Civil Service Commission

CITY OF LONG BEACH WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2021 CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION LONG BEACH WATER DEPARTMENT MINUTES 1800 E WARDLOW ROAD, LONG BEACH CA 90807, 8:30 AM Joen Garnica, President Phyllis O. Arias, Commissioner Brandon Dowling, Vice President Susana Gonzalez Edmond, Commissioner Yvonne Wheeler, Commissioner Christina Pizarro Winting, Executive Director FINISHED AGENDA AND MINUTES SPECIAL MEETING CHANGE IN LOCATION: LONG BEACH WATER DEPARTMENT 1800 E WARDLOW ROAD, LONG BEACH, CA 90807 President Garnica called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. FLAG SALUTE President Garnica asked Ms. Goings to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL Commissioners Phyllis O. Arias, Susana Gonzalez Edmond and Joen Garnica Present: Commissioners Yvonne Wheeler and Brandon Dowling Absent: 1. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC – THE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION WILL HEAR FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ON MATTERS WITHIN THE COMMISSION’S JURISDICTION. There were no comments from the public. 2. 21-217CS Recommendation to approve minutes: Page 1 of 12 CITY OF LONG BEACH WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2021 CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION LONG BEACH WATER DEPARTMENT MINUTES 1800 E WARDLOW ROAD, LONG BEACH CA 90807, 8:30 AM Special Meeting of July 21, 2021 A motion was made by Commissioner Arias, seconded by Commissioner Gonzalez Edmond, to approve recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 3 - Phyllis O. Arias, Susana Gonzalez Edmond and Joen Garnica Absent: 2 - Yvonne Wheeler and Brandon Dowling CONSENT CALENDAR (3 – 8): Commissioner Arias pulled Agenda Item 4 and Commissioner Gonzalez Edmond pulled Agenda Item 6 for separate discussions. Passed the Consent Calendar A motion was made by Commissioner Arias, seconded by Commissioner Gonzalez Edmond, to approve Consent Calendar Items (3, 5 and 7-8), except for Items (4 and 6). The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 3 - Phyllis O. Arias, Susana Gonzalez Edmond and Joen Garnica Absent: 2 - Yvonne Wheeler and Brandon Dowling 3. 21-218CS Recommendation to approve examination results: Accountant I-III Test #02 Electrical and Instrumentation Supervisor Test #02 Environmental Specialist I-II (PROMOTIONAL) Harbor Patrol Officer I-III Test #01 Permit Technician I-II Test #02 Police Sergeant (PROMOTIONAL) Public Safety Dispatcher I-IV - NTN EXAM Test #24 School Guard Test #07 Senior Librarian Test #05 Page 2 of 12 CITY OF LONG BEACH WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2021 CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION LONG BEACH WATER DEPARTMENT MINUTES 1800 E WARDLOW ROAD, LONG BEACH CA 90807, 8:30 AM Special Services Officer I-IV Test #55 A motion was made to approve recommendation on the Consent Calendar. 4. 21-219CS Recommendation to approve bulletin(s): Carpenter Petroleum Engineer I-II Principal Construction Inspector Commissioner Arias wanted to know how many openings and potential applicants we had for the Principal Construction Inspector classification. She also commented that there are quite a few desirables for this classification. Ms. Goings stated that there are two openings, one with Public Works and one with Energy Resources. She added that this classification is used in several departments. She also stated that there is a possibility for the applicant pool to be in the teens. A motion was made by Commissioner Gonzalez Edmond, seconded by Commissioner Arias, to approve recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 3 - Phyllis O. Arias, Susana Gonzalez Edmond and Joen Garnica Absent: 2 - Yvonne Wheeler and Brandon Dowling 5. 21-220CS Recommendation to receive and file retirement(s): Matthew Henry, Gas Field Service Representative III, Energy Resources Department (23 yrs., 10 mos.) A motion was made to approve recommendation on the Consent Calendar. 6. 21-221CS Recommendation to receive and file resignation(s): Summer Davis, Housing Specialist III, Health and Human Services Department (6 yrs., 3 mos.) Alyssa Hartlaub, Public Health Nurse III, Health and Human Page 3 of 12 CITY OF LONG BEACH WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2021 CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION LONG BEACH WATER DEPARTMENT MINUTES 1800 E WARDLOW ROAD, LONG BEACH CA 90807, 8:30 AM Services Department (19 yrs., 8 mos.) Juliet Martinez, Office Services Assistant II, Technology and Innovation Department (2 yrs., 2 mos.) Jennifer Martinez, Public Safety Dispatcher I, Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Communications Department (1 yr., 21 days) Zachary Menke, Electrician, Parks, Recreation and Marine Department (2 mos. 11 days) Tess Parkhouse, Marine Safety Officer, Fire Department (7 yrs., 8 mos.) Caroline Venegas, Customer Service Representative III, Energy Resources Department (4 yrs., 1 mo.) Commissioner Gonzalez Edmond has not seen so many resignations in sometime and wondered if staff knew the reason why there were so many and if we were looking at indicators. Ms. Pizarro Winting responded that one possible reason is as we come out of the pandemic, people may not want to return to work. She does plan on having a discussion with Human Resources to get more information. Commissioner Arias stated that this is a national trend where people are deciding not to return to full-time work. A motion was made by Commissioner Gonzalez Edmond, seconded by Commissioner Arias, to approve recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 3 - Phyllis O. Arias, Susana Gonzalez Edmond and Joen Garnica Absent: 2 - Yvonne Wheeler and Brandon Dowling 7. 