Auburn Municipal Civil Service
Notes – Meeting September 3, 2009, 11:00 am
Roll Call –
Commissioner John Brennan called the meeting to order at 11 am.
Roll Call by Secretary Bill Fulton: Commissioner John Brennan, Commissioner John Camardo and Commissioner Jack Hardy. Also present City Manager Mark Palesh, Police Chief Gary Giannotta, Director of Planning and Economic Development Jennifer Haines; Director of Capital Grants and Projects Christina Selvek.
Approve minutes of meeting held on August 6, 2009. Commis. Camardo motion to approve; Hardy 2nd. Motion carried 3-0.
Old Business
· Further discussion on the request from Police Chief Gary Giannotta and City Manager Mark Palesh to consider ordering a new Police Officer exam to be given in 2009.
Discussion:
Bill Fulton advised that 32 letters were sent out regarding the upcoming police agility test. Ten replied that they were interested in taking agility test. Three responded no, and there were no responses on the rest. Of those 10 that are interested in taking the agility test, 3 are in the 85+ bracket; the remainder are in the 80’s.
Commis. Camardo commented that he was disappointed that there were so few responses as the list is being kept open to give those in the 80-85 area an opportunity to interview. Chief Giannotta responded that he was not surprised due to the fact that the list has been in effect for two years, and in job opportunities such as this, when an opportunity comes up, the applicant will often take another position. He also noted that of the 10 on the list, there were 2 that could be disqualified.
Chief Giannotta stated that he believes that giving a new test every 2 years is an opportunity for candidates to better their scores; also, he noted that the Criminal Justice program at CCC is a 2 year program, and giving the test every 4 years does not allow one entire graduating class an opportunity to take the exam. If the test was given on a regular basis every 2 years, he believes a better quality recruit would be available.
Bill Fulton advised that the date for the test that was ordered is November 14; if the test is going to be offered, announcements need to be sent out, as he likes to give individuals at least a month to sign up. Commis. Brennan stated that he has no qualms about a test every two years; he views it as a chance for an applicant to possibly increase their test score, and also agrees with the argument regarding the criminal justice program at the college. Commis. Hardy stated he did like the idea that if they attend school in Auburn, the City should try to retain talent locally. Commissioners were in full agreement to offer a new test. Bill Fulton will get the announcements out, and will go forward with the agility tests next Wednesday.
Discussion continued on the amount of time to keep the list valid. Commis. Camardo stated he would rather the list stayed open for four years. Mark Palesh noted that he would like to count on a new list every two years. Commis. Brennan made a motion to have the test in November, and the list valid for two years. Seconded by Commis. Hardy; approved.
New business
· Request from City Manager Palesh to add duties into the job description of the Director of Municipal Utilities
Discussion:
Mark Palesh advised that this request is made due to the fact that there is a grant available to look at creating a Water/Sewer Authority with the towns and cities. In order to try to recover some of the project management costs for the implementation of the regional agency, the State has suggested adding those specific duties to the job description of DMU. Christina Selvek added that the duties would reflect 30% towards the project for the 1st year, 50% the 2nd year, and 70% the third year.
Commis. Camardo expressed concern that if the regional authority is not created, then the job duties statement has changed. Commis. Brennan noted that part of the “Typical Work Activities” in the description currently specify “Meets with the public either individually or in groups to discuss municipal utilities concerns and/or projects.” Final decision – Mark Palesh directed Christina to submit a letter advising the State that a meeting with the Civil Service Commission resulted in an agreement that time spent on the authority is already included in the job description. If this is not accepted by the grant people, the manager will meet again with the Commission
· Request from the Director of Planning & Economic Development Jenny Haines to order a new Keyboard Specialist exam which is eligible until April 2010.
Discussion:
Jenny stated that she believed she had used the list to the fullest extent possible. She pointed out that #4 on the list was hired last year and had worked out very well in the Codes office, but has now moved to a different position. Jenny interviewed #2 and #3 last year at the same time that Stacie was interviewed. #3 did currently advise that she would potentially consider the position. She did offer the position to #14, who declined, and #18 declined an interview. Jenny also advised that there has been difficulty in making sure the person is the right fit for the office; therefore, she would like a bigger pool to choose from; one person on the list currently was hired in the past and terminated.
Commis. Camardo stated he would like to see #2 and #3 have a current interview. Commis. Brennan asked that both these individuals be interviewed again, and if one says no, a test can be called for. Jenny was concerned about the time frame; Commis. Camardo advised that a special meeting can be called at any time.
Discussion followed on qualifications to remove a candidate from the list and the requirements for a hearing; Bill Fulton to research.
· Employee changes from May 2009 – Present – reviewed; no comment.
· Upcoming schedule:
o Wednesday, September 9 police agility test at CCC.
o School Personnel Clerk exam – Oct 3 at Auburn High; Bill advised that there are approximately 40-50 candidates. Commis. Brennan noted that he will be out of town both October 3 and October 31.
Commis. Camardo suggested looking at the new BOCES as a future exam site.
Additionally, Mark Palesh noted that in the current budget, there is a position entitled Methane Utilities Mechanic, noted as .5 as it will be only half the year. There is currently no job description; Anna is researching.
Commis. Camardo made a motion to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Commis. Hardy. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 11:35 am.
Next meeting dated Thursday, October 1, 11:00 AM.
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