REGULAR MEETING OF THE MUNICIPAL CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION MONDAY, JULY 14, 2025, AT 9:00 AM HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT, LEARNING AND RESEARCH CENTER 5202 E. BEN WHITE BLVD., SUITE 500, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78741 Some members of the Municipal Civil Service Commission may be participating by videoconference. EXECUTIVE SESSION (No Public Discussion on These Items) The Commission will announce it will go into closed session pursuant to Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code, to receive advice from Legal Counsel, or to discuss matters of litigation and personnel matters as specifically listed on this agenda. If necessary, the Commission will go into closed session, as permitted by law, regarding any item on this agenda. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Matthew Chustz, (512)974-2859, Matthew.Chustz@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Kevin Mullen, Chair Kavita Gupta, Vice Chair Ayo Akande, Commissioner CALL TO ORDER Melissa Rogers, Commissioner John Umphress, Commissioner AGENDA PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten (10) speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes from the Municipal Civil Service Commission regular meeting on March 24, 2025. PUBLIC HEARING 2. Conduct a hearing in open session or closed session, pursuant to 551.074 of the Texas Government Code (personnel exception), on the appeal filed by Sean Fresch regarding their Discharge from the Watershed Protection Department. 3. Deliberate in open session or closed session, pursuant to 551.074 of the Texas Government Code (personnel exception), on the appeal filed by Sean Fresch regarding their Discharge from the Watershed Protection Department. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Action and approval on the appeal filed by Sean Fresch regarding their Discharge from the Watershed Protection Department. 5. Discussion and approval of the 2025 Municipal Civil Service Commission Annual Review and Report. 6. Discussion and action regarding the election of Vice Chair of the Municipal Civil Service Commission. 7. Discussion and action to approve future meeting dates, times, and locations. STAFF BRIEFING 8. Briefing from Human Resources Department staff regarding the …
2025 Municipal Civil Service Commission Regular Meeting Schedule January 13, 2025 July 14, 2025 January 27, 2025 February 10, 2025 February 24, 2025 March 10, 2025 March 24, 2025 April 14, 2025 April 28, 2025 May 12, 2025 June 9, 2025 June 23, 2025 July 28, 2025 August 11, 2025 August 25, 2025 September 8, 2025 September 22, 2025 October 13, 2025 October 27, 2025 November 17, 2025 December 8, 2025 MCS Commission Meeting Schedule approved on September 9, 2024.
MUNICIPAL CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION Monday, March 24, 2025 MEETING MINUTES MUNICIPAL CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION MINUTES REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2025 The Municipal Civil Service Commission convened in a regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, March 24, 2025, at the Human Resources Department, Learning & Research Center (LRC) 5202 E. Ben White Blvd., Suite 500, Austin, TX 78741. Commissioners in Attendance: Kevin Mullen, Chair Kavita Gupta, Vice Chair Melissa Rogers John Umphress Commissioners Absent: Vacant Staff in Attendance: Susana Carbajal, Assistant City Manager Nathan Brown, Assistant Director, HRD Matthew Chustz, M&CS Manager, HRD Abby Varela, MCS Coordinator, HRD Sylvester Martin, Jr., MCS Coordinator, HRD Cyndi Gordon, CS Coordinator, HRD Meca Thompson, CS Coordinator, HRD Rogue Huitron, CS Coordinator, HRD Oscar Gonzales, IT Systems Admin., HRD CALL TO ORDER Chair Kevin Mullen called the Commission meeting to order at 9:10 AM. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes from the Municipal Civil Service Commission regular meeting on October 28, 2024. The minutes from the meeting of October 28, 2024, were approved on Vice Chair Gupta’s motion, Commissioner Umphress’ second on a 4-0 vote. 1 MUNICIPAL CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION Monday, March 24, 2025 MEETING MINUTES STAFF BRIEFING 2. Briefing from Human Resources Department Staff regarding the Municipal Civil Service Commissioner appointment process. Matthew Chustz, Municipal & Civil Service Manager with the Human Resources Department provided a briefing regarding the Municipal Civil Service Commissioner appointment process. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Discussion and possible action regarding the nomination of Chair of the Municipal Civil Service Commission to the Austin City Council Audit and Finance Committee. The motion to nominate Kevin Mullen as Chair of the Municipal Civil Service Commission to the Austin City Council Audit and Finance Committee was approved on Commissioner Umphress’ motion, Vice Chair Gupta’s second on a vote of 3-0-1, with Chair Mullen abstaining. 4. Discussion and action to approve future meeting dates, times, and locations. Discussion was held regarding future meeting dates, times, and locations. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Commissioner Rogers and Commissioner Umphress requested a future agenda item to discuss future meeting dates, times, and locations. ADJOURNMENT Chair Mullen adjourned the meeting at 9:25 AM without objection. 2