21-222CS Recommendation to approve transfer(s): Brenda Cubillo - Administrative Analyst III, Police Department to Administrative Analyst III, Public Works Department A motion was made to approve recommendation on the Consent Calendar. 8. 21-223CS Recommendation to Approve Extension of Expiring Eligible Lists (6 months) Page 4 of 12 CITY OF LONG BEACH WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2021 CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION LONG BEACH WATER DEPARTMENT MINUTES 1800 E WARDLOW ROAD, LONG BEACH CA 90807, 8:30 AM Staff report prepared by Christina Pizarro Winting, Executive Director Accounting Clerk I-III (C02AN-19) (5/30/2019) - 3 months* Civil Engineer (K11NN-21) Test #19 (2/10/2021) Civil Engineer (K11NN-21) Test #20 (2/23/2021) Commercial Diver I-II (I46AN-20) Test #01 (2/7/2020) Electrician (I15NN-20) Test #08 (8/7/2020) Electrician (I15NN-21) Test #10 (2/10/2021) Engineering Technician I-II (K95AN-20) (2/14/2020) Fleet Services Supervisor I-II (I69AN-20) (2/14/2020) Gas Pipeline Welder/Layout Fitter (I61NN-19) Test #03 (8/28/2019) General Librarian (E37NN-21) Test #01 (2/26/2021) License Inspector I-II (C22AN-20) Test #01 (11/14/2019) - 3 months* Maintenance Assistant I-III (JA3AN-20) Test #01 (2/13/2020) Marine Safety Officer (H14NN-20) (2/25/2020) Nurse Practitioner (G12NN-19) Test #01 (8/28/2019) Nurse Practitioner (G12NN-20) Test #04 (2/20/2020) Park Naturalist (H17NN-19) Test #01 (2/15/2019) Parking Control Checker I-II (F19AN-20) (2/25/2020) - 3 months* Plan Checker - Plumbing I-II (K41AN-20) Test #05 (10/11/2019) - 3 months* Police Officer - Lateral (F23NN-19) Test #25 (2/13/2019) Police Officer - Lateral (F23NN-19) Test #26 (2/25/2019) Police Officer - Lateral (F23NN-21) Test #19 (2/24/2021) Police Recruit (F63NN-20) Test #16 (2/4/2020) Police Recruit (F63NN-20) Test #17 (2/6/2020) Public Affairs Assistant (EF3NN-20) Test #01 (2/13/2020) Public Health Nurse I-III (G19AN-20) Test #06 (8/13/2020) Public Health Nurse I-III (G19AN-21) Test #12 (2/10/2021) Public Health Nurse Supervisor (G20NN-20) Test #04 (8/6/2020) Public Health Nutritionist I-III (G21AN-19) Test #02 (8/19/2019) Public Safety Dispatcher I-IV - Post Waiver (J45AN-19B) Test #06 (5/6/2019) Public Safety Dispatcher I-IV - Post Waiver (J45AN-19B) Test Page 5 of 12 CITY OF LONG BEACH WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2021 CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION LONG BEACH WATER DEPARTMENT MINUTES 1800 E WARDLOW ROAD, LONG BEACH CA 90807, 8:30 AM #07 (8/15/2019) Public Safety Dispatcher I-IV - Post Waiver (J45AN-20B) Test #11 (2/7/2020) Public Safety Dispatcher I-IV - Post Waiver (J45AN-20B) Test #14 (8/7/2020) Public Safety Dispatcher I-IV - Post Waiver (J45AN-20B) Test #15 (8/20/2020) Recreation Assistant (H52NN-19) Test #01 (3/1/2019) - 1 month* Senior Electrical Inspector (K56NN-20) Test #02 (2/28/2020) Senior Program Manager - Harbor (NFONN-21) Test #02 (2/24/2021) Senior Scheduler (NJ0NN-20) Test #01 (2/25/2020) Special Services Officer I-IV (F33AN-19) Test #38 (8/15/2019) Special Services Officer I-IV (F33AN-20) Test #41 (2/5/2020) Special Services Officer I-IV (F33AN-21) Test #50 (2/10/2021) Structural Engineer (KA1NN-20) Test #02 (2/7/2020) A motion was made to approve recommendation on the Consent Calendar. REGULAR AGENDA 9. 21-224CS RECOMMENDATION TO REAPPOINT RESIGNED EMPLOYEE - Louie Rodriguez, Motor Sweeper Operator Communication from Robert Pfingsthorn, Acting Personnel Officer, Department of Public Works Staff Report prepared by Shellie Goings, Personnel Analyst Ms. Pizarro Winting introduced Ms. Goings who briefed the Commission regarding this item. Robert Pfingsthorn, Acting Personnel Officer with the Department of Public Works, was present to answer questions. A brief discussion ensued with Commissioner Arias, Ms. Goings and Mr. Pfingsthorn regarding the current eligible list and if candidates were being selected from the list. It was mentioned that Page 6 of 12 CITY OF LONG BEACH WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2021 CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION LONG BEACH WATER DEPARTMENT MINUTES 1800 E WARDLOW ROAD, LONG BEACH CA 90807, 8:30 AM the eligible list was established in May and that there are three vacancies. It was also mentioned that two individuals from the list are currently going through the hiring process and Mr. Rodriguez will fill the last vacancy. A motion was made by Commissioner Arias, seconded by Commissioner Gonzalez Edmond, to approve recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 3 - Phyllis O. Arias, Susana Gonzalez Edmond and Joen Garnica Absent: 2 - Yvonne Wheeler and Brandon Dowling 10. 