body,date,page,text,path
CivilServiceBoard,2014-01-15,1,"OF
TASTIRAN
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE
CIVIL SERVICE BOARD OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2014
1.
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 5:00 p.m. by Board President Peter Horikoshi.
2.
ROLL CALL:
PRESENT: President Peter Horikoshi, Vice President Dean Batchelor, Members Linda
McHugh, Marguerite Malloy and Zara Santos
ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Jill Kovacs, Acting Human Resources Director and Executive Secretary to
the Board
Stephanie Sierra, Administrative Services Director
Michael Roush, Attorney - Civil Service Board Legal Counsel
Chris Low, Senior Human Resources Analyst
Tiffany llacqua, Human Resources Analyst I
Monica Selles, Human Resources Analyst II
Sharlene Shikhmuradova, Administrative Technician II
Beth Fritz, Administrative Assistant II
Terry Flippo, ACEA Representative
3.
MINUTES:
A.
Approval of Minutes of the Regular meeting of October 2, 2013.
Member McHugh moved that the October 2, 2013 Minutes be approved as written. Motion was
seconded by Member Malloy which was passed by a 5-0 vote.
4.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
SUMMARY REPORT FOR EXAMINATION ELIGIBLE LISTS AND CLASSIFICATIONS FOR
JANUARY 15, 2014.",CivilServiceBoard/2014-01-15.pdf
CivilServiceBoard,2014-01-15,2,"City of Alameda
Page 2
Civil Service Board Minutes
Regular Meeting January 15, 2014
4-A-i.
ELIGIBLE LIST ESTABLISHED
DATE ESTABLISHED
EXAM NO.
Compliance Superintendent
12/20/2013
2013-37PR
Energy Resources Analyst
10/02/2013
2013-25
Finance Supervisor
11/13/2013
2013-32
Human Resources Analyst II
10/17/2013
2013-28
Intermediate Clerk
10/10/2013
2013-30
Maintenance Worker II
10/01/2013
2013-27
Office Assistant
10/28/2013
2013-31
System Operations and Field Service Supt
12/16/2013
2013-38PR
Traffic Signal Maintenance Technician
12/19/2013
2013-35PR
4-A-ii
ELIGIBLE LIST EXTENDED
DATE ESTABLISHED
EXAM NO.
Administrative Technician II
01/09/2013
2012-42
Fire Captain
01/30/2012
2011-32PR
Human Resources Analyst I
06/27/2013
2013-21PR
Police Captain
05/01/2013
2013-12PR
Supervising Librarian
05/24/2012
2012-18
Police Officer
02/19/2013
2013-05
Anderson, Travis
Hamilton, George
Reimche, Craig
Bauman, Benjamin
Hernandez, Zachary
Rodriguez, Brauli
Burnaugh, Michael
Ho, Scott
Sipes, Carson
Canterbury, Robert
Martinez, Carlos
Canty, Arsenio
McCarthy, Nicholas
Garcia, Marshall
Melara, Fausto
4-A-iii ELIGIBLE LIST EXPIREDICANCELLEDI
EXHAUSTED
DATE ESTABLISHED
EXAM NO.
Compliance Superintendent
12/20/2013
2013-37PR
Division Chief
10/10/2011
2011-16PR
Journey Lineworker
03/11/2013
2013-04
Paralegal
04/18/2013
2013-09
Police Officer
08/04/2012
2012-27
Supervising Civil Engineer
04/30/2013
2013-10
System Operations and Field Service Supt
12/16/2013
2013-38PR
4-A-iv LIST OF SPECIFICATIONS
Existing Classification Specification Revision:
Line Worker Supervisor
Substation and Meter Supervisor
Traffic Signal Maintenance Technician
G:\Personnel\CSB\All Minutes/2014-01-15 CSB Minutes-Final.doc",CivilServiceBoard/2014-01-15.pdf
CivilServiceBoard,2014-01-15,3,"City of Alameda
Page 3
Civil Service Board Minutes
Regular Meeting January 15, 2014
New Class Specifications:
Compliance Superintendent
Economic Development Manager
Senior Human Resources Analyst
System Operations & Field Service Superintendent
Vice President Batchelor asked about the Compliance Superintendent eligible list established on
12/20/2013 and the System Operations and Field Service Superintendent list established on
12/16/2013. Both lists were cancelled on the same day they were established. Acting Human
Resources Director Kovacs stated that these lists each had one candidate. Senior Human
Resources Analyst Low stated that for both jobs there was only one candidate placed on the eligible
list for each position. Both were offered appointment and both accepted. As a result, each eligible
list was exhausted on the same day it was established.