Annual Review and Work Plan Municipal Civil Service Commission – Reporting Period 7/1/2024 – 6/30/2025 Page # 1 Annual Internal Review This report covers the time period of 7/1/2024 to 6/30/2025 Municipal Civil Service Commission The Board/Commission mission statement is: The Municipal Civil Service (MCS) Commission is established and governed by City Charter Article IX (Personnel). The purpose of the Commission is to: 1. hear appeals and make final, binding decisions in the case of municipal civil service employees covered under Article IX of the City Charter who have been discharged, suspended, demoted, denied a promotion, or put on disciplinary probation; recommend the adoption of civil service rules after receipt of proposed rules by the Human Resources Director and perform services under the civil service rules as provided in Article IX, Section 2 of the City Charter; 2. 3. perform other duties regarding the municipal civil service, not inconsistent with Article IX of the 4. City Charter, that the City Council may require; issue subpoenas and subpoenas duces tecum to witnesses, whether at the request of interested parties or on its own motion, when reasonably necessary to obtain pertinent evidence at a hearing or investigation; 5. administer oaths to witnesses appearing at a hearing or investigation; and 6. conduct any investigations it may consider desirable or which it may be required by the City Council or the City Manager concerning the administration of municipal civil service and report its findings and recommendations to the City Council. Further information regarding the Municipal Civil Service Commission is found in § 2-1-164 of the Austin City Code, which states: (A) The Municipal Civil Service Commission is established and governed by City Charter Article IX (Personnel). The Charter provisions supersede this chapter to the extent of conflict. (B) The Council Audit and Finance Committee shall review applications received by the city clerk from persons seeking appointment as a commissioner. Notwithstanding § 2-1-4(C), the Audit and Finance Committee, or any council member, may nominate a person for appointment to the commission. (C) A city employee may not serve as a member of the commission. (D) The council shall designate the commission chair annually at the time new commissioners are appointed. (E) Subsection (A) of Section 2-1-43 (Meeting Requirements) does not apply to the Municipal Civil Service Commission. The commission may meet as necessary to carry out its duties under City Charter Article IX (Personnel). Source: …
Municipal Civil Service Contingent Hiring Pilot July 14, 2025 1 Purpose The Municipal Civil Service Commission recommended that the City Council approve a 12-month pilot to waive the posting requirement for specific positions for Citywide hiring. The City Council approved the waiver on November 21, 2024. The pilot focuses on positions that require no experience or where substitution for minimum experience is allowed. The MCS Commission requested a 6-month check-in after the pilot started on January 1, 2025. 2 Pilot Guidelines were developed stating that all departments are eligible to participate in the pilot if they have titles on the approved list. The process eliminated the posting requirement for those titles. Eligible events included in the pilot: City-sponsored job fairs University job events Reentry-initiative programs Community job events City-sponsored, community, or public events where contingent offers are provided are advertised to allow current employees and temporary employees the ability to participate. 3 Pilot All candidates for vacant positions must complete an interview process where they are: Evaluated for Merit and Fitness Merit: Demonstrated education, training, experience, performance, knowledge, skills, ability, licenses, or certifications. Fitness: Physical and/or mental ability to do a job with or without accommodation. Screened to meet minimum & preferred qualifications Contingent offer is made Complete any assessments required for the position. Successfully pass any required background checks. Submit an application 4 Pilot Successes Austin’s 14th Annual Career Expo Wednesday, April 2, 2025, Palmer Events Center 41 vacant positions were available 108 interviews conducted 40 contingent offers made Other Various Events 26 interviews conducted 9 contingent offers made 5 Questions? 6