21-225CS RECOMMENDATION TO APPROVE REVISED CLASSIFICATION SPECIFICATION - Fire Engineer Communication from Joe Ambrosini, Director, Department of Human Resources Staff report prepared by Shellie Goings, Personnel Analyst Ms. Pizarro Winting introduced Ms. Goings who briefed the Commission regarding this item. A representative from the Fire Department was present to answer questions. Commissioner Arias wanted clarification if employees’ time as a Fire Recruit was counted as active service. Ms. Goings confirmed that time spent as a Fire Recruit will be counted as active service. A motion was made by Commissioner Gonzalez Edmond, seconded by Commissioner Arias, to approve recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 3 - Phyllis O. Arias, Susana Gonzalez Edmond and Joen Garnica Absent: 2 - Yvonne Wheeler and Brandon Dowling 11. STANDING COMMITTEES A. Executive Committee Page 7 of 12 CITY OF LONG BEACH WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2021 CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION LONG BEACH WATER DEPARTMENT MINUTES 1800 E WARDLOW ROAD, LONG BEACH CA 90807, 8:30 AM The Executive Committee did not have any new information to report. B. Recruitment and Selection Committee The Recruitment and Selection Committee did not have any new information to report. Commissioner Gonzalez Edmond stated that Ms. Pizarro Winting is looking at scheduling a meeting to discuss minimum qualifications for education. C. Special Projects Committee The Special Projects Committee did not have any new information to report. 12. REPORTS FROM MANAGERS A. Recruitment and Outreach Services Division - Crystal Slaten Ms. Slaten thanked Ms. Cano for assisting the Employment Services Division and Ms. Macias for her efforts in finding raters for examinations. Ms. Slaten reported that in-person events are coming back. She stated that staff are scheduled to participate in the open house event with Council District 6 on August 9th at McBride Park as well as the Grand Prix in September. Staff is also looking into participating in the Uptown Jazz Festival. Ms. Slaten reported that staff have been contacting Council Districts to possibly host a virtual or in-person event in an effort to make the community aware of the City’s hiring process. She explained that her goal is to visit each Council District by the end of the year. Staff will also be reaching out to community groups as well. Commissioner Gonzalez Edmond stated that she appreciates staff working with various stakeholders. Ms. Slaten stated that Ms. Macias is reaching out to all groups that are listed in a resource guide. President Garnica also suggested that staff work with Council Districts to include information in their newsletters. B. Employment Services Division - Caprice McDonald Ms. McDonald reported that staff are working hard to find ways on how to conduct examinations due to the pandemic. She stated that staff plan to continue with virtual testing; however, there is a cost associated with it. She stated that staff are Page 8 of 12 CITY OF LONG BEACH WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2021 CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION LONG BEACH WATER DEPARTMENT MINUTES 1800 E WARDLOW ROAD, LONG BEACH CA 90807, 8:30 AM evaluating the different options as well as looking at the department’s budget. Ms. McDonald commended staff for their work with the Police Sergeant examination and for Ms. Ramos for stepping in and thanked Ms. Cano for assisting the division. She stated that the department is trying to fill the Personnel Analyst vacancy and is actively looking through the current eligible list. President Garnica wanted to confirm the we have a higher testing rate with online testing. Ms. McDonald confirmed that she was correct. President Garnica stated that this is something to consider moving forward. Commissioner Gonzalez Edmond commented that the news is reporting that Covid numbers are skyrocketing and that we should try to budget for online testing and thanked Ms. McDonald for acknowledging this. C. Administration and Support Services Division - Maria Alamo Ms. Alamo was not available to provide a report. D. Executive Director - Christina Pizarro Winting Ms. Pizarro Winting thanked Civil Service staff for their assistance with Police Sergeant and Ms. Ramos for leading the team. She reiterated to the Commission that they are invited to attend an open house event for Council District 6. Ms. Pizarro Winting confirmed the retreat date and location. She stated that the retreat will be scheduled for September 17th at the main library but can look at another venue if