12-04 CSC MinutesRICHFIELD FIRE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION MEETING #269
DECEMBER 4, 2020 MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mary Stratton President/Commissioner Jeffrey Bruzek Vice President/Commissioner Jackie Harris Secretary/Commissioner OTHERS PRESENT: Wayne Kewitsch Fire Chief
Mike Dobesh Assistant Fire Chief Jenell Wood Fire Captain Tim Haider Fire Captain
Mark Armstrong Fire Captain Josh Nelson Fire Lieutenant Mark Butler Firefighter
Mark Watczak Firefighter Kevin O’Connell Firefighter Mike Ziskovsky Firefighter Charlie Keis Firefighter Andy Chapeau Firefighter Alisa Brakić Firefighter Krista Guzman Human Resources Manager Katie Rodriguez City Manager Pam Dmytrenko Assistant City Manager Kelly Wynn Senior Administrative Assistant I. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Commission President Stratton at 8:02 a.m.
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION MEETING OF NOVEMBER 2, 2020.
M/Stratton, S/ Harris to approve the minutes. Motion carried 2-0.
Vice President Bruzek joined meeting at 8:04 am.
III. APPROVAL OF THE FIRE CHIEF PROCESS
M/Stratton, S/ Harris to approve the Fire Chief process.
President Stratton stated how unfortunate it is to be having this meeting. She then welcomed Fire Chief Kewitsch to the meeting.
Fire Chief Kewitsch explained how we will be unable to return to the Richfield Fire Department. He believes the department is in a good place to move forward and he supports the process in place to promote a new Fire Chief. He then thanked all the commissioners for their dedication and service to Richfield. Secretary Harris stated she was happy to see Fire Chief Kewitsch happy and healthy.
City Manager Rodriguez thanked commissioners for their time. She reiterated Fire Chief Kewitsch unfortunately is unable to return to his position. She spoke of what a wonderful and
strong Fire Chief he has been as well as an integral part of the leadership team at the City of Richfield. She recommended keeping the application process internal to continue to build on the already strong structure that exists with the department. She plans to consult with Fire Chief Kewitsch on the next Fire Chief before one is appointed. Human Resources Manager Guzman stated again how no one wanted to have this meeting. She then reviewed the outline for the Fire Chief application including: internal post of five days, minimum requirements and process. The city is requesting a Bachelor’s Degree as they are on a path to professionalize the Fire Department along with the position being a Director position. Vice President Bruzek asked if the city is required to post the position externally.
Human Resources Manager Guzman stated she is not aware of the necessity to post externally.
Assistant City Manager Dmytrenko explained there is no requirement to post externally. She stated how the city has a long standing tradition to promote within, especially when there is a
strong candidate pool for the position. President Stratton agreed there is strong leadership existing in the department. She then stated she would like to have one or more commissioners involved in the interview panel. Fire Chief Kewitsch would welcome a commissioner to be a part of interviews however; having more than one commissioner would create a quorum and then be considered an open meeting. He recommended having only one commissioner attend the interviews. President Stratton agreed to keep this a closed interview but with the importance of the position she would like to have one commissioner involved.
Vice President Bruzek asked about discussion between commissioners regarding the interviews and when that would be considered an open meeting. President Stratton asked for clarification on the next steps consisting of opening the application process and then interviewing whomever is qualified.
Human Resources Manager Guzman confirmed the process. Staff will review applicant cover letters, qualifications and training experience to decide who will be invited for interviews. She then stated the plan is to hold interviews very soon after the closing of the position. President Stratton believes it is important to move quickly to continue having strong leadership and stability within the department. City Manager Rodriguez explained after a choice has been made for a new Fire Chief, the decision needs to be ratified by the City Council and will be done so a the January 12, 2021 meeting per City Charter.
Motion carried 3-0.
IV. OTHER BUSINESS
Assistant Wynn reminded commissioners the applications are open for commissions and will
be available until December 31, 2020. Secretary Harris’ term is up and she will need to reapply. Since Secretary Harris took over an existing term with only one year remaining, it will not count
toward a regular three year term.
President Stratton thanked Chief Kewitsch for all he has done to support the City of Richfield and its residents including his friendship. She spoke of the legacy he will be leaving that will be second to none.
Secretary Harris thanked Chief Kewitsch for his commitment to the city and community.
Vice President Bruzek echoed comments of appreciation to Fire Chief Kewitsch for his service and dedication.
President Stratton asked about communication moving forward regarding interviews.
Assistant Wynn confirmed she would be in touch as staff finalized dates and times.
Vice President Bruzek asked for clarification on if there are multiple candidates if the same commissioner will need to sit in on all the interviews.
President Stratton confirmed the same commissioner will partake in interviews if multiple candidates apply. She then wished all applicants best of luck during the process.
V.ADJOURNMENT
M/Stratton, S/Bruzek to adjourn the Civil Service Commission meeting at 8:22 a.m.
Motion carried 3-0
Submitted by:
Kelly Wynn Senior Administrative Assistant
Date of Approval: December 15, 2020 _________________________ Mary Stratton, President
_________________________ Jeffrey Bruzek, Vice President
_________________________ Jackie Harris, Secretary