ScheduledCivil Service Commission

Civil Service Commission

Date: Friday, March 27, 2026 at 5:00 AMActual: Friday, March 27, 2026 at 5:00 AM

Documents (1)

AgendaAnalysis ready

Published Friday, March 27, 2026

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Stories from this meeting (1)

Civil Service Commission rejects deputy chief hiring list over flawed job posting

Proposed Commission Meeting Agenda Updates and Meeting Procedures

New Commissioner Welcome

Richfield Fire Department Annual Update and Outlook

Full Document Analysis

Votes (2)

CERTIFY THE DEPUTY CHIEF ELIGIBLE REGISTER (December 16, 2025 Meeting)

Motion rejected 1-2

Dissent: James Frechette (Nay), Mary Stratton (Nay)

Moved by Jeffrey Bruzek · Seconded by Not explicitly stated for the motion to approve that was rejected

Commissioners engaged in a detailed discussion regarding the eligible roster for the Deputy Chief position. Key issues included the interpretation of minimum qualifications, the scoring methodology, and specifically, the definition and application of 'firefighting experience' requirements. Staff and union representatives provided clarification on the process timeline. Ultimately, concerns were raised about the clarity and wording of the original job posting and its specified qualification timeframe, leading to a decision that the city needed to readdress and correct these aspects.

Commission Meeting Agenda Updates and Meeting Procedures (Proposed for March 27, 2026 Meeting)

No action taken (Recommendation for future meeting)

This item represents a staff recommendation for the Civil Service Commission to approve a new agenda format and updated meeting procedures. The proposals are designed to standardize practices across city commissions, aligning them with established City Council protocols. Key changes include the introduction of an 'Open Forum' to allow public comments with specified time limits (3 minutes for individuals, 5 minutes for groups) and the integration of the commission into the City's new agenda management software. The changes aim to enhance transparency, improve operational excellence, and facilitate timely, informed decisions by policymakers. Legal considerations, particularly regarding human resources laws affecting the Fire Department, were noted, with the City Attorney available for consultation.

Notable Quotes (5)

Secretary Stratton stated the city needs to readdress the wording of the posting in the new posting and correct the qualification timeframe. Secretary Stratton acknowledged that time is of the essence.

— Mary Stratton, Secretary
CERTIFY THE DEPUTY CHIEF ELIGIBLE REGISTER (December 16, 2025 Meeting)

Vice President Frechette stated that the firefighters need to have trust in the process.

— James Frechette, Vice President
CERTIFY THE DEPUTY CHIEF ELIGIBLE REGISTER (December 16, 2025 Meeting)

One of the goals of the City Council has been to better leverage the power of residents serving on commissions to help improve city operations and build a thriving community.

— Katie Rodriguez, City Manager
Commission Meeting Agenda Updates and Meeting Procedures (Proposed for March 27, 2026 Meeting)

The practice allows for more transparency for any interested stakeholders and residents ahead of the meeting.

— Katie Rodriguez, City Manager
Commission Meeting Agenda Updates and Meeting Procedures (Proposed for March 27, 2026 Meeting)

Agenda and meeting processes that are rooted in best practices provide policymakers with comprehensive staff information and stakeholder feedback in a timely and efficient manner, resulting in informed decisions.

— Katie Rodriguez, City Manager
Commission Meeting Agenda Updates and Meeting Procedures (Proposed for March 27, 2026 Meeting)

Ordinances & Resolutions (9)

Civil Service Commission agenda packetOther

Materials relating to agenda items, available at the meeting and electronically

2025 RFD Annual UpdatePresentation

Presentation scheduled on the March 27, 2026 agenda

2026 RFD OutlookPresentation

Presentation scheduled on the March 27, 2026 agenda

Commission Meeting Agenda Updates and Meeting Procedures ReportReport

Staff report prepared by City Manager Katie Rodriguez for agenda item 7.a. on March 27, 2026, recommending new procedures

Commission Roles and Best PracticesOther

Attachment to the agenda updates report, summarizing roles and best practices for commissioners

Commission Chair Reminders and Best PracticesOther

Attachment to the agenda updates report, providing guidelines and best practices for commission chairs

EXAMPLE 2026-03-27 Civil Service Commission AgendaOther

Example agenda provided as an attachment, illustrating the proposed new format

Sturgis Parliamentary Procedure Motions ChartOther

Attachment providing a chart of parliamentary motions and their procedures

City Charter or CodeOther

General reference to governing documents that guide commission missions and operations

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