HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CIV-1988-11-07 `ion
REGULAR MEETING
CITY OF ITHACA CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
November 7 , 1988
Present: Commissioner Bantuvanis, Commissioner Cooper, Commissioner
Perko, William S. Baker (Personnel Administrator) , Valerie
Walker (Personnel Associate ) , Harlin R . McEwen (Police
Chief) , Allen Green (Youth Development Coordinator) , John
Bailey (Youth Development Program Supervisor ) , Debbie
Parsons ( City Chamberlain ) , William R . Baker ( CSEA
Administrative Unit Vice-President) .
Commissioner Bantuvanis called the meeting to order at 3 :40 p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Bantuvanis made a motion that the minutes of the
October meeting be approved. Seconded by Commissioner Perko. Motion
carried.
NEW BUSINESS
RECLASSIFICATION REQUEST - CITY CHAMBERLAIN'S OFFICE - SENIOR CLERK TO
ACCOUNT CLERK-TYPIST
City Chamberlain Debra Parsons presented her request to reclassify a
vacant Senior Clerk position to Account Clerk-Typist. Chamberlain -
Parsons stated that the Account Clerk-Typist job description more
accurately describes the duties of the position. After discussion,
Commissioner Perko made a motion to reclassify the vacant Senior Clerk
position to Account Clerk-Typist . Seconded by Commissioner
Bantuvanis. Motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS
ORDERING OF DEPUTY POLICE CHIEF EXAMINATION
Police Chief Harlin McEwen presented his request for both a
promotional Deputy Police Chief examination and an open-competitive
Deputy Police Chief examination to the Commission . Chief McEwen
stated that he is in favor of holding a promotional examination ,
because it will allow the three Police Captains in the Ithaca Police
Department an opportunity to compete for the position. Chief McEwen
stated he believes that if there are internal candidates who are
qualified for promotion, they should be considered for the position
and have the opportunity for promotion. Chief McEwen also stated that
he supports offering a back-up open-competitive examination in
conjunction with the promotional examination, to provide a secondary
recruitment field for the position. Finally, Chief McEwen informed E
the Commission that the Police Benevolent Association supports his ;
position on offering a promotional examination , with an open- tom
competitive back-up examination.
ti
November 7 , 1988 meeting - Page 2 1-
The Commission discussed Chief McEwen ' s request and the impact of
their actions on other departments . After further discussion ,
Commissioner Perko made a motion that the Commission offer both
promotional and open-competitive Deputy Police Chief examinations .
Seconded by Commissioner Cooper. Motion carried.
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM SUPERVISOR CLASSIFICATION REVIEW - TENTATIVE
RECOMMENDATIONS
Youth Development Coordinator Allen Green addressed the Commission on
the classification recommendations for the Youth Development Program
Supervisor title . Mr . Green stated that the Youth Bureau
Administration generally supports the recommendations. Mr. Green
stated that the Youth Bureau was pleased that the positions were
reviewed, and that the Youth Bureau recognizes that it is a difficult
task to classify positions like those found in the Youth Bureau. Mr.
Green stated that the Youth Bureau Administration supports the change
in job title to that of "Youth Program Coordinator" , as they feel it
better reflects the nature of the position.
Mr. Green stated that the Youth Bureau has two concerns about the
classification recommendations , as follows:
1 . Deletion of references to •budgetary responsibilities . Mr.
Green stated that the Program Supervisors have substantial
responsibility for preparing program budgets, accounting for
allocated funds , initiating and preparing grant
applications , and exploring funding avenues for programs .
Mr. Green stated that the Youth Bureau feels there is a
significant need for required knowledge in this area, and
disagrees with the deletion of these job responsibilities
from the job description.
2 . Change in qualifications. Mr. Green stated that the Youth
Bureau is uncomfortable with what they perceive as a
"reduction" in the minimum qualifications. Mr. Green stated
that , formerly, the position required a master's degree and
an additional year of experience. Mr. Green stated that he
feared the change in minimum qualifications would have a
negative impact when determining the salary for the
position, and that the former qualifications would better
justify an increased salary for the position.
Personnel Associate Walker responded to the concerns Mr. Green raised
regarding the qualifications. Ms. Walker stated that the adjustment
in qualifications was made because the previous qualifications were
actually greater than those of higher-level positions. Ms. Walker
stated that the Commission was committed to creating career ladders
for employees and that the career ladders should maintain consistency
and continuity between job titles.
Mr . Green stated that the Youth Bureau would rather see the
qualifications for the higher-level positions increased to achieve
career ladder continuity, than to decrease the Program Supervisor
qualifications . Ms . Walker stated that the minimum qualifications are
November 7 , 1988 meeting - Page 3
designed to be exactly that - the minimum amount of experience and
education necessary for a candidate to successfully perform in a job.
