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APPOINTMENT TO THE STOCKTON CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
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RECOMMENDATION
Resolution appointing two commissioners the Civil Service Commission/Equal Employment Commission for terms commencing July 1, 2016 and ending June 30, 2019.
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Summary
On June 30, 2016 the terms of Chair Pamela Sloan and Commissioner Sarbjeet Singh will expire, thus creating two vacant terms to be filled in accordance with Council Policy Chapter 3.04, City Council and Mayoral Appointments to Boards, Commissions, and Committees. Step 1 of the process requires the City Clerk to conduct the applicant interviews, which were conducted on March 25, 2016. Ten applications were received and five individuals were interviewed. The interviews were recorded and broadcast on the City’s website so that they could be viewed through the archive by the members of the City Council before tonight’s meeting. Step 2 which is the City Council appointment process, is scheduled for this evening.
DISCUSSION
Background
Pursuant to Stockton Charter Article XXV, Sections 2502 and 2503, the City Council appoints the five-member Civil Service Commission; each term is for three years. The function of the Stockton Civil Service Commission is as follows:
- To adopt, amend or repeal rules for the Civil Service System
- To investigate either upon complaint or upon its own motion concerning any matter touching the administration of the Civil Service Commission
- To act in an advisory capacity to the City Manager on problems concerning personnel administration
- As provided by rule, to hear appeals of dismissals, demotions, or reductions submitted by any person in the competitive service. Prepare or cause to be prepared a written statement of facts, findings, and recommendations on every appeal. The effect of the Commission’s recommendation in case of discharge, demotion or reduction shall be final and binding upon all parties.
- To make an annual report and such other reports as it deems desirable to the City Council covering the administration of the personnel system.
The three-year terms of Pamela Sloan and Sarbjeet Singh will expire on June 30, 2016, which will create the two vacancies we are seeking to fill this evening. Both terms for the newly appointed Commissioners will commence July 1, 2016 and will end on June 30, 2019.
The Office of the City Clerk initiated the recruitment to fill the vacancies, which opened on January 19, 2016. The City accepted applications up until February 11, 2016. The vacancy announcement was posted on the City’s Boards and Commissions web page and hard copies of the notices were posted on the City’s public posting boards. A request to publish a public service announcement was sent to the Stockton Record and local Chambers of Commerce, public organizations, City Council members, and other City staff were notified of the vacancy announcement via email.
Council Policy Chapter 3.02 requires that there be one more applicant interviewed than there are vacancies to be filled. By the close of the recruitment period, nine applications were received to fill the two positions.
Pursuant to Council Policy Chapter 3.02, City Council and Mayoral Appointments to Boards, Commissions, and Committees, the following two-step interview and appointment process is used to fill current vacancies on boards and commissions:
1. The City Clerk conducts the initial applicant interviews, which are recorded so that the Council can view from the archive; and,
2. The Council makes the appointment at a regularly scheduled Council meeting.
The City Clerk's Office scheduled interviews on April 4, 2016 using a list of prepared questions approved by the Human Resource Department. Three of the nine applicants responded to the invitation to interview.
1. Judith Chambers
2. Sarbjeet Singh
3. Pamela Sloan
The applicants were notified of tonight's meeting; however, their attendance is not mandatory unless any Councilmember had additional questions of an applicant. If additional questions are asked of the applicants, the City Attorney has confirmed that the same question or questions do not need to be posed to all applicants.
Present Situation
Tonight the City Council will proceed with the following method for appointment pursuant to Council Policy Chapter 3.02:
A. From the list so provided to the Council, each Councilmember, including the Mayor, will rank the applicants for each Commissioner such that the number of applicants that each Councilmember ranks will be one number greater than the number of vacancies and/or the number of Commission members whose terms will be expiring. (This will likely avoid tie votes.) For example, if there is only one vacancy or only one term expiring, the Councilmember’s first choice for appointment will be ranked with the number “2” and the Councilmember’s second choice with the number “1.” If because of a vacancy and/or because of an expiring term, there is more than one appointment to a Commission, the Councilmember will assign to the Councilmember’s first choice the higher(est) number and lesser number(s) to the Councilmember’s other choice(s). For example, if there were one vacancy and one term expiring, each Councilmember would rank three applicants, assigning the number “3” to the Councilmember’s first choice, the number “2” to the Councilmember’s second choice and the number “1” to the third choice.
B. After the Council has ranked the applicants, the City Clerk will tally the rankings and the applicant(s) receiving the highest number(s) would, subject to Council ratification, be appointed. If there is a tie, then the process described in A above will be repeated only as to the applicants who are tied.
The City Clerk will present the resolution upon appointment of the individuals selected to fill two vacancies beginning July 1, 2016 with both terms ending on June 30, 2019.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
Civil Service Commissioners receive $25.00 remuneration per meeting with a monthly maximum of $150.00. There are sufficient funds available in account number
010-1621-510.01-12 Compensation Boards and Commissions.
Attachment A - Redacted Applications