Charter review committee proposes changes to Glendale civil service rules; commission delays formal recommendation

The City of Glendale’s Civil Service Commission received an informational update Feb. 11 on proposed charter amendments from the Charter Review Committee that would change how civil service appointments and probationary periods are handled.

HR analyst Miss Adams summarized the committee’s direction: the first proposal would modify the “rule of three” so appointing authorities could select from candidates standing within the three highest whole scores rather than strictly by rank order. "The committee directed staff to clarify how candidates are ranked and selected from eligible lists," Miss Adams said. The committee also proposed expanding the commission’s authority to allow probationary periods up to 18 months for some civilian classifications while keeping the existing 12‑month maximum for sworn personnel, and authorizing limited promotional reallocations — appointing an incumbent to a higher classification where the employee has unique, specialized knowledge — subject to narrow criteria.

Miss Adams said four of the city’s five recognized bargaining groups have expressed agreement with the proposed language on probation and promotional reallocation, while the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) raised concerns that broad language could allow probation extensions without clearly defined safeguards. "IBEW expressed concerns that the draft language provided broad authority to extend probation without clearly defining the circumstances under which extensions may occur," the update said.

Staff also reported the committee recommended adding a non‑interference clause to Article 9 of the charter to clarify that, except for inquiry purposes, city council members should work through the city manager rather than directing hiring or removal of employees. Miss Adams said most bargaining groups did not object to that provision.

Commissioners asked detailed questions about how an 18‑month probation would be applied in practice; Miss Adams said extension would be based on specific facts for the individual and staff would return with proposed civil service rule language to define the process and limits. Commissioners also sought additional data: one commissioner requested the number of lawsuits filed by department heads against the city in the last 10 years; staff said that information would be provided at a later meeting.

Because two commissioners were absent, the commission chose not to take a formal position at the Feb. 11 meeting. The chair said she "support[ed] the recommendation to wait until our next meeting to have a full commission so that we can make a motion," and staff indicated the Charter Review Committee will meet again on March 5; proposed charter updates are expected to be presented to the city council in March. The commission will revisit the matter when a full panel can deliberate and potentially vote on a recommendation to council.