Civil Service Commission

CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION, ACT 78 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF JANUARY 12, 2021 Meeting was held by teleconference due to the COVID-19 State of Emergency. Interested parties were invited to call 586.446.2663 and enter ID Code 446 2426 1. Call to Order. The meeting was called to order at 11: 01 a.m. by Chair Terri Jarema. 2. Roll Call. Present: Chair Terri Jarema, via conference call, Sterling Heights, MI Commissioner Jerry Griesbeck, via conference call, Scottsdale, AZ Commissioner Kevin Conlan, via conference call, Sterling Heights, MI Absent: None Also present: Melanie Ryska, City Clerk; Kate Baldwin, Human Resources and Benefits Manager; Ed Miller, Interim Fire Chief; Don DeNault, Assistant City Attorney 3. Approval of Agenda. Moved by Griesbeck, supported by Conlan, to approve the agenda as presented. Roll Call: Yes: Jarema, Griesbeck, Conlan No: None The motion carried. 4. Approval of minutes of regular meeting of October 15, 2020. Moved by Conlan, supported by Griesbeck, to approve the minutes of the September 2, 2020 meeting as presented. Roll Call: Yes: Griesbeck, Conlan, Jarema No: None The motion carried. Civil Service Commission, Act 78 Meeting of January 12, 2021 Page 2 5. Review and approval of amended Firefighter eligibility and minimum requirements Ms. Baldwin and Chief Miller outlined the amendments as presented. Due to CCOVID- 19 pandemic, there is a lack of testing availability for the Candidate Physical Ability (CPAT) certification. It is recommended that the CPAT certification be removed for this round of requirements. The Paramedic program has experience delays as well. It is recommended that the requirements allow an extension of time for applicants to get their Paramedic license “within 6 (six) months from date of hire.” Discussion ensued and the Commission expressed concern about removing the CPAT requirement altogether. Rather, they noted they would be agreeable to The Commission was provided with the new Firefighter eligibility and minimum requirements. Moved by Conlan, supported by Griesbeck, to approve the Firefighter eligibility and minimum requirements as amended, inclusive of the following changes: • #9 – to remove “at the time of contingent offer of employment” and to add “within 6 (six) months from the date of hire.” • #12 – to add “Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the lack of testing availability and facilities, CPAT will not be required at this time.” Roll Call: Yes: Jarema, Griesbeck, Conlan No: None The motion carried. 6. Review and approve amended Firefighter Eligibility List Chief Miller noted that there are 40 vacancies for firefighters in southeastern Michigan, for Sterling Heights to get 16 people is above average compared to other cities. Moved by Conlan, supported by Griesbeck, to approve the Firefighter Eligibility List as presented. Roll Call: Yes: Conlan, Jarema, Griesbeck No: None The motion carried. 7. Communications from Citizens There were no communications from citizens.  Civil Service Commission, Act 78 Meeting of January 12, 2021 Page 3 8. New Business. Ms. Baldwin noted that the Commission will have to meet again to approve the Police Officer Eligibility List in February or March. 9. Adjourn. Moved by Griesbeck, supported by Conlan, to adjourn the meeting at 11:40 a.m. Yes: Conlan, Griesbeck, Jarema The motion carried. _____________________________ Melanie D. Ryska, City Clerk