Civil Service Commission

CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION, ACT 78 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF MAY 5, 2021 The Sterling Heights Civil Service Commission conducted a regular meeting on May 5, 2021 by conference call in accordance with the Michigan Open Meetings Act, as amended on December 22, 2020. The decision to utilize conference calling is a result of the current and ongoing pandemic, for which a local state of emergency has been declared by the City Council, and is designed to eliminate the need to meet at Sterling Heights City Hall or convene any other public gathering. This is intended to promote the health and safety of the Civil Service Commission, City staff, and members of the public, which is the goal expressed in the orders issued by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, and which is consistent with the emergency rules promulgated by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity on October 14, 2020 regarding remote work by employees. Any person, including his or her representative, who wished to participate during this public meeting had an opportunity to do so in accordance with the procedures set forth below. 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 1:03 p.m. by Chair Terri Jarema. 2. Roll Call. Present: Chair Terri Jarema, via conference call, Sterling Heights, MI Commissioner Kevin Conlan, via conference call, Sterling Heights, MI Absent: Commissioner Jerry Griesbeck, via conference call Also present: Melanie Ryska, City Clerk; Kevin Edmond, Fire Chief; Ed Miller, Assistant Fire Chief; Don DeNault, Assistant City Attorney; Kate Baldwin, Human Resources Manager; Michael Amormino, Fire Training Officer. Also on the call: James Sharkey 3. Approval of Agenda. Moved by Conlan, supported by Jarema, to approve the agenda as presented. Yes: Conlan, Jarema No: None Absent: Griesbeck The motion carried. Civil Service Commission, Act 78 Meeting of May 5, 2021 Page 2 4. Approval of minutes of regular meeting of March 2, 2021 Moved by Conlan, supported by Jarema, to approve the minutes of the March 2, 2021 meeting as presented. Yes: Conlan, Jarema No: None Absent: Griesbeck The motion carried. 5. Review and approve Firefighter eligibility and minimum requirements Chief Edmond noted that the primary change to the requirements is to address the possibility of a change to the residency requirements. The current requirement is for firefighters to live within twenty miles of the city. The requirement may expand after collective bargaining negotiations. Discussion ensued to modify the language of item 2 to read “*Currently under negotiations and the residency requirement may be subject to expand.” Items 8 and 9 of the requirements have also been modified to reflect changes at the state level to make firefighter reciprocity easier. The Commission discussed extending the proposed application deadline date to June 25, 2021 to allow for additional time to accept applicants. Moved by Conlan, supported by Jarema, to approve the Firefighter eligibility and minimum requirements, as amended. Yes: Conlan, Jarema No: None Absent: Griesbeck The motion carried. 6. Appeal of Firefighter applicant Justyn O’Green Clerk Ryska noted that the Commission was provided a letter from Mr. O’Green to appeal the decision to deny his background investigation, no other supporting documentation was provided. Mr. O’Green was on the call for questions. The Police Department was unable to attend the meeting, however, Assistant Chief Miller is familiar with this situation. Chair Jarema noted that the Commission was not given any other background information. Civil Service Commission, Act 78 Meeting of May 5, 2021 Page 3 Assistant Chief Miller noted that the Police Department did not recommend moving forward with Mr. O’Green’s application due to previous work history issues in the City of Fraser, including repetitive tardiness and other disciplinary issues. Commission Conlan requested that Mr. O’Green address the Commission. Mr. O’Green noted that his attendance issues were due to personal strife’s, a break-up and separation from the Army, and his lack of coping skills which led to a depressive state. He did attend counseling and has built support system. Additionally, he had disciplinary action because he “clipped the side of the building” when being taught how to drive a ladder truck and left the truck low on fuel three times. He was asked to resign. He acknowledged he made mistakes and stated he is committed to show his dedication to the city. Commission member Conlan inquired about what branch military Mr. O’Green served and had he reached out to the VA for assistance. Mr. O’Green responded that he served in the Army National Guard for eleven years and that he had not reached out to the VA, however, he did reach out to CARE and leadership members in the Army. He believes he now has a strong support system and coping skills. The Commission further discussed the details of Mr. O’Green’s current frame of mind and his ability to handle a very stressful job. Commission member Conlan noted that he would like to table this item until the Police Department can attend a meeting to address their findings. He also encouraged Mr. O’Green to submit to the City Clerk any additional documentation prior to the next meeting. Moved by Conlan, supported by Jarema, to postpone the appeal of Justyn O’Green to the next meeting. Yes: Conlan, Jarema No: None Absent: Griesbeck The motion carried. 7. Communications from Citizens There were no communications from citizens. 8. New Business.  Civil Service Commission, Act 78 Meeting of May 5, 2021 Page 4 None. 9. Adjourn. Moved by Conlan, supported by Jarema, to adjourn the meeting at 1:50 p.m. Yes: Conlan, Jarema No: None Absent: Griesbeck The motion carried. _____________________________ Melanie D. Ryska, City Clerk