08/19/2002 Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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-i everyone starts moving up, may create a need for two promotional exams. Mr. Thomay said it could go all the way down to entry level. Mrs. Giesser mentioned that conceivably they may not have to give an exam for assistant chief if someone other than the current assistant assumes the chiefs job. Mr. Thomay asked if there was any way of finding out how many people are interested in the promotional exams. Mrs. Kilbane indicated they have not received a list of interested parties. Mr. Thomay mentioned they could have a special meeting if needed. The next regular meeting is scheduled for September 16t" which is thirty (30) days before the position becomes open. Mr. O'Malley pointed out that with the timeline they have, there might be a vacancy for some period of time. Mr. Thomay said if they start now they may be able to get it done. Mrs. Giesser said the benefit to having it ready to go is a benefit to the City. If a special meeting is necessary to do that, she is willing to attend. Mrs. Kilbane asked who ultimately has authority to decide how it. gets done. Mr. O'Malley said it is the Civil Service Commission that makes the determination. He pointed out that the Civil Service Commission is prepared to listen to the suggestions being offered by the Safety Director on how the matter is handled. Mr. Thomay said they were. hoping to save on doing an entry level test for a while, but if they get the process all the way down the chain, they could hire from the entry level list before the October 16, 2002 expiration. Mr. Thomay added that the tests are done every other year; usually in the summer. One year would be the police test and the next year would be for fire. It is an extensive process because you have written exams and then physical agility tests, and then there are protest procedures. Mrs. Giesser asked if Mrs. Rote could inform Ms. Thomas of how much time is involved in the process in terms of meeting thirty (30) day requirements, and other time requirements. Mr. O'Malley said Ms. Thomas may be described as new to North Olmsted, but she is not new to the situation. She was with the City of Lakewood for some time and then the City of Cleveland. She would understand the issues of timing and the notices. Mr. Thomay expressed concern about when the hiring freeze gets lifted. He pointed out they do not have any current lists and he would like to keep the procedure going. Mr. O'Malley asked if they keep tabs on the number of new hires per year, and the anticipated turn over, Mr. Thomay indicated they do. He added that when the freeze went into effect they did inquire as to what the departmental needs might be over the next year. Both fire and police departments submitted in writing that they did not anticipate any personnel changes for the remainder of the year. Mr. Thomay said the current situation is at the top level so it is more involved. Mrs. Giesser pointed out they still have a building inspector exam to administer. Mr. Thomay said they need to find out from Ms. Thomas how important this is and if they can address it at the next meeting. If they need a special meeting that is fine, but otherwise they will put it on the agenda for the next regular meeting. He added they will table the rules and regulations for the time being. Mrs. Martin indicated she will be out of town September 17th but she will be available for the next meeting. Mr. Thomay asked if the board members have any preference when it comes to special meetings. They agreed that a special meeting -can be held early in the morning. Mr. Thomay confirmed they will table the rules and regulations review. ♦ Commission needs to make a: motion indicating the updated handbook supersedes any previous versions - Tabled per J. Thomay ♦ Commission needs to continue review of the Civil Service Handbook - Tabled per J. Thomay V. NEW BUSINESS: ♦ Safety Director, Lisa Thomas will be present to discuss the process for conducting promotional tests.for the Fire Department - This has been tabled per J. Thomay since Ms. Thomas was unable to attend the meeting. Mr. Thomay indicated they will table the subject of conducting promotional exams until they can meet with the Safety Director, Lisa Thomas. There was some discussion about the testing procedures prior to the start of the meeting so that board members could be brought up to date on the process. Mr. Thomay pointed out that Lisa Thomas has indicated she would like to conduct an oral assessment only