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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CIV-1984-01-10 IL 0 REGULAR MEETING 5 CITY OF ITHACA CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION January 10, 1984 Present: Louise S. Wilcox, Chairperson, Joseph W. Lee, Commissioner, Mary Slaaht, Commissioner, David Livingstone, Department of Public Works CSEA Laborers -DPW Unit, Charles Tuckerman, Fire Chief, Bob Anderson, Board of Fire Commissioners, Dick Slade, Board of Fire Commissioners, Mike Carver, Firefighter, City of Ithaca, Robert V. Pezdek, Executive Secretary, Hazel Best Shaw, Personnel Administrator Chairperson Wilcox called the meeting to order at 7:40 P. M. NEW BUSINESS APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Slaght moved that the minutes of the regular..December meeting and the special meeting on December 27, 1983 be approved. Seconded by Commissioner Lee. Motion carried unanimously. INCLUSION OF ADDITIONAL CLASSES OF WORKERS INTO THE PROMOTIONAL FIELD FOR THE WATER DISTRIBUTION MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR EXAMINATION. Chairperson Wilcox invited Mr. Livingstone to address the Commission on the above matter. Mr. Livingstone explained the reason and the background for the request. Mr. Livingstone explained that in addition to the promotional field which the Commission was using which is Maintenance Workers, Maintainers and Working Supervisors, that Truck Drivers and Motor Equipment Operators should also be included since they also perform the work now. There are 15 qualified people in the Water & Sewer Division who can do the work of the position now - 3 Truck Drivers, 4 Maintainers, 5 Working Supervisors, 2 Motor Equipment Operators and one Meter Reader. In addition, all of these have or are in the process of getting the Water Distribution Certificate. Chairperson Wilcox, asked for the job descriptions for the Truck Drivers and the Motor Equipment Operators. Mr. Pezdek informed her that he would have to leave the meeting to obtain them, but that the actual handsctxperience that the truck drivers and the motor equipment operators ha is not required in the job specificatioi Chairperson Wilcox stated that the Commission would have to review the specifications for these two classes to see that the duties performed were reflected in the specifications. There was discussion. Then Commissioner Slaght moved that the examination request for Water Distribution Maintenance Supervisor be amended by including Truck Drivers and Motor Equipment Operators in the field for the promotional examination for this position. Seconded by Commissioner Lee. Motion carried unanimously. The Commission thanked Mr. Livingstone for bringing this matter to the attention of the Commission. 182 AGE LIMITATION FOR FIREFIGHTERS Chairperson Wilcox asked Fire Chief Tuckerman to address the Commission on his request to lower the maximum age for Firefighters from to as years of age. 3J ?? Chief Tuckerman said that older employees take more time off and have more sickness. When hired. employees are able to pass. the physical and the agility tests. He stated that he was talking not only about lowering the age limit but also about a physical fitness' program. Chairperson Wilcox asked: " Would a fitness program enable the age limit to remain at 35?" Chief Tuckerman replies: Maybe so, I am not sure. Our job is getting more riggrous. " Chairperson Wilcox: "Why?" Chief Tuckerman" "The toxic materials, twenty years ago there wern't self contained breathing apparatus. Older members of the force can't do it. They have various respiratory problems." Chairperson Wilcox: "Why cant they?" Chief Tuckerman: "Claustrophobia, no lung capacity, not prepared to work in that atmosphere." Mr. Pezdek recalled that the latest edition of the Municipal Police Training Council Standards encourages the establishment of a physical fitness program." • Hazel Best Shaw commented that /She has had some discussion on the physical fitness program ,an working hours. She said that she checked with the insurance carrier .and was told that X�,y any injuries occuring during working hours for a firefighter doing a physicaliapapss program at a club would be covered on an individual basis s.. Further, t the city 'was concerned with liability if an individual was hurt while in a program for physical fitness. She gave more background. information. •. Chairperson Wilcox: "What we have here are two issues - age and a physical fitness program. Is there a correlation between the two? Do you have