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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCIV 1979-10-16 Minutes CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION ' CITY OF NORTH RICHLAND HILLS OCTOBER 16, 1979 7:00 P.M. Chairman Bi11 Betts called the meeting to order in the Council Chambers. ROLL CALL: COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT Bill J. Betts, Chairman Bob L. Henderson, Vice Chairman Helen Cline, Civil Sexvice Secretary OTHERS PRESENT Large Group of Employees Approval of Minutes: Mr. Henderson made a motion to accept the Minutes of September llth as presented. Mr. Betts seconded the motion; motion carried by a vote of 2- 0. AGENDA Item 1. Consider Job Descriptions for (a) Commercial Building Inspector, (b) Building Official - The Commission read the request and the new specifications for the position of Commercial Building Inspector. As they discussed the education requirement and experience necessary, they asked Mr. Anderson to explain these needs. Mr. Anderson sta~ed he could not afford to hire a trainee, that he needed five years experience; and that it is better for all concerned since we are on the Uniform Building Code. Mr. Betts made a motion to accept the job description No. 270 for Commercial Building Inspector. Mr. Hendexson seconded the motion; motion carried by a vote of 2- 0. The existing job description for Code Enforcement Official No. 209 was submitted for the purpose of a title change and minor changes in the necessary special requirements. The new title is to be Building Official. Length of experience was increased to 7 years and formal training in residential and commercial construction. (Delete the requirement for a 2-year degree.) The word "orally" was changed to "verbally". Mr. Henderson made a motion to accept the changes in No. 209 as presented in the request from Mr. Anderson. Mr. Betts seconded the motion; motion carried by a vote ~ of 2-0. Minutes October 16, 1979 Page 2 AGENDA Item 2. Consider Proposal for Use of Vacation Time - Chairma.n Betts read aloud the memo from the City Manager, requesting consideration of the pilot program. The proposal was to offer 1 1/2 vacation days for each authorized day of vacation, to members of the "outside crews" in the Street and Parks/Recreation Sections (only). If they take their vacation in the months of December or January for this one year only. Mr. Betts made a motion to recommend this pilot program for a 1-year period, to be on a voluntary basis. Mr. Henderson seconded the motion; motion carried by a vote of 2- 0. Mr. Henderson explained that this is a test program which offers incentive for the employee and that it is strictly voluntary. Mr. Anderson stated that the program was applicable to outside workers whose duties are deferred because of inclement weather conditions during December and January. He explained that the idea is to benefit the City, not the employee; it is not a benefit program. The Utility Department crews are not included because their work is not deferrable. AGENDA Item 4. Complaint Procedure - The Commission chose to take this item ahead of Item 3 on the agenda. Mr. Betts stated that there are some employees who repeatedly make complaints to the Civil Service Secretary wh~ch possibly should be made direct to the Commission members. If it is a valid complaint, perhaps should be put into writing and follow the procedure for getting it before the Commission. He asked the employees to cooperate and not force the Commission to require all complaints to be put into writing. He added, their telephone numbers are readily available through the Personnel Office. Mr. Henderson clarified by saying that there are usually three members of the Board and the CS Secretary is only one, and cannot possibly relay all of the informa.tion. Facts.that are written can be communicated more effic tently. Mr. Betts said no motion would be necessary for this item. AGENDA Item 3. Consider Charter Changes - Mr. Betts, Chairman, made opening statements to all the employees who were attending the meeting because of their concern for the possible deletion of the cost of living increases from the Charter. The Commission is concerned for what is best for all the whole City. Realizing that Minutes ~ October 16, 1979 Page 3 inflation costs have escalated more rapidly and higher than was expected when the Charter was wriCten, consequently, the annual salary increases total around $300,000 this year. The Commission researched what our neighbor cities are doing. ~indings are that others do have pay plans but they are not locked into the Chartex. The Chairman explained further, that the recommendation was ma.de last April 12th for deleting the cost of living increases from the City Charter. It will now be placed on the Council agenda and "if approved" would be put before the citizens for voting. In the meantime, work will be continuing toward implementing an alternate pay plan. He asked for recommendations of plans, merit or steps or combination of all. At this time, the Chairman opened the floor to any of the employees who wished to speak. Mr. Anderson spoke from the perspective of a department head, reminding us that the Civil Service Commission does not invent these things and that 15% inflation doesn't happen ~ all the time. He pointed out one disadvantage to our present system is that we are unable to reward our best people. The poorest and best all get the same. This is not always a good deal because there is no way of recognizing the best. 5everal of the employees from various departments had questions or remarks to be considered. All was conducted in an orderly manner. The Police Department submitted a letter expressing their views regarding the cost of living increases. The Fire Aepartment also submitted a letter which will be considered. The consensus of opinion of the Commission is that there is dissension between the employees and the City Council. In summary, they say, "i~fe've trusted them before and they never did anything". Mr. Henderson made a motion to ad3ourn the meeting for informal di ussions following. Mr. Betts seconded the mo~ion; e meeting was adjourned. ~ ~ ° ILL J. BETTS, IRMAN ~ He n Cline, Civil Service Secretary 270 GOM~I~NT'.CIAL EU:ILDII~G INSPP:CTOR t:Al'tTR~~, OT' j•~Oit?