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Civil Service Commission Minutes - 10/10/2008MINUTES OF THE FIREFIGHTERS AND POLICE OFFICERS' CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION October 10, 2008 Present: Dr. Ernest Dover § Commission Members Dr. Floyd Thornton § Tammy Guerra, Civil Service Director § Kinley Hegglund, Senior Asst. City Attorney § Dennis Bachman, Police Chief § City Staff Bill Weske, Assistant Fire Chief § Linda Merrill, Recording Secretary § David Collins, Fire Marshal § Cherita Lewis § Applicant/Appellant 1. CALL TO ORDER Commissioner Dover called the meeting to order at 10:02 a.m. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES (JULY 17, 2008) Commissioner Thornton moved, seconded by Commissioner Dover, that the minutes of the July 17, 2008, meeting be approved. The motion unanimously carried. 3. CONSIDER POLICE APPLICANT REQUEST FOR ANOTHER EXAMINATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 143.022(C) OF THE TEXAS LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE Tammy Guerra said that Cherita Lewis is an applicant from the recent Police Academy. She did not make it completely through the process, and is today appealing one of her evaluations. Commissioner Dover asked that Ms. Lewis address the Commission. Ms. Lewis said she had been told she had an unfavorable psychiatric examination. She asks that she be allowed to have another examination. 2 Commissioner Dover said it would be appropriate to review the Code. Commissioner Thornton asked if the Commission was required to go by the Chief's recommendation. Ms. Guerra said the LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE requires that the Commission appoint a panel of three psychiatrists or psychologists, or a combination of the two, to examine Ms. Lewis. She has furnished the Commission with a list of four practitioners who are willing to participate. She recommends that the Commission appoint all four, so that there can be an alternate in the event of any scheduling conflict. 4. APPOINT A BOARD OF THREE PHYSICIANS, PSYCHIATRISTS, OR PSYCHOLOGISTS, AS APPROPRIATE, PURSUANT TO SECTION 143.022 OF THE TEXAS LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE Commissioner Dover said Ms. Lewis should have the opportunity. Ms. Guerra said that she has spoken with all four practitioners, and they are all interested in participating. The only potential conflict would be in the scheduling of the examinations; however, there should be ample time to coordinate the examinations prior to the next Academy. Commissioner Thornton moved that the Commission appoint all four medical practitioners to administer such examination of Ms. Lewis. Commissioner Dover seconded the motion, which carried. He then asked Chief Bachman for his comments. Chief Bachman believes this appeal should be approved. 5. ACTION ON REVISIONS TO THE CITY OF WICHITA FALLS FIREFIGHTERS AND POLICE OFFICERS CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION RULES AND REGULATIONS [ §143.023 (APPOINTMENT TO POSITIONS IN THE FIRE MARSHAL DIVISION) AND §143.027 (PROBATIONARY PERIODS)] Ms. Guerra explained that the suggested change to §143.023 is a rule change to provide for compliance with how the Fire Department will now be operated. Commissioner Thornton moved to approve the revision. Commissioner Dover seconded the motion, which carried. Ms. Guerra said the proposed change to §143.027 would extend the probationary period from 12 months to 18 months. Commissioner Thornton moved that such change be adopted. Seconded by Commissioner Dover, the motion carried. 6. REPORT FROM FIRE CHIEF Chief Weske stated that the Department conducted an entrance exam for the beginning position of firefighter on September 27. Out of 242 initial applicants, 104 did not show up for the examination. Eighty -nine passed the written examination, out of which 59 also passed the physical agility test. They are now beginning background checks, and setting up panel interviews. January 1 is the target date to start a new . y Academy. The Department currently has seven open positions, and anticipate more retirements. They look to hire 12 out of the Academy. 7. REPORT FROM POLICE CHIEF Chief Bachman stated the Police Department is short 14 officers, but a 12- student Academy begins Monday. He anticipates losing more officers in the coming months, as well, but a new Academy will begin probably in March. Commissioner Dover asked if the Council is supportive of the Department's efforts at recruitment. Chief Bachman said the Council realizes the needs of the Department, and is very supportive. Commissioner Dover said there were recruiters from various police departments from the Metroplex and from Oklahoma at the Job Fair held at MSU. He wants to keep the students here. Chief Bachman said that the bright lights of a larger city are attractive to the younger generation. However, Wichita Falls has a lot to offer, and the Department is modernizing, as exemplified by the mobile data terminals soon to be installed in patrol vehicles. 8. ADJOURN Commissioner Thornton moved, seconded by Commissioner Dover, that the meeting be adjourned. The motion was unanimously approved. The meeting adjourned at 10:15 a.m. Dr. Ernesf Dover; Cor lNissioner 'A I 0%B Z a Ci ISM2 -- ffi§ 1111ITMONW41111111101 �. . =01111111 -