any records?" Chief Tuckerman replied: "No, not here." Mrs. Best Shaw said that she had some records which were prepared for OSHA, and that the Fire Department and the Police Department are higher in injuries than all the other city departments. Commissioner Lee asked: "What is the mean age of the Firefighters?" There was discussion on the age of the .Firefighters.. • C 3 Commissioner Slaght asked Chief Tuckerman: " What do you do with older firefighters?" Chief Tuckerman replied: " We live with it. We know they can't do their job." Commissioner Slaght stated: "I view it as an age discrimination problem. " She then asked: The younger ones have no problems?" Chief Tuckerman replied: "Yes we do. However, most of the problem is with the older ones - back problems, leg problems, etc. " Chairperson Wilcox asked the others present what their opinion was. Di,sk Slade replied: I work with them. The older ones can't do it. " Chairperson. Wilcox asked him: "What is the .cut off age?" Mr. Slade replied: " I look at the guy. I would get out at 55 but then I don't have a pension to worry about. " Commissioner Lee asked: " What are you going to feel when you get that age?" Mr. Carver stated: " The job has to be done and the guy has to be in shape. We are trying to get the most stamina and be in shape. The age limit would help and a physical fitness program would also. " Chairperson Wilcox asked: " Why hasn't a physical fitness program been put in? Is is hard to do it?" Mr. Carver replied: "No, not really. " Commissioner Lee stated: "Iwould like more information on it before voting. " Mr. Anderson asked: "What is the maximum age for going into the armed forces?" Chairperson Wilcox asked: "Is that a retorical question?" Commissioner Lee replied: "I believe 35 is the maximum age. " Mr. Anderson stated: "If you start at a younger age it is to your advantage. You burn out. There are now 1900 plus alarms a year. The firefighter is required to be fully clothed by the time he reaches the fire scene including the breathing tanks. We think is it vitally important that the man start at a younger age and retire at a younger age and be physically fit while on the force. " Chairperson Wilcox asked: "What is the mandatory retirement age?" Mr. Carver replied: "Sixty-two. " There was more discussion. Mr. Pezdek asked: "When can you have the statistics ready for the Commission." Mr. Carver replied: "By tommrrow afternoon:" Mr. Pezdek stated that it would be necessary to have all of the statistics from Mrs. Best Shaw and Mr. Carver no later than Friday afternoon to be able to mail them to the Commissioners. " Chairperson Wilcox stated: "The statistics won't show performance on the job. " 1g4 Commissioner Lee stated: I stand corrected after thinking about it. The age for the service might be 26 years old to go in at maximum. " Chairperson Wilcox Stated: "If you have statistics, I would like to have them, if possible, within a week. " There was more discussion. Chairperson Wilcox speaking for herself and the other Commissioners stated: "The Commission will meet next Tuesday, the 17th at 8:00 P. M. to discuss this matter at length. " 413) then thanked the members of the Fire Department and the Board of Fire Commissioners for calling the Commission's attention to their concern on this matter. " The Commissioners then discussed the matter after the various fire representatives left the meeting and instructed Mr. Pezdek to contact the City Attorney on the matter. CITY CLERK'S POSITION SPECIFICATION - CHANGE Chairperson Wilcox presented to the Commission a revision in the City Clerk's position specification suggested to it by the City Controller. She then moved that: In the Distinguishing Features of the Class section of the specification that the following sentence be amended: General supervision is received from the Mayor from this to General supervision is received from the Controller. " This change would bring the specification into alignment with the City Charter which has the supervision being done by the Controller. Seconded by Commissioner Slaght. The motion was Commission discussed the matter then voted. Motion carried unanimously. NEW POSITION DUTIES STATEMENTS FOR BUILDING MAINTENANCE MECHANIC AND STOREKEEPER FROM THE ITHACA HOUSING AUTHORITY Commissioner Lee presented two New Position Duties Statements from the Ithaca Housing Authority for the positions of Building Maintenance Mechanic and Storekeeper to the Commission and moved that they both be approved. Seconded by Commissioner Slaght. The Commission reviewed