A
G E N D ASTATE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
APPEAL HEARINGS
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1999
(HEARING ROOM, SECOND FLOOR, 1201 CAPITOL ACCESS ROAD, BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, (ANNEX BUILDING BEHIND THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND DEVELOPMENT BUILDING))
1) 9:00 a.m. Public hearing of the appeals of LINDA A. FONTENETTE vs. HOUSING AUTHORITY OF LAFAYETTE AND DEPARTMENT OF STATE CIVIL SERVICE, Docket Nos. 13248 and 13376 (consolidated.) Mark E. Falcon representing the appellant; Daniel James Stanford representing the Housing Authority of Lafayette; Robert R. Boland, Jr. representing the Department of State Civil Service. THE APPEALS WERE SETTLED.
2) 9:00 a.m. Public hearing of the appeal of LINDA DUSCOE vs. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, (OFFICE OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT), Docket No. 13433. Floyd J. Falcon, Jr. representing the appellant; Erich P. Rapp representing the appellee. THE APPEAL WAS SETTLED.
3) 9:00 a.m. Public hearing of the appeal of TERRY GRIFFIN vs. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORRECTIONS, (JETSON CORRECTIONAL CENTER FOR YOUTH), Docket No. 13384. Mark E. Falcon representing the appellant; Annette Viator representing the appellee. THE APPEAL WAS HEARD BY THE COMMISSION AND TAKEN UNDER ADVISEMENT.
4) 9:00 a.m. Public hearing of the appeal of LINDA ALESSI vs. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HOSPITALS, (OFFICE OF PUBLIC HEALTH) AND DEPARTMENT OF STATE CIVIL SERVICE, Docket No. 13465. Mark E. Falcon representing the appellant; Mary Horrell representing the Department of Health and Hospitals; Robert R. Boland, Jr. representing the Department of State Civil Service. THE APPEAL WAS SETTLED.
5) 9:00 a.m. Public hearing of the appeal of BERTHA JENKINS vs. STATE LICENSING BOARD FOR CONTRACTORS AND DEPARTMENT OF STATE CIVIL SERVICE, Docket No. 13472. Gerard N. Torry representing the appellant; Paul J. McMahon, III representing the State Licensing Board for Contractors; Robert R. Boland, Jr. representing the appellee. THE APPEAL WAS WITHDRAWN.
STATE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION MEETING
GENERAL BUSINESS SESSION
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1999
(HEARING ROOM, SECOND FLOOR, 1201 CAPITOL ACCESS ROAD, BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, (ANNEX BUILDING BEHIND THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND DEVELOPMENT BUILDING))
6) Director’s Report – (NO ATTACHMENT.)
7) Employee Opportunity to Address the Commission. (NO ATTACHMENT.) NO EMPLOYEES WERE SCHEDULED TO ADDRESS THE COMMISSION.
8) SECURE Report to the Commission. (Appearance by Mr. Mark Drennen and Mr. G. Lee Griffin.) THE REPORT WAS DEFERRED UNTIL THE OCTOBER COMMISSION MEETING.
9) Public hearing to consider proposed changes to the Classification and Pay Plan THE COMMISSION ADOPTED ALL OF THE PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE CLASSIFICATION AND PAY PLAN.
The following exhibits have been given interim approval by the Civil Service Director since the February 4, 1998 Pay Hearing and are already in effect:
EXHIBIT A: Jobs Added to the Pay Plan Since the February 4, 1998 Pay Hearing
EXHIBIT B: Job Title Changes to the Pay Plan Since the February 4, 1998 Pay Hearing
EXHIBIT C:Jobs Abolished from the Pay Plan Since the February 4, 1998 Pay Hearing
EXHIBIT D:Job Pay Grade Changes to the Pay Plan Since the February 4, 1998 Pay Hearing
EXHIBIT E:Job Minimum Qualification Changes Since the February 4, 1998 Pay Hearing
The following exhibits have not been given interim approval by the Civil Service Director. The changes will not become effective unless adopted by the Civil Service Commission and approved by the Governor. If adopted by the Commission and approved by the Governor, the effective date will be set by the Governor.
