06-10-09 Police Civil Service Commission Meeting minutes

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Civil Service Commission Meetinf;! Minutes June 10, 2009 1. Call to Order The meeting was called to order by Keith Trainer at 5:00 pm 2. Consider approval of minutes from February 3, 2009 meeting. Les made the motion to pass the minutes, Mike seconded, motion carried 3. Consider approval of minutes from October 13, 3008 meeting. Les made the motion to pass the minutes, Mike seconded, motion carried 4. Discussion and possible action to amend La Porte Civil Service Rules to allow for the lateral hiring of experienced police officer, Certified Texas State Peace Officers, and/or otherwise qualified mature applicants. Chief made a presentation to the Commission to adopt a lateral entry program. Chief stated the program would be less expensive and much quicker to get an officer on the streets. Keith Trainer asked if a certified officer had already been through the academy, would he have to go through the Academy again? Chief Adcox: No sir, he would not. We would however, have to go to Council for the pay provision portion of this policy. He would not receive any seniority, just the pay increase. Keith Trainer: Would they have to submit to all of the standard processes? Chief Adcox: Yes sir they would. Les Bird: So what is the difference, the pay grade? Chief Adcox: Yes, sir. Les Bird: So, we would change our current practice to skip down the list to hire a certified police officer before a non certified police officer, but the pay grade is actually a rule change, not a policy change? Keith Trainer: Where in Chapter 143 can we do this? My understanding of the Civil Service Commission is that we can only do things in accordance with Chapter 143. Chief Adcox: This has all been reviewed by our legal counsel, but I can certainly have them submit something. Keith Trainer: My concern is, "Is this legal for us to do as a Commission?" Can anyone comment on that? Richard Aman: I am from CLEAT and the association and the city are in Meet and Confer and have a contract, so the contract could actually solve your problem. Keith Trainer: I understand that, but until it occurs, Meet and Confer has nothing to do with the Civil Service Commission or Civil Service Law. We are not interested in Meet and Confer here. The whole reason for Civil Service is because 10% of the citizens of La Porte signed a petition and the citizens of La Porte voted for it. I believe the Chief has the authority to change the practice, but I am not sure if he has the authority to change the pay. Do the members of the Commission have any concerns? Les Bird - I do not have any problems other than the rule change, I did some research before this meeting. I believe the officers are even in favor of this and it would benefit the City. Mike Garcia - What do the officers think?