and compared the New Position Duties Statements with the appropriate position specification. The Commission also discussed the request then voted. Motion carried unanimously. STOREKEEPER POSITION SPECIFICATION - CHANGE Commissioner Slaght presented to the Commission the Position Specification for Store Keeper and moved that the following amendment be made to it: The phrase the Ithaca Housing Authority be inserted after the phrase City Department in the Distinguishing Features of the Class section. Seconded by Commissioner Lee. Motion carried unanimously. REPORT ON THE CITY ENGINEER EXAMINATION Chairperson Wilcox moved that the Commission go into executive session to discuss this matter since there was a member of the press present. Seonded by Commissioner Slaght. Motion carried. C In the executive session Mr. Pezdek reported to the Commission on what had transpired since the Commission voted to cancel the examination. 100 In addition, the possibility of a legal action was discussed. Chairperson Wilcox then adjourned the executive session. CITY ENGINEER EXAMINATION-- RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT Mr. Pezdek explained to the Commission that in order for the examination for City Engineer to be given to as many qualified candidates as possible as requested by by the Board of Public Works that the Commission would have to change its residency requirements for taking an examination from Tompkins and contiguous counties to something else. ? The Commission discussed the matter an diced that in order to give every possible potential to otential candidates an to be of assistance to the Board of Public Works that it should change the residency requirement for taking the City Engineer examination. Commissioner Slaght then moved: That the examination for City Engineer on March 10, 1984 be limited to the current roster of candidates and any additional candidates who have filed for the examination by the closing date of February 22, 1984. And, if no satisfactory candidate emerges, a second examination will be scheduled for October 13, 1984 or as close to that date as possible to allow time for a nation—wide search. Residency requirements for both examinations will be United States Citizen. Seconded by Commissioner Lee. Motion carried unanimously. PUBLIC HEARING ON PROBATIONARY PERIOD FOR CITY ENGINEER I Commissioner Lee moved that: A Public Hearing be held on February 14, 1984 for the purposes of amending Rule XIV Probationary Term Section 1 (a) of the Commission's Rules by including a probationary term of one year for the City Engineer. Seconded by Commissioner Slaght. Motion carried unanimously. ELIGIBLE LIST Commissioner Slaght moved that the eligible list for the position of Deputy Director of Planning and Development, No. 78-066, Promotional be established effective January 10, 1984 and that it be in existence for one year unless exhausted sooner. Seconded by Commissioner Lee. The Commission then reviewed the list and voted. Motion carried unaminously. ROSTER OF CANDIDATES Commissioner Slaght moved that the Roster of Candidates for Account Clerk - Typist, Examination Number 1984-1 be approved and that the candidate Faulkerson, Violet A be included on the Roster. Seconded by Commissioner Lee. The Commission reviewed the Roster then voted. Motion carried unanimously. OLD BUSINESS None ANNOUNCEMENTS 1. The June 1984 examination series has been announced to appointing authorities. CONTINUING BUSINESS APPROVAL OF PERSONNEL ACTIONS .SO • Commissioner Lee moved that the following personnel actions be effective on the date shown for each: PERMANENT APPOINTMENT . Name Position Dept. Date Harris, Whevella A Custodial Worker Sch. Dist. 11/21/83 Young, Lena Teacher Aide (Sub) 9/1/83 Tutu, Akua A Teacher Aide 11/15/83 Brisson, Henry Laborer (Sub) ii ii 11/21/83 Berggren, Helen Teacher Aide " " 12/5/83 Cain, Leo C Jr. Laborer DPW 12/19/83 Dean, Nancy J Teacher Aide Sch. Dist. 9/26/83 Lewis, Maryann " ii Merrill , Susan H ii " it " Denmark, Anthony J School Bus Driver (Sub) ii 12/19/83 Denmark, Anthony J Bus Driver (P-T) DPW II Armstrong, Peggy Teacher Aide (Sub) Sch. Dist. 11/1/83 Benjamin, Charles R Sr. School Bus Driver 12/2/83 Bollinger, Kerttu Teacher Aide (Sub) ii fir 10/12/83 Brandt, Kenneth W School Bus Driver 11/17/83 Craypo, Jack Food Service Helper (Sub)" " 9/7/83 Creighton, Lawrence J School Bus Driver 11/29/83 Erfani, Aref Lifegid (Sub) " " 12/12/83 Graham, Kathryn G Teacher Aide (Sub) " " 11/14/83 Howe, Verushka C 12/8/83 II Kelly, Michele A " " 12/1/83 Nims, Adrienne 