Human Resources Department – Citywide Guideline – Contingent Offer at Hiring Events Effective: January 1, 2025 Approved by: ___________________________ Date: _____________ 12/26/2024 Susan Sinz, HR Director PURPOSE This pilot program will last twelve months and waive the posting requirement for hiring certain Citywide positions. It focuses on roles that require no experience or those where substitutions for minimum experience are allowed. The list of positions included in this pilot is in Attachment A. The program will be implemented at various qualifying events, including City, Community, and University Job Fairs, commercial driver license school graduations, reentry-initiative programs, and other talent acquisition efforts aimed at attracting new talent. Events, where contingent offers can be extended, will be advertised through City newsletters to ensure internal job seekers are aware and able to participate. All job seekers for open positions will participate in a modified interview process, during which they will be assessed on merit and fitness, as well as screened to verify they meet both the minimum and preferred qualifications. After a contingent offer is issued, successful individuals will then complete an application for the position. Job seekers will be required to complete any necessary assessments and, where appropriate, successfully pass background checks. GUIDELINES All departments are eligible to participate in this pilot program if they have titles included on the approved list. This process eliminates the posting requirement, as approved by the City Council on November 21, 2024, Item 60. However, the procedures below must still be adhered to in accordance with the Municipal Civil Service rules. Eligible Events Only events designed to recruit new talent may be used for this process. Examples include: City-sponsored job fairs University job events Reentry-initiative programs Community job events Once an event has been identified, it must be submitted to HRDCommunications@austintexas.gov to advertise in the Human Resources Department (HRD) and Citywide weekly newsletters. The same information should be shared in any department focused newsletters. All City-sponsored, community, or public events where contingent offers will be provided must be advertised to allow current employees and temporary employees the ability to participate. Departments participating in an event where they are recruiting new talent must pre-identify positions Event Preparation on Attachment A in their department that are vacant. Prior to the event, the Hiring Manager should work with their department's Human Resources (HR) staff to discuss the following: Identify target Job Title(s) and PCNs to be filled. 1. Pre-Event …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE MUNICIPAL CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2025, AT 9:00 AM HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT, LEARNING AND RESEARCH CENTER 5202 E. BEN WHITE BLVD., SUITE 500, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78741 Some members of the Municipal Civil Service Commission may be participating by videoconference. EXECUTIVE SESSION (No Public Discussion on These Items) The Commission will announce it will go into closed session pursuant to Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code, to receive advice from Legal Counsel, or to discuss matters of litigation and personnel matters as specifically listed on this agenda. If necessary, the Commission will go into closed session, as permitted by law, regarding any item on this agenda. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Matthew Chustz, (512)974-2859, Matthew.Chustz@austintexas.gov. Melissa Rogers, Commissioner John Umphress, Commissioner AGENDA CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Kevin Mullen, Chair Kavita Gupta, Vice Chair VACANT CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten (10) speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes from the Municipal Civil Service Commission regular meeting on October 28, 2024. STAFF BRIEFING Commissioner appointment process. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Briefing from Human Resources Department staff regarding the Municipal Civil Service 3. Discussion and possible action regarding the nomination of Chair of the Municipal Civil Service Commission to the Austin City Council Audit and Finance Committee. 4. Discussion and action to approve future meeting dates, times, and locations. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Matthew Chustz of the Human Resources Department, at 512-974-2859, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the City of Austin Municipal Civil Service …
