Posting Language
Title
Approve a resolution confirming the appointment of Melissa Rogers and the reappointment of Jolsna Thomas to the Firefighters’, Police Officers’ and Emergency Medical Services Personnel’s Civil Service Commission.
De
Lead Department
Human Resources Department.
Fiscal Note
This item has no fiscal impact.
For More Information:
Matthew Chustz, Municipal & Civil Service Manager, 512-974-3312.
Additional Backup Information:
The Firefighters’, Police Officers’ and Emergency Medical Services Personnel’s Civil Service Commission has been established to ensure general compliance with applicable provisions of Chapter 143 of the Texas Local Government Code, the local Civil Service Rules established by the Commission, and any current agreements between the City of Austin and associations representing firefighters, police officers and emergency medical services personnel. The Commission may take action on matters related to promotion, appeals of promotional exams, suspension and termination as well as other matters regarding firefighters, police officers and emergency medical services personnel in accordance with the above-mentioned statutes, rules, and agreements.
Chapter 143.006 of the Texas Local Government Code provides that the City Manager will appoint three Commissioners for staggered terms. The appointment must be confirmed by the City Council. If a vacancy occurs, the City Manager shall appoint a person to serve for the remainder of the unexpired term in the same manner as the original appointment.
In accordance with applicable provisions of Chapter 143 of the Local Government Code, the City Manager has appointed Melissa Rogers to fill the vacancy on the Commission created when Commissioner Enya Canales-Zarate resigned from their appointment on April 11, 2022. The City Council is respectfully requested to confirm the appointment of Melissa Rogers to the Commission to fill the unexpired term ending October 31, 2024. Melissa Rogers meets the statutory prerequisites for appointment to the position.
Additionally, Jolsna Thomas is a current member of the Commission, having been appointed to a second term expiring November 1, 2023. The City Manager has reappointed Ms. Thomas to new term beginning November 2, 2023, and ending October 31, 2026, and seeks Council confirmation of the appointment. Ms. Thomas meets the statutory prerequisites for appointment.
The Human Resources Department would like to realign the Commission membership terms to begin on November 1st each year and end on October 31st each year. The term dates for Chair Thomas were adjusted by one day beginning with her first appointment in 2020. Changing the term expiration date to October 31, 2026, would realign the membership term going forward.