~ . ' Th3.s is sk:illed inspectional ~aork iii securing compliance ~aith city, caun~y, and state codes and regulations governing the construction, alteration, and repair`of buildings, and enEorc.ejnent of rela~cd ordinances. Work involve5 responsibi.lity far inspecting a~variety of builc~ings and construction prajects to determine ~ihether plans, wc~rlcra~nship, and materials conform witli _legally establishecl building, zoning, and subdivisi.on control r~quirements. Employees of this class c~~ork independently on field ic.spections, ancT inust nial:e decisions ~xercising technical judgement. tdorlc is scib~ect to review by an administrative sup~rior through discussions and repor[s. . ~.XE1IiPLES OF t;TOi.l: PI~RFOR~:ED ~ Inspects new construction for possession of permits; ctiecks ~or conformity ~~ith huilding codes and appraved plans and specification reqtkirements; checks soil COIlC1S.Cl~I1S for fo~ting, size of excavations, set'bacIcs, and braces, partitions, ancl oth;.r buildin~ conlpo~lents. . Inspects a11 types of construction; inter_prets electrical, mecl~anical, and buil~ling and zoning codes and regulations to contractors, horneowner.s, and genzr.al public; inspects meclian.ical, electrical, ,bui2dii~~ and heat:i.nb ~n a.ll typc~ of construction: Chec~E:s for posse~sion of p~rrni.t ancl conforn?_ity t~ laco, ~11 alterations, major repa~ss, and additi~ns to Uuildings azid other structures. . ~ • Inspects elect-r.ica:L installati_ans and equipment for campl:i.~.nce r:ith provis=ians of. l.ocal and national elec~rical coctes; issures not:icE>s to pe~sc~r.s invol.~te~l wh~x~ e~ectr~icaZ anstaliat_icns ~re found to be defe:ct:Eve; " n~a~es r.ecorrur,endations on correct metl~a:~s o£ installation; testifies 3.n r_otlrt ir~ casc~s involving cod~ ox ordinance ti~iolztions":. Prepares and raaintains necessarS records and reparts. Perforr,~s related ~;~orlc as assigned. REQIJIRE'~i~:NT5 OF [dORK Thorou~h lcn.ow3.ed~e of the i~~ettiods, materials, and tec:hniques invol_vea i.n a~l tppes of buildin~; construction, re~air, and alteration. • 7'liorough knacaled~e of possi_ble d~feets ancl flaws in bui.lcl:ing can-- ~ s[ructiar. aud of effective correct:ive iaeasures. Consi.derable knoc•~led~;e of regulat:ions and ta~as relatin~ to t~uildi.ug ~ constr.uction ancl zoning, aiid r.elatea ordinances. , • ~ ~ , ~ / O ' Abllity t~ detect and locate defective warkminshi.p and nlaterials, and to as~ertain t.t:e stage of construction ~•Ttien deFects are most easily found and remeclied. Ability to establish ar~d maintain effective re7atzonsliips ~J_itii other e.nployees, craftsmen, building o~aners, contractors, and the public. Ability to understand and ~;or1: from plzns; draTJings, and diagrams. Ability to preseiit ic~eas effectively, verbally, and in writing. D~SZ~:ABLE EXPERIEIC~' AND TRAINT.NG . Any combination of experi_ence and training equivalent to thorough experience in residential and co~nercial construction, and graduation fror; a senior high school. , NECESSAT'•Y SPECZAL REQUI~.~.?lENT Licensed as a plunbing inspector in Te;~as. ~ . ~ . CITY OF NORTH RICHLAND FIILLS - September 1979 ~ ! . : ~ ~ 209 ~ BUILDING OFFICIAL ~ NATURE OF WORK This is skilled supervisory and inspection work in securing compliance with city, county, and state codes and regulations governing the construction, alteration, and repair of buildings, and enforcement of related ordinances. Work involves responsibility for supervision of clerical and inspection personnel, a variety of buildings and construction projects to determine whether plans, workmanship, and materials conform with legally established building, ~ zoning, and subdivision control requirements. Employees of this class work independently on field inspections, and must make decisions exercising technical judgement. Work is subject to review by an administrative superior through discussions and reports. ~ ' EXAMPLES OF WORK PERF'ORMED Supervises clerical and inspection staff engaged in building construction activities. Inspects new construction for possession of permits; checks for conformity with building codes and approved plans and specification requirements; checks soil conditions for footing, size of excavations, setbacks, and braces, partitions, and other building components. Inspects all types of construction; interprets electrical, mechanical, ~ and building and zoning codes and regulations to contractors, homeowners, and general public; inspects mechanical, electrical, building and heating in all types of construction; fills out and approves building, electrical, and mechanical permits, including valuation of permits. Checks for possession of permit and conformity to law; all alterations, major repairs, and additions to buildings and other structures. Inspects electrical installations and equipment for compliance with provisions of 1oca1 and national electrjcal cades; issues notices to persons ( involved where electrical installations are found to be defective; makes recom- mendations on correct methods of installation; testifies in court in cases involving code or ordinance violations. Prepares and maintains necessary records and reports. Performs related work as assigned. REQUIREMENTS OF WORK . Thorough knowledge of the methods, materials, and techniques involved in all types of building construction, repair and alteration. Thorough knowledge of possible defects and flaws in building construction and of effective corrective measures. ~ Considerable knowledge af regulations and laws relating ta building construction and zoning, and related ordinances. - 209 REQUIREMENTS OF WORK Ability to detect and locate defective workmanship and materials, and to ascertain the stage of construction when defects are most easily found and remedied. Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with other employees, craftsmen, building owners, contractor.s, and the public. Ability to understand and work from plans, drawings, and diagrams. Ability ro present ideas effectively, verbally and in writing. NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT Any combination of at least seven (7) years experience and formal training in residential and commercial construction. Experience in administration of zoning and sub-division regulations. Licensed as a plumbing inspector in Texas. CITX OF NORTH RICHLAND HILLS - September 1979 "