Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/23/2010 - Minutes CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION c'ty°f � _�, � C���O� �-� MEETING MINUTES Held on February 23, 2010 IN ATTENDANCE: COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Richard Fisher,Andee Jorgensen, Bill Larson,Jim Matthew, &Jim Phelan COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: POLICE DEPT: Police Chief Kevin Milosevich, Deputy Police Chief Chuck Marsalisi FIRE DEPT:Acting Fire Chief Mark Peterson, STAFF MEMBERS: Eileen Flott, CS Secretary/Chief Examiner, Lucinda Gibbon, HR Analyst Guest: Nancy Carlson, HR& RM Administrator, Firefighters Steve Winter, and David Arends CALL TO ORDER: Chair,Jim Phelan called the meeting to order at 4:30 pm. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Review of the January minutes for the 1/26/10 meeting. MOVED BY: Andee Jorgensen SECOND BY: Jim Matthew M/NUTESAPPROVED I FIRE&EMERGENCY SERVICES DEPARTMENT: 1)Unfinished Business: None 2)New Business A.) Brian McGee provisional appointment to Battalion Chief/Safety Officer from 2/16/10—6/15/10. I MOVED BY: I Bill Larson I SECOND BY: I Andee Jorgensen � MOTION CARR/ED I B.) Approve the job classification change for the Battalion Chief/Safety Officer. The motion was put on the table by Jim Matthew and second by Bill Larson, however, before the motion was carried, Firefighter Steve Winter asked the Commission to table this until next month,since the Union did not get a chance to review the changes. There was discussion as to either table the motion until next month orgo ahead and approve the changes now, and ifthe Union had any changes or concerns they could bring them back next month. It was determined to table this motion for one month and that the Union would have one month to review. I MOVED BY: I Andee Jorgensen I SECOND BY: I Richard Fisher ( MOTION CARRIED I C.) Candidate requested the Commission remove the book of"7th Habits of Highly Effective People" used for the Fire Lieutenant promotional exam. Much discussion carried. Richard Fisher and Jim Matthew both agreed an applicant should not have to read something they did not approve of. Andee said this book has been in circulation for a very long time used by lots of corporations,etc. Jim Phelan asked Chief Peterson, if candidates were required to read the book. The Chief said the reading material is recommended,since there will be a few questions taken from the book, however, no one is mandated to read the material. Nancy Carlson made a statement. She also agreed no one should be forced to read something they did not want to read. She said she has read the book twice and did not believe the book promoted a religion, but only provided the author�s personal view to have religion, but not promoting religion. David Arends believes the author is promoting religion. He stated that the fact that many people have accepted this book is immaterial; it's whether or not the book is offensive. He read a statement from the book"As I conclude this book, I would like to share my own personal conviction concerning what I believe to be the source of correct principles. I believe that correct principles are natural laws, and that God,the Creator and Father of us all, is the source of them, and also the source of our conscience. I believe that to the degree people live by this inspired conscience,they will grow to fulfill their natures; to the degree that they do not,they will not rise above the animal plane." David felt this statement promoted his religion and if someone did not agree they are animals. Nancy said that when you read this statement again, _ Mr. Covey is say' 't is his personal belief, he is not saying ti �ve to believe in it. Nancy also went on to say,t�.just like it is Mr. Covey's first amendmen�ight to read the book, it is also Mr. Arends first amendment right not to agree with it, but that should not be the reason the commission takes this book out of the reading material for the Fire Lieutenants promotional exam. More discussion was held by the Commission. 1im Phelan said the commissioned needed to weigh the merits of the book versus management right to use or the applicants request to remove the book. Richard Fisher asked Chief Peterson what would happen if they removed the book from the test, Chief Peterson, said they would have to write more questions to take its place. The Commission made a motion to deny the appeal. The motion was approved. Jim Phelan did tell the applicant that if any questions on the test were religious in nature,then the applicant had a right to appeal those questions. I MOVED BY: I Bill Larson I SECOND BY: I Andee Jorgensen I MOTION CARRIED I POLICE DEPARTMENT: 1)Unfinished Business: None 2J New Business: A.) The Lateral Police Officer Eligibility List, dated 02/10/10,was approved. The Lateral Police Officer Examination Report was reviewed. I MOVED BY: