Davenport City approves accounts-payable qualifications, certifies candidate lists for multiple city jobs

The Davenport City Commission on an administrative vote approved minimum qualifications for a new accounts payable technician and certified candidate lists for multiple city positions, including 15 certified transit dispatchers.

The approval of the accounts payable technician’s minimum qualifications came after staff described required education and experience. “So today, we are asking for your approval to establish minimum qualifications for a new position at our finance department... we're asking for your approval for an associate's degree in accounting, bookkeeping, business, or related field, plus 2 years of experience as an accounting clerk or in accounts payable, or we'd also take that equivalent combination of training and experience, and then pass the background check and our residency requirements,” said the staff member presenting the packet. The commission then voted to approve the qualifications. “I make a motion to approve,” said Commissioner (Member 1); another member seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

The commission also received and approved certification lists for a range of positions across departments. Staff summarized minimum qualifications, exam weighting and the number of applicants who progressed to certification for each position: - Construction project manager (engineering/capital projects): 14 candidates certified after written exams and background checks; minimum: four-year degree in engineering/project management or closely related field and 5 years' experience. - Economic development coordinator (community and economic development): 2 candidates certified; minimum: bachelor's in public/business administration, marketing, economics or community development and 1 year experience. - Mechanic (fleet division): 2 candidates certified; minimum: high school diploma and 1 year automotive experience; class B CDL with air brakes required within 90 days. - Planner II (development and neighborhood services): 2 candidates certified; minimum: bachelor's in urban planning or closely related; AICP or master's desired. - Sewer equipment operator (sewer division; promotional): 2 candidates certified; requirements include driving and underground construction experience and Class B CDL with air-brake endorsement. - Street heavy maintenance worker (street division/concrete finish): 2 candidates certified; requirements include high school diploma/GED and experience in infrastructure or concrete flat work and CDL timelines. - Systems and security engineer (IT): 2 candidates certified; minimum: bachelor's degree in computer science and 5 years' experience, with application support skills listed. - Transit dispatcher (transit division): 15 candidates placed on certification list after background checks; the department received 50 applicants and, per rule 2.8, the commission determined no more than 15 individuals shall be placed on a certification list.

Staff noted that not all positions represent new vacancies; some were promotions or seasonal hires as the city prepares for construction season. “So some of this is because we're getting ready for construction season,” the staff member said, and another staff reference credited “Gina” for processing a large volume of recruitment work this month.

The commission moved to approve the certification list as a single motion. Commissioner (Member 2) moved approval; Commissioner (Member 1) seconded; the motion passed by voice vote. The meeting then continued to other business and adjournment.