preferred. Ms. Pizarro Winting reported that on August 17th, she will be presenting the department’s budget at the request of 7th District Councilmember Uranga. She stated that he is interested in knowing how the department responded during the pandemic. She stated that she has addressed budget needs with the City Manager. She also stated that as discussions take place we will have a better understanding of our needs. Discussion took place with Commissioner Gonzalez Edmond and Ms. Pizarro Winting regarding looking at options that vendors are offering and to put resources towards it as it is vital for the work that we do in Civil Service. It was discussed that staff is able to provide employment access to a wide group of individuals. Ms. Pizarro Winting stated that meetings with Councilmembers have been going Page 9 of 12 CITY OF LONG BEACH WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2021 CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION LONG BEACH WATER DEPARTMENT MINUTES 1800 E WARDLOW ROAD, LONG BEACH CA 90807, 8:30 AM great. She stated that Councilmembers have been responsive and receptive, and they are learning new things about Civil Service. She reported that she has been providing information to Councilmembers so that there is a better understanding. President Garnica thanked staff for setting up the meetings as they have been very fruitful. She stated that staff has seen an increase in applicants for a classification that was recently highlighted in a newsletter. Commissioner Gonzalez Edmond believes it is important to meet with Councilmembers as some may not understand the value of what Civil Service does. She wanted to know if we are explaining the hearing process to Councilmembers. Ms. Pizarro Winting confirmed that they have been discussing it. 13. UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no unfinished business to discuss. 14. NEW BUSINESS President Garnica reported on an exciting new partnership with Long Beach City College. She stated that she had the opportunity to speak with the Executive Director of the Long Beach City College Foundation Board of Governors to discuss what we are doing as well as a new committee that the Executive Director plans to create. She stated that we will be meeting with the Director of Workforce Development at Long Beach City College to begin to establish partnerships. A discussion ensued with President Garnica, Commissioner Arias and Ms. Pizarro Winting regarding a gathering with staff. It was discussed that the library would be ideal as there will be plenty of space. It was discussed that staff attendance would depend on how things unfold with the pandemic but that further discuss will take place as we get closer to the retreat. It was discussed that staff looked at the outdoor space at Rancho Los Alamitos but was advised that there could be an issue with noise. Commissioner Gonzalez Edmond asked if there were any updates regarding the wearing of masks. Ms. Pizarro Winting stated that employees who are not vaccinated will be required to test weekly and stated that the City is still working on a policy. She reported that in-person meetings have been scaled back. She reported that staff is not coming into the office unless necessary. President Garnica stated that she will be interested in hearing about the updates as the Commission resumes hearings. Page 10 of 12 CITY OF LONG BEACH WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2021 CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION LONG BEACH WATER DEPARTMENT MINUTES 1800 E WARDLOW ROAD, LONG BEACH CA 90807, 8:30 AM 15. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC – THE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION WILL HEAR FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ON MATTERS WITHIN THE COMMISSION’S JURISDICTION. Ms. Julissa Jose-Murray, Business Operations Bureau Manager for the Police Department, introduced herself and thanked the Commission and staff for the Police Sergeant’s promotional list that was approved today. She stated that department staff have been wonderful partners and appreciated the ability to use the consultants. Ms. Jose-Murray stated that there are several upcoming recruitments where they will be spending a lot of time with staff and appreciates working with Ms. Ramos and for making herself available. President Garnica stated that she is glad to hear staff recognized for their work and partnerships. Commissioner Gonzalez Edmond congratulated Ms. Jose-Murray on her appointment as they previously worked together and is excited to be able to work with her again. ADJOURNMENT President Garnica adjourned the meeting at 9:17 a.m. HEARING 9:30 A.M. Page 11 of 12 CITY OF LONG BEACH WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2021 CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION LONG BEACH WATER DEPARTMENT MINUTES 1800 E WARDLOW ROAD, LONG BEACH CA 90807, 8:30 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 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 12 of 12