HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/05/2007MAPLEWOOD CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
MINUTES
September 5, 2007
The September 5, 2007 meeting was called to order at 5 p.m.
Members Present: Steve Gunn, Chair
Marlene Palkovich, Secretary
Lisa Liddell
Others Present: Chief David Thomalla
City Attorney Alan Kantrud
Commission Liaison Terrie Rameaux
Approval of Minutes
Commissioner Palkovich made a motion to approve the minutes of the July 11, 2007 meeting.
Commissioner Liddell seconded the motion. Ayes: 3, Nays: 0. Motion carried.
Review Backgrounds of Police Officer Candidates and Certify Names
Discussion of Candidate #23—Commissioner Palkovich expressed some concern that the Marine
Corp. would not want this candidate back but yet the City would want him as a police officer. Chief
Thomalla stated that in speaking with the background investigator regarding this matter, the Master
Sergeant was extremely critical in his expectations of not just this candidate but all candidates. The
Chief stated that the type of candidate this Master Sergeant liked as a marine wouldn't necessarily be
what Maplewood would want for a police officer. He also stated that he just recently received
favorable documentation provided by a'fellow-marine, which was not part of the background
summary the Commission received. No further discussion on Candidate #23
Commissioner Palkovich made a motion to approve and accept the background for Candidate #23.
Seconded by Commissioner Liddell. Ayes: 3; Nays: 0. Motion carried.
Commissioner Liddell made a motion to certify Candidate #23. Seconded by Commissioner
Palkovich. Ayes: 3; Nays: 0. Motion carried.
Discussion of Candidate #24—the general consensus was that this candidate is a very good
candidate. No further discussion on Candidate #24.
Commissioner Palkovich made a motion to approve and accept the background for Candidate #24.
Seconded by Commissioner Liddell. Ayes: 3; Nays: 0. Motion carried.
Commissioner Liddell made a motion to certify Candidate #24. Seconded by Commissioner
Palkovich. Ayes: 3; Nays: 0. Motion carried.
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Chair Gunn asked for clarification on the next step in the hiring process. Chief Thomalla stated that
there are enough candidates certified to fill two existing vacancies. He will be meeting with the City
Manager to get approval to proceed with conditional job offers to two candidates. The next steps are
the psychological, medical and physical agility exams.
Chair Gunn inquired about the status of the remaining names towards the end of the eligibility list.
Chief Thomalla stated that there are four names remaining to be backgrounded. After filling the two
vacancies previously mentioned, there will be one more vacancy to be filled that can be filled from
the remaining names. Once the list is exhausted after the backgrounds, the rule of three would then
drop down to how ever many candidates are left on the list. If there are only two remaining
candidates on the list, we could choose from those two candidates.
Commissioner Palkovich inquired about the number of withdrawals on the list. Chief Thomalla
stated it could be for several reasons. Candidates that withdraw at the top are given the opportunity
to withdraw if it is likely their background will end up unfavorably. Candidates that withdraw before
they are backgrounded have likely received other job offers. Chief Thomalla stated that at times
other agencies require candidates to withdraw from any other lists they may be on as a part of their
conditional job offer.
Accept Exam Results for Sergeant Process and Establish Eligibility List
Chief Thomalla reiterated the process and the qualifications for sergeant. He stated there were four
qualified candidates that applied. There were several others that were qualified but had no interest in
applying. He stated that officers stay in their current positions for many reasons and don't always seek to
• be promoted. Some enjoy the work or assignments they are currently in. Some have enough seniority to
be on days as police officers where if they were promoted to sergeant, they'd have to go on nights.
The candidates went through two exam components from PDI --a written exam and a promotability index,
which was completed by the supervisors in the department, excluding the Chief. There was also an oral
exam with three panel members. The scores were calculated and weighted resulting in a final score and
ranking.
Commissioner Palkovich stated that she sat in and observed the oral interviews and was very impressed
with the panel members, the candidates and the process.
Chief Thomalla stated that as with all selection processes that are governed by the Police Civil Service
Commission, a candidate will be selected from the top three candidates.
Chair Gunn inquiredwhatthe process was if someone wanted to challenge the ranking. Chief Thomalla
stated that the ranking stands as is based on the test scores. If someone had an issue with the ranking,
they would have to bring it before the Commission.
Chair Gunn inquired about the weighting of each of the exam components. Staff Liaison Terrie Rameaux
stated that the written exam was weighted at 25%, the promotability index at 35% and the oral exam at
40%.
Commissioner Liddell made a motion to accept the sergeant exam results. Seconded by Commissioner
Palkovich. Ayes: 3; Nays: 0. Motion carried.
• Commissioner Palkovich made a motion to establish the sergeant eligibility list. Seconded by
Commissioner Liddell. Ayes: 3; Nays:' 0. Motion carried.
Commissioner Palkovich made a motion to certify the top three candidates from the eligibility list.
Seconded by Commissioner Liddell. Ayes: 3; Nays: 0. Motion carried.
Chief Thomalla stated that there is one vacancy for sergeant due to a retirement. So, one candidate
will be appointed from the three certified names very soon. There is still one acting sergeant due to a
sergeant out on medical leave who should return in November.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:19 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Terrie Rameaux
Recording Secretary
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