10/21/1996 Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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position. The commission referred to pages 28 and 29 of the civil service handbook. The Temporary and Exceptional Appointments section is divided into two parts. Chief Viola believed, since "A" applies there is no need to go any further. Safety Director Kasler agreed and noted under part `B -2-e" the handbook states that a temporary appointment must test within six months from the date of hire. Mrs. Kasler asked if part `B" relates to part "A", as she believed they were two separate situations. She noted if parts "A" and `B" are not interrelated, she did not believe a test would be required. Chairman Cumming's interpretation was that Chief Viola has the right to appoint in an emergency situation, and the commission has the right to allow the appointment. He added, if there is a test is offered within the probationary period, the appointed parry would have to be tested. It was clarified the probationary period is twelve months. Chief Viola argued that parts "A" and `B" are not interrelated. Commissioner Zolar agreed they were separate. Mr. Cummings worried that a decision to separate the items will result in an abundance of emergency appointments. Chief Viola agreed this could happen, but this situation is somewhat unique because it is rare for a dispatcher to quit without warning. He believed, since there is not an eligibility list, part `B" does not apply. He explained part "A" applies because the police and fire departments cannot operate efficiently, short one full time dispatcher. He reiterated, there are not enough part time dispatchers to cover this position, and therefore there exists an urgent reason to hire. Mrs. Zolar suggested referring this to the law director for a legal opinion. Commissioner Benjamin believed the two were separate, but also preferred a legal opinion. Mrs. Kasler noted there will be some circumstances where creating an eligibility list is impossible, therefore, there has to be some alternative. Mr. Cummings stated, he is not objecting to the appointment, but rather that he believes testing should be required. Mr. Cummings agreed we should ask the law director for a written opinion before proceeding. Chief Viola requested to have his interpretation forwarded along with the written request. The secretary will forward a written request for legal opinion along with a copy of Chief Viola's opinion to the law department. The commission will discuss this further at the next meeting. 3) At our October meeting Mr. Powers raised several questions concerning the revised handbook including the following: 1) When were the new rules adopted? It was clarified the commission adopted the new rules on June 17, 1996, per page 45 of the rules and regulations handbook. 2) On page 15, letter "E" under Applicant Qualifications it indicates the classification of Firefighter/Paramedic Promotion Qualifications. Mr. Power's wondered where that classification came from, as many firemen are not certified paramedics. Chairman Cummings clarified that this is not a modification as the rule is on page five of the old handbook. Mr. Power's asked if a firefighter that is not a certified paramedic would still be eligible to take the promotional examination. Commissioner Benjamin believed that those candidates eligible for promotion that are not a certified paramedic would be grandfathered in. Mr. Power's reiterated there is not an` employee classification of firefighter/paramedic. All entry level firefighters must be a certified paramedic in accordance with the rules and regulations handbook. In the past certification was not required, therefore there are firefighters that are not certified paramedics. Mr. Cummings wondered if Mr. Powers is also questioning the entry level applicant qualifications. Mr. Powers clarified his question pertains only to the promotional applicants or letter "E". Safety Director Kasler clarified if we just say Firefighter Promotion Qualifications we have included everyone whether they are paramedics are not.