LIVE @ Asheville Civil Service Board Meeting 08/02/18

Asheville Civil Service Board Meeting Recap: August 2, 2018

The Asheville Civil Service Board held a meeting on August 2nd, 2018, focusing on updates to board procedures, a review of key responsibilities, and laying the groundwork for future discussions surrounding the Civil Service Act. The meeting welcomed Richard Devereux as a new board member, who was formally sworn in and introduced to the team. This meeting highlighted the Board's commitment to ensuring fair employment practices within the City of Asheville, a critical function for residents.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to understanding and clarifying the Board’s role and responsibilities. Human Resources provided a comprehensive orientation for the new member, Devereux, outlining the Board's composition (five members), its authority to review promotional processes for police and fire departments, and the power to subpoena witnesses and documents. Discussions centered on the importance of due process in grievance hearings, emphasizing that decisions must be fair and justified. The Board acknowledged Senate Bill 556, which revises laws relating to the Asheville Civil Service Board, and requested that legislative materials be emailed in advance of their next meeting on September 6th to allow for review.

The Board approved the minutes from previous meetings (July) and established a regular meeting schedule of the first Thursday of each month at 2:30 PM, unless no business requires a meeting. A key discussion point revolved around the police promotional process and ensuring all necessary documentation, including job specifications and related minutes from February 2016, are readily accessible on the city's intranet. The Board formally requested that these documents be provided to them as soon as possible, highlighting a commitment to transparency and accessibility of information.

While there was no public comment during the meeting, the Board addressed procedural matters like voting procedures (requiring a majority vote) and outlined upcoming agenda items for the September 6th meeting. This includes a discussion with the city's outside counsel, John Penning, on substantive review rules and scheduling potential grievances. The Board also reviewed definitions related to the Civil Service Board, the Special Act that established it, and personnel policies (currently being revised), along with information regarding conflict-of-interest procedures.

What's Next & Why It Matters: The Civil Service Board’s work directly impacts city employees and, by extension, the quality of services provided to Asheville residents. The upcoming discussion with legal counsel regarding substantive review rules and scheduling potential grievances will be key in ensuring fair grievance processes. Citizens are encouraged to attend public meetings and review relevant documents available through the City of Asheville’s Human Resources Department. The Board's commitment to transparency and due process underscores its dedication to upholding fair employment practices within our community.