06/30/2004
CIVIL SERVICE BOARD
CITY OF CLEARWATER
June 30,2004
Present: Colbert Henley
Cathy Adams
LaMar McNutt
John DeBella
Ebe Bower
Joseph Roseto
Leslie Dougall-Sides
Deborah Ford
Chair
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Human Resources Director
Assistant City Attorney
Human Resources Analyst
Chair Henley called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. at the Municipal Services Building..
Consideration of the Hearinq Officer's Recommended Order Re: City of Clearwater vs. Paul Ritz-
Joseph Roseto, Human Resources Director, read the charges into the record. The exhibits and the transcript
of the hearing before Hearing Officer Elizabeth Mannion that were previously provided to the Board were
admitted into evidence.
A motion was made and carried unanimously to establish time limits for presentations by both parties.
John McGuire, attorney for Paul Ritz, presented his case as to why Mr. Ritz should not have been terminated.
He reviewed the testimony given by the various witnesses. His position was that Mr. Ritz was an 18-year
employee who had some difficulties with his supervisor but did not have behavior problems or other issues
sufficient to warrant his termination.
Ms. Dougall-Sides addressed the Board as to why the Hearing Officer's recommendation to uphold the
termination should be upheld by the Board. Mr. Ritz violated the Civil Service Rules and the City's
Performance and Behavior Management Program's (PBMP's) standards. He was placed on several action
plans in accordance with the PBMP but his behavior did not improve. He was given a decision-making leave
day, but even after that he continued to have problems with anger management and supervision of employees
under him. In accordance with the PBMP, the Library Director recommended termination. Joseph Roseto,
Human Resources Director, advised the Board that each case is reviewed individually, but the termination of
Mr. Ritz was consistent with other discipline for employees with similar issues.
At the conclusion of the presentation, Member LaMar McNutt moved to accept the Hearing Officer's
Recommended Order that Mr. Ritz' termination be upheld. The motion was duly seconded by Member Ebe
Bower and carried unanimously.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:51 p.m.
Chair, Civil Service oard
ATTEST:
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Human Resources Analyst
Mcs0501
5/15/01
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