Civil Service Commission

MINUTES OF THE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION MEETING September 15, 2021 – 8:00 A.M. Members Present: Chairman Jan Naso Commissioner Tom Kot Commissioner Christine Higham Non-Members Mayor Kline Present: Director of Law Megan Raber Director of Administration Dr. Cooper Police Sergeant Jeremy McGee Jill Stritch, Human Resources ______________________________________________________________________________ The September 15, 2021, the Civil Service Commission meeting was called to order. Minutes of the July 21, 2021, meeting were approved as published. Chairman Naso stated that two candidates requested their names be removed from the Police Officer’s Eligibility List; because their removal was voluntary, a motion would not be required. Sergeant McGee requested that three candidates be removed from the Police Officer’s Eligibility List and gave the reasons why for each. Mr. Naso: Based on Sgt. McGee’s report, I will make a motion to remove candidate Robert Simone from the Patrol’s Eligibility List. Motion was seconded and passed with no discussion. Mr. Naso: Based upon Sgt. McGee’s testimony and letter, I will make the motion to remove candidate Justin Minor from the Patrolman’s Eligibility List. Motion was seconded and passed with no discussion. Mr. Naso: I will make the motion to remove candidate Desai from the Police Officer’s Eligibility List. Is there a second? Mrs. Raber stated that it could be tabled; a decision doesn’t have to be made today and that it could be taken under advisement. Mr. Kot stated that because of the two significant reactions to two different tests, he thinks he ought to be removed. Mrs. Higham stated she is in favor of tabling this item until the next meeting. Mr. Naso stated that based on how police officers are viewed today, he agrees with having him removed. The candidates have a right to appeal to the Commission their removal. We need to advise them of that, but that’s my opinion. Call for the vote. Mrs. Higham and Mr. Kot said yes to Mr. Desai’s removal from the Patrolman’s Eligibility List. After a lengthy discussion, motion was seconded and passed. Page 2 September 15, 2021 It was decided that the Police Department will notify these candidates of their removal from the Patrolman’s Eligibility List and that they have the right to appeal to the Commission. Sgt. McGee stated that the candidates were sent certified letters and as a professional courtesy, he called them also. Mr. Naso mentioned that the current list is now made up of 17 candidates. Mr. Naso informed all that this afternoon at 3 o’clock at the Community Center, a written exam for the Police Sergeant is scheduled and those who pass the written portion are eligible to go on to the assessment portion that is scheduled for October 9 at 8 a.m. here at City Hall. It will most likely be an all-day affair. The Mayor stated that we are considering placing a classified employee, Mike Weigand into the Assistant Service Director’s position which is unclassified, leaving his position open. We are looking at doing a promotional test with two candidates who qualify, Wayne Corbett and Darryl Stineman. If not, an open promotional test would be given and if one of those two gentlemen gets that job, we will open it up for an outside test to fill their positions; the Assistant Road Superintendent or the Water Superintendent. Mr. Naso explained that it does not have to be a written test; it must be some type of competitive nature. Mrs. Higham will attend that. The Mayor stated that if one of those two gentlemen get that job, we would have to probably do an outside test. Dr. Cooper asked if only one person wants to take the test; Mr. Naso answered that the process could be done with one of the Commissioners in attendance. Chairman Naso asked about replacing the position of Police Captain and the Mayor said they were waiting on that now. That position is classified. I want to get the Sergeants hired and on board first. Mr. Naso stated that we need to consider two items in the Fire Department – the future replacement of Battalion Chief Gatey, who is not working but is still on the books. Chief Passarelli has indicated that he will be retiring next year after the opening of the new station. Mayor: His retirement is no later than July 1st. Naso: We have specific ordinances that cover Police and Fire Chiefs. I suggest that we review that. Dr. Cooper: The position of Captain is also covered by that ordinance. Naso: So, we need to review those to see if anything needs changed or addressed with that and then begin the process of doing that. An email was received from Chief Williams regarding a Records Clerk Test. He has three openings. Two persons remains on the current list. We’ll get that test started. Page 3 September 15, 2021 The Mayor stated that we made a tentative offer to two full-time persons from the test in the Fire Department. Meeting adjourned at 8:37 a.m. An audio file of this meeting is available in the Civil Service office. Jan T. Naso, Chairman Civil Service Commission TALLMADGE OHIO JTN:asi