Commissioner Cooper stated that the Commission is committed to
removing any unnecessary barriers that could negatively impact f> ;'
promotional and employment opportunities for both internal and
external candidates . Mr. Green concluded his presentation by stating
that the Youth Bureau would still prefer to see the qualifications
upgraded.
CLASSIFICATION APPEAL HEARING - JOHN BAILEY
John Bailey addressed the Commission to appeal the proposed
reclassification of his position to that of Youth Program Coordinator.
Mr. Bailey stated that his position differs from the other Program
Supervisor positions in that it has more administrative and
supervisory responsibilities than the other positions, and is less
involved in direct service. Mr. Bailey stated that approximately 90%
of his time is spent on administrative/supervisory functions , and
approximately 10% of his time on direct service.
Mr . Bailey stated that the issue is not the use of the word
"Coordinator" versus "Supervisor" , and that he does in fact perceive
his position to be more of a coordinator than a supervisor . Mr .
Bailey stated that his main concern is that the Program Coordinator
job description does not truly indicate the level of his job. Mr.
Bailey stated that the size of his program, staff, budget, the number
of children served, etc. justify its differentiation from that of the
other Program Supervisors.
The Commission questioned Mr . Bailey further about specific
responsibilities of his job. The Commission then thanked Mr. Bailey
for addressing the Commission.
After discussion of Mr . Green' s comments and Mr . Bailey' s appeal ,
Commissioner Cooper made a motion to table the issue and schedule a
special meeting for final discussion and action on the classification
recommendations. Seconded by Commissioner Perko.
A Special Meeting to review the Youth Development Program Supervisor
classification recommendations was scheduled for Tuesday, November 29 ,
1988 at 3 : 45 pm.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Commissioner Cooper made a motion to go into Executive Session to
discuss examination security issues and review the establishment of
Eligible Lists. Seconded by Commissioner Bantuvanis.
After Executive Session, the Commission acted as follows:
RESOLUTION RESTRICTING PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT PARTICIPATION IN CIVIL
SERVICE TRAINING PROGRAMS
r
)4TEREAS , the Ithaca Civil Service Commission is charged with the
responsibility of administering civil service examinations in
accordance with the principles of merit and fitness, AND
November 7 , 1988 meeting - Page 4 Sea
WHEREAS , said responsibility includes the duty to preserve and
maintain the integrity and security of examinations to ensure
fair and equal competition among candidates , AND
WHEREAS , the staff of the Ithaca Personnel Department are assigned the
responsibility of adminilste�•ring civil service examinations on
behalf of the Ithaca Civil Service Commission, AND
WHEREAS, it is inappropriate and improper for the agency responsible
for administering civil service examinations to instruct and
counsel candidates in an attempt to enhance their performance on
said examinations, AND
WHEREAS, the participation of agency staff in such activities is a
direct conflict of interest and can be construed as a violation
of examination security, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, that the Ithaca Civil Service Commission prohibits the staff
of the Ithaca Personnel Department from participating in any
activity or program designed to enhance individual candidate
performance on Civil Service examinations, for the duration of
time for which the Personnel Department administers civil service
examinations on behalf of the Civil Service Commission.
On motion of Commissioner Perko and seconded by Commissioner
Bantuvanis, the resolution passed.
CONTINUING BUSINESS
ESTABLISHMENT OF ELIGIBLE LISTS
Commissioner Perko made a motion that the Eligible Lists listed below
be established for the duration specified. Seconded by Commissioner
Bantuvanis. Motion carried.
Building Inspector III #63-102 ( 2 years)
Housing Inspector #63-101 (2 years)
Plan Review Officer #63-104 (2 years)
Plumbing Inspector #61-910 ( 1 year)
Police Sergeant #77-553 ( 2 years)
Senior Account Clerk-Typist (NCP) #76-291 ( 1 year)
Senior Account Clerk-Typist #69-889 (2 years)
Youth Development Program Supervisor #61-195 ( 1 year)
APPROVAL OF PERSONNEL TRANSACTIONS
The Commission reviewed the personnel transactions for the month of
November. Commissioner Perko made a motion to approve the personnel
transactions as listed below. Seconded by Commissioner Bantuvanis.
Motion carried.
SO4 November 7 , 1988 meeting - Page 5
PERMANENT APPOINTMENT
NAME TITLE DEPT DATE
Fuller, John M Truck Driver DPW 10/02/88= '?