MUNICIPAL CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION Monday, October 28, 2024 MEETING MINUTES MUNICIPAL CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION MINUTES REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2024 The Municipal Civil Service Commission convened in a regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, October 28, 2024, at the Human Resources Department, Learning & Research Center (LRC) 5202 E. Ben White Blvd., Suite 500, Austin, TX 78741. Commissioners in Attendance: Kevin Mullen, Chair Kavita Gupta, Vice Chair Melissa Rogers John Umphress Commissioners Absent: Vacant Staff in Attendance: Susan Sinz, MCS Director, HRD Rebecca Kennedy, Deputy Director, HRD Nathan Brown, Assistant Director, HRD Matthew Chustz, M&CS Manager, HRD CALL TO ORDER Abby Varela, MCS Coordinator, HRD Sylvester Martin, Jr., MCS Coordinator, HRD Meca Thompson, CS Coordinator, HRD Oscar Gonzales, IT Systems Admin., HRD Chair Kevin Mullen called the Commission meeting to order at 9:10 AM. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes from the Municipal Civil Service Commission regular meeting on September 9, 2024. The minutes from the meeting of September 9, 2024, were approved on Vice Chair Gupta’s motion, Commissioner Rogers’ second on a 4-0 vote. 1 MUNICIPAL CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION Monday, October 28, 2024 MEETING MINUTES STAFF BRIEFING 2. Briefing from Human Resources Department Staff regarding a proposed pilot program and temporary waiver of the Municipal Civil Service Rules, including Rule 4.03, to exempt specific Positions from Posting or application requirements, while maintaining provisions of the Competitive Process to allow conditional offers based on Merit and Fitness. Rebecca Kennedy, Deputy Director of Human Resources Department, provided a briefing regarding a proposed pilot program and temporary waiver of the Municipal Civil Service Rules, including Rule 4.03, to exempt specific Positions from Posting or application requirements, while maintaining provisions of the Competitive Process to allow conditional offers based on Merit and Fitness. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Discussion and approval of a recommendation to City Council regarding a proposed pilot program and temporary waiver of the Municipal Civil Service Rules, including Rule 4.03, to exempt specific Positions from Posting or application requirements, while maintaining provisions of the Competitive Process to allow conditional offers based on Merit and Fitness. The motion to approve the recommendation to City Council regarding a proposed pilot program and temporary waiver of the Municipal Civil Service Rules, including Rule 4.03, to exempt specific Positions from Posting or application requirements, while maintaining provisions of the Competitive Process to allow conditional offers based on Merit and …
Recruitment & Appointment of Municipal Civil Service Commissioners March 24, 2025 Matthew Chustz, Municipal & Civil Service Manager Briefing Goals Review current members and terms Appointment process overview Commission Members & Terms Current Membership First Appointed Dates Reappointed Kavita Gupta, Vice Chair John Umphress Kevin Mullen, Chair* Melissa Rogers VACANT 05/09/22 05/09/22 05/09/21 02/26/24 5/9/2023 05/09/24 Term Expires 05/08/25 05/08/25 05/08/26 05/08/27 05/08/27 *Council designates the Commission Chair annually Appointment Process The Council Audit and Finance Committee shall review applications received by the City Clerk from persons seeking appointment as a Commissioner. (§ 2- 1-164) Review may include interviews or written applications only Appointments are subject to approval by a majority vote of council. (§ 2-1-4) The Council shall designate the Commission Chair annually at the time new Commissioners are appointed. (§ 2-1-164 ) Appointment Process Open call for applications Municipal Civil Service Commission (MCSC) nominates Chair Audit & Finance Committee Meeting #1: Review applications and select applicants to interview Audit & Finance Committee Meeting #2: of the MCSC City Council Meeting: Appoint Commission members to specified terms Appoint MCSC Chair for a term of one year Interview applicants & make recommendation to Council to appoint new members and a Chair Newly appointed Commissioners complete training and oath required by City Clerk. Recruitment City Clerk works with City's Public Information Office to promote open call for applications Human Resources Department to promote via email blast to multiple organizations, CityWorks Academy Graduates, COA Social Media Solicitation remains open until filled Requirements - Residency and registered voter Preferences - experience with employment, human resources, labor relations and/or mediation Application Process Office of the City Clerk will: Follow the standard Boards & Commissions (B/C) application process Accept on-line applications using standard B/C application form Accept resumes to document any additional relevant qualifications Ensure minimum qualifications identified in Charter 2-1 are met Identify candidates with preferred background Provide applications received to all Council Offices through standard process Next Steps Municipal Civil Service Commission (MCSC) nominates Chair Thank you!