I Bil) Larson I SECOND BY: I Andee Jorgensen I MOTION CARRIED I OTHER BUSINESS/COMMENTS: None ADJOURNMENT: Meeting adjourned at 4:50 pm. I MOVED BY: I Bill Larson � SECOND BY: I Andee Jorgensen I MEETINGADJOURNED � ��� ��� 02/24/10 Eileen Flott, Date Civil Service Secretary/Chief Examiner . �, ,,�, � �IRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES p Q��r- � . � DEPARTMENT `�`-' ���0� '���` M E M O R A N D U M . DATE: February 12, 2010 TO: Civil Service Commissioners FROM: Mark Petersan, Interim Fire Chief/Emergency Services Administrator r� SUBJECT: Provisional Appointments for Battalion Chief/Safety O�cer � The Fire ancf Emergency Services Department is requesting up to a four(4) month provisianal appaintment as p�ovided in Rufe 13.02, due to an emergency staffing - situation for the vacant Battafion Cfi�ief/Safety Officer position. The Battalion Chief/Safety Officer appointment is for: ■ Brian McGee—beginning 2J16/2010, but not to exceed 6/15J2010 (4 months) Thank you for your cansideration an the matter. c: File �� . D c�ry of ,�Y � ���0� ��� CLASS TITLE: FIRE BATTALION CHIEF/SAFETY OFFICER(01547,01548) BASIC FUNCTION: Under the direction of A Deputy Fife Chief,performs administrative and supervisory work in the fire service, which includes the management of personnel, facilities and equipment, and formulation and development of departmental policy. A Fire Battalion Chief/Safety Officer exercises independent judgment in accomplishing the work of a number of work groups. Establish methods and procedures within the framework of standard practice and department policy. Unusual situations or questions of a policy nature are referred to the Deputy Chief or Chief for resolution. Work also involves responding to and dealing with man-made and natural disasters that pose a threat to public safety. The Chief of the Fire and Emergency Services Department may assign a person in this rank to assume the duties of a specialty assignment. REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES: Human Resources Mana�ement: * Supervise all personnel under assigned division/battalion as outlined in departmental rules and regulations and standard operating procedures. * Develop procedures and recommendations for the new hire process to include the probationary element of newly hired members. * Develop programs, procedures and make recommendations for promotional processes. * Facilitate, promote and encourage members to participate in training, educational and development programs that will assist members in reaching their fuil potential. * Administer and manage activities,personnel, resources and operations of the department; assist in developing and implementing departmental policies, rules,regulations and operating procedures. * Coordinate the assignment of personnel and maintain minimum staffing requirements. * Evaluate employee performance, both orally and in writing at specific designated intervals; provide career and personal counseling to subordinates when necessary or requested. � Fire Battalion Chief/Safety Off,�,-Continued ��age 2 * Ensure compliance with applicable labor agreements in their assigned division/battalion. * Conduct conflict resolution where indicated between personnel assigned to their division/battalion. * Serve as administrator of a section of the department in the absence of a Deputy Fire Chief or as directed. Communitv and Government Relations * Develop programs that utilize non-traditional methods of reducing the risk that the community is exposed to by proposing strategies to minimize the occurrence of the types of events that the department will be asked to respond to. * Interact with other city departments as directed on special department projects. * Represent the Fire Department at community,governmental and emergency services related meetings as directed. Administration: * Develop and administer a division level budget, including completion of all required documentation necessary to request new budget resources. * Develop and administer division level fiscal accountability practices. * �versee the acquisition of physical resources including the specification, bid solicitation,purchasing and bid awarding elements. * Direct the use and maintenance of the department records management system. *Anafyze and interpret information from the records management system and prepare reports on the organization or a portion of the organization's performance. * Develop plans to effectively utilize resources in/on their assigned division/battalion. * Review current polices, then evaluate the need for and supervise the development of new or revised polices so that the new policy addresses organizational needs. � Fire Battalion Chief/Safety Offi�, Continued �ge 3 * Research, evaluate and project training requirements,facilities, and building needs such that organizational needs are met. * Plan and administer preventative