EXHIBIT F: New Jobs Proposed for Addition to the Pay Plan Since the February 4, 1998 Pay Hearing
EXHIBIT G:Job Title Changes Proposed for the Pay Plan Since the February 4, 1998 Pay Hearing
EXHIBIT H:Job Pay Grade Changes Proposed for the Pay Plan Since the February 4, 1998 Pay Hearing
10) Consideration of the request of the Lake Charles Harbor and Terminal District for authority, under the provisions of Civil Service Rule 4.1(d)2, for a two-year extension of the unclassified authority for the following positions, commencing November 8, 1999 and ending November 8, 2001: (Appearance by a Representative with the Lake Charles Harbor and Terminal District.) THE COMMISSION GRANTED THE REQUEST.
1 Executive Assistant
1 Finance Director
1 Maintenance Director
1 Operations Director
6 Marketing positions:
1 Director
4 Managers
1 Public Affairs Officer
11) Consideration of the request of the Louisiana Public Broadcasting for authority, under the provisions of Civil Service Rule 4.1(d)2, for an extension of the unclassified authority for one position of Director of Marketing/Development. (Appearance by a Representative of the Louisiana Public Broadcasting
.) THE COMMISSION GRANTED THE REQUEST.12) Consideration of the request of the Department of Public Safety for authority, under the provisions of Civil Service Rule 4.1(d)2, for one unclassified position of Assistant Secretary. (Appearance by a Representative of the Department of Public Safety.)
THE COMMISSION GRANTED THE REQUEST.13) Consideration of the requests of the Department of Health and Hospitals, (Office of Mental Health-Orleans Parish), for authority, under the provisions of Civil Service Rules 17.14(b)9 and 17.23.1(b) for certain exceptions to the regular layoff rules, as outlined in the Director’s letter dated August 26, 1999. (Appearance by a Representative with the Department of Health and Hospitals.) THE COMMISSION GRANTED THE REQUESTS.
14) Consideration of the request of the Department of Public Safety, (Data Processing Section), for authority, under the provisions of Civil Service Rule 6.16(c), for an individual pay rate increase for Jolene Robins, I/S Applications Programmer 1 (GS-13) that entails raising her monthly salary from $1746 to $2074, which is the mid-point of the range. (Appearance by a Representative with the Department of Public Safety.) THE COMMISSION GRANTED THE REQUEST.
15) Consideration of the request of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, (Hunt Correctional Institute), for authority, under the provisions of Civil Service Rule 6.16(a), for a one-time payment in premium pay in the amount of $250 for Helen Horton, Corrections Food Manager 4 for completion of the Professional Food Manager course. (Appearance by a Representative with the Department of Public Safety and Corrections.) THE COMMISSION GRANTED THE REQUEST.
16) Consideration of the following requests for exceptions to the mandatory pay reduction upon demotion, under the provisions of Civil Service Rule 6.10(d): THE COMMISSION GRANTED ALL OF THE FOLLOWING REQUESTS.
1) DHH-Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities, (Hammond Developmental Center), for Jeannie J. White. Ms. White voluntarily demoted, effective September 13, 1999 from the job of Accounting Specialist 2 (GS-11) to the job of Accounting Specialist 1 (GS-9). This will allow her to demote and retain her current rate of pay at $1960 per month.
2) DHH-Office of Public Health, (Acadian Regional Office), for Celina Tate-Guidry. Ms. Guidry voluntarily demoted, effective April 19, 1999 from the job of Registered Nurse 2 (MS-62) to the job of Public Health Nurse 1 (MS-61). This will allow her to demote and retain her current rate of pay at $2605 per month.
3) DHH-Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities, (Metropolitan Developmental Center) for Raymond Lemieux. Mr. Lemieux voluntarily demoted, effective January 25, 1999 from the job of Habilitation Instructor 1 (GS-12) to the job of Resident Training Specialist (GS-7). This will allow him to demote and retain his current rate of pay at $1582 per month.
4) DHH-Office of Public Health for Vanessa Tally. Ms. Tally demoted, effective July 12, 1999 from the job of Accounting Clerk (GS-8) to the job of Clerk 3 (GS-7). This will allow her to demote and retain her current rate of pay at $1165 per month.
5) DHH-Office of Alcohol and Drug Abuse, (Northlake Alcohol and Drug Abuse Clinic), for Hildra R. Martin. Ms. Martin demoted, effective May 3, 1999, from the job of Social Services Specialist 3-Child Protection Investigator (GS-17) to the job of Alcohol/Drug Abuse Social Worker 2 (GS-16). This will allow her to demote and have her pay set at the maximum of the lower range at $3165 per month.
