Civil Service Commission

CITY OF LONG BEACH WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2022 CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION LONG BEACH WATER DEPARTMENT MINUTES 1800 E. WARDLOW ROAD, LONG BEACH, CA, 9:00 AM Joen Garnica, President Phyllis O. Arias, Commissioner Yvonne Wheeler, Vice President Susana Gonzalez Edmond, Commissioner Christina Pizarro Winting, Executive Director FINISHED AGENDA AND MINUTES SPECIAL MEETING President Garnica called the meeting to order at 9:07 a.m. FLAG SALUTE President Garnica asked Russ Ficker, Human Resources Officer with the Human Resources Department to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL Commissioners Phyllis O. Arias, Susana Gonzalez Edmond, Yvonne Wheeler Present: and Joen Garnica 1. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC – THE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION WILL HEAR FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ON MATTERS WITHIN THE COMMISSION’S JURISDICTION. No comments from the public at this time. Page 1 of 18 CITY OF LONG BEACH WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2022 CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION LONG BEACH WATER DEPARTMENT MINUTES 1800 E. WARDLOW ROAD, LONG BEACH, CA, 9:00 AM 2. 22-056CS Recommendation to approve minutes: Regular Meeting of February 16, 2022 Dismissal Hearing 04 -D-1819 Minutes of January 12, 19, & 26, 2022 Commissioner Arias modified the minutes of February 16, 2022, to reflect a change in the verbiage of Agenda Item 3 to remove the word “this” and replace it with the phrase “the position of Communication Center Supervisor.” The minutes will reflect the following: “A brief discussion with Commissioner Arias and Ms. Pizarro Winting regarding the number of applicants for the position of Communication Center Supervisor. Commissioner Arias asked if there was a plan to reopen the post and get at least five candidates.” A motion was made by Commissioner Arias, seconded by Vice President Wheeler, to approve recommendation as amended. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 4 - Phyllis O. Arias, Susana Gonzalez Edmond, Yvonne Wheeler and Joen Garnica A motion was made by Vice President Wheeler, seconded by Commissioner Arias, to approve the Dismissal Hearing 04 -D-1819 Minutes of January 12, 19, & 26, 2022. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 4 - Phyllis O. Arias, Susana Gonzalez Edmond, Yvonne Wheeler and Joen Garnica CONSENT CALENDAR (3-8): Page 2 of 18 CITY OF LONG BEACH WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2022 CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION LONG BEACH WATER DEPARTMENT MINUTES 1800 E. WARDLOW ROAD, LONG BEACH, CA, 9:00 AM Commissioner Arias pulled Agenda Item 4 for discussion from the consent calendar. A typographical error was discovered during the review of the consent calendar. The agenda read that the consent calendar had items 3 through 8. The consent calendar should have Items 3 through 9. A correction was made. Passed the Consent Calendar A motion was made by Commissioner Gonzalez Edmond, seconded by Vice President Wheeler, to approve Consent Calendar Items 3,5-9, except for item 4 as amended. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 4 - Phyllis O. Arias, Susana Gonzalez Edmond, Yvonne Wheeler and Joen Garnica 3. 22-057CS Recommendation to approve examination results: Police Recruit #05 A motion was made to approve recommendation on the Consent Calendar. 4. 22-058CS Recommendation to approve bulletin(s): Aquatics Supervisor I-II Water Treatment Operator I-IV Commissioner Arias provided feedback that we should eliminate the phrase “applicants must meet the following requirements listed below in order to qualify” because in other bulletins it shows “requirements to file”, so the phrase seems redundant. Staff agreed with suggestion. A motion was made by Commissioner Arias, seconded by Vice President Wheeler, to approve recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote: Page 3 of 18 CITY OF LONG BEACH WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2022 CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION LONG BEACH WATER DEPARTMENT MINUTES 1800 E. WARDLOW ROAD, LONG BEACH, CA, 9:00 AM Yes: 4 - Phyllis O. Arias, Susana Gonzalez Edmond, Yvonne Wheeler and Joen Garnica 5. 22-059CS Recommendation to receive and file retirement(s): David Simmons, Petroleum Engineer II, Energy Resources (5 yrs., 2 day) Kerry Nordgren, Garage Service attendant I, Financial Management (4 yrs., 10 mos) A motion was made to approve recommendation on the Consent Calendar. 6. 