maintenance programs; supervise activity of equipment and repair; maintain control of supplies and purchasing of materials and equipment for assigned division. Inspection and Investi�ation: * Oversee the pre-incident planning for facilities and target hazards typical in the city. * Given hazards found in the city develop new programming to reduce hazards including draft legislation for appropriate changes to the Renton Fire Code. Emer�encv Service Delivery * Develop plans, programs and criteria for response to incidents and events that would involve multipie agencies. * Develop and conduct post incident analysis, including the collection of records and drafting of appropriate reports. * Serve as a strike team/task force leader for resources from the city sent to assist other jurisdictions. Health and Safetv: * Monitor the fulfillment of management's responsibility under the Washington State Safety Standards for Firefighters as well as applicable City of Renton safety policies in their assigned division or battalion. ,-� Formatted:Font: 12 pt � �- ---------------------------------- " * AppIV atld In'lplement aS appYOpCldt2 WaShInQtOf1 Stdt2 $7f2tV$tdnda�d5 fo� Firefishters and department safetv related standard operatin� procedures impartiallv,efficientiv and effectively. Emer�encv Mana�ement: * Represent the Fire Department and fulfill appropriate emergency support functions in the Emergency Operations Center as directed by the Fire Chief/Emergency Services Administrator and in accordance with the City Emergency Management Plan. Perform related duties as assi�ned. * Denotes an essential function . Fire Battalion Chief/Safety Ofi�-Continued ,�,,age 4 KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES: KNOWLEDGE OF: • The duties and tasks repuired of the Firefi�hter rank. �Municipal and State laws,ordinances&codes related to the enforcement of fire codl Formattedc auiiets and rvumber;r,9 ) • National Incident Management System • National Response Plan • National Fire Protection Association Standards • Human resource management principles including selection, training, development,and equal opportunity. • Labor management including the labor contracts between the city and bargaining units in the Fire Department. • State codes and administrative rules on Occupational Safety and Health • Emergency management principles and practices • Basic principles of municipal fire department administration. • Development of long-range plans and objectives for a large organization. • Fire Department organization,policies, rules and regulations. • Principles and practices of modern fire suppression strategies,tactics&procedures. • Principles and practices of mass casualty strategies,tactics and procedures • Principles and practices of hazardous material strategies,tactics&procedures. • Principles and practices of technical rescue strategies,tactics and procedures. • Government budgeting and financial practices • Fire apparatus and equipment specification processes. • Oral communications including public speaking • Technical and business writing skills. • English usage,grammar,spelling,punctuation and vocabulary. • Principles and practices of administration, management and supervision. • Technical aspects of field of specialty. • City organization,operations, policies and objectives. • Geography and street locations AB/LITY TO: • Assist a Deputy Fire Chief in planning and organizing diversified programs in community risk reduction, response operations,safery and support services. • Formulate, develop and implement policies, plans and goals in a large emergency-response organization. • Manage the activities of a division or battalion of the fire department when required. • Manage appropriate portions of the Fire Department's budget. • Enforce federal,State and City Fire codes, laws and ordinances. • Operate a "command" type vehicle under emergency response and incident scene circumstances. • Manage Fire Department programs and projects as assigned. • Operate as a member of department management. , Fire Battalion Chief/Safety Off��Continued ,,�,,age 5 • Operate in command and general staff positions in the incident management system. • Utilize appropriate personal protective equipment. • Communicate orally and in writing at a level that would be acceptable in conducting business in a municipal government. • Read,interpret,apply and explain rules, regulations,policies and procedures. • Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others. • Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action. • Meet schedules and time lines. • Plan and organize their work and the work of others. • Train,supervise and evaluate personnel. • Establish and maintain a safe and healthy work environment. • Maintain a working environment free of harassment and/or discrimination; identify and correct potentially illegal discrimination. • Demonstrate interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy. • Demonstrate a willingness to represent the values of the fire department. • Evaluate member work habits and work product for efficiency and effectiveness. • Perform fire suppression tasks as assi�ned. �,;-tFormatted:Font: 12 pt J ---- ----------- ----------- -- -------- - - - -- - -- - - • Perform emer�encv medical tasks as assi�ned. � Formatted:Bulletsand Numbering • Perform rescue related tasks as assi�ned.. ,- Formattea:Font: iz pt ) • Perform tasks that would be expected of a hazardous materials responder with operations level trainin�. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Graduation from a standard high school,vocational school or equivalent. Requirements per union contract, in addition to State Fire Service Teaching Certificate Level 1 and ten years firefighting experience plus three years as a company officer required. An associate degree in Fire Science and college level personnel management courses preferred. LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Valid Washington State driver's license WORKING CONDITIONS: Work may require performance of hazardous tasks under emergency conditions as well as office work as assigned. Established date:October 1995 Revised:August 2000,December 2007 Revised:Fe6ruarv 2010 Original Title:Fire Battalion Chief FLSA:Exempt Bargaining Unit:IAFF Local 864 • �, `rrr� Jan 4, 2010 To: Eileen Flott, Civil Service Secretary/Chief Examiner RE: Fire Lieutenant Promotional Exam Resource List This letter is to ask you to remove"The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen R.Covey from the Fire Lieutenant's resource list for the upcoming promotional exam. Please remove all questions (taken from this book)from the promotional process. I feel the book contains frequent, inappropriate language. It is my understanding that it is likely the Lieutenant's written and oral examinations will contain questions from this book. I am a firefighter for the City of Renton's Fire and Emergency Services Department, and I have submitted my name as a candidate for Fire Lieutenant. I initially wrote this letter anonymously so that it would not unduty afFect my standings with the Civil Service Commission and my peers. My specific concerns with the book are its'many references to Christianity. My review of the index reveals 14 references to Christian imagery and language. Additionally,my very brief scan/read of the book reveals another nine Christian references not found in the index. None of what I'm about to list is taken out of context;all are truly references to the author's chosen religion. Religion plays no part in my life. I specifically try to conduct my life without adherence to a myth. I feel generally that the promotional exams should not include required, repeated exposure to ANY specific religion, and I am specifically offended by the many Christian references in the book. Further,the book is solely Christian. Within I found the word "Zen"twice, a Buddhist term, but"Zen" is used as most use it,as a general term of relaxation, not specifically as a reference to the Buddhist beliefs. Other than two uses of the word "Zen", I can find only one other reference to another religion: A single vague reference to Judaism. Other than that, I can find no other remarks, quotes or anything else referring to any religion besides monotheistic Christianity. These are some of the specific religious portions of the book: * marks those not in the index ■ God pg 11* ■ Reference to the Ten Commandments pg 33 ■ Alcoholics Anonymous Prayer pg 86 ■ Lord pg 86 ■ Satan pg 115* ■ Judeo-Christian ethic pg 117 ' '� `"n""" ■ Messiah pg 127 ■ Good church member pg 127* ■ Heavenly Father pg 136* ■ The last 2 paragraphs on pg 134 and the 1�`paragraph on pg 135,explaining the authors adherence to religion, his study of scripture and his reliance on anecdotal rather than scientific findings and technique.* ■ God pg 136* ■ Christ pg 136* ■ Christian Ethic pg 198 ■ I find renewal in daily prayerful meditation on the scripture pg 292* • Martin Luther and Prayer pg 294 ■ The lord works from the inside out pg 309* ■ Christ(twice) pg 309* ■ God (twice) pg 319 ■ Creator pg 319 ■ Father pg 319 ■ Confessing each other's sins pg 355. Of all the above references,those found on page 319 are particularly egregious,in which the author insults those who do not believe in God as"animals." Once again—please remove this book from the resource list for the Fire Lieutenant's promotional exam. I find it ofFensive. The following example is to illustrate how I feel. The specifics in this example do not reflect my views, but are used for illustration. Imagine if you are the member of a minority group,any minority group,and the required reading for your promotional testing included a book written by a known white supremacist, and the book specifically contained many references to white