HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Civil Service Board - 12/15/2009 MINUTES
546th CIVIL SERVICE BOARD HEARING
1201 LEOPARD ST.,CITY HALL
HUMAN RESOURCES CONFERENCE ROOM
December 15,2009
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: CITY STAFF PRESENT:
Eileen Butler,Vice-Chairperson Cynthia C. Garcia,Director of
Susanne Bonilla,Member Human Resources
Jennifer Knox-Walker,Asst. City
Attorney
Foster Crowell,Director of
Wastewater
Deanna Galan,H.R. Analyst
Vice-Chairperson Butler called the 546th Civil Service Board hearing to order at 9:04 a.m. and
passed on item#1 until all board members are present.
ITEM#1: Review and approve the minutes of the 541st, 542nd 543`d, 544th, and the 545th
Civil Service Board hearings held on April 9, 2009, August 18, 2009,
September 3,2009, October 26,2009, and December 15,2009.
ITEM#2: Review and consider the termination of Michael Rodriguez, Wastewater
Collection Technician, Wastewater Department.
ITEM#3: Discuss the Rules and Regulations of the Civil Service Board.
Cynthia Garcia recommended putting item #3 on hold because Member Bonilla needed to
leave the hearing early. Vice-Chairperson Butler agreed.
All witnesses present were given the oath and the meaning of invoking the rule was explained
• by Vice-Chairperson Butler. Cynthia Garcia recommended allowing several employees from
the Wastewater department to return to work and be called as needed by the appellant's case.
Vice-Chairperson Butler agreed
Asst. City Attorney Jennifer Knox-Walker presented the city's opening statement. Michael
Rodriguez was terminated on March 17,2009,for failing a random breath alcohol test.
Roy Robinson, representative for United Steel Workers, presented the case for Michael
Rodriguez.
1 , •
The City called Deanna Galan as a witness. Deanna Galan is a Human Resources Analyst for
the City of Corpus Christi. Ms. Galan's primary responsibilities are administering the city's
drug and alcohol policies.
The City called Roxanne Garza as a witness. Roxanne Gomez is a Certified Medical Assistant
for The Doctors' Center. Ms. Garza's primary responsibilities include occupational/managed
care and working as a certified breath alcohol technician.
The City called Foster Crowell as a witness. Foster Crowell is the Director of Wastewater
Operations for the City of Corpus Christi. Mr. Crowell's primary responsibilities are the
overall management of the Wastewater department.
The City exhibits entered as evidence:
#1 —City Policy HR 15.4
#2—Acknowledgement form for HR 15.4
#3 —Acknowledgment form for HR 15.0
#4—New Employee Orientation form
#5—Alcohol test result
#6—Job description
#7—Contemplated Disciplinary action letter
#8—Civil Service Board letter
Asst. City Attorney rested and Roy Robinson asked for a recess. Vice-Chairperson Butler
recessed until 10:20 a.m.
The hearing resumed at 10:25 a.m.
Roy Robinson called Richard Gonzalez as a witness. Mr. Gonzalez stated Michael Rodriguez
worked on his crew at different times until Mr. Gonzalez retired.
Roy Robinson called Jose Garcia as a witness. Mr. Garcia stated Michael Rodriguez worked
for him when he was a foreman,for about one year.
Roy Robinson called Humberto Barbosa as a witness. Mr. Barbosa stated Michael Rodriguez
worked with him for about 11 years.
Roy Robinson called Jimmy Torres as a witness. Mr. Torres stated Michael Rodriguez worked
with him for 9-10 years.
Roy Robinson asked for recess. Vice-Chairperson recessed until 10:55 a.m.
The hearing resumed at 10:55 a.m.
Joan McKaughan, Asst. Director of Human Resources, stated one of the witnesses was not
sworn in,Jose Garcia.
Roy Robinson called Enrique Flores as a witness. Mr. Flores stated he has worked with
Michael Rodriguez for over 11 years.
Roy Robinson called Michael Rodriguez as a witness. Mr. Rodriguez stated he worked for the
city for over 11 years.
The employee exhibits entered as evidence:
#1 —Alcohol result form
#2—Administrative leave letter
#3 —Alcohol treatment program certification and letters
#4—Letters of appreciations,recognitions
#5—Terrance Ford letter
Roy Robinson asked for a recess.Vice-Chairperson Butler recessed until 11:45 a.m.
The hearing resumed at 11:48 a.m.
The City gave closing statement. Roy Robinson gave closing statement for Michael Rodriguez.
Vice-Chairperson Butler announced it was 11:54 a.m. and the board went into closed session.
Vice-Chairperson Butler announced it was 12:08 p.m. and the board was back in session.
Member Bonilla made a motion to uphold termination. Vice-Chairperson Butler second the
motion.
Vice-Chairperson Butler adjourned the meeting.
John P. Silvas, Chairperson Eileen Butler,Vice-Chairperson
Civil Service Board Civil Service Board
Susanne Bonilla, ember Cyntla C. Garcia, Secretary
Civil Service Board Civil Service Board