January 27, 2025 February 10, 2025 February 24, 2025 March 10, 2025 March 24, 2025 April 14, 2025 April 28, 2025 May 12, 2025 June 9, 2025 June 23, 2025 2025 Municipal Civil Service Commission Regular Meeting Schedule January 13, 2025 July 14, 2025 July 28, 2025 August 11, 2025 August 25, 2025 September 8, 2025 September 22, 2025 October 13, 2025 October 27, 2025 November 17, 2025 December 8, 2025 MCS Commission Meeting Schedule approved on September 9, 2024.
MUNICIPAL CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20250324-003 Date: March 24, 2025 Subject: Recommendation of Chair of the Municipal Civil Service Commission Motioned By: Commissioner Umphress Seconded By: Vice Chair Gupta Recommendation The Municipal Civil Service Commission has made a recommendation to nominate Kevin Mullen as the Chair of the Municipal Civil Service Commission. Description of Recommendation to Council Article IX, Section 2(B) of the City Charter provides for the designation by the council of one of the commissioners of the Municipal Civil Service Commission as chair. In addition, Chapter 2-1-164(D) of City Code states council shall designate the commission chair annually at the time new commissioners are appointed. The appointment of Chair is traditionally reviewed and recommended by the Audit and Finance Committee when Commissioner appointments are recommended to Council. The Municipal Civil Service Commission has nominated Kevin Mullen to be reappointed as Chair for a term of one year. This will be Kevin Mullen’s second term as Chair of the Commission. Vote: 3 – 0 – 1 For: Kavita Gupta, Commission Vice Chair Melissa Rogers, Commissioner; John Umphress, Commissioner; Against: 0 Abstain: Kevin Mullen, Commission Chair Absent: 0 Attest: Matthew Chustz, Municipal & Civil Service Manager 1 of 1
MUNICIPAL CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION Monday, March 24, 2025 MEETING MINUTES MUNICIPAL CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION MINUTES REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2025 The Municipal Civil Service Commission convened in a regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, March 24, 2025, at the Human Resources Department, Learning & Research Center (LRC) 5202 E. Ben White Blvd., Suite 500, Austin, TX 78741. Commissioners in Attendance: Kevin Mullen, Chair Kavita Gupta, Vice Chair Melissa Rogers John Umphress Commissioners Absent: Vacant Staff in Attendance: Susana Carbajal, Assistant City Manager Nathan Brown, Assistant Director, HRD Matthew Chustz, M&CS Manager, HRD Abby Varela, MCS Coordinator, HRD Sylvester Martin, Jr., MCS Coordinator, HRD Cyndi Gordon, CS Coordinator, HRD Meca Thompson, CS Coordinator, HRD Rogue Huitron, CS Coordinator, HRD Oscar Gonzales, IT Systems Admin., HRD CALL TO ORDER Chair Kevin Mullen called the Commission meeting to order at 9:10 AM. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes from the Municipal Civil Service Commission regular meeting on October 28, 2024. The minutes from the meeting of October 28, 2024, were approved on Vice Chair Gupta’s motion, Commissioner Umphress’ second on a 4-0 vote. 1 MUNICIPAL CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION Monday, March 24, 2025 MEETING MINUTES STAFF BRIEFING 2. Briefing from Human Resources Department Staff regarding the Municipal Civil Service Commissioner appointment process. Matthew Chustz, Municipal & Civil Service Manager with the Human Resources Department provided a briefing regarding the Municipal Civil Service Commissioner appointment process. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Discussion and possible action regarding the nomination of Chair of the Municipal Civil Service Commission to the Austin City Council Audit and Finance Committee. The motion to nominate Kevin Mullen as Chair of the Municipal Civil Service Commission to the Austin City Council Audit and Finance Committee was approved on Commissioner Umphress’ motion, Vice Chair Gupta’s second on a vote of 3-0-1, with Chair Mullen abstaining. 4. Discussion and action to approve future meeting dates, times, and locations. Discussion was held regarding future meeting dates, times, and locations. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Commissioner Rogers and Commissioner Umphress requested a future agenda item to discuss future meeting dates, times, and locations. ADJOURNMENT Chair Mullen adjourned the meeting at 9:25 AM without objection. The minutes were approved at the July 14, 2025, meeting on Commissioner Rogers, Commissioner Akande’s second on a 3-0 vote. 2