supremacy and the subsequent insults to minorities. How would you feel? This is how I feel about the book at hand. I feel that the city of Renton and Renton Fire and Emergency Services are not the places to appear to condone or promote general mythology or any specific religious myth/belief system. ' � °�.r►,� I won't speculate who selected this book for the resource list, but it is highly likely that they agree with the Christian religion's ubiquitous and pervasive intrusion in our workplace culture. I'm certain they are unable to view this book the same as I, and I'm further certain they are unable to see this book for what it is: Religious indoctrination disguised as Management 101. There are literally hundreds of other publications regarding similar topics, books that do not steer the reader to any religion, books that do not insist on adherence to religion in order to glean an understanding of what habits or practices made the author a millionaire. I do not plan to read this book further. It insults my intelligence; it insults my belief system, repeatedly. As I read the first few pages after the initial Christian reference on page 11, I found it very difficult to focus on the written words and ideas, as I was wary of further Christian-based insults to my belief system. I ask that you not put me in the position of challenging the exam's outcome. By NOT reading this book,and if it remains on the list. . . I will no doubt NOT correctly answer any questions taken from the book. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, FF David Arends Renton Fire and Emergency Services 13B ' � � Deputy Chief Engier's email: From: Stanley L Engler Sent: Wednesday, February 10, 2010 10:17 To: John P Lecoq Cc: Mark Peterson; Douglas McDonald; Mark Dosremedios Subject: RE: Promotional reading material The reference book by Steven Covey is a must read in the business community. The purpose of including it in the reference list to give promotional candidates perspective in seeing how many of the leaders in our society have successfully created change within themselves and their organizations. There are limited religious references. No questions will be asked related to them. In our every day work lives we deal with all kinds of religious beliefs. We respect the need to wear booties at the Sikh Temple. Does this mean we embrace their beliefs? Not necessarily, but we respect their views and practices whenever possible in the process of providing service. Last,the timing of this request is marginal. The materials have been out for months. The time to contest the validity of the study materials was awhile ago. Addendum , in response to DC Engler's email: February 11, 2010: In Response to Deputy Chief Engler's email regarding"The Seven Habits": 1. Chief Engler says the time is past to protest any of the reading materials. When, exactly,was this protest-cutoff-date? Was it expected that we immediately read ALL the materials the day the list was posted,in order to make known our concerns asap? I started studying for the LYs test the day after I submitted my name as a candidate. I've read five of the items on the resource list. I communicated my concerns about"7 Habits"to Eileen Flott on January 4tn 2. Why has it taken so long for the answer to this question? My initial communication to the Civil Service Secretary was mailed in a timely fashion on lanuary 4th. 3. Has our Deputy Chief read this book in its entirety? The authors"Personal Note"towards the end of the book contains highly inappropriate language, insulting those who do not think as the author as "animals." The author, at this point, has crossed the line from merely revealing his beliefs to showing a disdain and intolerance of others beliefs. Much of the book contains similar, less overt but no less insulting insults to those who don't believe as the author. " v�rir,m w' 4. Is"7 Habits" a must read in the business world? Have"many of the leaders in our societ�' successfully created change by reading this book? These are subjective statements by Chief Engler, 1 disagree with his conclusions. My opinion is that truly successful people learn and act from many inputs; reading a list by a bestselling author is most likely the least of those inputs. Further,we work in Government-Provided Emergency Services. Our organization is not in the business world,about as far from it as it could be. 5. The book is either offensive,or it is not. If it is offensive,then action must be taken. I find it ofFensive, it is clear that others do not. Who's view should take precedence? Those who agree with the book's point of view will unlikely be offended. All I ask is for an open mind, an ability to see that this book would obviously be offensive to others who do not believe as the author. The timing of my protest and the fact that many have accepted the book are inconsequential. Many, many words, books, practices have been widely accepted over the years, but now are no longer considered acceptable, accurate or politically correct. This book is no different. 