearing is scheduled for later this morning. 27. REPORTS FROM MANAGERS A. Recruitment and Outreach Services Division - Crystal Slaten Ms. Slaten provided updates regarding recruitment outreach efforts with staff from the Department of Health and Human Service’s Housing Authority division. She thanked Ms. Cano and Employment Services for their work. She announced that the Fire Department is hosting another webinar. B. Employment Services Division - Caprice McDonald Ms. McDonald thanked the Commission for their comments. She provided updates regarding the work being done within the Employment Services Division. She provided information on the work being done with the various revised classification specifications and thanked staff for their work. President Gonzalez Edmond thanked Ms. McDonald for her leadership. C. Administration and Support Services Division - Maria Alamo Ms. Alamo did not have any updates. D. Executive Director - Christina Pizarro Winting Ms. Pizarro Winting thanked Ms. McDonald for her information regarding the revised classification specifications. She stated that the amount of work being done by staff is amazing. She stated that the responsibility of updating the classification specifications is shared with the Human Resources Department and appreciates their willingness to work with Civil Service in getting them updated. She also thanked staff for their work on the staff reports that were on the Consent Calendar as well as the Regular Agenda. Ms. Pizarro Winting announced that the Civil Service has a newly appointed commissioner. She will keep the Commission updated on when she will be able to Page 13 of 15 CITY OF LONG BEACH WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2021 CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION TELECONFERENCE, 8:30 AM MINUTES attend her first meeting. President Gonzalez Edmond thanked Ms. Pizarro Winting for her leadership and for the management team. Commissioner Garnica thanked staff for all their hard work. 28. 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 stated that we are waiting on completion of the Meet and Confer process that is being coordinated by Human Resources. 29. NEW BUSINESS A brief discussion took place with President Gonzalez Edmond, Ms. Pizarro Winting and Mr. Anderson regarding the appointment of Commissioner Garnica to Vice President. It was discussed that the appointment just needs to be placed on the agenda. Discussion also took place regarding the wording of the agenda item. ADJOURNMENT President Gonzalez Edmond adjourned the meeting at 9:30 a.m. MOCK HEARING - 11:00 A.M. Page 14 of 15 CITY OF LONG BEACH WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2021 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 15 of 15