Moraine Merit System Commission rescinds two police candidate lists, certifies fire lieutenant promotion as members debate rolling hiring process

The Moraine Merit System Commission on April 16 certified a promotional assessment for a fire lieutenant, approved releasing three names to the next hiring stage, and rescinded earlier certifications for both the full‑time entry‑level police list and the police cadet list as commissioners and staff debated moving to a rolling application process.

Commission chair Mr. Capi opened the meeting and made the motion to certify the fire lieutenant promotional assessment center; the motion passed on a roll call with the commissioners present voting in favor. The commission also voted to release three names from the promotional list for the department’s next steps.

The majority of the meeting focused on how the commission and city departments handle recruiting, testing and certification. City staff and commissioners described a shift toward continuously accepting applications so departments can interview and score candidates as they arrive, instead of relying solely on a single written test and a static list that could sit unused while candidates accept other offers.

Staff told the commission that the police department and other departments have persistent vacancies and that many applicants are students or have competing offers, which reduces the effectiveness of multiweek delays between advertising, testing and offers. Staff described using scored interview panels in place of or alongside traditional written tests; Martinez (staff/rules advisor) explained that an interview can qualify as the required “open competitive exam” under the ORC when fairly evaluated and open to all applicants.

Commissioners expressed both support for expediting hiring and concern about preserving the commission’s checks-and-balances role. One commissioner argued that certifying lists monthly would allow departments to make conditional offers and continue adding names while maintaining commission oversight; another commissioner said the current rolling approach risks eroding the commission’s effectiveness and stressed that any changes must apply equally across departments (police, fire, streets).

On procedure, the commission rescinded the prior certifications for the full‑time entry‑level police list and the police cadet list so staff could continue interviews and add qualified applicants; staff said no new offers could be finalized until a certified list is in place but that conditional offers are possible while background checks continue. Commissioners scheduled follow-up work and agreed to discuss a revised process with Martina, city rules staff, and department heads before the next meeting.

Staff also reported at least one person has applied for the sergeant’s exam and that background and polygraph checks are in progress for other candidates. The commission agreed to reconvene on May 7 and to try to present an updated list at that meeting so hiring can proceed.

Votes at a glance

- Certify the fire lieutenant promotional assessment center — Motion to certify made by Mr. Capi; roll call recorded three affirmative votes (Mr. Kempe, Mr. Watts, Mrs. Wasey). Outcome: approved. - Release three names from the fire lieutenant promotional list to the next stage — Outcome: approved (three affirmative votes recorded). - Rescind certification of the full‑time entry‑level police list (previously certified April 1) — Motion made and seconded; roll call recorded three affirmative votes. Outcome: approved (list decertified). - Rescind certification of the police cadet/entry list — Motion made and seconded; roll call recorded three affirmative votes. Outcome: approved (list decertified).

Why it matters: Commissioners and staff said the city’s hiring delays have left departments understaffed and that a more flexible, modernized approach could shorten time to hire. At the same time, commissioners emphasized retaining transparent records and documented reasons when candidates are removed from lists so the commission can fulfill its oversight role.

What’s next: Staff will work with Martina and department heads on possible rule adjustments and to prepare a list for certification at the May 7 meeting. The commission discussed holding additional or emergency meetings if needed to accelerate hires during the summer months when applicants are most likely to accept other offers.

Ending: With those items concluded, the commission closed the meeting and confirmed the May 7 follow-up; the meeting adjourned at 9:41 a.m.