Vice President Batchelor asked if the City was satisfied with these positions being offered for that
short of time. Senior Human Resources Analyst Low stated that the candidates were in-house and
that internal promotional exams were conducted. Acting Human Resources Director Kovacs advised
the Board that when there is a ""PR"" after the exam number that means it is a promotional recruitment.
Vice President Batchelor asked if the IBEW will be agreeable with the Line Working Supervisor job
specification revision to duty #6 (assists in the supervision, training and evaluation of assigned staff).
Senior Human Resources Analyst Low stated that the description was vetted to the IBEW and they
agreed.
Acting Human Resources Director Kovacs stated there were changes to the previously provided
Substation and Meter Supervisor specification and provided the Board with a memo from Senior
Human Resources Analyst Low describing the changes. Member McHugh asked if both the Line
Working Supervisor and the Substation Meter Supervisor classifications were non-exempt. Senior
Human Resources Analyst Low stated yes both are non-exempt and eligible for overtime.
Member Santos asked if two years of experience is typical for advanced journey level classifications
like these. Senior Human Resources Analyst Low stated yes, two years is appropriate because
before applying for the journey level working supervisor classification, the journey level candidates
must complete a four year apprenticeship program.
Vice President Batchelor moved that Consent Calendar items be approved. Motion was
seconded by Member McHugh which was passed by a 5-0 vote.
5.
REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS
5-A. Appeal of Notice of Termination by Barbara Hawkins.
Acting Human Resources Director Kovacs introduced Michael Roush who will be legal counsel to the
Civil Service Board for the appeal of termination by Barbara Hawkins.
Acting Human Resources Director Kovacs stated that the City received the October 29, 2013 letter
appealing the notice of termination from the employee's attorney included in the agenda packet. Ms.
Kovacs thanked the Board for responding to staff inquiries regarding their availability and stated that
G:\Personnel\CSBVA Minutes\2014-01-15 CSB Minutes-Final.doc",CivilServiceBoard/2014-01-15.pdf
CivilServiceBoard,2014-01-15,4,"City of Alameda
Page 4
Civil Service Board Minutes
Regular Meeting January 15, 2014
as a result, the hearing dates are scheduled for February 11, 12, and 13. Ms. Kovacs asked the
Board to approve the hearing dates.
Member Santos asked if the City needs a particular quorum for the hearing, that she may have a
schedule conflict. Acting Human Resources Director Kovacs stated that four members attending the
hearing would work, but four is not preferable because then there could possibly be a tie decision.
Member Santos stated that she will try to be at the hearing.
Mr. Roush stated that staff will have to check with the City's outside attorney and the appellant's
attorney to see if they would prefer to wait until all five members can be present, rather than have to
go with four members. Mr. Roush asked Member Santos when she would know if she could attend.
Member Santos stated she would let staff know as soon as possible, probably next week.
Acting Human Resources Director Kovacs stated that the hearing dates are scheduled for February
11-13, based on Member Santos availability, and asked Members about a start time. Member Santos
stated 5:30 p.m. would be good.
Member Malloy asked about an end time. Acting Human Resources Director stated the facility is
booked until 9:30 p.m. on each date in the Stafford Room at the Alameda Free Library. Technically
when the meeting ends is up to the Civil Service Board. Staff anticipates that the hearing will only go
two days. Staff booked these days so that we would not have to meet many weeks out in case
additional time was needed.
Member McHugh asked if in this type of hearing the Board will need to do any fact gathering. Mr.
Roush stated no, all information relied upon will be presented at the hearing. It would not be
appropriate to do fact finding outside the boundaries of the hearing because the Board is acting as
both triers of fact as well as the judge. The Board's decision should be based on the evidence that is
presented at the hearing itself.
