04/13/1999CIVIL SERVICE BOARD
CITY OF CLEARWATER
April 13, 1999
Present: Colbert Henley Chair
Bill Carroza Board Member
Debbie Turner Board Member
John Armbruster Board Member
Paul O’Rourke Human Resources Director
Leslie Dougall-Sides Assistant City Attorney
Sherilla Pittman Human Resources Technician
Absent: Catherine Adams Board Member
The Chair called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. at the Municipal Services Building
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order.
ITEM #2 - Selection of New Chair
Member Carroza made a motion that Colbert Henley remain Chair of the board. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
ITEM #3 - Approval of Minutes
The Chair moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of June 9, 1998, as recorded and submitted in written summation to each board member. The motion was duly seconded and
carried unanimously.
ITEM #4 - Presentation Re: Proposed Changes to Civil Service Rules & Regulations
Human Resources Administrator Paul O’Rourke provided the Board with a handout specifying changes to the Civil Service Rules & Regulations. Paul proceeded with an overview of the changes
indicating the justification and goals for the proposed changes.
Mr. O’Rourke indicated that the current Civil Service Rules are not meeting the needs of the organization. Employees and applicants are expressing their frustration with the current
rules. In addition, this organization must move toward maintaining its competitiveness.
Mr. O’Rourke clarified that the proposed changes are revisions of the current rules. The intent is to remain true to the original goal. We want to retain the Board responsibilities,
eliminate sexist language, make necessary process changes, and clarify and keep the rules simple. The proposed changes will be user friendly, keep in line with the union rules and
guidelines, and smooth out the legal language, making it easier reading for employees.
Board members were provided a copy of the Civil Service Rules at a previous meeting and asked to review and make comments or recommendations. Member Carroza provided Mr. O'Rourke with
a copy of his questions and comments regarding the proposed changes. Mr. O'Rourke informed members that all of their questions and comments will be discussed at the next meeting.
Upon receiving a legal review of the proposed changes from the Legal Department, Human
Resources staff will set up focus groups with City employees, as well as the respective unions, and incorporate their feedback. Human Resources subject matter experts will then meet
with the Board to answer any and all questions.
ITEM #5 - Directors Report
Mr. O’Rourke advised the Board that we are anticipating the Hearing Officer’s response to an employee termination (Forbes).
ITEM #5 - Old Business - None
ITEM #6 - Other Items
Mr. O'Rourke introduced two new Board members. He updated them on procedures for employee discharges. Mr. O'Rourke explained that the Board Members’ goal regarding an employee discharge
is to determine if the infraction warranted discharge. If it did not, they should make other recommendations. Mr. O'Rourke also explained quorum procedures and the City Attorney’s role
in relation to the Civil Service Board.
Previously Board members were provided a copy of the proposed revisions to Civil Service Rules. Some of the members had questions and comments which were provided to Mr. O'Rourke for
discussion at the next meeting.
ITEM #7 - Employees/Citizens To Be Heard - None
ITEM #8 - Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 6:15 p.m.