HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Civil Service Board - 01/12/2012MINUTES
553rd CIVIL SERVICE BOARD HEARING
120t LEOPARD ST., CITY HAIL
HUMAN RESOURCES CONFERENCE ROOM
January t2,2012
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: CITY STAFF PRESENT:
Susanne Bonilla, Chairperson Joan McKaughan, Interim Director of
llector Saenz, Member Human Resources
Catherine Lutz, Member Jennifer Knox-Walker, Asst. City
Attorney
Jennifer Freeman, H.R. Analyst
Chairperson Bonilla called the 553 Civil Service Board hearing to order at 9;07 aan.
ITEM #1 Review and approve the minutes of the 552"' Civil Service Board Hearing held
December 5, 2011.
TI'EM #2 Review and consider the appeal filed by Maria Gonzalez, Staff Assistant with the
Parks and Recreation Department, for her suspension.
Chairperson Bonilla read agenda item #1. Board Member Saenz made a motion to approve the minutes
and Catherine Lutz seconded. All members agreed and the minutes were approved.
All witnesses present were given the oath by Chairperson Bonilla and asked that the witnesses wait until called
and not to discuss the case amongst each other.
Assistant City Attorney Jennifer Knox- Walker asked to invoke the rule, and the witnesses were excused
to the HR Lobby.
Asst. City /attorney Jennifer Knox- Walker introduced herself and Michael Morris (Director of Parks and
Recreation) and presented the city's opening statement. Maria Gonzalez was received a 10 day suspension for
offensive conduct and language,
Roy Robinson, representative for Maria Gonzalez, presented an opening statement.
Asst. City Attorney Jennifer Knox- Walker called Corina Saenz, Sr. Human Resources Analyst, as a
witness. Ms. Saenz said that she has worked for the City for over 26 years.
The City presented exhibits and entered into evidence:
# 1: Corina Saenz's investigation into the incident
Attachment 1: Ms. Gonzalez's statement dated 1 1/15/2011
Attachment 2-16: Statements from witnesses of the incident
#2: HR 21.0 Workplace Violence Prevention
113: Maria Gonzalez's signed acknowledgment forms for fI R 21,0
#4: Letter of Reprimand for Maria Gonzalez dated September 12, 2003
#5: Three Day Suspension for Maria Gonzalez dated November 22, 2004
46: Letter of Reprimand for Maria Gonzalez dated July 9, 2008
Chairperson Bonilla announced a break at 10:08 a.m.
Chairperson Bonilla announced that the Hearing will resume at 10:17 a.m.
The City called Linda Fernandez as a witness, volunteer at I.,indale Senior Center. Testimany was
provided as to the knife that was raised in the incident.
The City called JoAnn Zuelna as a witness, volunteer at Lindale Senior Center,
The City identified Elsa Munoz, Senior Community Services Superintendent, as she was escorting the witnesses
to and froth the Hearing.
The City called Michael Morris, Director of Parks and Recreation, as a witness.
Ttie City presented exhibits and entered into evidence:
#7: Contemplated Letter for Maria Gonzalez dated December 6, 2011
#8: Ten Day Suspension better for Maria Gonzalez dated December 8, 2011
Roy Robinson, representative for Maria Gonzalez, called Maria Gonzalez as a witness, and she provided
testimony.
In cross examination, The City presented into evidence:
#9: Maria Gonzalez's Docket Control Form
The City identified Lisa Ol iver as an escort for the witnesses.
Roy Robinson called Forrest Shindler as a witness, and lie provided testimony.
Roy Robinson re- called Maria Gonzalez on rebuttal.
Roy Robinson asked for a recess.
Chairperson Bonilla called for a break at 11:25 a.m.
Chairperson Bonilla called the meeting to order at 11.30 a.m.
Roy Robinson called Lloyd Pena as a witness and he provided testimony.
Roy Robinson re- called Maria Gonzalez and she provided testimony as to her position at the Senior Center.
Assistant City Attorney Jennifer Knox - Walker presented the City's closing; statement.
Roy Robinson presented the closing statement for Maria Gonzalez.
Chairperson Bonilla announced that the Hearing was to begin closed session at 11:49 a.rn.
Chairperson Bonilla announced that the Hearing was in open session at 12:05 p.m.
Board Member Lutz made a motion to have the suspension upheld, Board Member Saenz seconded.
Chairperson Bonilla announced that the suspension was upheld.
Chairperson Bortilla adjoUrned the imetiiig at 12:06 p.En.
Susanne Bonilla, Acting Chairperson. Hector Saenz, Member
Civil Service Commission Civil Service Commission
Catherine Lutz, Member Y mine Chapman, Secret' ary
Civil Service Commission ivil Service Commission