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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCivilService 2012-05-07 MinutesCity of Tukwila May 7, 2012 6200 Southcenter Boulevard Tukwila, Washington 98188 Jim Haggerton, Mayor The following commissioners attended the regularly scheduled meeting of the Tukwila Civil Service Commission: Dennis Sivak, Ron Johnston and Carol Zuvela. Others in attendance were Police Chief Mike Villa, Fire Chief Nick Olivas, Assistant Police Chief Bruce Linton, Jon Walters, President of Public Safety Testing, Ryan Crawford, entry -level police officer candidate and Kim Gilman, Civil Service Examiner. CALL TO ORDER 4:58 p.m. Chairperson Sivak called the meeting to order. APPROVAL OF MINUTES GENERAL BUSINESS MOVED BY ZUVELA, SECONDED BY JOHNSTON THAT THE MINUTES OF THE TUKWILA CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON APRIL 2, 2012, BE APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED. Appeal Hearing: R. Crawford Ryan Crawford, candidate for entry -level Police Officer, provided an oral statement to the Commission as to why he should not be removed from Tukwila's eligibility list. Mr. Crawford provided 7 letters of reference from current and previous employers from the last five years. Mr. Crawford stated that the authors of the 7 letters were not contacted by Tukwila as part of his background check process. Assistant Chief Linton explained that Commander McOmber reviewed the background check materials and determined that Mr. Crawford was not a suitable candidate for several reasons including that he did not pass the field training program (FTO) in Everett PD, inability to complete paperwork, and a termination from the Home Depot due to a policy violation. Assistant Chief Linton stated that Mr. Crawford's trustworthiness is not in question. However, the issues that surfaced during the background check provided a cumulative picture of the candidate that was not favorable. Phone: 206- 433 -1800 City Hall Fax: 206- 433 -1833 Website: www.ci.tukwila.wa.us Chief Villa further explained that a candidate would not have passed the Chief's Interview if he/she had failed their FTO at another jurisdiction. However, the Chief stated that Mr. Crawford was given a chance and the Chief reserved judgment until after the background process was completed. Based on the results of the background check, the Department was not willing to accept the liability of bringing this candidate on board. Mr. Crawford stated that the issues at the Everett PD stemmed from his immaturity at the age of 23. He further explained that he has matured in the last 3 years, and regardless of the board's decision he will continue to pursue the opportunity to be a Tukwila Police Officer. He then concluded his statement by thanking the Commissioners for their time. Overview of PST Services Jon Walters, President of Public Safety Testing provided a presentation via powerpoint of the history of PST and the services that are currently provided to Tukwila. Mr. Walters also alerted Commissioners to the Annual Civil Service Conference which will be held September 18- 19 in Wenatchee. FIRE DEPARTMENT BUSINESS Staffing Update Chief Olivas reported that his department has been hit hard due to staff absences. He noted that 5 employees have been out long -term. Overtime hours have resulted, which has taken a negative toll on the department's budget. The Chief recommended a one -year extension to the existing Battalion Chief eligibility list. The current list is set to expire May 9, 2012. MOVED BY JOHNSTON, SECONDED BY ZUVELA THAT THE FIRE BATTALION CHIEF ELIGIBILITY LIST BE EXTENDED BY ONE YEAR, COMMENCING ON MAY 9, 2012 AND EXPIRING ON MAY 8, 2013. MOTION APPROVED. The Chief reported that a new CERT Specialist started work this week, and that oral boards for entry -level firefighters are scheduled to occur next week. POLICE DEPARTMENT BUSINESS Staffing Update Chief Villa reported that 5 people are out on medical leave or on light duty. One person remains on long -term military leave. He noted that 4 new hires are currently in training, among them a lateral officer that began work today. This officer was previously a Police Explorer with the City of Tukwila. Five candidates are currently in the background process. The Police Department is authorized to have 71 officers, but there are only 58 actively working. The Chief distributed the Police Department's new vision statement to Commissioners. The statement reads: "A world -class police department delivering professional law enforcement service. A world -class agency is progressive, innovative, and high performing. It succeeds through leadership and collaboration; its employees and other stakeholders all work together to accomplish its mission, goals, and objectives. It is a premier, full- service department that is committed to creating a safe and livable community. It achieves this standard through the work of highly trained and qualified personnel who are committed to its core values and responsive to the community they serve. Its team members create and maintain successful partnerships and uphold public trust." He reported that the Vision Statement is a result of eight months of work and that each person in the department is asked to take individual responsibility to commit to this vision. He noted that Commissioners take an active role in fulfilling this vision. Commander Eligibility List The Police Commander eligibility list was submitted to Commission members to certify. The assessment center took place on April 26 and the outside assessors noted that each of the two candidates were highly qualified. The Chief reported that interviews and a selection would take place within the next few weeks. ADJOURNMENT 5:57pm MOVED BY ZUVELA, SECONDED BY SIVAK THAT THE REGULAR MEETING BE ADJOURNED AND THAT THE COMMISSION WILL MOVE INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS THE APPEALS. MOTION CARRIED. 7:14pm MOVED BY SIVAK, SECONDED BY JOHNSTON TO RETURN TO REGULAR SESSION AT 7:14 P.M. AND OFFER THE COMMISSON'S RULING ON THE PUBLIC RECORD. After review of documentation provided by the candidate and the Police Department, the Commission ruled that the background information does not warrant removal from the eligibility list. Therefore Ryan Crawford will be placed back on the entry -level Police Officer eligibility list effective immediately. Commissioners were unanimous in their decision. Chairperson Dennis Sivak Vice- ChairpeldsSon Ron Johnston Commissioner Car Z vela