08/12/1997CIVIL SERVICE BOARD
CITY OF CLEARWATER
August 12, 1997
Present: Bill Carroza Acting Chair
Wayne Brett Board Member
Colbert Henley Board Member
Vacant Seat
H. Michael Laursen Human Resources Director
Brenda Moses Board Reporter
Absent: Annette Patterson Board Member
1. Meeting Called to Order
The regular session of the Civil Service Board was called to order at
5:00 p.m. by Acting Chair Carroza, in the Human Resources Testing Room at the Municipal Services building.
2. Approval of Minutes of June 10, 1997
Member Brett moved to approve the minutes as submitted in writing to each member. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
3. Discussion and Board Action re: Appointment of Fifth Member
Human Resources Director H. Michael Laursen noted that a news release was published regarding the vacant seat on this Board, and the St. Petersburg Times and other newspapers ran the
article. Six people submitted their resumes for the vacant position. Four of those applicants were present to discuss their qualifications. Each candidate gave a brief synopsis of
their background and expressed their interest in serving on the Civil Service Board. It was explained that Civil Service Board meetings are held the second Tuesday every other month
at 5:00 p.m. There are occasions when special meetings are called. The candidates present indicated that they had no problem with the dates or times of meetings. The candidates were
advised that Board Members will review their qualifications and the resumes of those who were unable to attend this meeting. A special meeting of the Board will be scheduled in September
to vote on the fifth member of the Board. All candidates will be informed of the meeting in the event they wish to attend.
4. Discussion of Hearing to be Scheduled re: Nancy Patula
Mr. Laursen suggested that this item be deferred until the special meeting in September, at which time a firm date for the hearing can be determined.
5. Director’s Reports
No formal report was given.
6. Old Business
No old business was discussed.
7. Other Items for Board Discussion
Discussion ensued regarding possible dates for the special Civil Service Board meeting. Plans are to schedule the meeting for September 2, 1997. September 9, 1997 was tentatively
scheduled as the date for the hearing regarding City employee Nancy Patula, pending availability of the fifth member and Ms. Patula’s attorney.
8. Employees/Citizens to be Heard
City Traffic Engineering employee Dane Heatherington asked questions of the Board regarding Civil Service Rule 8, Section 4 under “promotions”. He requested clarification as to what
“Paragraph A” meant. He explained he has been employed with the City of Clearwater for 7 1/2 years. On 2 occasions he has applied for a position in the Information Services Department,
and on both occasions an outside person was hired for the position. At the first application, he was not granted an interview. At the second application, he was granted an interview
and was told that another more qualified person was hired for the position. Discussion ensued regarding the Civil Service Rules. It was explained to Mr. Heatherington that the Civil
Service Rules advocate hiring from within “whenever possible”. It is the judgment of the hiring department to make an objective selection from the list of available employees and outside
applicants. Factors considered generally include the applicant’s qualifications, interpersonal skills and other pertinent factors. Mr. Laursen will research the situation and supply
Mr. Heatherington with information regarding the rationale for the decision.
9. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 5:45 p.m.