6) LSUMC-Health Care Services Division, (Lallie Kemp Medical Center), for John Morgan. Mr. Morgan voluntarily demoted, effective August 9, 1999 from the job of Operating Engineer 2 (GS-12) to the job of Safety Program Coordinator Trainee (GS-11). This will allow him to demote and retain his current rate of pay at $1722 per month.
7) Department of Public Safety and Corrections, (Dixon Correctional Institute), for Edward P. Peters. Mr. Peters voluntarily demoted, effective May 26, 1999 from the job of Corrections Lieutenant (GS-13) to the job of Corrections Sergeant (GS-11). This will allow him to demote and retain his current rate of pay at $2036 per month.
8) Department of Public Safety, (Public Safety Services), for Kristi Woodward. Ms. Woodward voluntarily demoted, effective August 2, 1999 from the job of Administrative Secretary (GS-11) to the job of Word Processor Supervisor (GS-10). This will allow her to demote and retain her current rate of pay at $1733 per month.
17) Reconsideration of the request of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections for authority, under the provisions of Civil Service Rule 12.5, to suspend Scott Brumfield and Oscar Coney pending criminal proceedings. (Appearance by a Representative with the Department of Public Safety and Corrections.)
THE COMMISSION DENIED THE REQUEST.18) Reconsideration of the request of the Orleans Levee District for authority, under the provisions of Civil Service Rule 12.5, to suspend Eric Barton pending criminal proceedings. (Appearance by a Representative of the Orleans Levee District.) THE REQUEST WAS DEFERRED UNTIL THE OCTOBER COMMISSION MEETING.
19) Consideration of the Requests for Special Entrance Rates. THE COMMISSION APPROVED THE REQUESTS AS RECOMMENDED BY THE DEPARTMENT.
20) Consideration of the Minutes of the Commission Meeting held on August 3-4, 1999. THE COMMISSION APPROVED THE MINUTES AS WRITTEN.
21) Consideration of the request of the Director, for authority, under the provisions of Civil Service Rule 7.20(d), to place the following job titles in the shortage category: THE COMMISSION GRANTED THE REQUEST.
1) Medical Certification Specialist 1
2) Medical Certification Specialist 2
3) Medical Certification Regional Manager
4) Medical Certification Program Manager 1
5) Medical Certification Program Manager 2
6) Health Standards Medical Certification Manager
22) Decision from the Court of Appeal, First Circuit, on a Civil Service Commission Appeal.
THE COMMISSION TOOK NOTE OF THE DECISION. NO ACTION WAS REQUIRED.23) 10:30 a.m. Commission Work Session.
24) 11:00 a.m. Applications for Review.
25) 12:00 Noon Consideration of Formal Charges.
SUPPLEMENTAL A G E N D A
STATE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
GENERAL
BUSINESS SESSION
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1999
(HEARING ROOM, SECOND FLOOR, 1201 CAPITOL ACCESS ROAD, BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, (ANNEX BUILDING BEHIND THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND DEVELOPMENT BUILDING))
1) General Business No. 9 – Addendum to the Public Hearing to consider proposed changes to the Classification and Pay Plan.
THE COMMISSION APPROVED THE ADDENDUMS AS PROPOSED.
ADDENDUM TO EXHIBIT F: New Jobs Proposed for Addition to the Pay Plan Since the February 4, 1998 Pay Hearing.
ADDENDUM TO EXHIBIT H: Job Pay Grade Changes Proposed for the Pay Plan Since the February 4, 1998 Pay Hearing.
2) General Business No. 15 – Addendum to the requests for one-time payments in premium pay, under the provisions of Civil Service Rule 6.16(a):
THE COMMISSION APPROVED ALL OF THE FOLLOWING REQUESTS.1) Department of Revenue - $250 for Leonard E. Prean for completing training for Raid Planning and High Risk Warrant Service – 40 hours
2) Department of Revenue - $250 for Joseph Doyle for completing Alcohol Enforcement training – 40 hours
3) Department of Revenue - $250 for Rebecca Robertson for completion of Operational Skills for Law Enforcement training – 51 hours.
4) Department of Revenue - $250 for Ronald C. Kinchen for completion of Operational Skills for Law Enforcement training – 51 hours.
5) Louisiana State Employees’ Retirement System - $1,000 for Arthur Fillastre, Auditor 2, for completing the requirements for certification by the Institute of Internal Auditors and being awarded the professional designation of Certified Internal Auditors.
