Report: Bay Village Civil Service Commission, March 19, 2014
This report, which contains observations and selected highlights, is not an official statement of the League of Women Voters. Official minutes are posted on the City of Bay Village website.
Chairman James Potter called the fourth Commission meeting of the year to order at 5 p.m. Present were members Martha Krebs and Dr. Dennis Lekan, Police Chief Mark Spaetzel and secretary Joan Kemper.
After approving the minutes of the prior meeting, the Commission reviewed Rules 1 through 6 of "The Rules and Regulations of The Bay Village Civil Service Commission – Revised March/1992." The purpose of the review is to ensure it is current.
Rule 1: Commission, Civil Service and Unclassified Service. Ms. Krebs asked for clarification of the term “unskilled labor,” and the Civil Service relationship between the school district and the city. Law Director Gary Ebert joined the meeting at 5:15 p.m., agreeing to research these items.
Rule 2: Organization, Staffing and Duties, Officers, Secretary, Official Signatures, Official Records and Official Roster. The group discussed what employee information is public (all but address and SSN). They confirmed with Ms. Kemper that the required reports, records and roster are in compliance.
Rule 3: Reports to the Commission. Ms. Kemper advised the current process generates reports when Civil Service exams are scheduled.
Rule 4: Classifications. Ms. Krebs noted labor contracts take priority over rules, and this needs to be included. Ms. Krebs again asked for clarification regarding Civil Service obligations between the city and school district. She will revise Section 8, the statement of duties and typical tasks.
Rule 5: Applications. This will be revised to conform to current ADA and human resource policies.
Rule 6: Unskilled Labor Class. A clear, current definition is required, see above.
The Commission revisited the application process permitting rejection of the applicant prior to the examination and their right to appeal the decision. Ms. Kemper will contact Rocky River for their procedure.
Ms. Kemper advised that Tri-C offers Civil Service testing at a cost of $1,000 to cities. The Commission and Chief Spaetzel prefer the current arrangement. It allows timing, test selection and awarding of points based on Bay Village criteria. Ms. Kemper mentioned the West Shore group is interested in forming Civil Service Association.
Chief Spaetzel stated the reorganization of the police department is proceeding. A meeting is scheduled with Councilman Steve Lee to address the “sticking points.” He advised that the written Sergeant’s Exam is scheduled for April 5. As of March 19, five of the 14 eligible patrolmen submitted applications. Deadline for applications is March 28.
Meeting adjourned at 5:55 p.m. The next meeting of the Commission is scheduled for April 9 at 2 p.m. in the City Hall Conference Room to review Rule 7 Examinations.
The Civil Service Commission oversees the merit and fitness as the basis for employment, promotions and appeals for the classified service of Bay Village.