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Home My WebLink AboutMN-CSC-1999-12-13 CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION Regular Meeting December 13, 1999 Commissioners Present: Commissioner Bantuvanis, Commissioner Desch, Commissioner Richardson Staff Present: Valerie Saul (Deputy Director of Human Resources) , Margaret McCarthy (City Prosecutor) , Andy Hillman (City Forester) Commissioner Bantuvanis called the meeting to order at 11 : 05 am. PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO APPENDIX B OF THE CIVIL SERVICE RULES Commissioner Bantuvanis made a motion to open the public hearing on the proposal to amend Appendix B by adding the position of Senior Tree Trimmer to the Non-Competitive Class . Seconded by Commissioner Desch. Motion carried 3-0. City Forester Andy Hillman spoke in favor of the proposed amendment. He stated that the addition of the position allows him to recognize the enhanced skills of tree crew employees, and increases the efficiency of his division. Commissioner Richardson stated that she opposes the high school graduation requirement for the Senior Tree Trimmer position. She asked Mr. Hillman if he felt that high school graduation was essential for successful performance in the position, particularly since the certifications required for appointment to the position require examinations that establish the candidate' s level of competency. Mr. Hillman stated that, in retrospect, the requirement may not be essential. Both of the necessary certifications require both written and practical exams, and those exams do establish competency. Commissioner Richardson reiterated her opposition to the high school graduation requirement. Commissioners Bantuvanis and Desch restated their support for the requirement. Commissioner Bantuvanis made a motion to close the public hearing. Seconded by Commissioner Desch. Motion carried 3-0 . 4 Civil Service Commission December 13, 1999 Page 2 APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Desch made a motion to approve the minutes of the November 15, 1999 meeting. Seconded by Commissioner Richardson. Motion carried 3-0. NEW BUSINESS Resolution for Amendment to Appendix B (Non-Competitive Class) of the City of Ithaca Civil Service Rules Commissioner Desch made the following motion: WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca Civil Service Commission duly advertised and held a public hearing on December 13, 1999 for the purpose of amending Appendix B (Non-Competitive Class) of the City of Ithaca Civil Service Rules by adding the title of Senior Tree Trimmer to the Non-Competitive Class, WHEREAS, the Ithaca Civil Service Commission supports the proposed amendment, and no persons spoke against the proposed amendment, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the title of Senior Tree Trimmer be added to Appendix B (Non-Competitive Class) of the City of Ithaca Civil Service Rules . Seconded by Commissioner Bantuvanis . Motion carried 2-1, with Commissioner Richardson voting against the motion because she opposes the high school graduation requirement for the Senior Tree Trimmer position. Revision of the Assistant to the City Prosecutor Job Description City Prosecutor Margaret McCarthy addressed the Commission regarding her request to amend the Assistant to the City Prosecutor job description. Ms . McCarthy explained the history of her office and its staffing patterns, and the evolution of job responsibilities for the Assistant to the City Prosecutor position as staffing patterns have changed. She reviewed the proposed changes with the Commission. The changes included specifying a variety of office management responsibilities which are assigned to the position. The changes also include a decrease in the emphasis on paralegal responsibilities to allow for the performance of the office management responsibilities . With the increase of attorneys on staff, these changes will increase the efficiency of the office . Civil Service Commission December 13, 1999 Page 3 Ms . McCarthy also proposed broadening the qualifications for the position to allow office management and program management experience as qualifying experience . Currently, the qualifying experience is limited to paralegal, court or police experience. After questions and discussion by the Commission, Commissioner Desch made a motion to amend the Assistant to the City Prosecutor job description as requested. Seconded by Commissioner Richardson. Motion carried 3-0. New Position Duties Statement: Youth Bureau - Senior Account Clerk-Typist The Commission reviewed and discussed a New Position Duties Statement from the Youth Bureau. Commissioner Desch made a motion to classify the position as Senior Account Clerk-Typist . Seconded by Commissioner Richardson. Motion carried 3-0 . New Position Duties Statement: Youth Bureau - Recreation Supervisor The Commission reviewed and discussed a New Position Duties Statement from the Youth Bureau. Commissioner Richardson made a motion to classify the position as Recreation Supervisor. Seconded by Commissioner Desch. Motion carried 3-0 . Revision of Minimum Qualifications for Recreation Supervisor Deputy Human Resources Director Saul explained to the Commission that the Youth Bureau is eliminating their Recreation