6) Department of Public Safety and Corrections - $500 for Susan Indest for receiving a Certificate in Supervisory Techniques through the CPTP Program.
7) Division of Administration - $500 for Joseph M. Lee for the attainment of the certification of Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer.
3) General Business No. 16 – Addendum to the requests for exceptions to the mandatory pay reduction upon demotion, under the provisions of Civil Service Rule 6.10(d):
THE COMMISSION APPROVED ALL OF THE FOLLOWING REQUESTS.10) Department of Insurance for Evella L. Collins. She demoted from the job of Compliance Programs Specialist 4 (GS-18) to the job of Compliance Programs Specialist 3 (GS-16). This will allow her to retain her current rate of pay at $2156 per month.
11) LSUMC-Health Care Services Division for Juanita Milton. She demoted, effective January 19, 1999, from the job of Health Services Accounts Supervisor (GS-12) to the job of Accounting Specialist 2 (GS-11). This will allow her to demote and have her pay set at the maximum of the lower range at $2257 per month.
12) Capital Area Human Services District for Valerie Gray. She demoted, effective September 15, 1999, from the job of Correctional Clinical Social Worker 2 (GS-17) to the job of OCDD Community Services Specialist (GS-16). This will allow her to demote and retain her current rate of pay at $2936 per month.
13) Louisiana State University for Gaila Starns. She demoted, effective September 7, 1999, from the job of Clerk Chief 2 (GS-10) to the job of Clerk Chief 1 (GS-9). This will allow her to demote and retain her current rate of pay at $1335 per month.
14) Department of Transportation and Development for Jackie Rhodus. She demoted, effective September 6, 1999, from the job of Word Processing Operations Supervisor (GS-10) to the job of Engineering Tech 1 (GS-8). This will allow her to demote and retain her current rate of pay at $1385 per month.
15) Department of Transportation and Development for Janis L. Coleman. She demoted, effective March 15, 1999, from the job of Case Worker Assistant DHH (GS-9) to the job of Clerk 4 (GS-8). This will allow her to demote and retain her current rate of pay at $1194 per month.
16) Department of Transportation and Development for Lillian L. Smiley. She demoted, effective July 12, 1999, from the job of Clerk 3 (GS-7) to the job of Clerk 2 (GS-6). This will allow her to demote and retain her current rate of pay at $1084 per month.
17) Department of Public Safety and Corrections for Anna D. Lemoine. She demoted, effective September 6, 1999, from the job of Clerk Chief 1 (GS-9) to the job of Health Information Processor (GS-8). This will allow her to demote and retain her current rate of pay at $1646 per month.
18) LSU Agricultural Center for Johnnie Watts. He demoted from the job of Research Farm Specialist 1 (GS-9) to the position of Research Farm Assistant 2 (GS-7). This will allow him to demote and retain his current rate of pay at $1350 per month.
19) Department of Economic Development for Vera L. Brown. She demoted, effective September 15, 1999, from the job of Executive Secretary (GS-13) to the job of Purchasing Agent 1 (GS-12). This will allow her to demote and retain her current rate of pay at $1694 per month.
20) Northeast Louisiana University for Barbara White. She demoted, effective July 6, 1999, from the job of Caseworker Assistant (GS-9) to the job of Secretary 1 (GS-7). This will allow her to demote and retain her current rate of pay at $1344 per month.
4) General Business No. 19 – Addendum to the requests for Special Entrance Rates.
THE REQUESTS WERE APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED BY THE DEPARTMENT.5) Request of the Department of Natural Resources, (Coastal Restoration Division), for authority, under the provisions of Civil Service Rule 6.10(d), for an unconditional, permanent approval for an exception to the mandatory pay reduction upon demotion for Mary Clare Senette. Ms. Senette voluntarily demoted, effective April 19, 1999, from the position of Retirement Benefits Analyst 2 (GS-14) with the Teachers’ Retirement System to the position of Coastal Restoration Program Specialist 1 (GS-13). This will allow her to demote and retain her current rate of pay at $1750 per month. (Appearance by a Representative with the Department of Natural Resources.) THE REQUEST WAS APPROVED BY THE COMMISSION.
6) Consideration of the following two requests from the Department of Social Services: THE REQUESTS WERE APPROVED BY THE COMMISSION.
1) Request for authority, under the provisions of Civil Service Rule 6.27(a), to pay overtime at the time and one-half rate for "exempt" positions who will be required to work in regular or special needs shelters during emergencies and disasters in accordance with Executive Order MJF 96.27.
