Illinois Civil Service Commission met May 18
Here are the minutes provided by the commission:
I. CALL TO ORDER THE REGULAR OPEN MEETING AT 10:01 A.M. AT 607 E. ADAMS STREET, SUITE 801, SPRINGFIELD, IL
II. ROLL CALL AND CONFIRMATION OF A QUORUM
Teresa C. Smith, Chair; G.A. Finch (remote), David Luechtefeld, Judy McAnarney, and Vivian Robinson, Commissioners; Thomas Klein, Executive Director, Andrew Barris, Assistant Executive Director, Sabrina Johnson, Exemption Monitor, and Alexandra Myers, Executive Secretary; Chris Nickols, Central Management Services; Tracey Kenney (remote), Commission on Equity & Inclusion; Marie Miller (remote), Department of Corrections; Jayne Bethard (remote), and Brittany Hendricks (remote), Department of Human Services; Heidi Mueller (remote), Department of Juvenile Justice; Amanda Thomet (remote), Office of Executive Inspector General; Lance Kaidell (remote) and Bobby Tucker (remote), Department of Revenue; Karli Adams, Kari Selinger, and Robin Wooley (remote), Illinois State Police.
IT WAS MOVED BY COMMISSIONER ROBINSON, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER LUECHTEFELD THE MOTION ADOPTED 5-0 TO ALLOW COMMISSIONER FINCH TO JOIN THE MEETING REMOTELY.
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF REGULAR OPEN MEETING HELD APRIL 21, 2023
IT WAS MOVED BY COMMISSIONER ROBINSON, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER LUECHTEFELD THE MOTION ADOPTED 5-0, TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR OPEN MEETING HELD APRIL 21, 2023.
IV. PUBLIC COMMENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE OPEN MEETINGS ACT
In accordance with the Open Meetings Act and the Rules of the Civil Service Commission, Executive Director Thomas Klein offered an opportunity for any person to address members of the Commission.
V. EXEMPTIONS UNDER SECTION 4d(3) OF THE PERSONNEL CODE A. Governing Rule – Section 1.142 Jurisdiction B Exemptions
a) The Civil Service Commission shall exercise its judgment when determining whether a position qualifies for exemption from Jurisdiction B under Section 4d(3) of the Personnel Code. The Commission will consider any or all of the following factors inherent in the position and any other factors deemed relevant to the request for exemption:
1) The amount and scope of principal policy making authority;
2) The amount and scope of principal policy administering authority;
3) The amount of independent authority to represent the agency, board or commission to individuals, legislators, organizations or other agencies relative to programmatic responsibilities;
4) The capability to bind the agency, board or commission to a course of action;
5) The nature of the program for which the position has principal policy responsibility;
6) The placement of the position on the organizational chart of the agency, board or commission;
7) The mission, size and geographical scope of the organizational entity or program within the agency, board or commission to which the position is allocated or detailed.
b) The Commission may, upon its own action after 30 days’ notice to the Director of Central Management Services or upon the recommendation of the Director of the Department of Central Management Services, rescind the exemption of any position that no longer meets the requirements for exemption set forth in subsection (a). However, rescission of an exemption shall be approved after the Commission has determined that an adequate level of managerial control exists in exempt status that will insure responsive and accountable administrative control of the programs of the agency, board or commission.
c) For all positions currently exempt by action of the Commission, the Director of Central Management Services shall inform the Commission promptly in writing of all changes in essential functions, reporting structure, working title, work location, position title, position number or specialized knowledge, skills, abilities, licensure or certification.
d) Prior to granting an exemption from Jurisdiction B under Section 4d(3) of the Personnel Code, the Commission will notify the incumbent of the position, if any, of its proposed action. The incumbent may appear at the Commission meeting at which action is to be taken and present objections to the exemption request.
(Source: Amended at 34 Ill. Reg. 3485, effective March 3, 2010)
B. Requests for 4d(3) Exemption
Exemption Monitor Sabrina Johnson indicated that Items B1 and B2 are positions within Department of Human Services (DHS).
⮚ Item B1 was a request for a Deputy Director, Office of Communications, Public Engagement Section, a position that reports to the Communications Director, who reports to the Secretary. This position leads the planning and programming of agency activities mandated by legislation and regulations, and it represents the Secretary when necessary. This position has authority over communications and policy-making issues impacting the agency management and statewide operations and holds promotional events to generate awareness of existing and/or new services offered by DHS. Staff recommended this exemption request be granted.