6. The presence of religious temples,respect for, or correct observation of some specific religious practices,such as covering our heads or wearing booties at the Sikh Temple,is not nearly the same as having one author's religious views foisted on us as required training in order to act as an Lt,or to get promoted. I'm disappointed that our DC would connect these two issues. 7. I've been told that the Lt's written test will not include questions regarding any of the author's religious references. That is entirely beside the point at hand. The book, in total, has been listed as a reference for the upcoming test. Therefore,the total book is subject for my study,for my comprehension and thought, including the book's highly inappropriate language. I've read enough of this book to know this: It's highly insulting to my belief system,and it and insults me personally as an "animal" The book's 7 habits are so generic as to be useless. We have far better uses of our study and training time than to read this psycho-babble. It doesn't need to be said. Politics, religion,sexual matters.. .all are inappropriate in today's workplace. There are far better ways to educate ourselves of the paths to success than reading this religious authors dogma. As mentioned above . . .is our organization so insensitive to the expectations of non-Christians that this book and Chief Englers reply are justified? Is Christianity so pervasive that it's purveyors are blind to is ubiquitous presence? Finally, I am highly disappointed in the City of Renton, and in Renton Fire and Emergency Services regarding this issue. I expect much more than this. . � � CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION - D Q l��O�, �.�= DATE: February 10, 2010 TO: Chief Kevin Milosevich FROM: Civil Service Commission SUBJECT: Continuous ELIGIBILITY LIST for LATERAL POLICE OFFICER—February 2010 The following is a continuous ranked eligibility list of candidates for the position of Lateral Police Officer as established through a competitive examination process. This process was most recently conducted on 2/9/10. Names are ranked according to the final score and valid for one year. I LAST NAME I RANK ELIGIBLE TO: I Comments: I Stigers, Kevin I 1 I February-2011 NEW I I Bagsby, Robert 2 I January- 2011 I I Kent,Aaron 3 I October-2010 I I Greenwade, Christopher 4 January-2011 I I Seimears,Tiffany S I January- 2011 I I IHoffer, Marcus A. I 6 I December- 2010 I O'Dell, Eric I 7 August—2010 I � Lynch, Brian 8 (tie) ( January- 2011 I I I Holl,Julie A. I 8 (tie) I June—2010 I Vaughn, Lani I 10 January- 2011 I I I Pickrell,Jeff 11 I January- 2011 I I Campbell, Scott 12 I September- 2010 I I Skiles, Richard I 13 I November- 2010 I IBrandt, Andrew I 14 August- 2010 I I ��;c�,, �,�!-�� Eileen Flott Civi) Service Secretary/Chief Examiner (425) 430-7657 eflott(a�ci.renton.wa.us cc: DC Chuck Marsalisi Cmdr. Katie McClincy Sgt. Dave Skelton � � � C�1��0� ��� CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION EXAMINATION REPORT LATERAL POLICE OFFICER— FEBRUARY 2010 . .. . 1 DATE OPEN CONTINUOUSLY OPEN 2 TOTAL#OF APPLICATIONS RECEIVED Three(3) 3 TOTAL#FOR THE ORAL BOARD INTERVIEWS One(1) 4 TOTAL#PASSING THE ORAL BOARD INTERVIEWS One(1) 5 DATE OF ORAL BOARD INTERVIEWS 2/9/2010 6 TOTAL#NEW ADDED TO ELIGIBIL(TY LIST One(1) EXAMINATION PROCESS: The Renton Police Department received three (3) new applications for consideration. One candidate was interviewed on 2/09/10. Effective 1/26/2010,candidates are no longer required to take a written examination. (Candidates actual written reports will be obtained during the background investigation phase.). MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED: Must have been a regular police officer for a minimum of one year of the past 36 months in order to be considered. Must pass the written test,and oral board in order to be placed on the eligibility list. EXAMINATION CONTENT: The oral board interview consists of a set of 15 structured questions, and the rating of five dimensions, developed for an experienced police officer. Passing score for the 70% or greater is required to be placed on the eligiblity list. ��'.�t� �.�� Eileen Flott, Civil Service Secretary/Chief Examiner 2/10/10 Date P. 1 � � �w►Error Report ( Feb, 19. 2010 4: 161�+� � � � ,� 2� File No. User Name Destination Mode Time Page Result ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 0457 1 349 b61 9498 G3RED 0'37" P. 1 E Page �ot received Quick Service Code P. 1 00-01 # . Batch C . Confiidential $ . Transfer P . SEP Code M : Memory L . Send later � . Forwarding E . ECM S . Standard D . Detail F . Fine U . Super Fine ) . Reduction H . Stored/D. Server * LAN—Fax t Delivery Q : RX Notice Req. A . RX Notice �: Mail <->: IP—FAX d: Folder