22-060CS Recommendation to receive and file resignation(s): Nayeli Chavez, Customer Service Representative III, Energy Resources (3 yrs., 3 mos) Dante Cornejo, Ambulance Operator, Fire Department (4 mos., 18 days) Saulo Amezquita, Housing Assistance Coordinator, Health and Human Services (13 yrs., 9 mos) Robert John Rugen III, Firefighter, Fire Department (4 yrs., 11 mos.) Gabriela Arroyos, Housing Aide II, Health and Human Services (1 mo. 25 days) A motion was made to approve recommendation on the Consent Calendar. 7. 22-061CS Recommendation to approve transfer(s): Isela Gonzalez-Clerk Typist III, Public Works Department to Clerk Typist III, Civil Service Department Juana Gamez- Accounting Clerk III, Technology Services to Accounting Clerk III, Harbor Department A motion was made to approve recommendation on the Consent Calendar. Page 4 of 18 CITY OF LONG BEACH WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2022 CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION LONG BEACH WATER DEPARTMENT MINUTES 1800 E. WARDLOW ROAD, LONG BEACH, CA, 9:00 AM 8. 22-062CS Recommendation to Extend Non-Career Hours - Michael Damsky, Administrative Intern - NC Communication from Christopher J. Garner, General Manager, Water Department Staff Report prepared by Christina Winting, Executive Director A motion was made to approve recommendation on the Consent Calendar. Page 5 of 18 CITY OF LONG BEACH WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2022 CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION LONG BEACH WATER DEPARTMENT MINUTES 1800 E. WARDLOW ROAD, LONG BEACH, CA, 9:00 AM 9. 22-075CS Recommendation to Approve Extension of Expiring Eligible Lists (6 months) Staff report prepared by Christina Pizarro Winting, Executive Director Airport Operations Specialist I-II (G46An-21) (3/2/2021) Capital Projects Coordinator I-IV (EC6AN-20) Test #01 (9/18/2020) - 1 Month* Chief Construction Inspector (K08NN-21) (3/17/2021) Civil Engineer (K11NN-20) Test #17 (9/18/2020) Civil Engineer (K11NN-21) Test #21 (3/31/2021) Combination Building Inspector (K87NN-21) (3/31/2021) - 2 Months* Criminalist I-IV (F06AN-20) Test #01 (3/6/2020) Electrical And Instrumentation Technician I-II (MG6AN-21) Test #02 (9/15/2021) Electrical Engineer (K89NN-21) Test #01 (3/31/2021) Environmental Health Specialist I-IV (G43AN-20) Test #02 (9/15/2020) Environmental Health Specialist I-IV (G43AN-20) Test #03 (9/23/2020) Gas Construction Worker I-III (F52AN-21) (2/4/2021) - 2 Months* Harbor Patrol Officer I-III (NM4AN-21) Test #03 (9/15/2021) Hazardous Materials Specialist I-II (G42AN-20) Test #01 (9/10/2020) Hazardous Materials Specialist I-II (G42AN-20) Test #02 (9/23/2020) Licensed Vocational Nurse (G05NN-20) Test #01 (9/30/2020) - 1 Month* Permit Center Supervisor (ED9NN-20) (3/3/2020) - 1 Month* Permit Technician I-II (ED6AN-21B) Test #03 (9/15/2021) Petroleum Engineer I-II (K34AN-21) Test #01 (8/15/2021) Plan Checker - Fire Prevention I-II (KA4NN-19) Test #06 (5/8/2019) - 2 Months* Plan Checker - Fire Prevention I-II (KA4NN-20) Test #07 (10/11/2019) - 2 Months* Plan Checker - Fire Prevention I-II (KA4NN-20) Test #08 (1/14/2020) - 2 Months* Page 6 of 18 CITY OF LONG BEACH WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2022 CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION LONG BEACH WATER DEPARTMENT MINUTES 1800 E. WARDLOW ROAD, LONG BEACH, CA, 9:00 AM Plan Checker - Fire Prevention I-II (KA4NN-20) Test #09 (3/3/2020) Police Officer - Lateral (F23NN-20) Test #15 (9/2/2020) Police Officer - Lateral (F23NN-21) Test #22 (9/29/2021) Port Financial Analyst I-III (ND1AN-19) Test #01 (7/3/2019) - 4 Months* Port Financial Analyst I-III (ND1AN-19) Test #02 (7/17/2019) - 4 Months* Port Planner I-V (N55AN-20) Test #01 (9/3/2020) Public Health Nurse I-III (G19AN-20) Test #07 (9/8/2020) Public Health Nurse I-III (G19AN-21) Test #13 (3/8/2021) Public Safety Dispatcher I-IV - NTN Exam (J45AN-20A) Test #15 (9/23/2020) Public Safety Dispatcher I-IV - NTN Exam (J45AN-21A) Test #25 (9/15/2021) Public Safety Dispatcher I-IV - Post Waiver (J45AN-20B) Test #16 (9/4/2020) Public Safety Dispatcher I-IV - Post Waiver (J45AN-21B) Test #21 (3/17/2021) Refuse Operator I-III (JA2AN-21) Test #30 (9/29/2021) School Guard (F31N1-21) Test #10 (9/15/2021) Senior Combination Building Inspector (K90NN-20) (9/18/2020) - 2 Months* Senior Electrical Inspector (K56NN-20) Test #03 (3/10/2020) - 2 Months* Special Services Officer I-IV (F33AN-20) Test #46 (9/4/2020) Special Services Officer I-IV (F33AN-21) Test #51 (3/17/2021) Special Services Officer I-IV (F33AN-21) Test #56 (9/15/2021) Special Services Officer I-IV (F33AN-21) Test #57 (9/29/2021) Traffic Engineering Associate I-II (K79NN-20) (3/10/2020) Water Utility Supervisor I-II (MB1AN-21) (3/31/2021) - 2 Months* A motion was made to approve recommendation on the Consent Calendar. REGULAR AGENDA Page 7 of 18 CITY OF LONG BEACH WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2022 CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION LONG BEACH WATER DEPARTMENT MINUTES 1800 E. WARDLOW ROAD, LONG BEACH, CA, 9:00 AM 10. 