Griffin, Deborah Senior Account Clerk FIN 10/17/88
Boyd, Kathleen Senior Account Clerk FIN 10/17/88
Keilen, Rebecca Youth Devel Program Leader Youth 10/11/88
PROVISIONAL APPOINTMENT
Hoogewerf, Ross D Youth Worker Youth 10/24/88
Meyer, Jennie L Youth Devel Program Supr Youth 10/24/88
TEMPORARY APPOINTMENT
Dieterich, Peter Acting Building Commissioner BLDG 9/28/88-Indef
Benjamin, Michelle Account Clerk-Typist FIN 10/7/88-Indef
SEASONAL APPOINTMENT
Thomas, Susan M Recreation Attendant YB 10/17/88-03/19/89
Shevenell , Tonya M Recreation Attendant YB 10/25/88-03/19/89
Philpot, Janette M Recreation Attendant YB 10/11/88-12/31/88
Spada, Jeff A Recreation Attendant YB 10/17/88-03/19/89
Kirk, Jennifer A Recreation Attendant YB 10/17/88-03/19/89
Schoonmaker Christine Recreation Attendant YB 10/17/88-03/19/89
Raden, David L Recreation Attendant YB 10/20/88-03/19/89
Kirk, Michael L Recreation Attendant YB 10/17/88-03/19/89
Johnson, Kurt W Recreation Attendant YB 10/17/88-12/31/0
Thompson, Myron L Recreation Attendant YB 10/24/88 - index:
Lovelace, Donald F Recreation Attendant YB 10/24/88 - indef
Ellis, Michael R Recreation Attendant YB 10/24/88 - indef
Sladich, John Recreation Attendant YB 10/24/88 - indef
Cross, Robert E Recreation Attendant YB 10/24/88 - indef
Vongphachanh Ketsamone Recreation Attendant YB 11/01/88-01/31/89
Partlow, Tiffany DA Recreation Attendant YB 10/26/88-03/19/89
Wood, Joseph M Recreation Attendant YB 10/24/88-03/19/89
Henry-Maarschalk Renee Seasonal Stenographer YB 10/24/88-12/31/88
RESIGNED
Rumsey, Timothy H Seasonal Laborer DPW 10/01/88
Rogers , Paul Seasonal Laborer DPW 09/30/88
Mike, Helen M Seasonal Laborer DPW 09/26/88
Borgeson, Michael N Seasonal Laborer DPW 10/05/88
Apgar, Patricia Parking Meter Checker DPW 10/22/88
Hubbard, Raymond Automotive Mechanic DPW 10/21/88
Buckley, Shannon E Seasonal Laborer DPW 09/30/88
REMOVED
Miers, Peter Lifeguard Youth 8/20/88
LAID OFF
•
Schmitt, Joseph R Seasonal Laborer DPW ' 10/28/88`
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305
November 7 , 1988 meeting - Page 6
REINSTATEMENT
McEwen, Harlin R Police Chief POL 10/24/88
TRANSFER
Salino, Scott A Police Officer POL 10/17/88
INCREASE IN HOURS (from 20/week to 35/week)
Dineen, Seanid Account Clerk-Typist FIRE 10/10/88
ADDITIONAL BUSINESS
LETTER FROM CONNIE HOLCOMB
The Commission reviewed the letter sent by Connie Holcomb regarding
the filling of the Confidential Secretary to the Police Chief
position. After discussion, the Commission continued to support the
Exempt Classification of the position and stated that, although they
were sensitive to Ms . Holcomb ' s concerns as to the lack of a
recruitment effort for the position, they did not believe that any
provisions of Civil Service Law or Rules were violated when the
position was filled.
LETTER FROM HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
The Commission reviewed a letter from the Human Services Committee
which recommended that the Civil Service Application Affirmative
Action statement be amended to include the provisions of the City of
Ithaca Fair Practices Ordinance which prohibits discrimination based
on sexual preference. The Commission discussed the request and
recommended that the applications be amended as requested the next
time a supply is ordered.
•
APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
The Commission congratulated Personnel Administrator Baker on his new
job opportunity and wished him well. The Commission then discussed
their need to appoint a new Executive Secretary upon Mr . Baker ' s
departure. Commissioner Perko made a motion that Personnel Associate
Valerie Walker be appointed as Executive Secretary to the Civil
Service Commission , effective December 5 , 1988 . Seconded by
Commissioner Bantuvanis. Motion carried.
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 5 : 12 pm.
#4 an4dVdo4, ---f-dhi- --ei
Ann Bantuvanis, Chairperson Au rey Coo r, mmis oner
VOLike•
John P-rk. , ommissioner William S . Baker, Executive
Secretary