Supervisor (Expressive Arts) position and incorporating the expressive arts responsibilities into a generic Recreation Supervisor position. As a result, the Youth Bureau is requesting that the Recreation Supervisor minimum qualifications be expanded to include education and experience in the theatrical and artistic recreation areas as qualifying. The proposed qualifications are as follows : A) Graduation from a regionally accredited or NYS registered college or university with a Bachelor' s degree in recreation, physical education, theatre or the performing arts, fine arts (including arts and crafts) , music, dance or a closely related recreational field with similar course curriculum; or B) Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and the equivalent of four (4) years full- time experience coordinating, coaching, or teaching organized sports, recreation, theatre, dance, music, art or similar activities; or Civil Service Commission December 13, 1999 Page 4 C) An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of (A) and (B) above. NOTES : 1 ) Part-time and/or verifiable volunteer experience may be credited toward the experiential requirement on a pro-rata basis . 2) College education in fields of study other than those specified in (A) above may be substituted for the required experience up to a maximum of two (2) years, in accordance with the following formula: one ( 1) year college education = six (6) months of qualifying experience Commissioner Richardson made a motion to amend the minimum qualifications for Recreation Supervisor as proposed. Seconded by Commissioner Desch. Motion carried 3-0 . New Position Duties Statement: DPW/Engineering Department - Permit Clerk The Commission tabled this item because the New Position Duties Statement hadn' t been submitted yet . Motion to table by Commissioner Bantuvanis . Seconded by Commissioner Desch. Motion carried 3-0 . Revision of Permit Clerk Job Description Deputy Human Resources Director Saul advised the Commission that the Engineering Department is requesting the addition of a Permit Clerk position in its department. The work performed is similar to that performed by the Permit Clerk in the Building Department . The only differences are in the types of permits, applications and documents being handled. Ms . Saul stated that she would prefer to broaden the current Permit Clerk job description to include references to the Engineering Department, rather than create two separate, department-specific job descriptions for two similar jobs performing similar work and utilizing similar skills . The Commission reviewed the proposed revisions which added wording that referred to the Engineering Department and its activities . Commissioner Desch made a motion to revise the Permit Clerk job description as proposed. Seconded by Commissioner Bantuvanis . Motion carried 3-0 . Civil Service Commission December 13, 1999 Page 5 New Position Duties Statement: DPW - Custodial Worker The Commission reviewed and discussed a New Position Duties Statement from the Department of Public Works. Commissioner Desch made a motion to classify the position as Custodial Worker. Seconded by Commissioner Bantuvanis . Motion carried 3-0 . New Position Duties Statement: DPW - Parking Lot Attendant The Commission reviewed and discussed a New Position Duties Statement from the Department of Public Works . Commissioner Desch made a motion to classify the position as Parking Lot Attendant . Seconded by Commissioner Richardson. Motion carried 3-0 . New Position Duties Statement: DPW - Working Supervisor The Commission reviewed and discussed a New Position Duties Statement from the Department of Public Works. Commissioner Desch made a motion to classify the position as Working Supervisor. Seconded by Commissioner Bantuvanis . Motion carried 3-0 . New Position Duties Statement: DPW/W&S - Engineering Aide The Commission reviewed and discussed a New Position Duties Statement from the Department of Public Works. Commissioner Desch made a motion to classify the position as Engineering Aide . Seconded by Commissioner Richardson. Motion carried 3-0 . New Position Duties Statement: DPW/W&S - Motor Equipment Operator The Commission reviewed and discussed a New Position Duties Statement from the Department of Public Works . Commissioner Richardson made a motion to classify the position as Motor Equipment Operator. Seconded by Commissioner Desch. Motion carried 3-0 . Request to Amend Minimum Qualifications for Automotive Mechanic Helper The Commission reviewed a request from Assistant Superintendent of Public Works Rick Ferrel to amend the minimum qualifications for Automotive Mechanic Helper by requiring high school graduation or possession of a GED. Mr . Ferrel stated that the position was originally created in 1980, when most components were of a Civil Service Commission December 13, 1999 Page 6 mechanical nature and electronics were basic. As technological advances have occurred, the complexity of automotive repairs has grown significantly. At this point, individuals entering the field cannot learn an operation, particularly on computerized components, by watching another person or by trial and error. Mechanics must now educate themselves on many components by reading and comprehending service and training manuals . Mr . Ferrel believes that high school graduation will provide the skills necessary to perform these tasks . Commissioner Desch made a motion to amend the minimum qualifications for Automotive Mechanic Helper by adding a requirement of high school graduation or possession of a GED. Seconded by Commissioner Richardson. Motion carried 3-0 . CONTINUING BUSINESS Commissioner Bantuvanis made a motion to go into executive session to discuss civil service examination matters . Seconded by Commissioner Richardson. Motion carried 3-0 . During executive session, the Commission took the following actions : Approval of Rosters of Candidates for Examination Commissioner Desch made a motion to approve the Rosters of Candidates for Examination listed below. Seconded by Commissioner Richardson. Motion carried 3-0 . Police Dispatcher #61-222 Police Officer #60-850 Establishment of Eligible Lists Commissioner Richardson made a motion to establish the eligible lists listed below for the time period indicated. Seconded by Commissioner Desch. Motion carried 3-0. Tenant Relations Assistant #64-516 (2 years) Tenant Relations Assistant #77-507 (1 year) Extension of Eligible Lists Commissioner Richardson made a motion to extend the Assistant City Electrician eligible list #60-473 until Januar,/ 12 , 2002 . Seconded by Commissioner Desch . Motion carne 3 7 Civil Service Commission December 13, 1999 Page 7 Addition of Names to Continuous Recruitment Eligible Lists Commissioner Desch made a motion to add the names listed below to the Continuous Recruitment eligible lists indicated for a one year period. Seconded by Commissioner Richardson. Motion carried 3-0. Typist # 15-000b Dollaway, Jill 85 Approval of Personnel Transactions Commissioner Desch made a motion to approve the Personnel Transactions listed below. Seconded by Commissioner Richardson. Motion carried 3-0 . PERMANENT APPOINTMENTS Name Title Dept Date Clayman, Paula Clerk BLDG 11/08/99 Medrek, Vivian Bus Driver P/T DPW 11/22/99 Milligan, Lawrence Bus Driver DPW 11/22/99 Schenck, Jeffrey Engineering Technician DPW 11/16/99 PERMANENT PROMOTION Finnerty, William Police Sergeant POL 11/12/99 Myers, Sarah Permit Clerk BLDG 11/15/99 Williams, Timothy Police Lieutenant POL 11/12/99 TEMPORARY APPOINTMENTS Sims, Christie Police Dispatcher (P/T) POL 11/10/99-indef. SEASONAL APPOINTMENTS Boyle, William Laborer (Seasonal) DPW 11/30/99-12/03/99 Chester, David Truck Driver (Seasonal) DPW 11/30/99-06/30/00 Coutts, Helene Clerk (P/T) PROS 11/29/99-02/29/00 Fisher, Micah Recreation Attendant YB 09/12/99-10/31/99 Civil Service Commission December 13, 1999 Page 8 Seasonal Appointments - continued Frant, Nina Recreation Attendant YB 09/01/99-04/01/00 Gardner, Jared Laborer (Seasonal) DPW 12/20/99-01/14/00 Hamilton, Randy Laborer (Seasonal) DPW 11/30/99-12/31/99 Larkin, Kellie Recreation Attendant YB 11/11/99-06/30/00 McKinley, Sandra Recreation Attendant YB 11/20/99-05/01/00 Miller, Mark Laborer (Seasonal ) DPW 12/31/99-06/30/00 Murreld, Ebony Recreation Attendant YB 11/ 15/99-06/25/00 Nichols, Shannan Laborer (Seasonal) DPW 11/30/99-12/31/99 Parker, Timothy Laborer (Seasonal) DPW 11/30/99-12/31/99 Payer, Aaron Recreation Attendant YB 09/01/99-04/01/00 Payne, Jessica Recreation Attendant YB 11/22/99-06/30/00 Resnick, Nathan Recreation Attendant YB 09/12/99-10/31/99 Sierra, Matthew Recreation Attendant YB 09/01/99-04/01/00 Uticone, Joleene Recreation Attendant YB 11/05/99-06/30/00 Watkins, Ronald Laborer (Seasonal) DPW 11/01/99-12/03/99 Whitmore, Roman Recreation Attendant GIAC 11/ 15/99-07/01/00 Whitmore, Roman Recreation Attendant YB 11/04/99-06/30/00 LEAVE OF ABSENCE Herson Lisa Custodian POL 10/29/99-11/30/99 Martinez, Mildred Police Dispatcher POL 11/15/99-11/19/99 Ntombela, Stacy Customer Service Repr CHAMB 11/18/99 Yost, Lynne Asst Civil Engineer DPW 11/05/99 Yost, Lynne Asst Civil Engineer DPW 11/12/99 Yost, Lynne Asst Civil Engineer DPW 11/20/99 Yost, Lynne Asst Civil Engineer DPW 11/27/99 Yost, Lynne Asst Civil Engineer DPW 12/04/99 LAY-OFF Hancy, Stephen Laborer (Seasonal ) DPW 11/24/99 Leavens, Jeffrey Laborer (Seasonal) DPW 11/24/99 Mazza, Daniel Laborer (Seasonal) DPW 11/24/99 Milliman, Herbert Laborer (Seasonal) DPW 11/24/99 Quick, David Laborer (Seasonal) DPW 11/16/99 Pesco, Michael Laborer (Seasonal ) DPW 11/24/99 Rodriguez, Carlos Recreation Attendant GIAC 11/05/99 Sinn, Tony Laborer (Seasonal) DPW 11/12/99 Teeter, Michael Laborer (Seasonal) DPW 11/30/99 Wood, Lee Laborer (Seasonal) DPW 11/24/99 REINSTATED Fuller, John Motor Equipment Operator DPW 10/ 31 /99 Perry, Diana Typist P7S108/U2/99 rl Civil Service Commission December 13, 1999 Page 9 RESIGNED Margosian, Lisa Asst to City Prosecutor PROS 11/27/99 Martinez, Mildred Police Dispatcher POL 11/29/99 Sims, Christie Police Dispatcher POL 11/10/99 CHANGE IN HOURS Bosworth, Monica Youth Devel Prog Leader YB 11/04/99-indef. (from 35 hrs/wk to 28 hrs/wk) D'Alterio, James Youth Devel Prog Leader YB 11/04/99-04/29/00 (from 35 hrs/wk to 40 hrs/wk) The next Civil Service Commission meeting will be Tuesday, January 18, 2000 at 11 : 30 am. With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11 : 58 am. Ann Bantuvanis, Chairperson Noel Desch, Commissioner Arlene Young Richardson, Valerie W. Saul, Deputy Director Commissioner of Human Resources