HomeMy WebLinkAboutCivilService 2014-01-14 Special MinutesCity of Tukwila
6200 Southcenter Boulevard • Tukwila, Washington 98188 Jim Haggerton, Mayor
January 14, 2014
The following commissioners attended a special meeting of the Tukwila Civil Service
Commission: Ron Johnston and Dennis Sivak. Others in attendance were Police Chief Michael
Villa, Interim Fire Chief Chris Flores, Dawn Judkins, President of IAFF Local #2088, and Kim
Gilman, Civil Service Examiner.
CALL TO ORDER
1:03 p.m. Chair Dennis Sivak called the meeting to order.
FIRE DEPARTMENT BUSINESS
Request to Extend Provisional
Assistant Chief assignment
Vice -Chair Johnston stated that he wanted additional time
to discuss the request of extending the provisional
assignment past the one year mark, and that there was not
sufficient time on the January agenda to allow for that
discussion to take place. Chair Sivak agreed and asked
clarifying questions regarding the length of time that B/C
Soss had served in the provisional assignment. Chief
Flores confirmed that B/C Soss will have served in the
provisional assignment for 1 year as of January 16, 2014.
The Chief further explained that the City is currently
exploring several possibilities regarding the future of the
Fire Department: joining the Kent Regional Fire Authority,
forming their own Regional Fire Authority and contracting
services to the City, or to remain at status quo. He noted
that a study will be completed by mid -year, with a
recommendation presented to Council. The request was
made in consideration of this timeline. He stated that the
current situation is unprecedented and that he does not see
value in holding a promotional exam at this time.
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City of Tukwila
6200 Southcenter Boulevard • Tukwila, Washington 98188 Jim Haggerton, Mayor
The Civil Service Examiner stated that the City does not
usually hold a promotional exam unless a vacancy is
anticipated. At this time, the Assistant Chief position is not
vacant. Chief Villa suggested that the City could offer a
testing process that is not as extensive as an Assessment
Center or a Tactical Exam. For example, the testing
process could include a review of applicant resumes and a
scored interview. Discussion ensued.
MOVED BY SIVAK, SECONDED BY JOHNSTON
THAT THE PROVISIONAL APPOINTMENT TO
ASSISTANT FIRE CHIEF, CURRENTLY HELD BY
B/C MIKE SOSS, BE EXTENDED UNTIL THE TIME
WHEN A PROMOTIONAL LIST CAN BE
ESTABLISHED THROUGH COMPETITVE
TESTING. MOTION CARRIED.
The Commissioners noted that the extension was granted
due to the unique situation created by multiple factors,
including Chief Olivas' recent retirement, that the current
Assistant Chief is himself acting in the Chief's position,
and that there is no existing list for the position.
Commissioners further explained that they did not want to
tie the extension to the timeline set for the Regional Fire
Authority exploratory process.
Commissioners asked for the union's perspective on this
process. Dawn Judkins, president of IAFF Local #2088,
responded that the union is in a difficult position
representing both the incumbent who is currently serving
the assignment and other members that may want to
compete for the position. She inquired of the Civil Service
Examiner if there was a state law that required an agency to
permanently promote an employee if that employee had
worked in a higher position for a certain length of time.
The Examiner responded that she was not aware of such a
state statute, but that she would do some further research
and report back at the February meeting.
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City of Tukwila
6200 Southcenter Boulevard • Tukwila, Washington 98188
NEW BUSINESS
ADJOURNMENT
1:40pm
Commissioners agreed that they would meet
the 4 applicants under consideration for Civil
Service Commission Position #3. The dates chosen were
either Friday, January 31st or Monday, February 3rd
depending on candidate availability. D j`
Jim Haggerton, Mayor
MOVED BY SIVAK, SECONDED BY JOHNSTON
THAT THE SPECIAL MEETING BE ADJOURNED.
MOTION CARRIED.
Chairperson Dennis Sivak Vice- Chairpers Ron Johnston