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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-07-051 MAPLEWOOD CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 7, 2005 The February 7, 2005 meeting was called to order at 8:30 a.m. Members Present: Steve Gunn, Chair Debra Birkholz Marlene Palkovich, became Chair as first order of business Others Present: Chief David Thomalla Deputy Chief John Banick Commission Liaison Sherrie Le Mayor Robert Cardinal Elect Secretary and Rotate Chair This meeting is the mandatory statutory meeting required for civil service commissions on the first Monday of February each year. By Statute the Chair rotates to the member serving the last year of their appointment which would be Marlene Palkovich. Commission Member Gunn passed the Chair position to Marlene Palkovich. Approval of Minutes Commissioner Birkholz made a motion to approve the minutes of the December 15, 2004 meeting. Commissioner Gunn seconded the motion. Ayes: 3, Nays: 0. Motion carried. Review Backgrounds for Police Officer Candidates Chief Thomalla stated that there were not any backgrounds handed out for review. He had hoped to have at least three backgrounds done by this meeting. There’s only been one background completed to date. He stated that as in the past few years, candidates are not successfully completing backgrounds. He stated that Candidate #3 has passed the background. Several others are in process and are very close to completion. Chief Thomalla requested that another meeting be scheduled in two to three weeks at which time there would be four candidates for approval. Chair Palkovich inquired if the progress was slow due to any other reason other than just completing the backgrounds. Chief Thomalla stated that there were no other reasons. One of the top candidates has accepted a position with another city and several others have withdrawn from the process due to less than perfect backgrounds. They then have to move down the list to the next candidate. Commissioner Birkholz inquired as to how many completed backgrounds are needed to certify two names. Chief Thomalla stated that the Commission will certify three names for one to be chosen. To choose two candidates, for the two current openings, four successful background completions will be brought to the Commission to certify. 2 Chair Palkovich inquired about the process of certifying names. Commissioner Gunn stated that the Commission has to accept the background packets. The Commission can recommend rejecting the acceptability of the candidate which has happened in the past. Commissioner Birkholz stated that she thought there were three openings at one time. Chief Thomalla stated that there were three but he is rehiring a former employee. Chief Thomalla clarified that the Civil Service Rules do not require Commission approval to rehire a candidate. Commissioner Gunn inquired about a rehire candidate’s probationary period. Sherrie Le stated that he has to start over with his probationary period along with and his salary and benefits. Chief Thomalla stated that the candidate is very grateful for the opportunity to return to Maplewood. Chief Thomalla also stated that he felt the candidate was worth rehiring. Chair Palkovich inquired about the length of the probationary period for regular police officer positions. Chief Thomalla stated that one year was the probationary period. Sherrie Le stated that it is now one year for all City employees. There was some discussion on a date for the next meeting. Chief Thomalla requested two weeks to get the additional backgrounds completed. It was agreed that the next meeting be scheduled for February 23, 2005 at 8:30 a.m. Other Commissioner Gunn stated that he had been reappointed, at a recent Council meeting, to the Commission for a 3-year term starting January 1, 2005. Commissioner Gunn asked about the process for filling the secretary position. Sherrie Le stated that the statute indicates this position is elected. A discussion of the secretary duties followed. Sherrie Le stated that the minutes are signed by the Recording Secretary. Commissioner Birkholz asked whether she would be acting chair when the chair is not available and that was answered in the affirmative. Commissioner Gunn then made a motion to nominate Debra Birkholz as the Secretary. Chair Palkovich seconded the motion. Ayes: 3; Nays: 0. Motion carried. Commissioner Birkholz is the new Secretary. Chief Thomalla stated that there’s been a busy hiring cycle in the last 4 months—from the police officer list to hiring full-time firefighter/paramedics, hiring of a paramedic coordinator, two dispatcher positions, and one communications supervisor. Chair Palkovich inquired about the numerous hirings. Chief Thomalla stated that the firefighter/paramedics hiring was due to the creation new hybrid paramedic program. Three of these positions were CSO/Paramedics transferring to the Fire Department. There were then two remaining openings for firefighter/paramedics and the paramedic coordinator/firefighter. There was a new dispatcher position which was approved in 2004 plus another vacancy due to attrition. The new position was restructured to be an evening supervisory position. This position was just filled on 2/5/05 by an internal person thereby resulting in the second dispatcher vacancy. 3 Chief Thomalla also stated that as of today the department is down 3 positions. He does not anticipate any retirements this year or any additional openings. Chair Palkovich inquired as to how many officers are pre-retirees, within 2 -3 years of retirement. Chief Thomalla stated that it’s hard to say as two employees are over minimum retirement age but it’s not financially feasible for them to retire at this time as they started here later in life. Another officer is close but there is no indication of retiring. Chief Thomalla stated that there will be a period in 5 to 8 years where probably about one-third of the department will retire. Meeting adjourned at 8:52 a.m. Respectfully submitted, Terrie Rameaux Recording Secretary