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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1198th CSC MEETING1198th REGULAR MEETING OF THE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION The 1198th Regular Meeting of the Civil Service Commission was held on Thursday, March 11, 2004. The meeting was called to order at 5:32 P.M. Members Present: Ronald E. Campau, Chairperson Charlotte S. Mahoney Harry C. Tatigian Also Present: Nancy Bissell, Clerk -Typist II Jeffrey Golm, Equipment Operator II Kenneth Grzembski, Park Maintenance Worker I Louise Heyza, Program Supervisor Edwin Hoffman, Construction Worker I Peggy Jones, Steward, AFSCME Local Union 192 Judy Lee, Mother of Vickey Steier Marcia Reiser, Program Supervisor Vickey Steier, Animal Control Officer Cheryl Wallman, Chief Clerical Steward, AFSCME Local Union 192 Brian Wilson, Assistant Superintendent of Public Service Audrey Young, Equipment Operator II James Zoumbaris, Superintendent of Public Service Mary E. Rutan, Human Resources Director Derrick L. Washington, Personnel Analyst II Gretchen Guisbert, Secretary III Upon a motion by Ms. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Tatigian and unanimously adopted, it was RESOLVED, That the minutes of the 1197th Regular Meeting held Thursday, February 19, 2004, be approved as submitted. Upon a motion by Mr. Tatigian, seconded by Ms. Mahoney and unanimously adopted, it was RESOLVED, That having reviewed the correspondence dated February 23, 2004, from Theodore Anderson, Laborer, as approved for submission by Robert J. Beckley, Director of Public Works, requesting to carry over excess vacation hours, the Civil Service Commission does hereby approve Mr. Anderson's request to carry over two (2) days or sixteen (16) excess vacation hours into 2004 with the understanding that these hours will be used in 2004; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That no future request will be considered to carry over excess vacation into 2005. RESOLVED, That having reviewed the correspondence dated February 26, 2004, from Keith Besonen, Water Operations Mechanic I, as approved for submission by Robert J. Beckley, Director of Public Works, requesting to carry over excess vacation hours, the Civil Service Commission does hereby approve Mr. Besonen's request to carry over point four one (.41) day or three point two Paget 1198th Regular Meeting March 11, 2004 five (3.25) excess vacation hours into 2004 with the understanding that these hours will be used in 2004; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That no future request will be considered to carry over excess vacation into 2005. RESOLVED, That having reviewed the correspondence dated March 1, 2004, from Brian Gnagey, Equipment Mechanic II, as approved for submission by Robert J. Beckley, Director of Public Works, requesting to carry over excess vacation hours, the Civil Service Commission does hereby approve Mr. Gnagey's request to carry over point five (.5) day or four (4) excess vacation hours into 2004 with the understanding that these hours will be used in 2004; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That no future request will be considered to carry over excess vacation into 2005. RESOLVED, That having reviewed the Departmental Correspondence dated February 19, 2004, from Kathleen Goble, Police Dispatcher, as approved for submission by Peter Kunst, Police Chief, requesting to carry over excess vacation hours, the Civil Service Commission does hereby approve Ms. Goble's request to carry over one (1) day or eight (8) excess vacation hours into 2004 with the understanding that these hours will be used in 2004; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That no future request will be considered to carry over excess vacation into 2005. RESOLVED, That having reviewed the correspondence dated February 18, 2004, from Louise Heyza, Program Supervisor, as approved for submission by Ronald R. Reinke, Superintendent of Parks and Recreation, requesting to carry over excess vacation hours, the Civil Service Commission does hereby approve Ms. Heyza's request to carry over three (3) days or twenty-four (24) excess vacation hours into 2004 with the understanding that these hours will be used in 2004; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That no future request will be considered to carry over excess vacation into 2005. RESOLVED, That having reviewed the Departmental Correspondence dated December 1, 2003, from Shelley Holloway, Police Sergeant, as approved for submission by Peter Kunst, Police Chief, requesting to carry over excess vacation hours, the Civil Service Commission does hereby approve Ms. Holloway's request to carry over five (5) days or forty (40) excess vacation hours into 2004 with the understanding that these hours will be used in 2004; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That no future request will be considered to carry over excess vacation into 2005. Page 3 1198th Regular Meeting March 11, 2004 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the correspondence dated February 25, 2004, from James Inglis, Director of Housing, as