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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-12-17 Civil Service Commission Meeting Agenda
CITY OF ITHACA
108 East Green Street Ithaca, New York 14850-5690
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES / CIVIL SERVICE
Telephone: 607 / 274-6539 Fax: 607 / 274-6574
CITY OF ITHACA
CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
Regular Meeting
Date: Wednesday, July 12, 2017
Time: 11:30 am
Location: City Hall, large 2nd floor conference room
AGENDA
Approval of Minutes
New Business
1. Revision of Minimum Qualifications: Supervisor of Water and Sewer Operations
2. Update to Job Description: Environmental Engineer
3. Residency Requirements – Proposed Revisions to Policy
4. Revision of Special Requirement: Electrician
5. New Position Duties Statement: Youth Bureau – Recreation Program Assistant
Continuing Business
1. Establishment of Eligible Lists
2. Addition of Candidates to Continuous Recruitment Eligible Lists
3. Approval of Personnel Transactions
Jurisdiction: City of Ithaca
Jurisdictional Class: Competitive
Adopted: 02/11/91
Revised: 06/15/93, 05/19/97, 09/15/10, 07/12/17
SUPERVISOR OF WATER AND SEWER OPERATIONS
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: The work involves responsibility for supervising and
directing the installation, maintenance and repair of the water distribution system and wastewater
collection system. The work is performed under the general supervision of the Assistant Superintendent
of Public Works with considerable leeway allowed for the exercise of independent judgment in planning
and supervising daily activities. Supervision is exercised over the work of first-line supervisors, skilled
labor and unskilled labor. Does related work as required.
TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:
Plans, assigns and inspects the work of subordinates on a daily basis in the Water and Sewer Division of
the Department of Public Works;
Assists in the planning and direction of construction of new sewer lines, new water lines, and the
reconstruction, maintenance and cleaning of existing lines;
Assists in the preparation of budget estimates within assigned division;
Assists in the preparation of specifications for the purchase of equipment, machinery, materials, tools and
others supplies, and recommends the purchase thereof;
Assists in the preparation and maintenance of a variety of activity, cost, personnel, statistical and related
records and reports;
Supervises the maintenance, repair, and extension of the water distribution system, consisting of mains,
valves, hydrants and services;
Monitors the amount and condition of materials such as hydrants, pipes, valves, and fittings, and
recommends requisitions as needed;
Sketches water systems and changes there in;
Directs the laying and tapping of water mains, and the installation of new services;
Supervises the maintenance, inspection, repair and relocation of fire hydrants;
Reviews repair and installation records and maps of distribution and collection systems;
Supervises the activities of subordinates in the cleaning, maintenance and repair of the sewer system;
Supervises the activities of subordinates in the construction of new sewer lines and repair of existing lines;
Provides assistance with the maintenance and repair of the sewer pumping stations, water filtration plant,
and sewage treatment plant;
Investigates citizens' complaints of sewer blockages and water leaks;
Supervises the construction and repair of storm drains, manholes, catch basins, and culverts;
Instructs subordinates in the safe and proper use of tools, equipment, and materials, and ensures that
work is performed in accordance with established safety procedures;
Prepares and submits time and activity records and reports;
May act for and in place of the Assistant Superintendent of Public Works.
Supervisor of Water and Sewer Operations
Page 2
FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES, PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:
Thorough knowledge of the practices, tools, equipment and safety procedures used in the installation,
maintenance and repair of services, hydrants, valves, water mains, sanitary and storm sewers; thorough
knowledge of the City water distribution and wastewater collection systems; good knowledge of hydraulics
as they relate to water distribution and sewage collection systems; working knowledge of government
budgetary procedures; ability to plan and supervise the work of others; ability to read and work from plans
and sketches; ability to understand and carry out oral and written directives; ability to prepare and maintain
records; ability to successfully work with and serve a diverse local community; mechanical aptitude;
willingness to be on call and to respond to emergency situations; reliability; alertness; initiative and
resourcefulness; good judgment; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
A. Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered four year college or
university with a Bachelor's degree in Construction Technology, Civil Engineering or a
closely related field with similar course curriculum and two (2) years of full-time paid
supervisory experience, or its part-time paid equivalent, in the installation, maintenance and
repair of water mains, valves, hydrants and other components of a water distribution system,
or in the construction, maintenance and repair of wastewater collection systems; or
B. Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered two year college with
an Associate's degree in Construction Technology, Engineering Technology or a closely
related field with similar course curriculum and four (4) years of full-time paid experience, or
its part-time paid equivalent, in the installation, maintenance and repair of water mains, valves,
hydrants and other components of a water distribution system, or in the construction,
maintenance and repair of wastewater collection systems, at least two (2) years of which shall
have been in a supervisory capacity; or
C. Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and six (6) five (5)
years of full-time paid experience, or its part-time paid equivalent, in the installation, maintenance
and repair of water mains, valves, hydrants and other components of a water distribution system, or
in the construction, maintenance and repair of wastewater collection systems, at least two (2) years
of which shall have been in a supervisory capacity.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
1. Possession of a New York State Class D Water Distribution System Operator license at the time of
appointment and maintenance of said license throughout employment.
