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Civil Service Commission Minutes - 03/20/2006MINUTES OF THE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION CITY OF WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS MARCH 20, 2006 Present: Bob Monaghan, Chairman Dr. Ernest Dover David Winney, Human Resources Director Julia Vasquez, First Assistant City Attorney Dennis Bachman, Chief of Police Laura Drury, WFPD Manuel Borrego, WFPD Gerald Todd, WFPD Earl Foster, Fire Chief Chris Duncan, WFFD Steve Wilkinson, WFFD Linda Merrill, Recording Secretary Absent: Dr. Floyd Thornton 1. Call to Order § Commission Members § City Staff § § Commission Member Chairman Monaghan called the meeting to order at 3:32 p.m. 2. Approval of Minutes (November 18, 2005) Commissioner Dover moved, seconded by Chairman Monaghan, that the minutes of the meeting of November 18, 2005 be approved. The motion carried. 3. Consider Action on Amendments to the Firefighters' and Police Officers' Civil Service Commission Local Rules to Reconcile Local Rules with Legislative Changes to Chapter 143 of the TEXAS LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE. Chairman Monaghan requested information on this item from Dave Winney and Julia Vasquez. Mr. Winney noted that this amendment is a change to the age requirements in Section 143.023, for eligibility in beginning positions. This amendment removes the requirement that an applicant who is 36 years of age or older, and under the age of 45 years of age may not be Minutes of the Civil Service Commission Meeting March 20, 2006 2 eligible for an entry-level position unless that applicant has at least five years' experience as an active full -time paid peace officer, or at least five years of active military duty. The proposed amendment simply requires that the applicant be at least 21 years of age, and not older than 44 years of age, at the time of hire. Chairman Monaghan asked if this amendment was brought before the Commission in order to comply with the state statute. Ms. Vasquez replied affirmatively. 4. ADOPTION AS NECESSARY OF AMENDED LOCAL CIVIL SERVICE RULES Commissioner Dover moved, seconded by Chairman Monaghan, that said amendment to Section 143.023 of the Local Rules be approved. The motion carried. S. UPDATE ON FIRE DEPARTMENT (CHIEF FOSTER) Chief Foster informed the Commission that the fire department currently has nine vacancies. However, a fire academy is six weeks underway, with graduation slated for August 4. Commissioner Dover asked how many students are in the academy. Chief Foster replied there are 12 in the academy. He added that he anticipates two retirements from the department this year. Commissioner Drover asked about the promotional opportunities available with the two potential retirements. Chief Foster replied that the potential retirees are captains, so a lieutenant would promote to captain; a driver to lieutenant; and a firefighter to driver. Ms. Vasquez noted the City has current driver and lieutenant promotional lists. Chief Foster replied there is not a current captain's list. Ms. Vasquez stated there is then the possibility of needing to give a captain's test, to which Chief Foster agreed. He then addressed a concern with the physical agility test standards as stated in the Local Civil Service Rules. The time allotment is not what he understood it was to be, according to the prior Civil Service Director. He would like to see this issue addressed at a future meeting. Chief Foster then highlighted a discrepancy in the Local Rules versus City of Wichita Falls policy. On page 18, paragraph "n," the Local Rules allow for four moving violation events within three years, whereas the City's rules only allow for three events in three years.' Chairman Monaghan asked if the State rules address this particular issue. Ms. Vasquez replied that Chapter 143 does not; the Commission has the ability to set some standards on its own. She agreed that a change will need to be made to either the Local Rules or to the City's policy. (n) Applicant has a conviction of DWI /BWI /FWI /DUI or reckless driving within the past ten (10) years or violations exceeding four (4) events (moving violations or preventable accidents) within the past three (3) years. An applicant shall be temporarily disqualified until he /she can meet the above standards. a Minutes of the Civil Service Commission Meeting March 20, 2006 3 6. UPDATE ON POLICE DEPARTMENT (CHIEF BACHMAN) Chief Bachman noted the Police Department also has nine vacancies. They will begin to interview applicants next week, and hope to offer positions to some of them. In addition, the department also has two to three people who may soon retire: one officer and two captains. The retirement of a supervisor will necessitate the giving of a civil service test. He thinks at least two tests need to be given. He cannot recall if the sergeant's list is still in effect. Manuel Borrego stated it is good until September. Chairman Monaghan asked if there is an academy scheduled. Chief Bachman replied the academy is due to begin May 28. 7. ADJOURN Chairman Monaghan asked if there was any further business to come before the Commission. Steve Wilkinson asked that the amendment being considered by the Commission be specified on the notice of meeting. Ms. Vasquez replied that the specific section to be addressed is typically posted. This notice was prepared with more generality in order to meet the 72 -hour posting deadline. The Legislature made quite a few changes in its last session, and she wanted to have additional time to review to ensure that all required changes were addressed by the Commission. Chairman Monaghan declared the meeting adjourned at 3:43 p.m. Bob Monaghan,