approved for submission by Jack Engebretson, Mayor, requesting to carry over excess vacation hours, the Civil Service Commission does hereby approve Mr. Inglis' request to carry over six (6) days or forty (48) excess vacation hours into 2004 with the understanding that these hours will be used in 2004; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That no future request will be considered to carry over excess vacation into 2005. RESOLVED, That having reviewed the Departmental Correspondence dated February 23, 2004, from Tyrone Pickens, Senior Police Officer, as approved for submission by Peter Kunst, Police Chief, requesting to carry over excess vacation hours, the Civil Service Commission does hereby approve Mr. Picken's request to carry over one (1) day or eight (8) excess vacation hours into 2004 with the understanding that these hours will be used in 2004; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That no future request will be considered to carry over excess vacation into 2005. RESOLVED, That having reviewed the correspondence received February 27, 2004, from David Robertson, Water Operations Mechanic II, as approved for submission by Robert J. Beckley, Director of Public Works, requesting to carry over excess vacation hours, the Civil Service Commission does hereby approve Mr. Robertson's request to carry over one (1) day or eight (8) excess vacation hours into 2004 with the understanding that these hours will be used in 2004; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That no future request will be considered to carry over excess vacation into 2005. RESOLVED, That having reviewed the correspondence dated December 23, 2004, from Philip Sheridan, Water Operations Mechanic I, as approved for submission by Robert J. Beckley, Director of Public Works, requesting to carry over excess vacation hours, the Civil Service Commission does hereby approve Mr. Sheridan's request to carry over four point eight one (4.81) days or thirty- eight point five (38.50) excess vacation hours into 2004 with the understanding that these hours will be used in 2004; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That no future request will be considered to carry over excess vacation into 2005. RESOLVED, That having reviewed the correspondence dated February 18, 2004, from Katherine Sitedet, Property Appraiser II, as approved for submission by Sherron Schultz, City Assessor, requesting to carry over excess vacation hours, the Civil Service Commission does hereby approve Ms. Siterlet's request Page 4 1198th Regular Meeting March 11, 2004 to carry over three point six three (3.63) days or twenty-nine (29) excess vacation hours into 2004 with the understanding that these hours will be used in 2004; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That no future request will be considered to carry over excess vacation into 2005. RESOLVED, That having reviewed the correspondence dated February 25, 2004, from Gerald Szymanski, Equipment Operator I, as approved for submission by Robert J. Beckley, Director of Public Works, requesting to carry over excess vacation hours, the Civil Service Commission does hereby approve Mr. Szymanski's request to carry over one (1) day or eight (8) excess vacation hours into 2004 with the understanding that these hours will be used in 2004; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That no future request will be considered to carry over excess vacation into 2005. RESOLVED, That having reviewed the correspondence dated February 10, 2004, from Elaine Thayer, Account Clerk II, as approved for submission by Michael T. Slater, Director of Finance, requesting to carry over excess vacation hours, the Civil Service Commission does hereby approve Ms. Thayer's request to carry over three point three eight (3.38) days or twenty-seven (27) excess vacation hours into 2004 with the understanding that these hours will be used in 2004; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That no future request will be considered to carry over excess vacation into 2005. RESOLVED, That having reviewed the correspondence dated February 25, 2004, from Barbara Vaden, Teller I, as approved for submission by Linda Grimsby, City Treasurer, requesting to carry over excess vacation hours, the Civil Service Commission does hereby approve Ms. Vaden's request to carry over ten point zero six (10.06) days or eighty point five (80.50) excess vacation hours into 2004 with the understanding that these hours will be used in 2004; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That no future request will be considered to carry over excess vacation into 2005. RESOLVED, That having reviewed the correspondence dated March 9, 2004, from Jason Sturos, Recreation Supervisor (TA), as approved for submission by Ronald R. Reinke, Superintendent of Parks and Recreation, requesting to carry over excess vacation hours, the Civil Service Commission does hereby approve Mr. Sturos' request to carry over seven point five three (7.53) days or sixty point two five (60.25) excess vacation hours into 2004 with the understanding that these hours will be used in 2004; Page 5 1198th