22-063CS RECOMMENDATION TO APPROVE REVISED CLASSIFICATION SPECIFICATION- Water Utility Mechanic I-III Joe Ambrosini, Director of Human Resources, Human Resources Department Staff report prepared by Sylvana Tamura, Personnel Analyst Ms. Pizarro Winting introduced Ms. Tamura, who briefed the Commission regarding this item, and a representative from the department was available to answer questions. A motion was made by Vice President Wheeler, seconded by Commissioner Gonzalez Edmond, to approve recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 4 - Phyllis O. Arias, Susana Gonzalez Edmond, Yvonne Wheeler and Joen Garnica 11. 22-066CS RECOMMENDATION TO APPROVE BULLETIN - Water Utility Mechanic I-III Staff report prepared by Sylvana Tamura, Personnel Analyst A motion was made by Commissioner Arias, seconded by Vice President Wheeler, to approve recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 4 - Phyllis O. Arias, Susana Gonzalez Edmond, Yvonne Wheeler and Joen Garnica Page 8 of 18 CITY OF LONG BEACH WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2022 CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION LONG BEACH WATER DEPARTMENT MINUTES 1800 E. WARDLOW ROAD, LONG BEACH, CA, 9:00 AM 12. 22-064CS RECOMMENDATION TO REAPPOINT RESIGNED EMPLOYEE - Sandra Barajas, Clerk Typist Communication from Sandra Kennedy, Administrative Officer, Health and Human Services Department Staff Report prepared by Crystal Slaten, Deputy Director Ms. Pizarro Winting briefed the Commission regarding this item, and a representative from the department was available to answer questions. A motion was made by Vice President Wheeler, seconded by Commissioner Gonzalez Edmond, to approve recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 4 - Phyllis O. Arias, Susana Gonzalez Edmond, Yvonne Wheeler and Joen Garnica Page 9 of 18 CITY OF LONG BEACH WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2022 CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION LONG BEACH WATER DEPARTMENT MINUTES 1800 E. WARDLOW ROAD, LONG BEACH, CA, 9:00 AM 13. 22-070CS RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION COMMITTEE REVIEW OF PROTEST OF WRITTEN EXAMINATION ITEM(S) - ACCOUNTING TECHNICIAN Commissioner Gonzalez Edmond briefed the Commission regarding this item. Ms. Pizarro Winting and the Commission discussed the process for the recommendations. The first recommendation is to approve the recommendation of the Recruitment and Selection Committee on this item. The Recruitment and Selection Committee reviewed the items as the representative for the Commission, the Commission accepts the recommendation of the Recruitment and Selection Committee. Commissioner Gonzalez Edmond provided feedback on clarification on Items 13 and 14, as it was understood to her that item 14 is approval of the recommendation of the Recruitment and Selection Committee versus the receiving and filing and regarding the protest of the examination. Commissioner Arias suggested that Item 14 should be rewritten as it sounds like the Commission has approved the protest instead of approving the recommendation of the Recruitment and Selection Committee, which recommended the denial of the protest. Ms. Pizarro Winting clarified that the Recruitment and Selection Committee reviewed the protest of the written exam provided by the Civil Service Staff and the Commission would approved the recommended approval by the staff and Recruitment and Selection Committee. A motion was made by Commissioner Gonzalez Edmond to approve item 13 as receiving and filing the Recruitment and Selection Committee’s review of the protest of written examination items. Further discussion began before a second motion was made. Commissioner Gonzalez Edmond suggested that the Item should be accepted as it was published to the public; received and filed first, and reword Item 14, as to not be repetitive in Item 13 and 14. Ms. Kilaita, provide feedback and suggested to amend item 13 to receive and file and approve the committee’s recommendation and then approve item 14 as is written. Page 10 of 18 CITY OF LONG BEACH WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2022 CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION LONG BEACH WATER DEPARTMENT MINUTES 1800 E. WARDLOW ROAD, LONG BEACH, CA, 9:00 AM A motion was made by Commissioner Gonzalez Edmond, seconded by Vice President Wheeler,to receive and file the recommendation of the Recruitment and Selection Committee’s review of the protest of written examination items. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 4 - Phyllis O. Arias, Susana Gonzalez Edmond, Yvonne Wheeler and Joen Garnica Page 11 of 18 CITY OF LONG BEACH WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2022 CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION LONG BEACH WATER DEPARTMENT MINUTES 1800 E. WARDLOW ROAD, LONG BEACH, CA, 9:00 AM 14. 22-074CS RECOMMENDATION TO APPROVE PROTEST OF WRITTEN EXAMINATION ITEM(S)- ACCOUNTING TECHNICIAN Commissioner Arias moved to amend the motion to read recommendation to approve the Recruitment and Selection committee recommendation regarding protest of written examination of items. Further discussion began before a second motion was made. Ms. Pizarro Winting mentioned that the information regarding these items, including staff reports, has been provided to the Commission for review. Staff and subject matter experts are available for questions. Ms. Ramos briefed the Commission on this item. No additional comments or questions from the commission. Commissioner Gonzalez Edmond pointed out that the Recruitments and Selection Committee was created so that the Commission would not have another full discussion and staff reports on matters like this one and it wouldn’t have to go into a full discussion as it seemed redundant. Ms. Pizarro Winting suggested a streamline of this process. President Garnica suggested the Commission receive the documentation and the Committee provide its recommendation and be available for questions should the committee has any. Ms. Pizarro Winting concurred and would advise staff moving forward. A motion was made by Commissioner Arias, seconded by Commissioner Gonzalez Edmond, to amend the agenda item to read “RECOMMENDATION TO APPROVE THE RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION REGARDING PROTEST OF WRITTEN EXAMINATION OF ITEM(S).” The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 4 - Phyllis O. Arias, Susana Gonzalez Edmond, Yvonne Wheeler and Joen Garnica At this time, President Garnica moved Item 15 to the end of the agenda. Page 12 of 18 CITY OF LONG BEACH WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2022 CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION LONG BEACH WATER DEPARTMENT MINUTES 1800 E. WARDLOW ROAD, LONG BEACH, CA, 9:00 AM 15. 22-065CS CLOSED SESSION - EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S PERFORMANCE EVALUATION (Pursuant to Paragraph (b)(1) of Section 54957 of the California Government Code) President Garnica recessed into close session at 10:05 a.m. and reconvened the business meeting at 11:25 a.m. The Commission unanimously voted to provide the Executive Director with an increase of 7%. A motion was made by Commissioner Arias, seconded by Commissioner Gonzalez Edmond, to provide the Executive Director with an increase of 7%. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 4 - Phyllis O. Arias, Susana Gonzalez Edmond, Yvonne Wheeler and Joen Garnica Page 13 of 18 CITY OF LONG BEACH WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2022 CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION LONG BEACH WATER DEPARTMENT MINUTES 1800 E. WARDLOW ROAD, LONG BEACH, CA, 9:00 AM 16. STANDING COMMITTEES A. Executive Committee B. Recruitment and Selection Committee C. Special Projects Committee A. Executive Committee The Executive Committee does not have a report at this time. B. Recruitment and Selection Committee Commissioner Gonzalez Edmond asked Ms. Pizarro Winting for an update on the report regarding the minimum qualifications that the staff is working on. Ms. Pizarro Winting reported that the report would be on the agenda of March 16, 2020. Commissioner Gonzalez Edmond also mentioned that the committee has asked staff to look into the convening of labor leaders to be able to discuss and engage with revisions to some of the rules that could possibly be reviewed as it relates to how it impacts our promotions and testing. President Garnica asked if these leaders would become advisors to the committee, and Commissioner Gonzalez Edmond mentioned that they would, along with Human Resource. Ms. Pizarro Winting will be looking into what that would look like. Commissioner Gonzalez Edmond also provided an update on Mr. Downing’s matter and how the committee is looking into reviewing an example of a test that he brought to the Committee’s attention at their next committee meeting. C. Special Projects Committee The Special Projects Committee does not have a report at this time. Page 14 of 18 CITY OF LONG BEACH WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2022 CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION LONG BEACH WATER DEPARTMENT MINUTES 1800 E. WARDLOW ROAD, LONG BEACH, CA, 9:00 AM 17. REPORTS FROM MANAGERS A. Recruitment and Outreach Services Division – Crystal Slaten B. Employment Services Division – Caprice McDonald C. Administration and Support Services Division – Maria Alamo D. Executive Director – Christina Pizarro Winting A. Recruitment and Outreach Services Division - Crystal Slaten Ms. Pizarro Winting pointed out that Ms. Slaten is taking much-deserved time off and no update will be provided at this time. B. Employment Services Division - Caprice McDonald Ms. McDonald provided updates on exams and introduced the newest Personnel Analysts to join the Civil Service team. Ms. McDonald mentioned the progress of establishing an Internal Rater Program. C. Administration and Support Services Division - Maria Alamo Ms. Alamo provided an update on the exams that her team is working on to provide the seniority points for. Ms. Alamo provided an update on the onboarding of our new Commissioner, Eric Fallis. Ms. Alamo provided an update on the budget and that September 16 would be the date that staff would come to the Commission to request their approval of the budget. President Garnica asked if we have an adequate allocation for the hearings, given that there have been so many this year. Ms. Alamo assured that it has been taken into consideration when building the budget. Commissioner Gonzalez Edmond asked if Committee work is being budgeted as well to compensate Commissioners for that work. President Garnica responded that Commissioners are compensated only when there is a quorum. Commissioner Gonzalez Edmond suggested that a conversation on this matter should be had with the City Manager. Commissioner Gonzalez Edmond asked if we were planning to budget for the software and platforms for the staff, and if staff is properly training on all new technology that will be used. Ms. Pizarro Winting mentioned that staff has been budgeting for those items and for the development of the staff now and in the future. Page 15 of 18 CITY OF LONG BEACH WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2022 CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION LONG BEACH WATER DEPARTMENT MINUTES 1800 E. WARDLOW ROAD, LONG BEACH, CA, 9:00 AM D. Executive Director - Christina Pizarro Winting Ms. Pizarro Winting provided an update on the return to council chambers and the potential continuation of virtual meetings for the sub-committees. Ms. Pizarro Winting reiterated how pleased she is with having a full staff to assist with all the work that needs to be done and provided an update on the Internal Rater program. An update was provided on the new hearing schedule that would be on the agenda for the next business meeting. Commissioner Gonzalez Edmond suggested having an annual report on the recruitment work that is being done by the staff. Ms. Pizarro Winting agreed with the suggestion. 18. UNFINISHED BUSINESS President Garnica wanted Ms. Pizarro Winting to schedule a closed session with Gary Anderson on pending litigations. 19. NEW BUSINESS Commissioner Wheeler wanted to acknowledge the Water Department staff that attended the meeting. Commissioner Gonzalez Edmond asked about an upcoming retreat with our new Commissioner and President Garnica acknowledge she has been in discussion with Ms. Pizarro Winting and that a date and further update will be given at a future meeting. President Garnica acknowledge the end of Black History month and made a special acknowledgment of Vice President Wheeler. President Garnica also made mention of the beginning of Women’s History Month. At this time, President Garnica moved into a closed session, Executive Director’s Performance Evaluation. 20. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC – THE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION WILL HEAR FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ON MATTERS WITHIN THE COMMISSION’S JURISDICTION. No comments from the public at this time. Page 16 of 18 CITY OF LONG BEACH WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2022 CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION LONG BEACH WATER DEPARTMENT MINUTES 1800 E. WARDLOW ROAD, LONG BEACH, CA, 9:00 AM ADJOURNMENT President Garnica adjourn the meeting at 11:26 a.m. HEARING 10:00 A.M. Page 17 of 18 CITY OF LONG BEACH WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2022 CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION LONG BEACH WATER DEPARTMENT MINUTES 1800 E. WARDLOW ROAD, LONG BEACH, CA, 9:00 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 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. 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