2. Incumbents must obtain a City of Ithaca Sewer Layers License within one year of appointment and
must maintain said license throughout employment.
3. Possession of a valid New York State Class D driver license or a valid driver license equivalent to a
New York State Class D driver license at the time of appointment and maintenance of said license for
the duration of employment.
Jurisdiction: City of Ithaca
Jurisdictional Class: Competitive
Adopted: 01/08/01
Revised: 02/26/01, 07/12/17
ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: This is a professional engineering position
responsible for the planning, design, inspection, construction supervision, contract management and
technical review of engineering projects related to the water distribution system and wastewater
collection system of the City of Ithaca. The Environmental Engineer also serves as the City
Stormwater Management Officer, performing general regulatory oversight for Municipal
Separate Stormwater Sewer System (MS4) requirements, and overseeing and administering
the City’s Stormwater Management Program. General supervision is received from the Assistant
Superintendent of Public Works with considerable leeway permitted for the exercise of independent
professional judgment. Direct supervision is exercised over engineering staff. Technical direction is
also provided to professional peers within the Water and Sewer Division. Does related work as
required.
TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:
Has charge of the engineering, construction management and first order survey and mapping
activities of the Water and Sewer Division;
Conducts and prepares first order surveys involving GPS equipment and software;
Serves as the City Stormwater Management Officer for all Municipal Separate Stormwater
Sewer System (MS4) requirements; oversees and administers Stormwater Management
Program;
Prepares, reviews and approves Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP); develops
erosion and sediment control plans, and TR-55 hydraulic and hydrologic modeling;
Supervises the design and plans and directs the construction of new water mains, bridge crossings,
storm drains, sanitary sewers, retaining walls, buildings, water and sewer pump stations,
water and wastewater plant processes, and piping;
Prepares cost estimates, time schedules and materials specifications for plant projects, water and
sewage system maintenance and extensions, bridge crossings, buildings and other
structures;
Supervises the design and plan preparation for extensions to the water supply and sewage disposal
systems;
Supervises the maintenance and permanent storage of City maps, cemetery maps, assessment
maps, surveys, construction drawings, etc. of City owned facilities;
Checks the structural design of water and wastewater buildings infrastructure, structures and
hydraulic equipment submitted with applications for site permits;
Directs and administers the following regulatory functions: water and wastewater main installation
and testing, inspection of outside site water and wastewater piping and appurtenances;
Assists in the review of building plans, and the preparation of permit limits for plants;
Provides engineering assistance to other City departments, particularly in the areas of stormwater
run-off, chemical and petroleum bulk storage, water quality standards, and hazardous
waste;
Drafts specifications for and recommends the purchase of equipment, machinery, materials, tools
and other supplies;
Makes periodic evaluations of the job performance of subordinates;
May Assists in budget planning and capital improvement preparation, and is involved with the
overall control of the financial operations of the Water and Sewer Division;
May act for and in place of the Assistant Superintendent of Public Works (Water and Sewer) as
assigned.
Environmental Engineer
Page 2
FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES, PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:
Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of civil and environmental engineering; thorough
knowledge of modern methods and techniques practices as applied to the environmental
compliance, construction and maintenance of public works; thorough knowledge of federal, state
and local laws, rules and regulations pertaining to stormwater management; thorough
knowledge of federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations pertaining to erosion and
sediment control; working knowledge of governmental accounting and budgetary procedures;
ability to design major engineering projects and to prepare engineering plans and specifications and
to carry out municipal public works programs; ability to train and direct subordinates; ability to
understand and carry out complex administrative and technical oral and written directions; ability to
prepare clear and concise reports; ability to get along well with others and to secure the
cooperation of others; ability to establish and maintain successful working relationships; ability
to successfully work with and serve a diverse local community; sound judgment; initiative;
resourcefulness; integrity; dependability; willingness to respond to emergency situations; physical
condition commensurate with the demands of the position.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Graduation from a New York State registered or regionally accredited college or university with a
Bachelor's Degree in Environmental, Civil or Sanitary Engineering and two (2) years of full-time paid
environmental, civil or sanitary engineering experience, or its part-time paid equivalent.
