05/19/1997 Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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as the need exists. The members had difficulty discussing this as several people were working off different drafts. Mr. Cummings believed there should be a time limit on a temporary appointment. Mrs. Zolar also believed there should be a limit on the time period for a temporary appointment. Mrs. Benjamin explained Rule IX, Section 1-c of the administration suggestions, establishes a time period as it states in parenthesis "such appointment should continue only during such period of sickness or disability, subject to requirements and limitations to be provided for by the Commission." Chief Viola and the commission could see why a temporary appointment could last longer than one month. The members reviewed page 19, section 3 of the administration manual which establishes a more detailed Provisional Employee Testing Criteria. Chief Viola believed this rule meant a provisional appointee, covered by a collective bargaining agreement, that has completed less than half of the probationary period would have to be tested and rank in the top portion to retain the job. If however, such appointee, has completed at least half of the probationary period testing would be required, but such appointee would only have to obtain a passing score. The provisional appointee would no longer be required to test if an examination is offered within 12 months or the individual has completed the probationary period, whichever is shorter period of time. Mr. Cummings advised each union has a different probationary period. He was unsure a reference to probationary period belonged in the handbook, as Civil Service has no input into what belongs in the contracts. Chief Viola stated there are unions which have six month probationary periods. Mr. Cummings noted a person with a six month probationary period would only be required to pass the civil service test if the individual has provisional status for three months prior to a test being offered. Mr. Cummings wondered if the commission is permitted to set up a uniform time. He elaborated the most appropriate would be six months, thereby requiring testing if an examination is offered within six months of appointment. Chief Viola believed that the intent was to comply with state law which includes probationary period verbiage. He wondered if it would be possible for the administration to negotiate with the unions in order to obtain a common probationary period for all city employees. It was noted that negotiations are out of the Civil Service Commissions jurisdiction, therefore the commission cannot request a common probationary period. The fact that one job classification could have an advantage over another because of the length of a probationary period bothered the commission, however the probationary period verbiage could not be removed because the rules must comply with state law. The provisional appointment criteria was tabled as the commission would like for the administration to address some of the concerns at the next meeting. After some discussion, it was determined that a representative from the administration would be needed to continue reviewing their submittal. Commissioner Zolar noted that civil service is scheduled to meet once more before adjourning for the summer. Chairman Cummings believed it would take at least two more meetings to complete the review and adopt any rule modifications. The commission discussed calling a special meeting sometime in June. They agreed to call a special meeting for either June 2, 1997 or June 9, 1997, whichever is a more convenient for the administration to attend. The clerk advised the Mayor has requested that the acting union president for firefighters local 1267 be informed of this review and given a copy of the administration draft. Mrs. Benjamin asked the clerk to provide the entire commission with a uniform draft as it appeared each member was working off a different draft. The clerk will run copies for the next meeting and indicate pages in the current handbook that correspond with the draft. E. Cummings motioned to call a special civil service meeting for June 2, 1997 or June 9, 1997 at 7:00 P.M., whichever date is more convenient. The motion was seconded by S. Benjamin and unanimously approved. Motion carried. The commission would like all changes recommended by the commission submitted for the June 16, 1997 meeting.