Regular Meeting March 11, 2004 AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That no future request will be considered to carry over excess vacation into 2005. Discussion commenced regarding AFSCME Union Local 192 Grievance #04-07, dated January 19, 2004, concerning a written reprimand issued to Vickey Steier, Animal Control Officer, dated December 19, 2003. Ms. Steier summarized that on October 7, 2003, her mothers missing cat had been taken to the Michigan Humane Society and impounded. On October 10, 2003, Ms. Steier had been on a run and while at the Humane Society, she discovered her mothers cat was there. Ms. Steier spoke with a staff member at the Humane Society who allegedly told Ms. Steier that she could take her mothers cat without presenting proof of rabies vaccination or license and pay the $83 bill on a later date. Ms. Steier stated she gave her mother the bill when she dropped off her cat. On November 11, 2003, Ms. Steier spoke with her mother who stated she would pay the bill by November 21, 2003, because she had an unexpected veterinary bill for her dog's surgery. Ms. Steier explained that she informed a Humane Society staff member about when her mother said she would be able to pay this bill. The staff member advised Ms. Steier that she would try to rebill for the boarding of her mothers cat so that the City would not receive the bill, but the bill had already been put through. Ms. Steier stated she did not use her position in any way to avoid payment of the additional boarding fees. Ms. Steier continued that if her mother had gone to the Michigan Humane Society, as a regular citizen, without having the money to pay the bill, they would have told her to leave and have her call Animal Control or the Mayor's office the next day to make arrangements to be granted an extension to pay the fees or have the fees waived based on financial hardship. Ms. Steier clarified that she knew her mother's cat had a current rabies vaccination, but she told her mother to wait to obtain the 2004 tag. Ms. Steier then referred to the disciplinary letter stating the Westland Humane Society asked Ms. Steier on at least two occasions about receiving payment of the fees for her mother's cat. Ms. Steier responded that no one ever approached her about payment. Ms. Steier also referred to a dog bite case approximately 31/2 weeks prior and reported that the dog was released without the owner presenting proof of a license or a rabies vaccination, but that she followed up to make sure that it had been vaccinated after the quarantine period. Ms. Steier stated her mother was present at the meeting this evening. She further stated that she doesn't feel she did anything wrong and that she treated her mother as she would any resident. Ms. Steier continued that the City still deals with a few hardship cases and the City tries to make allowances for them. Mr. Tatigian inquired if the Humane Society would have released the animal to Ms. Steiers mother without payment if she had gone to pick the animal up. Ms. Steier replied "No." Mr. Tatigian confirmed that they released the animal to Ms. Steier because she was an Animal Control Officer for the City of Livonia. Ms. Steier responded that they knew that payment would be forthcoming. Mr. Tatigian clarified that she might have known that, but he reiterated that they released the animal to her because of her position with the City. Ms. Steier restated that on November 12, 2003, she spoke with a Humane Society staff member concerning the bill because she had talked to her mom on November 11, 2003. Ms. Page 6 1198th Regular Meeting March 11, 2004 Steier stated the staff member told her that she would call their billing department in Southfield and try to have someone pull the bill. Ms. Steier stated that on November 13th the staff person called and told her that the bill had already been sent out to the City of Livonia. Therefore, she was told to pull the bill out so that they could rebill it to her the following month and not to have the City pay it. Ms. Steier stated that her supervisor, Marcia Reiser, was aware of this. Ms. Steier stated that the bill for her mothers cat was resolved prior to anyone in City management bringing it to her attention. Ms. Steier stated that the Humane Society staff member gave her the receipt (Attachment "C") and she thought that it was strange that she wrote it on a donation form and not a RTO (return to owner) form. Ms. Steier stated there were court cases where animals were euthanized and because the court case was still pending, the Humane Society staff kept the paperwork without running it through until they received a check from the people concerned. Ms. Steier slated that Marcia Reiser, her supervisor, called her into her office and said Brian Wilson, Jim Zoumbaris and she would be meeting with her on either Tuesday or Wednesday of the following week. Ms. Steier inquired as to the subject of the meeting and was told that Jim Zoumbaris and Brian Wilson had met with the Humane Society the previous week. Ms. Steier went to Mr. Zoumbaris and asked him what the meeting was about and he identified that one of the issues