10/14/1997CIVIL SERVICE BOARD
CITY OF CLEARWATER
October 14, 1997
Present: Bill Carroza Acting Chair
Wayne Brett Board Member
Colbert Henley Board Member
Catherine Adams Board Member
Leslie Dougall-Sides Assistant City Attorney
Steven P. Rosenthal Interim 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. Introduction of Interim Human Resources Director
Interim Human Resources Director Steve Rosenthal said he was a former Human Resources Director in the public and private sector, and a consultant for the City. He will focus on project
issues to effect desired changes, and serve as City liaison for the CSB (Civil Service Board).
Mr. Rosenthal distributed the City of Clearwater Mission Statement, which included the City of Clearwater Values and Primary Organizational Values. He said the Performance and Behavior
Management Program is being adopted in lieu of utilizing progressive discipline. The program is a prescriptive process utilizing counseling, with a focus on problem-solving and long-term
changes in behavior, as opposed to more traditional approaches that have resulted in short-term changes in behavior. A presentation will be given to Board members at the December meeting.
Members welcomed new member Catherine Adams to the Board. Members thanked Ms. Adams for her interest in serving on the CSB and noted her experience and expertise will be a valuable
asset.
3. Selection of New Chairman
Member Wayne Brett moved to nominate member Colbert Henley as the new Chair. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
4. Approval of Minutes of the Meetings of August 12, 1997, and September 2,
1997
Member Brett moved to approve the minutes as submitted in writing to each member. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
5. Discussion of Hearing to be Scheduled Re: Nancy Patula
Once a firm meeting date is scheduled, a packet of information regarding Ms. Patula’s case will be distributed to CSB members. A transcript is available for review. Assistant Attorney
Leslie Dougall-Sides stated the case involves a 3-day suspension of an Information Services employee who went through the Hearing Officer procedure. The Hearing Officer has issued a
recommended Order for the case to come before the CSB for review. It was noted Ms. Patula is no longer employed with the City. At the last meeting, members discussed meeting dates
which would accommodate all parties. October 23, 1997 was suggested, with an alternate date of October 28, 1997. The hearing is anticipated to last approximately 1 hour. Ms. Dougall-Sides
noted the process involves a presentation by the representative’s attorney, the City Attorney, and a rebuttal from both sides. A suggestion was made for a 10-minute presentation from
each attorney with a 5-minute rebuttal. The CSB will discuss the case and make a final decision. Ms. Dougall-Sides explained the CSB may adopt the recommended Order prepared by the
Hearing Officer, or reject or modify the conclusions of law and interpretations of rules contained in the Hearing Officer’s proposed Order. The CSB may not reject or modify the findings
of fact the Hearing Officer has made, unless they elect to review the entire record and determine findings were not based on sufficient evidence. It was noted Rules of Procedure previously
established by the CSB for such hearings are to be reviewed prior to the Patula hearing.
6. Director’s Reports
No formal reports were offered.
7. Old Business
It was noted the previous Human Resources Director was to research a request from City Traffic Engineering Department employee Dane Heatherington. Mr. Heatherington had requested clarification
on Civil Service Rule 8, Section 4 under “promotions”, and an explanation of why he had been passed over for a promotion on more than one occasion. Mr. Rosenthal will research the matter.
8. Other Items for Board Discussion
It was noted CSB member Annette Patterson has missed several meetings. It was remarked the CSB requires regular attendance of all members in order to effectively operate. It was suggested
Mr. Rosenthal express the CSB’s concerns to the City Manager.
9. Employees/Citizens to be Heard
No employees or citizens were present.
10. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 5:19 p.m.