Civil Service Commission Minutes - 09/02/2015VCTMIftyrKS7
CIVIL SERVICE CONIMISSJON
September 2, 2015
Penny Miller, Chair
Laura Fidelie
Jim Heiman
Christi Klyn, Civil Service Director
Julia Vasquez, First Assistant City Attorney
Guy Gilmore, Deputy Police Chief
Jon Reese, Fire Chief
Alissa Penney, FIR Generalist
1. Call to Order
§ Commission Members
Commissioner Miller called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m.
2. Approval of Minutes
Commissioner Heiman moved for approval of the July 15, 2015 minutes. Seconded
by Commissioner Fidelie, the motion unanimously carried.
3. Canvassing of Votes to Determine Results of Election Held August 25-26, 2015 for
Proposed Alternate Promotion System for the WFPD (pursuant to TLGC §143.035(g))
Commissioner Miller declared that the Civil Service Director conducted an election for
the proposed alternate promotion system for the Wichita Falls Police Department beginning at
10:00 a.m. on August 25, 2015 and ending at 10:00 a.m. on August 26, 2015. A total of 137
sworn police officers voted in the election, and the results are as follows:
FOR the proposed amendment: 91 votes
AGAINST the proposed amendment: 46 votes
The election was in all aspects legally held in accordance with the rules of Local
Government Code §143.035. The Civil Service Commission officially finds, determines and
declares the results of the election to be that the proposed amendment passes by mzkjority vote.
Commissioner Heiman asked how any people were eligible to vote. Deputy Chief
Gilmore said there are 184-185 officers, Commissioner Heiman said that is a strong percentage
of voters. Commissioner Miller agreed, and looks forward to hearing how this new system works
going forward, Christi Klyn said they Commission will meet more often, as appeal meetings will
be held once every five to six weeks.
Commissioner Heiman asked why voter turnout was not higher (short of absenteeism and
vacation). Deputy Chief Gilmore said that pursuant to civil service law, the vote had to be held
Civil Service Commission Minutes September 2, 2015 2
during 24 consecutive hours rather than (for instance) over three days' time in eight-hour
increments. With i atrol on a 12-hour shift, half of those officers would have had to come in on
their day off to vote. Commissioner Fidelie said it was a strong workplace showing.
4. Report from Fire Chief
Chief Reese said the Fire, Academy started two weeks ago, and included basic EMT training for
the first time in several years. This Academy will graduate January 22. They will start another Academy
in May to cover anticipated retirements in 2016.
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Academy completed, with two more scheduled. They should end up with 420 certified intennediate fire
fighters who are able to perform advanced life support skills in thefield.
The meeting was adjourned at Q: 12 a. m. .