⮚ Item B2 was a request for a Senior Policy Advisor, a position that reports to the Director of the Division of Family & Community Services, who reports to the Assistant Secretary, who reports to the Secretary. This position has authority over policy making issues regarding Family & Community Services, it establishes policy on program implementations and maintains the services that promote equity, diversity, racial justice and inclusion. It creates policies to comply with state and federal rules and regulations and will serve as a liaison with the Governor’s Office, Illinois General Assembly, special interest groups and state and federal agencies. Staff recommended this exemption request be granted.
Commissioner Luechtefeld inquired when these positions were established and Ms. Johnson indicated Item B1 was established April 1, 2023, and Item B2 was established May 1, 2023.
⮚ Item C was a request for a Labor Relations Administrator at the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ), a position that reports to the Chief of Staff, who reports to the Director. This position serves as a principal administrator for all labor relation policies and procedures, develops policy changes related to labor relations programs, and is a spokesperson for the Director on labor relations issues. Staff recommended this exemption request be granted.
Madam Chair Smith inquired about the structure of this position and why this position reports to the Chief of Staff and not Human Resources. Ms. Heidi Mueller, Director of DJJ, indicated this position will be the senior labor relations position and will report to the Chief of Staff, it will have an Assistant Labor Relations Administrator underneath it, and
these positions will not report to Human Resources. Madam Chair Smith inquired if DJJ will have a Labor Relations Division and a Human Resources Division and Ms. Mueller said that it would
⮚ Item D was a request for an Executive Director – Illinois Forensic Science Commission at the Department of State Police, who reports to the Chairperson/Director. The Illinois Forensic Science Commission (Science Commission) was created August 20, 2021, and this position will have full authority on behalf of the Science Commission, it will formulate and draft communications for the Science Commission, it will draft policies and protocols, prepare agendas and minutes for the Science Commission meetings, and will serve as spokesperson for the Science Commission on all matters related to the Science Commission’s duties. Staff recommended this exemption request be granted.
IT WAS MOVED BY COMMISSIONER ROBINSON, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER MCANARNEY THE MOTION ADOPTED 5-0 TO GRANT THE 4d(3) EXEMPTION REQUEST FOR THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS:
B1: Deputy Director of the Office of Communications (DHS)
B2: Senior Policy Advisor (DHS)
C: Labor Relations Administrator (DJJ)
D: Executive Director (ISP)
B1. Illinois Department of Human Services
| Position Number | 40070-10-18-300-00-01 |
| Functional Title | Deputy Director of the Office of Communications |
| Incumbent | Vacant |
| Supervisor | Communications Director, who reports to the Secretary |
| Location | Sangamon County |
| Position Number | 40070-10-90-010-10-01 |
| Functional Title | Senior Policy Advisor |
| Incumbent | Vacant |
| Supervisor | Director of the Division of Family & Community Services, who reports to the Assistant Secretary, who reports to the Secretary |
| Location | Sangamon County |
| Position Number | 40070-27-00-001-30-01 |
| Functional Title | Labor Relations Administrator |
| Incumbent | Vacant |
| Supervisor | Chief of Staff, who reports to the Director |
| Location | St. Clair County |
| Position Number | 40070-21-00-000-25-01 |
| Functional Title | Executive Director |
| Incumbent | Vacant |
| Supervisor | Chairperson |
| Location | Sangamon County |
⮚ Item E was a rescission request for the Assistant Labor Relations Administrator at the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ). This position was approved 4d(3) exempt in February 2019. DJJ is requesting rescission based on the proposed 4d(3) request for the Labor Relations Administrator position that was just voted on and approved. DJJ clarified this position to no longer has duties that warrant it to be a 4d(3) exempt position. Staff recommended approval of this rescission request.