Residency Requirements for Civil Service Examinations
Tompkins County Residency Requirement
All City of Ithaca job titles, unless noted below.
Contiguous County Residency Requirement
1. Job titles that are shared with the Ithaca City School District
2. Job titles that are shared with the Ithaca Housing Authority
3. All continuous recruitment exams, with the exception of information technology exams
4. Police Officer (required by Public Officers Law)
5. Housing Inspector
6. Laboratory Technician
NYS Residency Requirement
1. The following code inspection positions: Building Inspector, Chief Inspector of
Plumbing, Code Inspector, Electrical Inspector, Housing and Land-Use Supervisor,
Housing Code Supervisor, Senior Code Inspector, Senior Plan Examiner
2. All electrical positions
3. All GIS positions
4. Laboratory Director
5. Watershed Coordinator
No Residency Requirement
1. Promotional examinations
2. Managerial positions
3. All Executive Association positions
4. All information technology exams positions
Waivers: If an adequate pool of applicants does not result under the above residency
requirements, a department head can request a waiver of the above residency
requirements from the Commission.
Adopted by the Ithaca Civil Service Commission 09/09/1991
Reviewed and reaffirmed by the Ithaca Civil Service Commission 03/01/2006
Reviewed and reaffirmed by the Ithaca Civil Service Commission 04/01/2009
Revised by the Ithaca Civil Service Commission 06/12/2013
Reviewed and reaffirmed by the Ithaca Civil Service Commission 04/06/2016
Jurisdiction: City of Ithaca
Jurisdictional Class: Competitive
Adopted: 07/01/68
Revised: 04/11/94, 05/19/97, 05/03/17, 07/12/17
ELECTRICIAN
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: The work involves the skilled and efficient installation,
maintenance and repair of all electrical equipment, wiring and electrical systems for the City. As a
journey-level electrician, the incumbent is responsible for assuring that all electrical installations under
the Board of Public Works control are in safe operating condition and in compliance with the National
Fire Protection Association, National Electrical Code, the National Fire Alarm and Signal Code, the New
York State Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, and the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control
Devices issued by the United States Department of Transportation. The work is performed under the
general supervision of the Supervisor of Electrical Services. General instructions are received regarding
the tasks to be performed, with considerable leeway allowed for planning the details of each job. Working
supervision may be exercised over the work of technicians or apprentices. Does related work as required.
TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:
Installs, maintains and repairs electrical lighting, distribution, switchgear, relays, transformers and
associated components;
Installs, maintains and repairs traffic control systems, including TS1/TS2 traffic controllers, software
and related equipment;
Installs, maintains and repairs electric motors, motor control centers, and variable frequency drives;
Installs, maintains and repairs remote reading and control systems;
Installs, maintains and repairs all interior and exterior electric systems under BPW control;
Installs, repairs and maintains City owned street lighting systems;
Installs, maintains and repairs low voltage wiring for computer, data, fire alarm, security and telephone
equipment;
Performs electrical installations, repairs and maintenance involving energized equipment, including utility
secondary feeders;
Installs, maintains and repairs fire alarms, emergency systems and exit signs in City buildings;
Coordinates and consults with public and private agencies, organizations and professionals, including
the NYS Department of Transportation, NYSEG, telecom providers and private contractors;
Orders materials and keeps inventory of electrical supplies;
Operates and maintains a variety of equipment and tools relative to the work;
Performs work in potentially hazardous environments such as confined spaces, inclement weather,
heights in excess of 50 feet, and where toxic vapors may be present.
FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES, PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:
Thorough knowledge of state and local codes governing the installation and maintenance of traffic
signal devices and industrial electrical work performed; thorough knowledge of the common practices,
tools, terminology and safety precautions of the electrical trade, and of the design, construction,
installation, maintenance and repair of electrical instruments, devices and equipment; thorough
knowledge of the traffic signal devices, alarm systems and other specialized electrical circuitry; good
knowledge of the geography of the municipality; ability to perform skilled electrical work; ability to safely
and effectively work with low potential, high potential and extra high potential circuits; ability to read and
interpret electrical blueprints and/or other technical drawings pertaining to the electrical trade; ability
to work from plans, specifications and working diagrams and to follow sketches and oral instructions;
ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; ability to perform close,
detail work involving considerable visual effort and concentration; ability to successfully work with and
serve a diverse local community; willingness to respond to emergency situations; excellent safety
record; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.
