HomeMy WebLinkAboutJFMC March 7, 2024 FIRE MERIT COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF JEFFERSONVILLE, INDIANA
Regular Meeting
City Council Chambers
March 7, 2024
CALL TO ORDER: The regular meeting for March 7, 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 present via Zoom, she did not vote due to technically
difficulties.
COMMISSION STAFF:
Fire Merit Commission Counsel Zach Stewart, President Union 558 Brad Tetley, Fire Chief Shawn Grant and
Stenographer Cindy Seifert
GUESTS: Justin Ames, Rusty Hall and Brad Huffmon
MINUTES: Commissioner Dyson made the motion to approve the minutes from February 1, 2024, seconded by
Commissioner Spalding, passes on a vote of 4-0.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Commissioner Smith made the motion to approve the Agenda, seconded by
Commissioner Dyson, passes on a vote of 4-0.
CLAIMS: Attorney Stewart advised of a claim for Lori Fleeman, for her services as court stenographer during the
Disciplinary Hearing. Commissioner Smith made the motion to table the claim for Lori Fleeman in the amount of
$400.00,to be paid out of legal services, seconded by Commissioner McCormick, passes on a vote of 4-0.
BUSINESS:
APPROVAL OF APPLICANT TESTING AND INTERVIEW DATES
Attorney Stewart advised that after review,the dates had been discussed but not approved. He requests that the
Commission confirms the date of testing,options are August 10th or 17th. Testing will be held at Jeffersonville High
School Cafeteria. The interviews will be held on September 14th and 15th, all Commissioner's will be necessary on
these dates. The interview process will occur at the Envision Center. Chief Grant advised the Commission that
over the next two years he plans to make a request for more firefighter positions. He asked the Commission to
consider increasing the number of people on the Applicant Eligibility List. The current list is currently down to#35
out of 50 to hire 6 people. Attorney Stewart advised that the list should the list be close to the end before expiring,
the Commission can then notify IPSP to start application process early. Attorney Stewart added that the current
Applicant Eligibility List expires on October 6, 2024.
Commissioner McCormick made the motion to approve the Applicant Testing date of August 17th, followed by
Interviews on September 14th and 15t'', and continuing to have 50 total people on the final applicant eligibility list,
seconded by Commissioner Smith, passes on a vote of 4-0.
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MEMBER REQUESTS FOR WAIVER OF CERTIFICATIONS FOR PROMOTIONS
Brad Huffmon advised that due to the Commission moving up date dates of the promotions testing to
accommodate the member in the military, he will be short a required certification on May 10th,the date the Notice
of Intent is due. Huffmon advised that he is scheduled for the Certification the week of June 3`d. Testing should
occur on Friday, June 7. He notes that should he pass, he will have the certification prior to the testing. Chief
Grant stated he has no issues with providing a waiver. Union President Tetley also advised that the Union has no
issue with the waiver. Commissioner McCormick asked for a review of the dates of promotion process. The Notice
of Intent from all members is due May 10th, Written Test June 27th, Interviews and Tactical Assessment will be
held July 22-25. Attorney Stewart added that the current Promotions Lists expires on November 6, 2024.
Commissioner McCormick stated that he believes that the Commission should provide a waiver as this is an issue
caused by the accommodations of moving up the timing for the promotions.
Commissioner McCormick made the motion approve a one-time special dispensation waiver due to moving up
the testing to accommodate the member being activated to the military, Huffmon will need to provide proof of
certification by June 20, 2024, seconded by Commissioner Smith, passes on a vote of 4-0.
BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR APPLICANTS(FIRE MERIT COMMISSION RULES)
Attorney Stewart advised that he has sent a draft to all Commissioner's to layout a plan for background checks to
be performed by the Fire Marshall. Stewart requested the Commissioner's mark up the draft and send him
notations. Chief Grant advised that the new plan is modeled after the plan the Police Department currently uses.
Chief Grant then invited two Commissioners to a workshop March 13th at 1:00pm.
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: Attorney Stewart advised the Commission that the June 6th meeting is also the date of
Jeffersonville High School graduation. He requested that we reschedule the meeting for June 4th. Provided the
date is available, Cindy will secure the Council Chambers or Mayors Conference Room and advise.
REPORT FROM LOCAL 558 UNION: Union President Brad Tetley asked for the date the applications are due.
Stewart advised that he will be advised of that date once he reports the date set tonight, August 17th, to IPSP.
REPORT ADMINISTRATION: Chief Grant requested a Commission to be present on March 14th at 10:30am for a
Ladder Climb. Commissioner Smith advised he could attend.
FIRE MERIT COMMISSION COMMENTS: No Comments
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 6:42 P.M.
APPROVED BY: Respectfully Submitted by:
721./
Troy McCormick, President Cirr" Seifert, Stenographer
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