Ms. Johnson indicated that Staff noticed up 40 positions for extended vacancy, one position was removed from the proposed rescission list due to it being rescinded in April 2023, one was continued from the May 16, 2019 agenda, two were continued from the November 21, 2019 agenda, seven were continued from the November 18, 2021 agenda, two were continued from the May 19, 2022 agenda, and four were continued from the November 16, 2022 agenda. After discussions with various agency representatives, 20 positions are being monitored by Staff and, if not filled by November 2023, will be placed on the November 17, 2023 agenda. Staff was notified that 18 positions were filled by the agency and removed from the list, and two positions are on the proposed rescission list as Items F and G.
⮚ Item F is an Associate Deputy Director, Business Enterprise Program for the Commission on Equity and Inclusion (CEI). CEI accepts the rescinding of this position, therefore Staff recommended approval of this rescission request.
⮚ Item G is a Local Government Services Bureau Manager for the Department of Revenue (REV). This position has been on the proposed rescission list since November 18, 2021. REV indicated they do not anticipate filling this position and indicated they are okay with this rescission. Staff recommended approval of this rescission request.
The following proposed rescissions were granted at the May 18, 2023 meeting:
| Item | Agency | Position # | Functional Title | Incumbent |
| E | DJJ | 37015-27-00-001-00-03 | Assistant Labor Relations Administrator | Peter Wessel |
| F | CEI | 40070-50-58-000-01-01 | Associate Deputy Director, Business Enterprise Program | Vacant |
| G | REV | 40070-25-83-000-00-01 | Local Government Services Bureau Manager | Vacant |
E: Assistant Labor Relations Administrator (DJJ)
IT WAS MOVED BY COMMISSIONER ROBINSON, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER LUECHTEFELD THE MOTION ADOPTED 5-0 TO RESCIND THE 4d(3) EXEMPTION FOR THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS:
F: Associate Deputy Director, Business Enterprise Program (CEI) G: Local Government Services Bureau Manager (REV)
VI. CLASS SPECIFICATIONS
A. Governing Rule – Section 1.45 Classification Plan
The Commission will review the class specifications requiring Commission approval under the Classification Plan and will approve those that meet the requirements of the Personnel Code and Personnel Rules and conform to the following accepted principles of position classification:
a) The specifications are descriptive of the work being done or that will be done;
b) Identifiable differentials are set forth among classes that are sufficiently significant to permit the assignment of individual positions to the appropriate class;
c) Reasonable career promotional opportunities are provided;
d) The specifications provide a reasonable and valid basis for selection screening by merit examinations;
e) All requirements of the positions are consistent with classes similar in difficulty, complexity and nature of work; and
f) The relation of the class specifications to any applicable collective bargaining agreement.
B. Library Associate (revise)
Corrections Law Library Assistant (revise)
Regarding the proposed revisions to Item B, Barris inquired of Chris Nickols from CMS Technical Services about the existence of other classes in which employees gain the potential required training and/or certification for the class, such as the notary public requirement in these classes, while they are actually working in a position within the class and Nickols confirmed that this was a feature of a number of classes. The proposed revision was agreed to through collective bargaining and Commission staff recommended approval of the revision.
IT WAS MOVED BY COMMISSIONER ROBINSON, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER MCANARNEY THE MOTION ADOPTED 5-0 TO APPROVE THE REVISION OF THE FOLLOWING CLASS SPECIFICATIONS TO BE EFFECTIVE JUNE 1, 2023:
B. Library Associate (revise)
Corrections Law Library Assistant (revise)
IT WAS MOVED BY COMMISSIONER ROBINSON, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER LUECHTEFELD THE MOTION ADOPTED 5-0 TO DISAPPROVE ANY CLASS SPECIFICATIONS RECEIVED BY THE COMMISSION STAFF NOT CONTAINED IN THIS AGENDA TO ALLOW ADEQUATE STUDY.
VII. PERSONNEL RULES
A. Civil Service Commission Governing Rule – Section 1.310 Personnel Rules
The Commission has power to disapprove new rules or amendments to existing rules submitted by the Director of Central Management Services. Such proposed new rules or amendments of existing rules submitted to the Commission shall be accompanied by a report of proceedings attending the prior public hearing required by law with respect to them.
If the Commission does not disapprove new rules or any amendment to existing rules within 30 days following the receipt from the Director of Central Management Services, the new rules or amendments have the force and effect of law after filing by the Director with the Secretary of State.
