HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Committees - Civil Services Commission - 03/26/1985 r,
APR 4 1985
CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING X1 T9$ CITY OF KENT
March 26, 1985 CITY CLERK
A special meeting was called to order at 8:00 a.m. by Chairman T. Richard
Reed. Also in attendance: Commissioners Joseph A. Street, aed Michele G.
Hinz, City Attorney DiJulio, Assistant City Administrator 'Webby, and Chief
Skewes.
The purpose of this special meeting is to discuss the proposod job description
for the position of Chief of Police for the City of Kent.
When asked by Chairman for any comment, Mr. DiJulio replied that he had
conferred with the City Administrator and the Personnel Qirector in the
development of the job description, and he had no commence to make at this
time.
Mr. Webby who said he was unable to be at the last meeting, .,gave a background
of the development of the job descriptions, stating that by,, City policy, each
department is responsible for maintaining job performance within the
department, including the department head's job description.; He related that
in 1981 the City adopted a new classification in the pay system, including the
development of classifications and job descriptions of nonraprresented
personnel within the organization and job descriptions for,positions
represented by the Teamsters Union and Maintenance Workors, He further stated
that job descriptions for the position of Chief of Fir ,,#n4 ,Po1ice were also
developed primarily for pay purposes. He stated that Personnel continues to
work with department heads to keep job descriptions up to date for all their
employees including themselves. The project for Poli.ce, 4nd Fire began about a
year ago. There was a lack of a definitive job descriptions ;for uniformed
Police and Fire personnel. So ..at the request of Chief , s�, Mr. Webby said,
Personnel developed drafts of job descriptions for unifdd Police and Fire
personnel and the departments reviewed and modified therm,to meet specific
requirements of the respective departments. He noted that City Administrator
Cushing maintains that the department heads know best wlt the position
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requires and that the Job description for Police Chief has been reviewed and
approved by Mr. Cushing.
Mr. Webby pointed out in regard to Mr. Street's concern that Civil Service
Commission rules provide that the Chiefs report to the Mayor or are hired by
the Mayor rather than the City Administrator.
Concerning the question of format of the job description, Mr. Webby advised
that the format on the indication of pay range will be modified. He concluded
that Personnel would not propose anj significant changes to the job
descriptions, indicating the Police Chief's job description matches current
policy of the Commission.
Mr. Street asked that if the Commission adopts the Chief's job description, if
it becomes a part of the Commission Rules and Regulation.
Mr. DiJulio replied that if the Commission adopts it, it is not a part of the
rules. It was determined as it is not ,a part of the rules that upon adoption,
it becomes effective immediately.
Mr. Street noted the following: "di"rbicts the preparation of annual and
special equipment and operating budget and presents to the Mayor." He
referred to the ordinance relative to the job of City Administrator where it
specifically states that "all administrative work, including budget work shall
be through the City Administrator," so he suggested "Mayor" should be changed
to "City Administrator."
Chief Skewes acknowledged that he was Ohe of the authors of the job
description and justified it through etiquette that the ordinance, last page,
stipulates "submit to the Mayor and City Council" and "City Administrator
assists in the preparation and submission to the Mayor."
Mr. Street also noted that if the Chief serves as a member of the
communications center it should be so stated. Chief Skewes referred to the
second paragraph on Page 2 of the job description "serves as the City's
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representative on various committees Mr. Street qp"ed both Chiefs'
job descriptions should be consistent.
Mr. Street's third suggestion: "includes in his daily schedule, a specific
period of time to be available for direct contact with individuals citizens."
Chairman asked for comments. Mr. Webby said his only recommendation is to
remove the reference to salary range at the top of Page 1. Nor. Hinz suggested
changing second page, second line, "presents to the Mayor" to ,"submits same to
the City Administrator."
Chief Skewes emphasized that he is and has been available by phone calls,
letters, appointments and is presently dealing with them.
The Chairman said that it is incumbent on any public official to be available
and accessible, not necessarily to tie the Chief down. Hey-suggested "will be
accessible by appointment to discuss items of concern relative to police
activities." He noted that is the way the Chief operates now.
In response to Ms. Hinz, Chief Skewes confirmed that correctional facilities
are under the jurisdiction of the Police Department.
Chairman said he was concerned about the wording of the first sentence of the
first paragraph: "position in this classification participates." It was
suggested to change to "Chief of Police participates." Mr. Street moved to
approve the job description which includes the following:
1. "Chief of Police" instead of "position" (Page 1 , Paragraph 1 )
2. "Will be accessible by appointment to discuss items of concern relative to
Police activities." (Page 1 , bottom of page)
3. "Submits same to City Administrator." (Page 2, ParagrapWl)
Ms. Hinz seconded; motion carried. The changes to become effective
immediately.
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Mr. DiJulio explained that the Commission's adoption of the job description
means they have a reference document in respect to Rule 7 with which they have
something to work with and with respect to any position when disciplinary
matters are considered or when the department requests an examination,
particularly in the areas of the position of Chief.
Mr. Street moved to adjourn. Ms. Hinz seconded; motion carried. Meeting
adjourned at 8:45 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Amy E. Kato
Chairman T. Richard Reed
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