REGULAR MEETING OF THE MUNICIPAL CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION MONDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2024, AT 9:00 AM HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT, LEARNING AND RESEARCH CENTER 5202 E. BEN WHITE BLVD., SUITE 500, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78741 Some members of the Municipal Civil Service Commission may be participating by videoconference. EXECUTIVE SESSION (No Public Discussion on These Items) The Commission will announce it will go into closed session pursuant to Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code, to receive advice from Legal Counsel, or to discuss matters of litigation and personnel matters as specifically listed on this agenda. If necessary, the Commission will go into closed session, as permitted by law, regarding any item on this agenda. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Matthew Chustz, (512)974-2859, Matthew.Chustz@austintexas.gov. Melissa Rogers, Commissioner John Umphress, Commissioner AGENDA CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Kevin Mullen, Chair Kavita Gupta, Vice Chair VACANT CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten (10) speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes from the Municipal Civil Service Commission regular meeting on September 9, 2024. STAFF BRIEFING 2. Briefing from Human Resources Department Staff regarding a proposed pilot program and temporary waiver of the Municipal Civil Service Rules, including Rule 4.03, to exempt specific Positions from Posting or application requirements, while maintaining provisions of the Competitive Process to allow conditional offers based on Merit and Fitness. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Discussion and approval of a recommendation to City Council regarding a proposed pilot program and temporary waiver of the Municipal Civil Service Rules, including Rule 4.03, to exempt specific Positions from Posting or application requirements, while maintaining provisions of the Competitive Process to allow conditional offers based on Merit and Fitness. 4. Discussion regarding best practices for representatives presenting evidence during a Municipal Civil Service Commission appeal hearing. 5. Discussion and possible action to combine two disciplinary suspension appeals filed by Fulani Cunningham into one hearing and extend the time limits for presentation …
MUNICIPAL CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION Monday, September 9, 2024 MEETING MINUTES MUNICIPAL CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION MINUTES REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2024 The Municipal Civil Service Commission convened in a regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, September 9, 2024, at the Human Resources Department, Learning & Research Center (LRC) 5202 E. Ben White Blvd., Suite 500, Austin, TX 78741. Commissioners in Attendance: Kevin Mullen, Chair Kavita Gupta, Vice Chair Melissa Rogers John Umphress Commissioners Absent: Vacant Staff in Attendance: Susan Sinz, Municipal Civil Service Director, HRD Nathan Brown, Assistant Director, HRD Matthew Chustz, Municipal & Civil Service Manager, HRD Abby Varela, Municipal Civil Service Coordinator, HRD Sylvester Martin, Jr., Municipal Civil Service Coordinator, HRD Cyndi Gordon, Civil Service Coordinator, HRD Rogue Huitron, Civil Service Coordinator, HRD Meca Thompson, Civil Service Coordinator, HRD Omar Francia, IT Systems Administrator, HRD CALL TO ORDER Chair Kevin Mullen called the Commission meeting to order at 9:11 AM. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes from the Municipal Civil Service Commission regular meeting on August 26, 2024. The minutes from the meeting of August 26, 2024, were approved on Commissioner Umphress’ motion, Commissioner Rogers’ second on a 4-0 vote. 1 MUNICIPAL CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION Monday, September 9, 2024 MEETING MINUTES PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. Conduct a hearing in open session or closed session, pursuant to 551.074 of the Texas Government Code (personnel exception), on the appeal filed by Jonathan Kringen regarding their Discharge from the Austin Police Department. A hearing was conducted on the appeal filed by Jonathan