B. None submitted
IT WAS MOVED BY COMMISSIONER LUECHTEFELD, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ROBINSON THE MOTION ADOPTED 5-0 TO DISAPPROVE ANY AMENDMENTS TO PERSONNEL RULES RECEIVED BY THE COMMISSION STAFF BUT NOT CONTAINED IN THIS AGENDA TO ALLOW ADEQUATE STUDY.
VIII. MOTION TO CLOSE A PORTION OF THE MEETING
IT WAS MOVED BY COMMISSIONER ROBINSON, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER MCANARNEY THE MOTION ADOPTED 5-0 TO CLOSE A PORTION OF THE MEETING PURSUANT TO SUBSECTIONS 2(c)(1), 2(c)(4), AND 2(c)(11) OF THE OPEN MEETINGS ACT.
Smith Yes Finch Yes
Luechtefeld Yes Mcanarney Yes
Robinson Yes
IX. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE CLOSED PORTION OF THE REGULAR MEETING HELD APRIL 21, 2023
IT WAS MOVED BY COMMISSIONER LUECHTEFELD, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ROBINSON THE MOTION ADOPTED 5-0 TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE CLOSED PORTION OF THE REGULAR MEETING HELD APRIL 21, 2023.
X. PUBLICLY ANNOUNCED DECISION RESULTING FROM APPEAL DA-35-22
| Employee | Brenaé Townsend | Appeal Date | 06/22/2022 |
| Agency | Department of Human Services | Decision Date | 05/04/2023 |
| Appeal Type | Discharge | Proposal for
Decision | Discharge upheld. |
| ALJ | Andrew Barris |
Smith Yes Finch Yes
Luechtefeld Yes Mcanarney Yes
Robinson Yes
DA-25-23
| Employee | Ramon Pillot | Appeal Date | 11/02/2022 |
| Agency | Department of Human Services | Decision Date | 05/04/2023 |
| Appeal Type | Discharge | Proposal for
Decision | Discharge upheld. |
| ALJ | Andrew Barris |
Smith Yes Finch Yes
Luechtefeld Yes Mcanarney Yes
Robinson Yes
XI. APPEAL TERMINATED WITHOUT DECISION ON THE MERITS DA-42-23
| Employee | Sheri Jennett | Appeal Date | 03/07/2023 |
| Agency | Department of
Innovation and Technology | Decision Date | 05/05/2023 |
| Appeal Type | Discharge | Proposal for
Decision | Dismissed; withdrawn |
| ALJ | Thomas Klein |
Smith Yes Finch Yes
Luechtefeld Yes Mcanarney Yes
Robinson Yes
DA-45-23
| Employee | Frank Johnson | Appeal Date | 03/22/2023 |
| Agency | Department of
Corrections | Decision Date | 05/05/2023 |
| Appeal Type | Discharge | Proposal for
Decision | Dismissed; withdrawn |
| ALJ | Thomas Klein |
Smith Yes Finch Yes
Luechtefeld Yes Mcanarney Yes
Robinson Yes
DA-46-23
| Employee | Denise Crane | Appeal Date | 04/02/2023 |
| Agency | Department of Human Services | Decision Date | 05/04/2023 |
| Appeal Type | Discharge | Proposal for
Decision | Dismissed; withdrawn |
| ALJ | Andrew Barris |
Smith Yes Finch Yes
Luechtefeld Yes Mcanarney Yes
Robinson Yes
DA-47-23
| Employee | Syreeta Earl | Appeal Date | 04/12/2023 |
| Agency | Department of Human Services | Decision Date | 05/04/2023 |
| Appeal Type | Discharge | Proposal for
Decision | Dismissed; withdrawn |
| ALJ | Thomas Klein |
Smith Yes Finch Yes
Luechtefeld Yes Mcanarney Yes
Robinson Yes
XII. STAFF REPORT
XIII. ANNOUNCEMENT OF NEXT MEETING
Announcement was made of the next regular open meeting to be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 16, 2023, in the Springfield office of the Commission.
XIV. MOTION TO ADJOURN
IT WAS MOVED BY COMMISSIONER ROBINSON, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER LUECHTEFELD, AND BY ROLL CALL VOTE THE MOTION ADOPTED 5-0 TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 10:36 A.M.
https://icsc.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/icsc/documents/2023/5-18-23%20Regular%20Meeting%20Minutes.pdf
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