Member McHugh stated that at the last hearing there was some research that needed to be done
which extended the time required to deal with the issue. Acting Human Resources Director Kovacs
stated that was a different situation in that it was a review of an exam process and this hearing is an
appeal of termination.
Member Santos stated that the name of the lawyer representing the appellant looks very familiar to
her and she may have practiced law with or against him a long time ago; she asked if this would be
an issue. Mr. Roush stated that as long as she had not represented the appellant in the past or had a
financial connection with the law firm, it should not be a problem. If Ms. Santos did not see a conflict
of interest other than the possibility of having a case with that person, then there is not a reason to sit
out of the hearing.
Member Malloy made a motion that the Appeal of Notice of Termination submitted by Barbara
Hawkins be heard on February 11, 12 and 13 at 5:30 p.m. and to end at such time the Civil
Service Board deems appropriate. Motion was seconded by Vice President Batchelor which
passed by a 5-0 vote.
5-B. Approval of Request for Lateral Transfer to New Classification
-
Senior Management Analyst to Senior Human Resources Analyst
G:\Personnel\CSBVAl Minutes\2014-01-15 CSB Minutes-Final.doc",CivilServiceBoard/2014-01-15.pdf
CivilServiceBoard,2014-01-15,5,"City of Alameda
Page 5
Civil Service Board Minutes
Regular Meeting January 15, 2014
Acting Human Resources Director Kovacs stated that this notice is to advise the Board that she has
approved this lateral transfer. This is in keeping with moving people into function specific
classifications rather than the general classifications. This is a slow process because priorities keep
shifting and Human Resources is working with limited resources.
In this particular case, Senior Human Resources Analyst Low was moved laterally from the Senior
Management Analyst classification to the Senior Human Resources Analyst classification.
Vice President Batchelor asked if the plan was that everyone would be in this type of classification.
Acting Human Resources Director Kovacs explained that the City is moving from general
classifications into more specific classifications. For instance, Tiffany llacqua and Monica Selles, who
both recently joined Human Resources, were hired into Human Resources specific analyst
classifications instead of general management analyst classifications which were used before. She
further explained that as the City brings in new employees we try to hire people into the more function
specific classifications in those situations where the associated classification work can keep up with
staffing needs.
5-C. Ordinance Review/Update
Stephanie Sierra, Administrative Services Director, stated that it was brought to staff's attention by
Member Santos that one of the Civil Service Rules was not compliant with current Disability Law.
The Civil Service Rules, Article VI. Examinations, Section 1. (b) and (c), need to be modified to reflect
current law. Possible suggested language change was provided as a draft working document to the
Board. The change needs to be made to the Civil Service Rules, not the Civil Service Ordinance as
originally thought. The Board is solely in charge of the Civil Service Rules and this is/ something the
Board can do without Council approval.
Members Malloy and Santos were pleased with the suggested language change to the Rules to
Article VI. Examinations, Section 1. (b). Director Sierra stated that staff will bring this item back to the
Board for further review.
5-D. Activity Report - Period of September 1, 2013 through November 30, 2013.
