HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Committees - Civil Services Commission - 02/18/1988 (3) CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
FEBRUARY 18, 1988
The regular meeting was called to order by Chairman T. Richard Ried
In Attendance: Commissioners Michele G. Hinz and Joseph A. Street,
City Attorney Driscoll, Chief Angelo, Chief Frederiksen,
Captain Byerly, Assistant Chief Aldridge,
Battalion Chief Fronsdahl and Firefighter Shepherd
Also Present: Firefighter applicant, Ronald B. Calkins, and his physician,
Dennis J. Kvidera, M.D.
Ms. Hinz moved to accept the minutes of the January 28, 1988 meeting as
submitted. Mr. Street seconded and the motion carried.
Chief Angelo reported that the recruits in the academy are doing well and will
graduate on March 5.
The response to the Secretary's letter, dated February 9, 1988 from Dr. D.C.
Bates, regarding firefighter applicant, Ronald B.Calkins was read. Mr. Street
moved, Ms. Hinz seconded, to accept the letter into the record and the motion
carried.
In accordance with hearing procedures, Dr. Kvidera was sworn in by Chairman
Ried. His name: Dennis J. Kvidera, offices at 901 Boren Avenue, Seattle and
Factoria in Bellevue, Orthopedic Surgeon. Dr. Kvidera stated he had been
contacted by Mr. Calkins after the latter had been denied a position as
firefighter for the City of Kent. From Mr. Calkins routine medical history and
examination of his knees, Dr. Kvidera confirmed his previous medical opinion
that Mr. Calkins can adequately and effectively perform the duties of a
fireman. Whether or not there is increased risk to his knees after any unusual
activities, he said there probably is, but after seeing many firefighters for
the Seattle Fire Department, he felt that the status of Mr. Calkins knee is such
that he could effectively carry out the duties of a fireman. Dr. Kvidera
described for Chairman, Lockman's test and negative pivot shift. Both are tests
for the status of the injured cruciate ligament for rotation of knee and lower
leg bone and upper leg bone. Pivot shift is a much more precise test involving
twisting of the knees and trying to partially dislocate the knee, which can be
done when anterior cruciate ligament is not sufficient. Chairman Ried,
referring to Dr. Hubbard's report, quoted "an anterior cruciate deficient knee
associated with a near complete medial meniscectomy in a young man, suggests he
will have increasing difficulty with time. Although degenerative changes
secondary to the instability can be negated to some degree by heavy exercise
program and bracing if indicated. " Mr. Ried noted that it would appear that
possibly Mr. Calkins would have to go through a heavy exercise program and asked
Dr. Kvidera, if its possible he might have to have braces sometime in the
future. Dr. Kvidera said he would suggest he exercise continuously with his
knees. Whether or not he will need bracing remains to be seen. In a lot of
people, including firemen, who have anterior cruciate deficient knee never need
' braces. He stated, if he felt Mr. Calkins would need braces in the next five,
ten or twenty years, he would not suggest him for fireman. Asked if they had
any firemen at this time with braces on their knees, Chief Angelo responded they
do not. When asked by Ms. Hinz for the differences in opinions, Dr. Kvidera
• responded that the subjective findings are similar, but differences of opinions
arise out of how well he feels Mr. Calkins can control his knees. He is young
and keeps himself in good shape, has been active in athletics for long periods
since his injuries without any problems. If he had any problems, it would be
difficult to cover up.
When asked by Chairman, Mr. Calkins had nothing to add at this time. When asked
for the Fire Department's recommendation, Chief Angelo responded that Mr. Calkins
did well in other phases of the examination but as they have reviewed the
physicians' information that came back, he cannot recommend the risk for the
City but there is no uncertainty that Mr. Calkins cannot handle this position
and he does not find himself in a position to contradict the department doctor's
recommendation. Secretary explained that she had not yet received a response
from Dr. Pierce, the physician who performed the surgeries.
With no further information received, Chairman declared the hearing closed and
the Commission's decision will be announced within a week.
Secretary reported the initial proposed revision to Rule X has been received
from City Attorney Driscoll, but there are still modifications to be suggested
by the department.
The memos dated February 4 and 17, 1988 from Firefighter Terry J. McCartin were
read. Mr. Street moved, Ms. Hinz seconded, to accept the correspondence into
the record and the motion carried.
Battalion Chief Fronsdahl 's memo of February 17, 1988 requesting the removal of
Michael E. Coffey, for failing his psychological screening and Jeffrey L. Green
for failing his background investigation and psychological screening, was read.
Mr. Street moved, Ms. Hinz seconded, to accept the memo into the record. Motion
carried.
A memo dated February 17, 1988 from Chief Angelo informing of the provisional
appointment of Firefighter Kent Huntington to the position of Lieutenant,
effective February 20, 1988, was read. Mr. Street moved, Ms. Hinz seconded, to
accept the memo into the record. Motion carried.
The memo of February 17, 1988 from Chief Angelo informing of the provisional
appointment of Firefighter Dave Stargel to the position of Lieutenant, effective
February 19, 1988, was read. Ms. Hinz moved, Mr. Street seconded, to accept the
memo into the record and the motion carried.
The memo of February 17, 1988 from Chief Angelo notifying of the promotion of
Firefighter William Kennedy to Firefighter First Class was read. Ms. Hinz
moved, Mr. Street seconded, to accept the memo into the record and the motion
carried.
Chief Frederiksen reported on the hiring of two new officers, Patricia King of
Honolulu Police Department and Harry Hansen of Chelan Sheriff' s Department.
Starting date for both will be March 7.
' Chief Frederiksen also requested permission to begin testing for lateral entry
police officer with a tentative date of March 1 to April 2. Mr. Street moved to
approve the lateral entry exam for the Police Department. Ms. Hinz seconded and
the motion carried.
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• The next regular meeting date is scheduled for March 17 at 8:00 a.m. in the
Council Chambers.
At 8:22 a.m. the meeting went into executive session to discuss the appeal and
hearing. The meeting reconvened at 8:25 a.m. Chairman Ried announced that a
decision has been made to reinstate Ronald B. Calkins on the Firefighter
eligibility list. He will be notified by phone and letter.
Meeting adjourned at 8:37 a.m.
Respectively Submitted
Amy E. Kato
Secretary and Chief Examiner
Approved:
• T. Richard ie Chairman
289V-2V
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