2) Request for authority, under the provisions of Civil Service Rule 6.16(a), to grant premium pay in the amount of $15/hour for all employees required to work in shelters during emergencies and disasters in accordance with Executive Order MJF 96.27.
7) Request of LSUMC-Health Care Services Division for authority, under the provisions of Civil Service Rule 6.16(c), for an individual pay adjustment to the monthly maximum of GS-08 for permanent classified employees when detailed to Nurse Technician positions upon failing the State Board of Nursing Examinations retroactive to November 9, 1996 (amended date). (Appearance by a Representative of LSUMC-Health Care Services Division.)
THE REQUEST WAS APPROVED BY THE COMMISSION.8) Request of the Department of Education for authority, under the provisions of Civil Service Rule 6.16©, for an unconditional individual pay rate adjustment for Dr. Fen Chou, Psychometrician in the Division of Student Standards and Assessments. The request entails raising her monthly salary from $3305 to $3768 per month, a 14% increase. (Appearance by a Representative with the Department of Education.) THE REQUEST WAS APPROVED BY THE COMMISSION.
9) Request of the Department of Education for authority, under the provisions of Civil Service Rule 6.16©, for an unconditional individual adjustment for Patricia O’Hara, Information Systems Technical Support Specialist 3. The request is to pay her, effective the date of her probational appointment on July 22, 1999, at the mid-range, which is $3564 per month. (Appearance by a Representative with the Department of Education.) THE REQUEST WAS APPROVED BY THE COMMISSION.
10) Request of the Department of Environmental Quality for authority, under the provisions of Civil Service Rule 6.16©, for an unconditional individual pay adjustment of $306 per month for Herman Robinson, Attorney-General Counsel, which entails raising his salary from $6090 to $6396 per month. The request is to allow him to retain his unclassified salary he earned as Assistant Secretary for the Office of Legal Affairs and Enforcement in which he has served since February 6, 1996. (Appearance by a Representative with the Department of Environmental Quality.) THE REQUEST WAS APPROVED BY THE COMMISSION.
11) Request of the Department of Economic Development for authority, under the provisions of Civil Service Rule 6.16©, for unconditional individual pay adjustments for the following two employees: THE REQUESTS WERE APPROVED BY THE COMMISSION.
1) Carolyn Branch, Information Systems Center Manager (GS-24) in the amount of $174 per month, which would be the equivalent of her premium pay of $1.00 per hour.
2) Karen Clark, Information Systems Technical Support Specialist 3 (GS-21) in the amount of $250 per month, which is equivalent to premium pay of $1.44 per hour.
12) Request of Louisiana State University at Eunice for authority, under the provisions of Civil Service Rule 6.16(d), for an Incentive Awards Program consisting of three Staff Excellence Awards to recognize and reward superior work performance and outstanding contributions to university operations. These are sponsored by the LSUE Foundation and are paid from the Foundation’s private funds. Three staff members, two of whom are classified, are selected by the LSUE Foundation Committee and receive a cash award of $250. LSUE requests that approval be effective May 7, 1999, since awards were announced that date without the university realizing that this approval was necessary. (Appearance by a Representative of LSUE.)
THE REQUEST WAS APPROVED BY THE COMMISSION.13) Request of the Office of Women’s Services for authority, under the provisions of Civil Service Rule 6.16.1, to revise the Rewards and Recognition Program to allow for monetary awards of up to 4% of the employee’s salary to be given, with an effective date of July 1, 1999. (Appearance by a Representative with the Office of Women’s Services.) THE REQUEST WAS APPROVED BY THE COMMISSION.
ITEMS ADDED TO THE AGENDA
1) Request of the Department of Revenue for authority, under the provisions of Civil Service Rule 6.16©, for an individual pay rate adjustment of $180 per month for Ed Richardson, Revenue Senior Agent (GS-20), which entails raising his monthly salary from $2729 to $2909 per month, the mid-point of the range. THE REQUEST WAS GRANTED BY THE COMMISSION.
2) Request by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries for Special Entrance/Retention Rate for Position Number 153696, Attorney 3, as well as Premium Pay under Rule 6.16(a) in the amount of $667/month. THE REQUST WAS GRANTED BY THE COMMISSION.
3) Consideration of a Resolution authorizing Roxie Goynes-Clark, Referee, to hear and decide Civil Service Appeals. THE COMMISSION ADOPTED THE RESOLUTION.