04/21/1997 Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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can be corrected to 20/20 with the use of contact lenses. Chief Osterhouse noted the reason he asked the question was that vision for the Police Department could be corrected, but there were no options for the fire department. Chairman Cummings noted the commission wondered if contact lenses would be a problem for fire fighters because of the smoke and heat. Chief Osterhouse stated, in accordance with the rules, the police department may waive the 20/40 uncorrected vision requirement if the candidate can wear contact lenses. Captain Ruple advised this is only an option if a persons vision is corrected to 20/20 with contact lenses. Chief Osterhouse believed the doctor is suggesting that a fire fighter should have at least an uncorrected standard of 20/60 to be eligible for the waiver. It was noted that Dr. Caravona did not specify this in the letter. Mr. Osterhouse wondered if a candidate would be given a waiver under the following circumstances: his uncorrected vision was 20/100, but could be corrected to 20/20 with the use of contact lenses. Chairman Cummings noted according to the rules this person would receive a waiver. Chief Osterhouse reiterated, after discussing the situation with the doctors, it was his feeling that a waiver should only be granted if a person has at least 20/60 uncorrected vision. Captain Ruple believed a medical opinion is needed if a persons corrected vision is 20/20, but has less than the standard uncorrected vision. If a person is on this border line, the doctor can perform an examination to determine if he/she is an acceptable candidate. Director Wilamosky reiterated his concerns about early retirement. Chief Osterhouse advised, after initial appointment, an employee is no longer required to meet any vision standards. The commission believed both police and fire should be eligible for the waiver. Commissioner Benjamin wondered if an officer or fire fighter is required to maintain any physical fitness standards after initial appointment. Captain Ruple advised one city lost four officers because of a routine physical fitness requirement. All four officers had on duty injuries which impaired their performance on this agility test. The commission could see why this would be a problem. Chairman Cummings did not believe a change was needed in the minimum uncorrected vision requirements, but believed a contact lens waiver should be an option for both police and fire departments. Commissioner Benjamin did not believe the commission should decide against an expert determination. Chief Osterhouse believed the letter was somewhat confusing and agreed to get clarification from the doctor. At the last meeting there was no mention of changing the Visual Acuity requirements. The commission requested clarification on if the Contact Lens Waiver and Refractive Modification waiver should be extended to fire fighters. Chairman Cummings noted, according to the letter Dr. Caravona did not have a problem with the commission extending these waiver options to fire fighters. The Commission advised Director Wilamosky to include both police and fire departments in the refractive modification waiver and the contact lens waiver. The commission began reviewing page 12, Rule VI of the Administrations suggestions. Director Wilamosky advised section 1 corresponds with page 10 of the current rules, however the line "Except as specifically provided otherwise by another provision within these Rules and Regulations" was added so that the commission can charge a fee for such things as the agility test. Mr. Wilamosky believed sections 2 and 3 are quite similar to page 3 of the current handbook. A suggestion has been made to require that applications be legible. The current rules state "All applications must be returned to: North Olmsted Civil Service Commission, P.O. Box #48, North Olmsted, Ohio 44070." Captain Ruple asked that the line "or unless otherwise instructed" be added to this section as there are times applications are returned to the police station. Director Wilamosky did not have a problem adding this, but suggested elaborating somewhat. Chairman Cummings believed it should state "or unless otherwise instructed in print." There were some changes to this section such as the requirement that "Those persons unable to pay the processing fee must submit a written request in the form of a notarized affidavit for a waiver of the processing fee to the Secretary of the Commission along with the application. This affidavit should contain