Kringen regarding their Discharge from the Austin Police Department. The Commission considered a request from Brad Heilman, representative of Jonathan Kringen, to have their appeal heard in closed session pursuant to 551.074 of the Texas Local Government Code (personnel exception). The motion to conduct the hearing in closed session, pursuant to 551.074 of the Texas Local Government Code (personnel exception), was approved on Chair Mullen’s motion, Commissioner Rogers’ second on a 4- 0 vote. Chair Mullen recessed the Municipal Civil Service Commission meeting to go to closed session at 9:30 AM. The hearing was conducted in closed session on the appeal filed by Jonathan Kringen regarding their Discharge from the Austin Police Department. Chair Mullen reconvened the Municipal Civil Service Commission meeting at 5:45 PM. 3. Deliberate in open session or closed session, pursuant to 551.074 of the Texas Government Code (personnel exception), on the appeal filed …
Municipal Civil Service Direct Hiring Pilot October 28, 2024 1 Purpose The Human Resources Department is seeking a 12-month pilot to waive the posting requirement for specific positions for Citywide hiring. Focuses on those position that require no experience or where substitution for minimum experience is allowed Look at positions that can be hard-to-fill and have a higher turnover The City seeks to be competitive in the job market Support new talent with the City 2 Article IX – City Charter At a minimum, the civil service rules must contain provisions governing: (1) initial appointments, promotions, and lateral transfers, all of which shall be based on merit and fitness; (2) disciplinary probation or suspension, involuntary demotion, denial of promotion, and discharge, all of which, in the case of non-probationary employees, must be for cause; (3) the establishment of probationary periods not to exceed six months for all initial appointments, during which time the appointee may be removed from the position without cause; (4) the establishment of probationary periods not to exceed three months for all promotional appointments, during which time the appointee may be removed from the position promoted to, and returned to his/her prior position, without cause; (5) procedures for reductions in force that give consideration to the affected employees' length of service and past work performance; and (6) other provisions, not inconsistent with this subsection, that may be required by the city council. 3 Municipal Civil Service Rules Hiring Process 4.03.A - No competitive position in the Classified Municipal Civil Service may be filled except after posting in a manner and format approved by the Human Resources Department, and an evaluation of candidates through a competitive process is conducted. 4.03.C - No individual shall be selected to a competitive position unless the individual has submitted an application 4.02.A - All positions must be selected or directly appointed on the basis of Merit and Fitness, which includes demonstrated education, training, experience, performance, knowledge, skills, ability, licenses, certification, and fitness to perform the essential functions and meet the qualifications of a position 4.02.B - All candidates are evaluated on Merit and Fitness, and all positions are considered competitive unless designated otherwise by the Municipal Civil Service Commission or as specified in the Municipal Civil Service Rules 4 Pilot The City seeks to allow …
2024 Municipal Civil Service Commission Regular Meeting Schedule January 8, 2024 January 22, 2024 July 8, 2024 July 22, 2024 February 12, 2024 August 12, 2024 February 26, 2024 August 26, 2024 March 11, 2024* September 9, 2024 March 25, 2024 September 23, 2024 October 14, 2024 October 28, 2024 November 18, 2024 December 9, 2024 April 8, 2024 April 22, 2024 May 13, 2024 June 10, 2024 June 24, 2024 MCS Commission Schedule approved on August 28, 2023. * Meeting cancelled at November 13, 2023 MCS Commission Meeting.
January 27, 2025 February 10, 2025 February 24, 2025 March 10, 2025 March 24, 2025 April 14, 2025 April 28, 2025 May 12, 2025 June 9, 2025 June 23, 2025 2025 Municipal Civil Service Commission Regular Meeting Schedule January 13, 2025 July 14, 2025 July 28, 2025 August 11, 2025 August 25, 2025 September 8, 2025 September 22, 2025 October 13, 2025 October 27, 2025 November 17, 2025 December 8, 2025 MCS Commission Meeting Schedule approved on September 9, 2024.
