(Part 1 of 2) Asheville Civil Service Board meeting 08/01/18. 5th member interviews and candidate...

Asheville Civil Service Board Prepares for New Member Selection: A Recap of August 1st Meeting

On August 1, 2018, the Asheville Civil Service Board held the first part of a two-part meeting focused on selecting a new member to fill the fifth position on the board. The meeting, attended by board members and observers including Holden Mesk (filming for a Sunshine Request) and Maddie Swims, centered on establishing procedures to ensure a fair and efficient interview process for the candidates. This is particularly relevant as the City Council is considering legislative action that could significantly alter or even eliminate the Civil Service Board, highlighting the importance of a well-functioning board during this period.

The primary discussion revolved around how to conduct the candidate interviews, which are scheduled for August 1st. Board members agreed on a structured approach, limiting each interview to approximately 20 minutes and encouraging focused questioning. A key point of debate was standardizing the interview questions, with a proposal to narrow the focus to four core questions for each candidate. This aims to ensure consistency and allow all board members an opportunity to engage with each applicant effectively. A significant portion of the conversation also addressed potential conflicts of interest, emphasizing the need to identify and address any perceived connections between candidates and city staff or officials that could compromise impartiality when handling future grievance cases.

Beyond the immediate task of candidate selection, the board acknowledged concerns surrounding potential legislative action impacting the Civil Service Board's future. Members underscored the importance of their role in upholding fair labor practices within the city, particularly given the possibility of changes to the board’s authority. To ensure all members are well-equipped, a proposal was made and accepted to hold a refresher training session at the next meeting (August 2nd) covering board responsibilities, open meeting laws, and relevant state statutes. The City Attorney and HR director will collaborate to prepare this overview.

Looking ahead, several key action items emerged from the meeting. The interviews for the fifth board member will proceed as planned, with a focus on utilizing standardized questions. Board members are tasked with finalizing those four core questions. Crucially, the City Attorney will continue to research and report on the potential implications of any legislative action concerning the Civil Service Board. This ongoing investigation will provide valuable context for future board decisions and inform their response to any potential changes in the city's governance structure. The next meeting, scheduled for August 2nd, will include this refresher training and further discussion on the legislative landscape.