12/12/1995CIVIL SERVICE BOARD
CITY OF CLEARWATER
December 12, 1995
Present:
John Doran
Sydney Snair
Bill Carozza
Annette Patterson (arrived 5:10 p.m.)
Mike Laursen
Leslie A. Dougall-Sides
Susan Highsmith
Chair
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Human Resources Director
Assistant City Attorney
Human Resources Manager
Absent:
Mary Drew Kane
Board Member
The meeting was called to order by the Chair at 5:00 p.m. in City Hall.
To provide continuity for research, the items are listed in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order.
Minutes Approval - October 10, 1995
Member Carozza moved to approve the minutes according to copies submitted to each member by the Board Reporter. The motion was duly seconded. Upon the vote being taken, Members Doran,
Snair and Carozza voted “Aye"; Member Patterson was not present. Motion carried.
Receipt of Hearing Officer Order - City of Clearwater vs. Diane Hashil
It was noted Ms. Hashil was not present.
Director Mike Laursen stated he notified Ms. Hashil of the meeting, in writing, but did not receive a response from her. Assistant City Attorney Leslie Dougall-Sides, representing
the City, was present to answer questions. In the absence of the employee, the Board indicated they would forgo the formal presentation procedure. All members indicated they read the
Hearing Officer report and had no questions. Member Snair commented, while he has often criticized management in disciplinary action cases, he found the City did an excellent job of
trying to correct this employee, without success.
Member Carozza moved to adopt the Hearing Officer’s Recommended Order to uphold the termination of Diane Hashil. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Member Patterson
was not present.
Appointment of Hearing Officer - City of Clearwater vs. Calvin Holley
It was noted Mr. Holley was present.
Mr. Laursen and Ms. Dougall-Sides explained how the City Commission established a list of qualified Hearing Officers. It was indicated City Attorney Pamela Akin interviewed a number
of candidates and recommended five to the City Commission. The Commission accepted the list and forwarded it to the Civil Service Board. While Board members expressed appreciation
at receipt of the list, concern was expressed with the amount of time taken to accomplish the task. Some felt staff could have pursued this matter more vigorously.
Attorney Dougall-Sides stated the City Attorney and City Commission suggested selecting the Hearing Officer for each case on a rotational basis. Director Laursen concurred, stating
he would contact the appropriate Hearing Officer as cases develop. Discussion ensued regarding the selection process and the list of attorneys selected. The Board reserved the right
to vary the selection process if they feel a Hearing Officer does not provide quality work.
Member Snair moved to accept the recommendation to select Hearing Officers on an alphabetic rotational basis. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Member Patterson
was not present.
Mr. Laursen is to contact the first Hearing Officer for the City versus Holley appeal. He said he would advise Mr. Holley of the appeal process immediately following today’s meeting.
Adjournment
With no further business before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 5:20 p.m.
Chair
Civil Service Board
Attest:
Board Reporter