FULL-TIME HIRES
DATE
DEPARTMENT
JOB CLASSIFICATION
09/23/13
Fire
Firefighter
09/23/13
Library
Library Technician
09/30/13
Police
Police Officer
10/07/13
Alameda Municipal Power
Journey Line Worker
10/14/13
Alameda Municipal Power
Journey Line Worker
10/21/13
Alameda Municipal Power
Distribution Engineer
10/28/13
Public Works
Maintenance Worker I
11/04/13
City Manager
Office Assistant
11/12/13
Public Works
Maintenance Worker I
11/12/13
Public Works
Maintenance Worker II
11/12/13
Public Works
Intermediate Clerk
11/25/13
Human Resources
Human Resources Analyst II
G:\Personnel\CSB\A Minutes)2014-01-15 CSB Minutes-Final.doc",CivilServiceBoard/2014-01-15.pdf
CivilServiceBoard,2014-01-15,6,"City of Alameda
Page 6
Civil Service Board Minutes
Regular Meeting January 15, 2014
PROMOTIONS
DATE
DEPARTMENT
JOB CLASSIFICATION
09/08/13
Public Works
Public Works Supervisor
09/08/13
Police
Police Sergeant
10/06/13
Finance
Finance Director
11/17/13
Human Resources
Administrative Services Director
11/17/13
Police
Chief of Police
11/17/13
Community Development
Community Development Director
JOB TITLE CHANGED
DATE
DEPARTMENT
JOB CLASSIFICATION
11/17/13
Community Development
Chief Operating Officer-Alameda Point
From
Alameda Point Project Manager
RETIREMENTS
DATE
DEPARTMENT
JOB CLASSIFICATION
11/01/13
Alameda Municipal Power
Electrical Mtce Working Supervisor
11/30/13
Police
Intermediate Clerk
SEPARATIONS
DATE
DEPARTMENT
JOB CLASSIFICATION
09/05/13
Community Development
Planner I
09/06/13
Alameda Municipal Power
Electrical Maintenance Tech
10/28/13
Public Works
City Engineer
11/19/13
Alameda Municipal Power
Sr Energy Resources Analyst
11/29/13
Alameda Municipal Power
Assistant General Manager-Customer Resources
President Horikoshi brought to staff's attention that the Activity Report should be labeled item
5-D., not Item 5-B.
Acting Human Resources Director Kovacs stated that under Job Title Changed, Community
Development Chief Operating Officer-Alameda Point should be corrected to Alameda Point Project
Manager, not Deputy City Manager.
Acting Human Resources Director Kovacs stated that reasons for separation were:
Planner I - Resigned (went to work for San Francisco)
Electrical Maintenance Tech - Resigned (returned to former employer)
City Engineer - Termination
Sr Energy Resources Analyst - Resigned (returned to former employer-Modesto Irrigation)
Assistant General Manager-Customer Resources - Resigned (went to work for EBMUD)
Member McHugh asked if staff was seeing a little poaching going on and is it going to be a problem.
Acting Human Resources Director Kovacs stated it probably will be, particularly in areas such as
AMP where specialized skills are needs. Member Santos asked how big the compensation difference
G:\Personnel\CSB\Al Minutes/2014-01-15 CSB Minutes-Final.doc",CivilServiceBoard/2014-01-15.pdf
CivilServiceBoard,2014-01-15,7,"City of Alameda
Page 7
Civil Service Board Minutes
Regular Meeting January 15, 2014
was. Senior Human Resources Analyst Low stated that based on exit interviews, two of the positions
were in excess of 30 percent. Ms. Kovacs stated some of the people went to special districts which
are better funded and can offer better packages and compensation.
President Horikoshi asked if it will be difficult to recruit replacements for those people. Senior Human
Resources Analyst Low stated that they are currently recruiting for the Electrical Maintenance
Technician and have received a decent number of applicants which they will be assessing in the next
couple of weeks. With regard to the Senior Energy Resource Analyst, staff took the opportunity to fill
the position with a lower level Energy Resources Analyst. The hope is to train people in-house and
retain them. AMP has a work force training initiative and will be talking to the Public Utility Board
about a compensation policy for AMP.
6.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON-AGENDA (PUBLIC COMMENT)
(Any person may address the Civil Service Board in regard to any matter over which the Civil
Service Board has jurisdiction or of which it may take cognizance that is not on the agenda)
None.
7.
CIVIL SERVICE BOARD COMMUNICATIONS (COMMUNICATIONS FROM BOARD)
None
8.
CIVIL SERVICE BOARD COMMUNICATIONS (COMMUNICATIONS FROM STAFF)
None.
9.
CONFIRMATION OF NEXT CIVIL SERVICE BOARD MEETING
Wednesday, April 2, 2014 (Member Santos will be absent on April 2)
10.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting was adjourned at 5:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Hills Jill Kevacs
Aeting Human Resources Director and
Executive Secretary to the Civil Service Board
G:\Personnel\CSB\All Minutes/2014-01-15 CSB Minutes-Final.doc",CivilServiceBoard/2014-01-15.pdf