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exam, that the higher the rank, generally more weight be given to the assessment. She indicated she's not certain if we require a candidate pass the written in order to take the assessment. She said she would recommend a 60% assessment value and a 40% written value. The only other option would be a 70/30, but she would really suggest 60/40. She pointed out that she was asked to bring some typical test questions with her. She pulled some up from the computer and tried to match the reference material. A typical contract question would perhaps deal with the grievance procedure and how long a chief has to answer a grievance at any step along in the process. She then reviewed a couple of samples from different resources. She would like to talk more about the reference list and get some input from the safety director. It is really his test and it's a good chance to get people to read materials that you've wanted them to read. She said they feel applicants should not only study for the test but also read something that will help them in their job in the future. Mrs. Ramsey indicated the city can select as many references as it wishes. Mr. Thomay asked how long the written test is. Mrs. Ramsey replied it is usually 120-150 questions. They give 2 hours to take the exam, although less time is usually used. Mr. Thomay asked if they tailor it to the specific references that are chosen. Mrs. Ramsey indicated that is correct and, in fact, it is practically word for word from the reference material. They also preface the section on the exam with "the following questions were taken from....", so the candidate knows the source. Mr. Thomay asked if her practice is to do the written test first and then the assessment. Mrs. Ramsey said yes. Mr. Thomay said there has been some concern about the fire chief test. He said the city agrees with her as far as a higher degree of importance on the oral assessment as opposed to the written examination for fire chief. He said what they are interested in for fire chief is management skills, and how he deals with the public, residents, and, if necessary, the media. He asked if all of that is taken into consideration. Mrs. Ramsey replied it is. She said they have exercises that the safety director can select from depending on the situation. They always do three exercises. One would probably be a structured oral interview. Another one could be a press conference. In that situation, the candidate is given information that something happened and the assessors act as the media. As the candidate is asked questions he is given updates on the incident to see if he does give out the right information. They also have various public relations type exercises that they can do. They could do a written exercise, an oral presentation, something called an in -basket, or a group exercise. Mr. Thomay asked what city officials she would recommend meeting with. Mrs. Ramsey said in this case, she would recommend the safety director. She said they are open to getting as much information as they can so if others want to take part that is fine. Mr. Thomay asked where the oral assessment would take place. Mrs. Ramsey said it would be on our turf. It would usually be done on a Saturday and they would want several rooms available in city hall. They would need at least 3 rooms. They could use 2 to administer the exercises, and a holding room for the candidates. And perhaps another room depending on the exercises. Mr. Thomay asked how many assessors they use. Mrs. Ramsey replied three and they would be fire chiefs from other departments. When they do an assessment center, they use the same rank or higher. Mr. Thomay asked for the highest percentage of value she has encountered for the oral assessment. She said it was probably 70/30. Mr. Thomay asked if a 90/10 ratio was ever done. Mrs. Ramsey indicated she does not recall ever doing one that way. She indicated the most frequent ratio is 60/40. She said you have to give people an incentive to take the written exam. If there is no weight on it, they will not read the materials. They are not going to test for chief on the nuts and bolts of fire fighting because that is not what this job is about really, it's management. Mrs. Giesser asked to discuss dates that would be available. Mrs. Ramsey asked how long the city has to post the notice. Mrs. Rote indicated both tests have to be administered by December 21st, 2002. The books need to be posted in the firehouses 30 days prior to the written test. Mrs. Ramsey then asked for the earliest date the notice can be posted. Mrs. Rote indicated they can't do anything until they have the money. The legislation will go before Council next Wednesday. Mrs. Rote said according to the Civil Service Handbook the safety director has to give to the civil service office, ten days prior to the posting, the list that will be posted, and the candidates get 30 days to study. Mrs. Ramsey said if the city was to post on November 8th, then December 8th would be the earliest time to give the exam. If the city wants to do this on a Saturday in December, she has every Saturday K