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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-07-051 MAPLEWOOD CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION MINUTES September 7, 2005 The September 7, 2005 meeting was called to order at 7:57 a.m. Members Present: Marlene Palkovich, Chair Debra Birkholz, Secretary Steve Gunn Others Present: Chief David Thomalla Deputy Chief John Banick Commission Liaison Sherrie Le Recording Secretary Terrie Rameaux Approval of Minutes Commissioner Birkholz made a motion to approve the minutes of the July 13, 2005 meeting. Chair Palkovich seconded the motion. Commissioner Gunn abstained. Ayes: 2, Nays: 0. Motion carried. Approval of “Internal Only” Posting for Police Officer Sherrie Le stated that in the Civil Service Rules, page 7—Certifications and Appointments, it states that when there’s a vacancy in the department the City Manager will request the Commission to establish a list of eligibles. This request is to specify if it is a promotional opportunity or open competitive to include outside and inside candidates. Requesting a promotional list for police officer has not occurred very often because normally there aren’t any people internally that are qualified for the position. This is used regularly for promotion to sergeant and lieutenant. Commissioner Gunn asked whether this could be viewed as bypassing the regular civil service hiring system and bringing people in through the back door. He was also concerned about setting a precedent. Chief Thomalla responded that promotional processes are very common among other departments. The candidate, though a current employee, would still have to through the same process as the other candidates—panel interview, medical and psychological exams. Sherrie Le stated that the City supports promoting from within for many of the positions in the City. It makes the employees feel good about working for the City when they feel they have opportunities to move up within the City. Commissioner Gunn asked whether the hiring process for the position of CSO was similar to our other City positions. Sherrie Le explained that this is a regular part-time position and candidates were required to go through a process similar to what other regular part-time positions go through based on merit principles and managed by the HR Department. The process is different from temporary and casual part-time positions which are hired directly by supervisors with no input from Human Resources. 2 Commissioner Birkholz asked if the City would still do a formal background check on internal candidates. Chief Thomalla affirmed that a background would still be done by a background investigator. A motion was made by Commissioner Gunn to approve the “Internal Only” posting for police officer. Seconded by Commissioner Birkholz. Ayes: 3; Nays: 0. Motioned carried. Chief Thomalla inquired if the list established as a result of this internal posting, which will likely have just the one candidate, would have to be certified by the Commission. Sherrie Le stated the list would be adopted, the background would be reviewed and approved, and the name would be certified by the Commission. Other Chair Palkovich inquired as to what is done if a good candidate lacked some of the skills outlined in the job posting. Chief Thomalla stated that their skills are generally identified as a strength or weakness through the training process and worked on accordingly if possible. Chair Palkovich specifically mentioned the writing skills and the ability to write a good report. Chief Thomalla stated if there’s an area of deficiency, they try to correct it if possible. During the department’s monthly staff meetings with the supervisors, there is discussion of every probationary officer and any issues or concerns there may be about them and any possible corrective action or determine if the officer isn’t really working out very well. Chief Thomalla stated he believes an employee should know when and if he’s having problems and possible actions to take as soon as possible. Adjourn There being no other business, Chair Palkovich made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Gunn seconded the motion. Ayes: 3, Nays: 0. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:17 a.m. Respectfully submitted, Terrie Rameaux Recording Secretary