HomeMy WebLinkAboutJFMC February 1, 2024 FIRE MERIT COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF JEFFERSONVILLE, INDIANA
Regular Meeting
City Council Chambers
February 1, 2024
CALL TO ORDER: The regular meeting for February 1, 2024, Fire Merit Commission was called to order by
Commissioner McCormick at 6:00 P.M.
ROLL CALL: The roll call was conducted and those present were Commissioners James Dyson, Troy McCormick,
Sam Smith and Thomas Spalding. Brooke Valentine was absent.
COMMISSION STAFF:
Fire Merit Commission Counsel Zach Stewart, President Union 558 Brad Tetley, Deputy Fire Chief Jason Sharp and
Stenographer Cindy Seifert
GUESTS: Brian Emerson and James Haven
MINUTES: Commissioner Dyson made the motion to approve the minutes from January 4, 2024, seconded by
Commissioner Spalding, passes on a vote of 4-0.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Commissioner McCormick made the motion to approve the Agenda, seconded by
Commissioner Smith, passes on a vote of 4-0.
CLAIMS: Attorney Stewart advised of a claim for Lori Fleeman, however no copy of claim was available at the
time of the meeting. Commissioner Smith made the motion to table the claim for Lori Fleeman until the March
meeting, seconded by Commissioner Spalding, passes on a vote of 4-0.
BUSINESS:
ONE VACANCY IN THE RANK OF LIEUTENANT
Chief Grant notified the Commission of a vacancy in the rank of Lieutenant. Not having a remaining name on the
promotion list for Lieutenant, no further action may be taken. Commissioner McCormick asked if there were more
known members leaving that will be creating another vacancy. Deputy Chief Sharp advised that there are now
two vacancies at the rank of Lieutenant. Commissioner McCormick stated that the testing for promotions has bee
moved up to aid in getting a new list more quickly. The only way to have had more availability on the list, would
have been to have more members test for promotion to lieutenant.
ONE VACANCY IN THE DEPARTMENT
Chief Grant notified the Commission of a vacancy in the Department.
Commissioner Spalding made the motion to authorize Anne Langley to begin calling next parties on applicant list
until one vacancy is filled, seconded by Commissioner Smith, passes on a vote of 4-0.
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BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR APPLICANTS
Deputy Chief Sharp advised that the Department is interested in performing a more thorough background check
on applicants. The Fire Marshall would oversee the check, which will include criminal and social media history,
etc. There were questions of who obtains background checks currently and if this change will comply with
regulations.
Commissioner Smith made the motion to table discussion until next meeting to obtain more information,
seconded by Commissioner Dyson, passes on a vote of 3-0.
ATTORNEY REPORT: No Report
REPORT FROM LOCAL 558 UNION: New Union President Brad Tetley asked about the dates for the
application process. Attorney Stewart will email information.
REPORT ADMINISTRATION: Deputy Chief Sharp advised that he and the Chief had been discussing how to get
a stronger applicant list. When Anne is advised to contact parties on the list, she has to "skip" so many due to no
longer interested, no CPAT, or failing the ladder climb. Chief suggests possibly moving the Ladder Climb to the
testing process. But they would like to arrange a workshop to brainstorm options with Department, Admin and
Commission.
FIRE MERIT COMMISSION COMMENTS: Commissioner McCormick requested that meeting minutes/agenda be
sent out prior to the day of the meeting.
ADJOURNMENT:
With no further business before the Commission, Commissioner Smith made the motion to ADJOURN, seconded
by Commissioner Dyson, passes on a vote of 4-0. Meeting adjourned at 6:30 P.M.
APPROVE BY: a
Troy McCormick, President
Reispectfully Submitted by:
Ci y Self rt, to ographer
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