Council adopts ordinance creating Civil Service Commission framework aligned with new state law

The Council approved Ordinance No. 66 53 to amend Title 1 of the municipal code by enacting a new chapter to establish the Council of Civil Service Commission. Council members voted to approve the ordinance and to waive a third reading at the meeting.

The ordinance implements changes required by recently enacted state legislation, which "is brand new state law," a council member said during discussion. Council members noted the state previously required three commission members and now requires five; the new municipal ordinance allows flexibility for five to seven members so the city can comply with state law while retaining local flexibility.

City staff and council members discussed related liabilities and administrative impacts. One council member said the changes raise potential city liability, including paying employees' legal fees, and suggested the city attorney and new legal staff would need to educate the council and departments about training and open-meetings changes included in the legislation. Staff confirmed the new ordinance allows the commission to be sized at five members and that the city is in compliance with state code if it appoints five members.

Action taken: Council voted to adopt the ordinance and waivered the third reading; council members voted in favor when the motion was called.