Electrician
Page 2
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and three years of
experience as a journey-level electrician.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
1. Candidates must obtain certification from the City of Ithaca as a Licensed Electrician within twenty-
four (24) twelve (12) months of appointment and must maintain said certification for the duration
of employment.
2. Candidates must obtain a New York State Class B Commercial Driver License (CDL) or a valid
Commercial Driver License equivalent to a New York State Class B Commercial Driver License
within twelve (12) months of appointment and must maintain said license for the duration of
employment.
CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
Regular Meeting
May 3, 2017
Commissioners Present: Commissioner Richardson
Commissioner Abrams
Commissioner Thompson
Staff Present: Valerie Saul (Deputy Director of Human Resources)
Commissioner Richardson called the meeting to order at 11:45 am.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Abrams made a motion to approve the minutes from the April 5, 2017
meeting. Seconded by Commissioner Thompson. Motion carried 3-0.
NEW BUSINESS
Update of Supervisor of Electrical Services Job Description
The Commission reviewed and discussed proposed changes to the Supervisor of
Electrical Services job description. The changes update daily tasks to reflect current
methods and technology. The requirement for a City Electrician license is also being
reinstated, and the CDL B requirement is being amended to allow an appointee up to a
year to obtain the license. The special requirements will read as follows:
“SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
1. Candidates must obtain certification from the City of Ithaca as a Licensed Electrician
within twelve (12) months of appointment and must maintain said certification for the
duration of employment.
2. Candidates must obtain a New York State Class B Commercial Driver License (CDL)
or a valid Commercial Driver License equivalent to a New York State Class B
Commercial Driver License within twelve (12) months of appointment and must
maintain said license for the duration of employment.
3. Candidates must obtain a Traffic Signal Level 1 Certification issued by the International
Municipal Signal Association (IMSA) within two (2) years of appointment and must
maintain said certification for the duration of employment.”
Commissioner Richardson made a motion to update the job description and amend the
special requirements as proposed. Seconded by Commissioner Thompson. Motion
carried 3-0.
Update of Electrician Job Description
The Commission reviewed and discussed proposed changes to the Electrician job
description. The changes update daily tasks to reflect current methods and technology.
Civil Service Commission
May 3, 2017
Page 2
The requirements for a City Electrician license and a CDL B are also being amended to
allow an appointee up to a year to obtain the licenses. The special requirements will read
as follows:
“SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
1. Candidates must obtain certification from the City of Ithaca as a Licensed Electrician
within twelve (12) months of appointment and must maintain said certification for the
duration of employment.
2. Candidates must obtain a New York State Class B Commercial Driver License (CDL)
or a valid Commercial Driver License equivalent to a New York State Class B
Commercial Driver License within twelve (12) months of appointment and must
maintain said license for the duration of employment.
Commissioner Thompson made a motion to update the job description and amend the
special requirements as proposed. Seconded by Commissioner Abrams. Motion carried
3-0.
New Position Duties Statement: DPW – Electrician
The Commission reviewed and discussed a New Position Duties Statement from the
Department of Public Works. Commissioner Abrams made a motion to classify the
position as Electrician. Seconded by Commissioner Thompson. Motion carried 3-0.
Request to Expand Residency Requirement – Supervisor of Electrical Services and
Electrician
The Commission reviewed and discussed a request from Superintendent of Public Works
Mike Thorne to expand the residency requirement for the current Supervisor of Electrical
Services and Electrician vacancies to include the contiguous counties. The local pool of
skilled electricians who will have interest in the vacancies is anticipated to be low, so a
broader recruitment effort is needed. After discussion, Commissioner Abrams made a
motion to expand the residency requirement for the Supervisor of Electrical Services and
Electrician positions to include the contiguous counties, through the completion of the next
exam process. Seconded by Commissioner Thompson. Motion carried 3-0.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Commissioner Richardson made a motion to go into executive session to discuss civil
service examination matters. Seconded by Commissioner Abrams. Motion carried 3-0.
During executive session, the Commission took the following actions:
Civil Service Commission
May 3, 2017
Page 3
CONTINUING BUSINESS
Addition of Candidates to Continuous Recruitment Eligible Lists
Commissioner Abrams made a motion to add candidates to the continuous recruitment
eligible lists. Seconded by Commissioner Thompson. Motion carried 3-0.
Approval of Personnel Transactions
Commissioner Thompson made a motion to approve the Personnel Transactions.
Seconded by Commissioner Abrams. Motion carried 3-0.
The next Civil Service Commission meeting will be held Wednesday, June 14, 2017 at
11:30 am.
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 12:22 pm.