was the bill for her mother's cat. Ms. Steier stated that was the first time she learned that Management was aware of this. Mr. Tatigian inquired if Ms. Steier was aware that it was the policy of both the Humane Society and the City that animals are not to be released without full payment being made. Ms. Steier replied that she was aware; however, there had been times that allowances were made. Mr. Tatigian inquired if those were financial hardship cases. Ms. Steier responded that they were. Mr. Tatigian inquired if on this occasion, Ms. Steier was aware of any financial hardships or was she doing it because it was her mothers cat. Ms. Steier replied that it was because it was her mother's cat. Mr. Tatigian confirmed that Ms. Reiser had not authorized this and that it was done of Ms. Steier's own volition. The Chairperson asked to hear from Management. Brian Wilson, Assistant Superintendent of Public Service spoke on behalf of Management and stated on October 10, 2003, Policies and Procedures of the Department were violated and documented. Mr. Wilson continued that Ms. Steier's mother's cat was released to Ms. Steier without fees being paid, a pet license being obtained or rabies vaccination being documented and he referred to Attachment "C." Mr. Wilson further stated that the improper release resulted in avoidance of additional boarding fees. Mr. Wilson confirmed at the time Management was unaware of this. Mr. Wilson stated the Humane Society staff requested to have a meeting on November 17, 2003, with Jim Zoumbaris and himself to review several issues including Ms. Steier's mother's cat. Mr. Wilson explained that at the meeting, the Humane Society staff expressed concern about receiving payment for these services and wanted to know if the City would be picking up these costs since they had not received payment. Mr. Wilson continued that public trust is the paramount issue in this situation when the public can perceive a different set of standards is being applied to employees vs. others; which may compromise the City's ability to perform the service. Mr. Wilson further stated that people have a perception that a citizen needs to know somebody in government to get something done and when that happens, it reinforces that thinking and can impune everyone's reputation in public service. Mr. Wilson stated that the misconduct that occurred was a serious matter which required disciplinary action. Mr. Wilson Page 7 1190th Regular Meeting March 11, 2004 explained that the disciplinary action taken for cause was in compliance with City Ordinance, Civil Service Rules and Departmental Rules and within the Local 192 contract. Ms. Steier stated she understood what the Rules are, but the City Animal Control Officers have to work things out with residents, whether for her mother or neighbors. Ms. Mahoney inquired what would have happened to the cat had Ms. Steier not been there. Ms. Steier replied that she was on a run to the Humane Society because of an injured bird and she would not have made a special trip to see if the cat was there. Ms. Steier continued that if she hadn't have gone out there, she would have called her mother that day and left a message for her to inquire if the cat was there. Ms. Mahoney clarified that it was determined the cat was lost and if Ms. Steier had a chance, she would see if the cat was at the Humane Society. Ms. Steier confirmed that and stated her mother had left a message on her cell phone. Ms. Mahoney expressed concern about the cat being released without payment, and if Ms. Steier or her mother hadn't shown up, the cat would have stayed another day and additional costs incurred. Ms. Steier responded that if she hadn't been able to get out there by the end of her shift, she would have called her mother and told her to go that night to see if her cat was there. Ms. Mahoney inquired if Ms. Steier couldn't have helped her mother out and paid the bill for her mothers cat at the time the cat was released. Ms. Steier replied that it was the Humane Society staff member's decision to let her take her mothers cat. Mr. Campau stated it would have been helpful to hear what the Humane Society staff member had to say, but she was not present at this meeting. Ms. Steier agreed that it would be interesting to see what they would have to say, further stating that a conspiracy was going on and that the Director, David Williams, dislikes her. Mr. Campau stated that the facts in evidence are the facts in evidence; the cat was released without paying the fee and without having proof of a license and the rabies vaccination. Ms. Steier restated there is animosity going on. Mr. Campau restated that it would have been helpful to hear the Humane Society staff member testimony to attest to the facts. Mr. Tatigian summarized that Ms. Steier is an Animal Control Officer and is empowered or authorized to enforce the City Ordinances. She, therefore, is held to a higher standard and by her own admission, violated the policy of the City and the Humane Society. Further, he affirmed Ms. Steier could have paid the required fees at the time the animal was picked up. Upon a motion by Mr. Tatigian, seconded by Ms. Mahoney and unanimously adopted, it was RESOLVED, That having reviewed AFSCME Union Local 192 Grievance #04-07, dated January 19, 2004, from Vickey Steier, Animal Control Officer, regarding a wnden reprimand dated December 19, 2003, and after having had discussion with Ms. Steier and Brian Wilson, Assistant Superintendent of Public Service, the Civil Service Commission does hereby deny this grievance and affirmed the written reprimand was in order. Page 8 1198th Regular Meeting March 11, 2004 The Commission received and fled the Status of Temporary Employees Report for February 2004. Ken Grzembski, Chief Parks Steward, requested and was given a copy of the Temporary Employees Report for February 2004. Upon a motion by Ms. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Tatigian and unanimously adopted, it was RESOLVED, That having reviewed the Livonia Fire Fighters (LFFU) Grievance #747-033, dated August 29, 2003, from Daniel Lee, Fire Engineer, regarding call- in overtime, the Civil Service Commission does hereby approve the hearing of this grievance be postponed, at the request of Management, until the next regular meeting on April 7, 2004, as requested by Management and agreed to by the Union. The Commission received and fled the Non -Resident Report as of March 1, 2004. Upon a motion by Ms. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Tatigian and unanimously adopted, it was RESOLVED, That having reviewed the AFSCME Union Local 192 Grievance #03-11, dated November 18, 2003, from all affected AFSCME 192 Union Local Employees, regarding call-in overtime, the Civil Service Commission does hereby approve the hearing of this grievance be postponed, at the request of Management, until the next regular meeting on April 7, 2004, as requested by Management and agreed to by the Union. Upon a motion by Ms. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Tatigian and unanimously adopted, it was RESOLVED, That having reviewed the correspondence dated February 20, 2004, from Wade Higgason, Senior Police Officer, as approved for submission by Robert Stevenson, Deputy Police Chief, requesting additional paid Family Sick leave days for 2004, the Civil Service Commission does hereby approve six (6) additional eight (8) hour paid Family Sick leave days, beyond the maximum eight (8) eight (8) hour paid Family Sick leave days allowed per calendar year. Upon a motion by Mr. Tatigian, seconded by Ms. Mahoney and unanimously adopted, it was RESOLVED, That having reviewed the reactions to examination and passing point in the written examination for Police Sergeant (1179 p.), the Civil Service Commission does hereby uphold the Vantage -McCann recommendations and retains all 100 questions in Booklet I and all 75 questions in Booklet 11, subject to the one (1) week candidate review period to begin March 12, 2004. Upon a motion by Ms. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Tatigian and unanimously adopted, it was Page 9 1198th Regular Meeting March 11, 2004 RESOLVED, That having reviewed the reactions to examination and passing point in the written examination for Police Lieutenant (1180 p.), the Civil Service Commission does hereby uphold the Vantage -McCann recommendations and retains all 100 questions in Booklet I and all 75 questions in Booklet II, subject to the one (1) week candidate review period to begin March 12, 2004. Upon a motion by Mr. Tatigian, seconded by Ms. Mahoney and unanimously adopted, it was RESOLVED, That having reviewed the expiring eligible lists for April 2004 — Firefghter (836 o.c.), Engineering Assistant II (1170 p.), Police Lieutenant (1162p.) and Police Sergeant (1163 p.), the Civil Service Commission does hereby extend the eligible list for Firefighter (836 o.c.) for six (6) months or until such time the new eligible list for Firefighter (857 o.c.) is established. Upon a motion by Mr. Tatigian, seconded by Ms. Mahoney and unanimously adopted, it was RESOLVED, That having had discussion with respect to changing the date of the April 2004 Civil Service Commission meeting, the Civil Service Commission does hereby approve to change the date of the April Civil Service Commission meeting from Thursday, April 15, 2004 to Wednesday, April 7, 2004. The Commission received and filed the following items: Council Resolution from the meeting of February 25, 2004, with minutes being approved March 10, 2004: CR# 68-04 Appointing R. Lee Morrow, 37776 North Laurel Park Drive, Livonia, Michigan 48152, to the City Planning Commission, effective March 10, 2004, to fill the unexpired term of James C. McCann, for a term expiring June 9, 2005, provided that Mr. Morrow takes the Oath of Office as required in Chapter X, Section 2 of the City Charter, to be administered by the City Clerk. Affirmative Action Report for February 2004. Upon a motion by Mr. Tatigian, seconded by Ms. Mahoney and unanimously adopted, it was RESOLVED, That the meeting be adjourned at 6:05 p.m. Gretchen Guisbert, Secretary III Page 10 1198th Regular Meeting March 11, 2004 Ronald E. Campau, Chairperson Charlotte S. Mahoney, Commissioner Harry C. Tatigian, Commissioner