11/28/83 ( Prabhu, Purnima 10/24/83 Burris, Ivan C Plumbing Inspector DPW - 12/19/83 Christie, Audrey J School Lunch Cook Sch. Dist. 9/7/83 Denmark, Anthony J Bus Driver DPW 12/27/83 Essick, Cindy L School Crossing Guard Police 1/3/84 Bressler, Frederick Recreation Leader (P-T) YB 1/9/84 Maycumber, Robert D Jr. Automotive Mechanic Sch. Dist. 8/15/83 Woodard, Elizabeth Recreation Leader (F-T) YB 1/9/84 Hunter, John B Custodial Worker Sch. Dist. 9/29/83 APPOINTMENTS TO THE UNCLASSIFIED SERVICE Gutenberger, John C Mayor Mayor 1/1/84 Cummings, Susan Alderman Council ii Maine, Margaret L ii ii " Peterson, Carolyn " " " Romanowski, Robert " " " Clavel , Anne S City Prosecutor ii " TEMPROARY APPOINTMENT Carlisle, Linda Typist Sch. Dist. 11/28/83-11/30/84 Calder, Lisa A Recreation Attendant YB 1/21-5/19/84 Klotz, Lisa M " " " " " Reeder, Letty Teacher Aide Sch. Dist. 11/14/83-1/25/84 1 Russell , David M Working Supervisor DPW 1/8/84-Ind. Held, Jan C Recreation Attendant YB 1/4-3/31/84 i APPOINTED PENDING CLASSIFICATION Thomas, Michael Recreation Attendant (F-T) YB 1/2/84 LJd PROVISIONAL PROMOTION Luitich, Regina Senior Stenographer YB 1/1/84 i PROVISIONAL APPOINTMENT Sterk, Linda Educational Instructor YB 1/2/84 LEAVE OF ABSENCE Inman, Merton School Bus Driver Sch. Dist. 11/13/83- 1/3/84 Overslaugh, Mary Typist ii ii 12/5/83- 11/30/84 LAID OFF White, Timothy A Seasonal Laborer DPW 12/30/84 Failing, Ivy n II 11 " RESIGNED Yeoh, Kim Recreation Assistant YB 12/5/83 Adams, Marla Teacher Aide Sch. Dist. 11/22/83 Archangeli , June 11/18/83 Burns, Thomas " " " ii 12/5/83 Ciccone, Stephen ii ii ii n 1/1/84 Dickerson, Sharon School Bus Driver ii n 11/23/83 Scott, Walter Teacher Aide " " 11/22/33 Smith, James Custodial Worker 10/24/83 ! Switzer, Ralph C Jr. School Bus Driver 12/12/83 Green, David M Youth Development Program YB 12/31/83 Leader Pardee, Ken Recreation Attendant " 12/16/83 Finn, Michael " " " II D'Agostino, Janis R Bus Driver DPW " Brandt, Kenneth W School Bus Driver Sch. Dist. 12/2/83 Baizer, Sylvia C Teacher Aide 12/31/83 Blumenthal , Amy ii ii ii n it Daniele, Rose Lifeguard ii ii " . Deustua, Gonzalo ii n ii " Fenner, Sharon L Head Lifeguard " " " Flerlage, Dan B Teacher Aide " " " Gray, Tyrone Laborer ii n " Hamilton, Dawn M School Monitor (Sub) " " II Harvey, Jay G Teacher Aide " " " Hook, Dorris E School Bus Driver ii ii " Horton, Kathleen M Teacher Aide ii ii " Howell , Theresa School Monitor (Sub) " " " Keddell , Robert W Teacher Aide ii ii " Linton, James M School Bus Driver " " " Melisse, Karen L Teacher Aide ii ii " Myers, Nancy A " " " " " Miller, Linda Laborer ii " " Preston, Louis A Teacher Aide " " " Saulsgiver, Arleen M " " " 11 11 • Seamon, Tammee Lifeguard Sch. Dist. 12/31/83 Seeley, Tammee Laborer " fi Shanahan, Christopher Student Aide " II Shaw, Jill Teacher Aide (Sub) I Short, Jane E Student Aide i II Sievers, Betsy F Teacher Aide II Simmons, Denise E Cleaner (Sub) " " II Simmons, Mirna E Teacher Aide II II Smith, Gwen Teacher Aide (Sub) " Sultan, Iris Teacher Aide II Szepinski , George R School Bus Driver (Sub) " Torrens, Thomas II II '' fi fi Vaughn, Clarence " Elizabeth It Vicedomini , II 11 II Weber, Roberta Teacher Aide (Sub) Williams, Tina M School Bus Driver II II 11 RETIRED Tucker, Harriet Library Clerk Sch. Dist. 1/30/84 REMOVED Ladd, Jerry F Laborer (Sub) Sch. Dist. 12/1/83 Onan, Robert Custodian 10/21/83 Rumsey, Thomas E Laborer (Sub) fi fi 12/1/83 Lund, Barbara J City Engineer DPW 1/27/83 END OF TERM • Shaw, William R Mayor Mayor 12/31/83 Clynes, Margaret Alderman Council II fi Holman, Elva " II Schuler, Nancy II II Banfield, David II Miller, James R City Prosecutor Legislative " Tavelli , Paul N " Attorney Law II CHANGE IN NAME Best Shaw, Hazel Personnel Administrator Personnel 12/31/83 Married Name changed brom Best TRANSFERRED TO TEACHING ASSISTANT Larkin, Alexandra Teaching Assistant Sch. Dist. 11/14/83 TRANSFER Johnson, Esther Teacher Aide from Clerk Sch. Dist. 12/2/83 SUSPENSION Maine, Jack School Bus Driver Sch. Dist. 11/28/83 Moore, Joseph Custodial Worker 8/30/83 CHANGE IN CLASSIFICATION Hurd, Barbara Custodial Worker from Laborer Sch. Dist. 6/21/83 IL O J CHANGE IN TITLE Campbell , Robert From Laborer to Student Aide Sch. Dist. 12/22/83 La u e, Neal " " " " " " " RETURN FROM LEAVE OF ABSENCE Tharp, John School Bus Driver Sch. Dist. 9/1/83 West, Susan Seconded by Commissioner Slaght. Motion carried. ATTEST: January 10, 1983 Louise S. Wilcox, Chairperson Joseph W. Lee, Commissioner Mary Slaght, Commissioner Robert V. Pezdek, Executive Secretary