Excerpts from the Civil
Service Commission Meeting of 2/22/2006 pertaining to the FD
Tim Smith
Local 801 - Political Action/Legislative Committee
Commissioner
Frank Caracansi called the meeting to order due to Chairman Michael Finn’s
absence. In attendance were Commissioner Geraldine George, Corporation Counsel Rick
Gottschalk, Chief Examiner John Whitcomb, and Pam Evanuska, city employee.
NEW BUSINESS:
Fire Dispatcher
The Commission reviewed the candidates that applied for the promotional
position of Dispatcher in the Fire Department. Six candidates applied. Candidate
Walter Arteaga has not met the requirement of five years of working in the Fire
Department. He will not be able to move forward and participate in the
promotional exam. The other five candidates meet the requirements.
Correspondence
from Firefighters’ Union
Commissioner Caracansi discusses the letter received from the Firefighters’
Union on February 15, 2006. Commissioner Caracansi read the letter into the
record. A copy of this letter is attached. Chief Examiner Whitcomb states that
until a specific incident occurs, the Commission should not make any ruling in
advance. Commissioner Caracansi does not believe they are required to offer any
explanation as to what the Civil Service Rules state. Chief Examiner Whitcomb
agrees with Commissioner Caracansi that they are not required to give an
explanation. Chief Examiner Whitcomb states that the Firefighters’ Union has
been helpful and cooperative and feels the Commission should answer their
request.
Commissioner Caracansi asks if Corporation Counsel Rick Gottschalk has any
comment regarding the letter. Corporation Counsel Gottschalk reviewed the
letter and reviewed the Civil Service Rules. He believes the language is very
clear. It is taken word for word from the state statutes. Corporation Counsel
Gottschalk said it gives authority to remove names from a list. It is
permissive language by using the word “may” rather than “shall.” Corporation
Counsel Gottschalk does not know what the Commission’s past practice has been
but they are not bound by any approach they may have taken in the past.
Commissioner Caracansi asks Corporation Counsel Gottschalk if the Commission is
required to respond to the letter. Corporation Counsel Gottschalk states that
the Commission is not required to respond to requests for interpretation. The
Commission may respond if they choose to. It’s not an FOI request.
There was more discussion regarding whether or not names have been removed from
Eligibility Lists. No one on the Commission recalls ever removing a name.
Commissioner Caracansi states that with the absence of Chairman Finn, it might
be best to table this until there is a full Commission available to discuss it.
Commissioner Caracansi makes this motion and asks that this be placed on the
Agenda for the next meeting. Commissioner George seconds it. The motion passed
unanimously.
Adjourn
Commissioner Caracansi makes a motion to adjourn. Commissioner George seconds
it. The motion passed unanimously.
